Just like most Filipinos, Bianca Trinidad-Lamb and her family had a special reason for moving to the United States. “I was born and raised in Manila but moved to the Bay Area with my family a few years ago. My younger brother was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and we moved here to provide him with a better life and to pursue better opportunities.”
The journey, though fulfilling, was not easy but what kept them going was food that reminded them of home. This is what inspired the De La Salle University Graduate, financial technology marketer, and former San Miguel Foods employee to start Filiflavors.
Filiflavors is a curated box of Filipino packaged goods that aim to bring the flavors of home to the United States.
“Each box will give a nostalgic feeling to those who have left the Philippines to pursue a life in the US, it will also help connect younger generations to what their parents or grandparents grew up eating. Lastly, it’s also a way for other cultures to be familiar with Filipino food.”
Bianca goes on to say, “According to the census, Filipinos are the second largest Asian group in the US but I’ve always wondered why our food and culture is not widely known. Yes, there are special Asian grocery stores that you can go to but with the current situation of the world, that’s not very convenient.
“Filiflavors aims to provide the most convenient and delightful experience to get a taste of what the Philippines has to offer.”
Each box recreates the pasalubong experience of receiving a gift or a care package from someone to let you know that they’re thinking of you. The 100 percent Filipina-owned business is also unique because each box has an element of surprise to it. “You don’t know how much a piece of Chocnut means to someone who is living thousands of miles away from home. Each box is a taste of home for them.”
Her ultimate vision for Filiflavors is “to be an instrument in providing representation and accessibility to Filipino items while providing awareness, resources, and opportunities for people with autism. Aside from it being the business’ vision, it’s my life’s mission and legacy to make even a small dent of impact creating a difference in the lives of Filipinos in the US and the lives of people with disabilities and their families.”
Filiflavors also offers a small part of its earnings to benefit Support for Families of Children with Disabilities, a non-profit based in San Francisco.
Bianca notes, “this is a small tribute to my brother. It takes a village to care for someone who has special needs and this non-profit helps equip families by providing training, events, and a sense of community.
“Family is everything to me and having to care for someone with special needs just gives a different meaning to it. I want to create an impact in the lives of families who are going through the same challenges as my family.”
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To know more, you may visit https://filiflavors.com/.
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