Sing Your Heart Out
At Balai Pata’s ‘Filipino First Friday Karaoke Night’
Liza A Pierce of “A Maui Blog” | Photos: Liza Pierce
Have you attended a karaoke party? If you are Filipino or part Filipino, chances are you have. Karaoke is woven into the fabric of Filipino culture—whether it’s at a family gathering, a birthday or even just a lazy Sunday afternoon. Music is our love language, and karaoke is one of the many ways we share it.
But here is the best part—you do not have to be Filipino to join in on the fun. If you haven’t yet experienced it, consider this your personal invitation to attend Filipino First Friday at Balai Pata in Kahului. This monthly event is open to everyone—Filipinos and non-Filipinos alike. It’s a vibrant night of delicious food, good vibes and endless karaoke singing. (Well, it does end at 11 p.m. but you know what I mean.)
I attended the August Filipino First Friday, and I had a blast. Here’s a glimpse of what I experienced:
A Feast for the Senses
The night always begins with food—and at Balai Pata, you are in for a treat. Each month, a special set menu is prepared specifically for the Filipino First Friday Karaoke. The dishes feel like a warm hug from home.
When I visited, we enjoyed Chopped Hamon, Sinigang-Glazed Chicken Wings, Garlic Malunggay Noodles, Ahi Sashimi Pizza, Adobo Prime Rib, and Pork Adobo Nachos. And for dessert, Turon (banana lumpia)! Yummy! All these foods were delicious!
For drinks, you can choose from soda or Aloha Maid juice, and if you prefer something stronger, it’s BYOB.
Good Vibes All Around
The atmosphere at Balai Pata during First Friday is unlike anything else on Maui. Laughter flows as easily as the music. Strangers quickly become friends. You’ll see people clapping along, waving their hands in the air and even singing back up from their seats.
There’s a warmth and camaraderie hard to describe—it’s as if the whole room is united by one shared purpose: to enjoy the night. Whether you are a seasoned singer or just there to watch, you will feel welcome.
One of my favorite moments during the night was when Atty. Alfredo Evangelista and Chef Joey Macadangdang sang Sweet Caroline and almost everyone in the room joined in for the chorus. Another highlight was Girls Just Want to Have Fun—the moment the music started, people jumped up and began dancing!
I do not sing well but I sang along anyway. As the song says, “this girl just wants to have fun.” And I did! Aside from singing, I enjoyed chatting with friends from The Fil-Am Voice—Lawrence Pascua (Art Director) and Dulce Karen Butay (Let’s Talk Pinoy!).
The Magic of Karaoke
When the first microphone is handed out, the night truly begins. One by one, brave souls take the stage—or sometimes, just stand where they are—and start to sing. It was easy to spot the “regulars”—those who faithfully attend every Filipino First Friday.
The beauty of karaoke here is that talent is not the focus—fun is. Sure, you will hear some incredible voices that could give professional singers a run for their money but you will also hear joyful, off-key renditions that make the whole room laugh and cheer. At Balai Pata, every performance gets applause.
And if you’re shy? No problem. You can team up with friends for a duet or just soak in the energy from the audience. Many first-timers find themselves singing before the night ends—it’s just that infectious.
Closing Thoughts
Filipino First Friday at Balai Pata is more than just an event—it’s a celebration of community, culture and connection. It’s where the flavors of the Philippines meet the aloha spirit of Maui, where music bridges differences and where laughter echoes long after the last song.
So, mark your calendar, warm up your vocal cords, and come hungry—for food, for fun and for friendship. You might just discover your new favorite Maui tradition. Follow Bata Pata’s Instagram for updates on Filipino First Fridays @BalaiPata.
Liza Pierce of A Maui Blog is an Interactive Media enthusiast. She started blogging in 2006 and she loves talking story online and spreading aloha around the world. She’s been living on Maui since 1994 and considers Maui her home. A wife, a mother, a friend…and so much more. She loves Jesus, and is a Maui sunsets catcher; crazy about rainbows and an end Alzheimer’s advocate. Her life is full and exciting here on Maui.
Liza is currently the Digital Media Specialist with Hawai‘i Life Real Estate Brokers. She is the author of the book Maui 2021 and Beyond.