The Hawaiʻi–Philippines Business Symposium brings together business leaders, government officials, and entrepreneurs from across the Pacific to strengthen economic partnerships between Hawaiʻi and the Philippines.

This dynamic gathering highlights opportunities in trade, investment, workforce development, tourism, and innovation—creating meaningful connections between Hawaiʻi businesses and Philippine provinces and industry leaders.

Who Should Attend

• Business owners and entrepreneurs
• Investors and exporters
• Government and economic development leaders
• Tourism and hospitality professionals
• Technology and innovation leaders
• Community and diaspora organizations

Why Attend

• Build strategic partnerships across Hawaiʻi and the Philippines
• Discover new markets and investment opportunities
• Engage with top leaders in business, government, and innovation
• Celebrate culture, collaboration, and shared economic growth

Event Itinerary

2:00 – 6:00 PM | Trade Show

Explore products, services, and investment opportunities from Hawaiʻi and Philippine businesses

3:00 – 5:45 PM | Business Symposium

Senate President Ronald Kouchi, Hawai‘i State Senate

Engage in insightful discussions and expert panels:

Panel Discussion 1: Island Economies in Partnership – Trade, Investment, and Market Access

This panel explores how Hawaiʻi and key Philippine provinces can deepen their economic partnership through expanded two-way trade, stronger networks, and coordinated regional strategies. Panelists will discuss opportunities to scale provincial product exports into the Hawaiʻi market, while also highlighting pathways for Hawaiʻi -made products and services to grow their presence across partner provinces. The conversation will consider the role of the Filipino diaspora’s business networks in accelerating market access on both sides.

The panel will address critical trade infrastructure and logistics challenges that impact cross-border movement of goods, offering practical insights for improving efficiency and market readiness. Leaders will also examine how sister-state, sister-province, and chamber-to-chamber agreements can formalize cooperation and open new channels for collaboration. Additionally, the session will showcase the potential of strong regional branding – particularly from Ilocos Norte and its partner provinces – to elevate visibility, competitiveness, and consumer trust. Together, these discussion aim to shape a forward-looking framework for resilient, mutually beneficial trade and investment between Hawaiʻi and emerging provincial economies.

Moderators: Senator Rachele Lamosao & Representative Greggor Ilagan

Panelists:

Fatima Villasenor, Provincial Government Representative – Laguna

Soya Cheng Bueno, Provincial Government Representative – Ilocos Norte

Constancio Paranal III, Office of Economic Revitalization – City and County of Honolulu

Keith Kanetani, Engineer – Engineering Partners, Inc.

Melody Calisay, Ph.D., President – East West Marketing

Sherry Menor, President – Chamber of Commerce of Hawaiʻi

Panel Discussion 2: Workforce Talent and Innovation Across Borders

Hawaiʻi stands at a critical moment where workforce needs, economic diversification, and youth opportunity intersect. This panel brings together leaders from across industries and regions to explore collaborative strategies that strengthen talent pipelines and create shared prosperity. Discussion will focus on addressing Hawaiʻi’s workforce shortages especially in education and healthcare, improving skills alignment between international partners and local industries, and advancing tourism and hospitality through innovative cross-regional cooperation.

Panelists will also spotlight the importance of empowering youth and next-generation entrepreneurs – cultivating a dynamic future workforce equipped to drive Hawaiʻi’s evolving economy. Together, they will examine practical solutions, successful models and new pathways for building a resilient, future-ready workforce across the islands and beyond.

Moderators: Senator Lynn DeCoite & Xavier Ruiz, Ilocos Norte

Panelists:

James Urbaniak, Lead Recruiter, Dept. of Education (Workforce Development Recruiter)

Erick Medrano, J-1 Teacher – Highlands Intermediate School

Aian Raquel, Tourism Head – Ilocos Norte

Will Sib-at, Youth Development Head – Ilocos Norte

Hilton Raethel, President & CEO – Healthcare Association of Hawaiʻi (Healthcare Workforce Sector Leader)

Bennette Misalucha, Executive Director – Workforce Development Council

Jill Radke, Public Affairs Officer – Hawaiʻi’ Tourism Authority

6:00 – 8:30 PM | Reception & Networking Dinner

Enjoy keynote remarks, the Hawaiʻi–Ilocos Norte Sister-State Reaffirmation, cultural performances, and high-level networking with business and government leaders

Featured Guests

Keynote Speakers

Governor Josh Green, M.D., Hawaiʻi

Governor Cecilia Araneta Marcos, Ilocos Norte

Featured Speakers

Consul General Arman R. Talbo, Honolulu

Delegates from Ilocos Norte and Laguna

Join Us

Be part of a growing movement to strengthen Hawaiʻi–Philippines relations and unlock new opportunities across the Pacific.

Tuesday, May 19

Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach

2490 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815

Register Before Friday, May 8

All-Access Ticket: $25

Includes entry to the tradeshow, symposium sessions, and reception dinner

Questions? Contact:

Constancio Paranal III, FCCH, cparanaliii@gmail.com

Randy Cortez, DBEDT, randy.j.cortez@hawaii.gov