Las Vegas officially inaugurated the first Filipino Town in the state of Nevada on October 9, 2025, coinciding with the celebration of Filipino American History Month.
This 1.2-mile cultural district, located along Maryland Parkway between Flamingo Road and Desert Inn Road, marks the formal recognition of the presence and significant contributions of the Filipino American community in the region.
The designation was approved by the Clark County Commission in April 2025 after a nine-month process. The decision was based on demographic data showing that more than 200,000 Filipinos live in Southern Nevada, making them the largest Asian ethnic group in the area and the second largest in the United States.
The inauguration ceremony took place at Boulevard Mall and was attended by Clark County Commissioner Tick Segerblom, Filipino American community leaders, and local officials.
The Person Behind Filipino Town
The driving force behind the establishment of Filipino Town is Rozita Villanueva Lee, a veteran activist who has lived in Las Vegas since 1979. She led the community’s advocacy efforts, which eventually resulted in the district’s official recognition by local authorities.
Now approaching 91 years old, Lee remains passionate about her larger vision: creating Nevada’s first Filipino cultural museum and center. The museum will be located at Boulevard Mall and will feature Filipino cultural artifacts, including an Ifugao rice god statue and religious relics collected by Edna Narrido-Luer.
In addition to the museum, Lee also plans to build a community activity center that will host history classes, cooking workshops, sports programs, and social activities for both youth and seniors. She believes this space will serve as a bridge for future generations to connect with their heritage while thriving in their new environment.
A Festive Celebration Fueled by Community Spirit
The inauguration was marked by a vibrant celebration featuring cultural performances, traditional dances, Tagalog and English songs, and photo opportunities with community leaders and officials. Hundreds of attendees dressed in traditional Filipino attire, filling the event with color, pride, and a strong sense of unity.
That evening, a “Community Night and Cultural Celebration” (Gabi ng Pagdiriwang: Kislap at Saya) was held at +63Fifty, drawing more than 400 participants. Although the event was scheduled to end at 9 p.m., the community’s enthusiasm kept the celebration going well past 10 p.m.
During the program, Gerri Schroder, Chief of Staff to Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley, formally inducted the Filipino Town Las Vegas, Inc. officers for the 2025–2026 term: Bernie Benito (President), Ernie Buo (Vice President), and Dr. Philip Paleracio (Executive Director). The newly appointed board will oversee community programs, cultural promotion, and the ongoing development of the Filipino Town district.
A Living Legacy in the Heart of Las Vegas
The Filipino Town district is home to a number of long-established Filipino-owned businesses, including Seafood City, Jollibee, Max’s Restaurant, and Red Ribbon, as well as community media outlets such as PHLV Radio and Fil-Am TV.
Local officials hope the district will grow into a vibrant hub for economic activity, cultural exchange, and community gatherings, strengthening social bonds within Nevada’s diverse population.
Beyond serving as a cultural symbol, Filipino Town underscores the Filipino community’s vital role in the region’s growth and development. According to Clark County, the district’s designation aims to preserve and celebrate Filipino heritage, cuisine, and contributions, which have been an integral part of Las Vegas life for decades.
The inauguration also kicked off the city’s Filipino American History Month festivities. Two major events are set to highlight the celebration:
- Pinoy Festival Las Vegas (October 10–12) at Gold Coast Hotel and Casino, featuring Piolo Pascual, Catriona Gray, Ai-Ai delas Alas, and Mayonnaise.
- The Outstanding Filipino Awards (TOFA) (October 17–18) at Orleans Hotel and Casino, hosted by Boy Abunda.
These events aim to honor Filipino excellence while celebrating the community’s cultural vibrancy in the heart of Las Vegas.
