Founders Parvesh Shamdasani and Candice Tomale present a raffle prize to the guests at the grand launch of the pioneering digital platform Filipino Hub on Nov.19.
Pioneering digital resource and listings platform Filipino Hub takes off with sold-out grand launch
19th November 2025, Hong Kong SAR – A first-ever digital directory and resource
platform for Filipino businesses, professionals, and events in Hong Kong called “The
Filipino Hub" officially launched on Nov 19 with more than 100 people in attendance,
signaling a promising new path ahead for the Filipino entrepreneur community and
society in the Special Administrative Region.
The launch of the hub, which took place at Banyan Workspace in Quarry Bay, also
included civic organisations from youths to professionals and non-governmental
organisations, reaffirms Hong Kong's role as a “super-connector" and global business
hub.
The Filipino Hub is co-founded by web entrepreneurs Ms. Candice Tomale and Mr.
Parvesh Shamdasani, both of whom were raised in Hong Kong, and is created by
Invisible Design, a web design, development, and marketing studio, also founded by
Ms. Tomale and is run by the couple.
With support from Ms. Cristina Guzman (brand and partnerships coordinator), Ms,
Tanya Sales-Manzano (catering and venue coordinator), and Ms. Jan Yumul (VIP
liaison), the event had sold out one week before the grand launch. In addition to
speeches, and a few songs from Mr. Keith Rocreo and Mr. Honesto Tomale, the
evening showcased a bazaar with 10 vendors organised by Philippine clothing store
and events platform, Buhi Collective HK, founded by Ms. Yumul.
Guests included keynote speaker Ms. Linda Lam Mei-sau, chairperson of the Equal
Opportunities Commission, Mr. Allan Revote, vice consul and head of the cultural
section of the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong and Mr. Roberto Mabalot, Jr,
vice consul (commercial) of the Philippine Trade and Investment Center-Hong Kong, the
representative office of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry.
Ms. Linda Lam Mei-sau, chairperson of the Equal Opportunities Commission listens intently during her meeting with the Filipino Hub guests
In her speech, Ms. Lam said the Filipino Hub is “more than a directory or a website” as
she underscored the contributions of the more than 200,000 Filipinos living and working
in Hong Kong, from domestic workers to the professionals in various industries,
including finance, IT, the hospitality and service sectors, the media, to name but a few.
“It is a bridge that connects all the enterprises and talented professionals with the wider
Hong Kong society,” said Ms. Lam as she encouraged everyone to take part in the
Hong Kong elections held on Dec 7.
And in delivering his speech on behalf of Philippine Consul General Romulo Victor
Israel, Jr., Mr. Revote thanked Ms. Lam for her presence and “for being a champion of
equal opportunity".
Mr. Allan Revote, vice consul and head of the cultural section of the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong, delivering his speech on behalf of Philippine Consul General Romulo Victor Israel, Jr.
“It means a lot for us in the Filipino community and for ethnic minorities in Hong Kong,”
said Mr. Revote. Turning to the audience, he said it was a privilege to stand before
everyone at the grand launch of the Filipino Hub.
“This initiative is more than just a platform. It is a vision realised. A space where the
richness of Filipino identity, creativity and enterprises converge. It is a hub that
consolidates anything and everything Filipino and in doing so, it empowers our
community to thrive and be,” said Mr. Revote.
“I see the Filipino Hub HK as a beacon of possibilities. It is not only a resource for
professionals, students, NGOs and businesses, but also a symbol of how Filipinos
abroad continue to innovate, organise and contribute meaningfully to both Hong Kong
and the Philippines,” he added.
Mr. Roberto Mabalot, Jr, Vice Consul (Commercial) of the Philippine Trade and Investment Center- Hong Kong, delivering his presentation on Philippine - Hong Kong Trade and Investment Relations.
For his part, Mr. Mabalot gave a presentation on trade relations between Hong Kong
and the Philippines. He noted Philippine-China trade relations remained strong with the
HKSAR ranking among the Philippines’ top five trading partners.
He said major Filipino companies in Hong Kong operate in sectors like food and
beverage, financial services, retail, and professional services, supported by a robust
Filipino community and strong bilateral trade ties.
Mr. Mabalot noted that based on the Hong Kong SAR Government’s Census and
Statistics Department, there were a total of 39 companies from the Philippines with
parent companies located outside of Hong Kong operating in the city, as of June 2023.
During her presentation of the Filipino Hub platform, Ms. Tomale said the hub is a place
to connect, promote, empower and uplift kababayans (or fellow Filipinos).
“This is a place where Hong Kong Filipinos can go to find services, businesses, events,
advice and people to meet their needs,” she said as she thanked all the attendees. She
added that the night was not only a celebration of the platform's launch but “a
celebration of you, of us all".
Some of the attendees also included community leaders and changemakers, such Ms.
Sarah Vee, founder of Women of Hong Kong, Ms. Melissa Gecolea of TVB News, Mr.
Jayson Albano of SCMP, Ms. Jen Balisi, influencer and co-founder of Barkada (Filipino
restaurant), Ms. Joji Lopez Hui, vice president of PHCham (Hong Kong and Macau), Mr.
Richard Rispens, chairman of the Wimler Foundation Hong Kong Limited, Ms.Luisa
Castro, founder of the EMC Hub and a Filipino Muslim leader, Mr.Joel Almeda, vice
chairperson of the Philippine Association of Hong Kong, and Mr. Jeffrey Andrews of
Christian Action and Hong Kong’s first ethnic minority social worker.
The Buhi Collective HK bazaar featured Filipino entrepreneurs Jerwine and Aaron Que,
founders of The Blomstre, Yam Cortes, founder of Revamp HK, Claudine
Dimaculangan, founder of Hiraya Scent & Co, Catherine Laganzon and Russell Balad,
founders of Sari Sari Sundry, Jam Cortes, founder of Thriftology, Joe Cia, co-founder of
Pamana Classica HK, Julia Canonigo, co-founder of The Lost Now Found, Pauleen
Ciriaco, founder of Likha, and Ms. Castro of the EMC Hub.
The event was catered by Siony's Lutong Bahay and was majorly sponsored by Lifetime
Wellness Ltd., Invisible Design, and the Women of Hong Kong. Other sponsors included
Hotel 101 Global, Two Ediots, Pacific Exchange Co., Karbhari & Co., Enoteca, Hiraya
Scent & Co., The Blomstre and the Filipino Catholic Association of Rosary Church.
Link to event pictures:
Link to video of event's highlights:
Media enquiries, contact:
FilHub Team, +852 9687 9102
Sponsorship and partnership enquiries, contact:
Cristina Guzman, +852 6122 4111
