History
The Honolulu Filipino Junior Chamber of Commerce (HFJCC) traces its history back as early as 1970, when Geminiano “Toy” Arre, Jr. was serving as the first non-Japanese president of the Honolulu Japanese Jaycees. Arre, a successful Filipino in his own right, was instrumental in extending a new chapter that was then named the Bayanihan (a word that translates to the spirit of camaraderie) Jaycees. The aim of this group was to bring the concept of providing young individuals (ages 18-40) opportunities in personal and professional development, as well as community service. The Bayanihan Jaycees actively participated in a variety of projects including coordinating the United Filipino Council of Hawaii’s Miss Filipina Scholarship Pageant. The organization, however, was renamed due to the policies of the U.S. Jaycees back then, forcing the removal of the ethnic connotation from its name. The result was the creation of the Metropolitan Jaycees.
After a period of hibernation, the organization came back to life and evolved to become the Oahu Filipino Jaycees. Despite the second change in name, the focus remained a strong resource for young leadership in the Filipino community in the 1970’s through the 1990’s with events such as the Ten Outstanding Filipino Students (T.O.F.S.) scholarship banquet, the Miss Sampaguita Pageant, and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (V.I.T.A.) workshop. Many notable community leaders today such as State Senator Willie Espero, radio personality/successful entrepreneur Larry Ordonez, Judge Rey Graulty, and Roland Casamina, founder of the FilCom Center, all led the Oahu Filipino Jaycees at some point in time. In addition to providing a source for community involvement by young persons, the Filipino Jaycees experienced amazing growth and was highly regarded as a leading chapter member in the Hawaii Jaycees during that time.
In the late 1998, the organization became the Honolulu Filipino Junior Chamber of Commerce (HFJCC). The HFJCC continues the rich tradition that was practiced in the past. This is evident through the many community activities that the members organize and participate in annually, such as the Filipino Fiesta and Parade benefiting the Filipino Community Center, Adopt-A-School Day, the Night of Honor Banquet and many more. The HFJCC also provides various leadership and professional training throughout the year on topics such as communication, motivation, event planning, business etiquette, write-up, speak-up and debate.