By Ellen Rodriguez-Swing

IRVINE, Calif. — Filipino American History Month made a splash on October 3, 2026, as Pinoy Poolooza brought Filipino culture, community and celebration to Wild Rivers Waterpark in Irvine for what organizers described as the first Filipino American History Month celebration held at a water park.

Held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the inaugural event brought together families, friends, community organizations, local businesses, food vendors, DJs and supporters for a day of cultural activities, entertainment and community engagement.

The event was spearheaded by lead organizer Christine Consunji, whose decades of experience in the hospitality industry helped shape the concept of creating a welcoming Filipino American History Month experience in an unconventional setting.

“When we dreamed up Pinoy Poolooza, we wanted to make history. The first-ever Filipino American History Month celebration at the pool brought our community together in such a fun, vibrant, and unique way,” Consunji said. “We are especially grateful to Wild Rivers in Irvine for being so receptive, supportive, and accommodating in helping us bring this vision to life.”

The celebration was organized by the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Cerritos and Gateway Cities (FAC3), Fil-Am Influential Leaders and Mentors (FILAM), and the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of South Bay Los Angeles Area (FACCSLAA). Their collaboration brought together different segments of the Filipino American community for a new kind of Filipino American History Month gathering.

The event was held in partnership with Wild Rivers Waterpark, whose team worked closely with organizers to accommodate the celebration. Organizers recognized Susan Kruizinga, the park’s director of sales and marketing, for her support and assistance in bringing the event to fruition.

Participating businesses Viabox, Pinoy Rising, Tofer and Associates, and State Farm agent Neil Estrada also supported the inaugural celebration, joining community organizers in bringing together cultural activities, entertainment and family recreation.

The entertainment lineup featured DJ Icy Ice, a longtime figure in Southern California’s Filipino American DJ and hip-hop community. An original member of the internationally recognized Beat Junkies since 1992, Icy Ice was also among the early Filipino American DJs to gain a presence on major Los Angeles radio stations, including Power 106 and 92.3 The Beat.

His participation added a connection to Filipino American music history, complementing an event dedicated to celebrating the community’s cultural contributions. DJ Icy Ice performed throughout the festivities, while DJ Gene also joined the lineup.

Guests enjoyed Wild Rivers’ water attractions, live entertainment and Filipino food from local vendors IhawJuan and LAV’s Asian Cuisine, while connecting with fellow attendees and celebrating Filipino American History Month.

Organizers said they are looking toward an expanded Pinoy Poolooza celebration in 2027, with plans to establish the event as an annual Filipino American History Month tradition.