Floral arches carried over Filipina beauties representing historical and religious figures will be among the highlights at the largest annual event of the Filipino community Saturday at Kapi'olani Park.

The 16th annual Filipino Fiesta and Parade kicks off at 9 a.m. Saturday with a parade from Fort DeRussy to Kapi'olani Park, where the festival continues until about 6 p.m.

New to the festival is its Santacruzan celebration at 4 p.m.

In the Philippines, Santacruzan is a popular religious celebration that takes place in May, said event chairman Jun Colmenares.

"It celebrates the search for the holy cross by Queen Helena, (whose) son, King Constantine, became the Emperor of Rome," Colmenares said. "But this festival was introduced (to the Philippines) by the Spaniards and it has taken on the form of a beauty pageant."

Clad in gowns, the queens march in a candle-lit procession with their escorts, accompanied by children dressed as angels and musicians singing religious hymns. The highlight of the procession is Queen Helena, who will be represented by a popular actress or entertainer.

But, as is typically done in the Philippines, her identity won't be revealed until the event, Colmenares said.

"Even in the Philippines ... it's a surprise."

The free festival also will feature a cultural village showcasing the different regions of the Philippines, a keiki village with Filipino games for children, food booths with local delicacies and entertainment.

For details, call Colmenares at 485-0390, Toy Arre at 520-1450 or Jean Jeremiah at 387-5481.