The stars of “13 Reasons Why” Ross Butler and Timothy Granaderos reunited at the 4th annual Filipino Forces event in Hollywood.
The dinner brought together influential Filipinos across fashion, entertainment and tech. Attendees included “Chief of War” actor Brandon Finn, writer and director of Dreamworks Animation’s “Forgotten Island” Januel Mercado, “The Pitt” star Kristin Villanueva and “Project Runway” season 21 winner Veejay Floresca.
During a get-to-know you moment, Villanueva who plays Princess on the HBO show revealed that she hoped to add to her resume. “On a career level, I’ve been an actress for the past almost 20 years, and I’ve always wanted to learn how to produce,” she said.
Model, fashion designer and Miss Universe winner, R’Bonney Gabriel recently announced she was going to appear on the next season of “Project Runaway.” She recently posted, “From 16 years of sewing, and sooo many hours of watching Project Runway, I thought it was time to enter the workroom. Design has been my passion since I was young, and it’s a dream come true to join this season.”
The new season is set to premiere on July 6 on Hulu. Gabriel told the room that she had recently moved to Los Angeles. “I’ve been sewing for 16 years, so I’m building my fashion brand. It’s really small, so I’m looking to learn more about how to grow the business.”
The evening was hosted by Filipino Forces Feast and Fiesta. Sampa, curated a Filipino-forward culinary experience for guests.
The Filipino Forces host committee included: Rembrandt Flores (Filipino Forces Founder), Raissa Gerona (Chief Brand Officer of REVOLVE Group, Inc.), Lena Salatinjants (Sr. Director, Nike Celebrity + Entertainment Marketing), Marisa Pizarro (Partner & Manager, MWA Music, Beatclub), and Melissa Magsaysay (Journalist & LA Time’s ‘Live + Well’ Podcast Host).
Founded by Rembrandt Flores in 2023, Filipino Forces is an annual celebration of Filipino excellence held during AANHPI Heritage Month in May.
Filipino Forces exists to spotlight the next generation of Filipino leadership, foster meaningful relationships, and create a lasting platform for representation, pride, and cultural amplification.