06/11/2026
**Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Our Beloved Tita Pearl Parmelee-Cabrera**
With heavy hearts but minds filled with beautiful memories, we share the passing of our dear mentor, friend, and inspiration, Pearl Parmelee. Tita Pearl peacefully left us at 3:10 PM on June 10, 2026, in Las Vegas.
While the loss is profound, the Filipino Vibe Events Team and the KitakEATS family want to lift up her name in absolute thankfulness. Knowing Tita Pearl over the last five years truly changed the direction of our lives, our businesses, and our community.
**A Mentor Who Lifted Us Up**
When the world felt uncertain during the pandemic, Tita Pearl brought hope and structure to KitakEATS. She didn't just join our Bay Area meetups; she elevated them. Because of her guidance, so many of us grew from humble trunk pickups to showcasing our culture at major cultural landmarks like UNDISCOVERED SF and YumYams @ Kapwa Gardens.
She was the bridge that helped home-based food dreamers become legitimate culinary entrepreneurs. Tita Pearl selflessly shared her knowledge, teaching us how to:
- Navigate commercial kitchens
- Get certified in food safety requirements
- Successfully launch massive events, like our unforgettable 2021 Ube Fest in San Mateo and San Jose.
Because of her, our community's food vendors found their way to the biggest stagesโfrom Vallejo Pista sa Nayon and Pistahan SF to prestigious Philippine Consulate events.
**The Heart (and Flavor) of Our Community**
Beyond her incredible business acumen, she fed our souls. Anyone who truly knew Tita Pearl knew the love, care, and perfection she poured into her famous Tita Pearlโs Empanadas. They weren't just a delicious treat; they were a reflection of her warmth and her desire to bring people together.
"A great mentor is not someone who walks ahead of you to show you how they did it. They walk beside you to show you what you can do." That was our Tita Pearl.
**Honoring Her Family**
Tita Pearl gave so much of herself to build up our community, and now it is our turn to give back to hers. As the Parmelee family navigates this immense loss, we want to surround them with the same love and support she always showed us. https://gofund.me/9f6fb6160
We love you, we will miss you terribly, and we promise to keep your spirit alive in every event we host, every business we grow, and every community we build.
Rest in peace and power. KitakEATS, Tita Pearl.