Filipino Merienda: A ritual of gathering, sharing, and savoring

Join us at the Annex to celebrate the rich tradition of Filipino Merienda through curated desserts, crafts, culture, and community. Hosted by Malia Eugenio, founder of Lola’s, a popup bakery which honors her family’s recipes, and Gelyn Montanino, the seasoned baker behind Kamay LA which features Filipino-inspired desserts, this gathering brings together their shared passion for reconnecting with Filipino heritage and honoring the traditional recipes that connect them both to their memories of growing up as Filipina Americans.

Merienda, derived from the Spanish merendar (to snack), was introduced during Spanish colonization and embraced and reshaped by Filipinos into a cherished ritual unique to the Philippines—an intentional pause in the day to gather, savor, and rest. Guests will experience this time-honored tradition with thoughtfully curated teas inspired by Filipino flavors and a spread of savory and sweet Merienda classics. Guests will also be invited to handcraft suman (sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves) and take some home as baon—a parting gift to enjoy later—in true Filipino fashion.

The afternoon will feature Filipino craft making with Jeanette Sanchez of Kubo, as well as grounding by Marifel Catalig of Breath to Death. Join us at Tea at Shiloh for an afternoon of Filipino flavor and tradition, and a serene space to rest and renew before the week begins.

This space is welcome to people of all backgrounds! Extending a special invitation to Filipino folks to take 15% off with code "FILIPINO15" :)