2012 Philippine Fiesta in America Opening Ceremonies Ribbon Cutting: Rachel Alejandro, Michael Copon, KBrosas, Philippine Consul General Mario De Leon Jr., NJ Senator Bob Gordon, Jessa Zaragoza, Aga Muhlach, Councilwoman Susan Pirro, Mila Mendez, Nanding Mendez, Councilman William McKeever, Lilian Vita, Eleonor de Leon, Tet Palencia and Rose Javier
The 14th staging of the Philippine Fiesta in America on August 18-19 managed to do the unexpected in this down economy. It eclipsed the previous 13 editions in guest attendance, corporate sponsorship, trade show and food court sales, as well as seminar sign-ups.
“We were bracing ourselves for a lower box office turnout due to the anemic economy,” said Nanding Mendez, President of Philippine Fiesta, “but the gate receipts really surprised us. It’s a clear indication that Fil-Am consumers will sometimes buck the mainstream economic trend, and that they crave a features-rich event that celebrates their culture as only the Fiesta can.”
Fiesta-goers echoed this sentiment. “Breath-taking!” exclaimed Tom Ferrer, a New Jersey county college student, commenting on the colorful presentation of various dance groups such as Dance Philippines that participated during the two-days festivities at the Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus, NJ.
“Maganda at masaya!” exclaimed Maria Ferrone, another New Jersey resident.
“This is so different from previous years,” said Cherry Josef of Paterson, citing the participation of the Huaxia Cherry Hill Chinese School, Tri-State International Group, Hong Dance & Music Company, Dmitry Stathopoulos, Philippine Dance Company of Boston and Pearls of the Pacific. “I was so thrilled by the narrative dance sequence depicting peace and world order, starting from India and on to China and the rest of the world.”
“I cheered for the Miss Philippines Fiesta beauty queens!” said Mo Balatero, a student at Newton High School.
Star power added celebrity luster as the live concert climaxed the festivities. Multi-talented Philippine pop icon Aga Muhlach, Jessa Zaragoza, comedienne KBrosas, singer Rachel Alejandro, as well as singer-actor and Broadway-aspirant Michael Copon wowed the packed house.
The third People’s Ball on August 17 at Sheraton Meadowlands Hotel set the stage for the Fiesta, the largest event of its kind in the northeast. No less than New Jersey State Senator Bob Gordon and New York City Comptroller John Liu graced the glittering evening. Both acknowledged the contribution of Filipino Americans to New Jersey and New York City communities. Also gracing the People’s Ball were Fiesta Hermano and Hermana Mayor…Aries Almendral and Dr. Alicia Almendral. A costumed rigodon de honor highlighted the Ball, a tribute to the Philippines’ Spanish heritage and a throwback to fiestas of centuries past.
Much-anticipated Empowerment Awards were conferred at the Ball on multi-industry entrepreneur Rena Avendula, sales standout Mario Fernandes, international chess master Renato “Nats” Naranja, globetrotting musician-performer Dale Adriatico (who opened for the Beatles in Manila), as well as Renato Manuel and Ma. Victoria Sebastian, who were honored for excellence in the field of community service, and dental care, respectively.
Self-improvement workshops offered practical tips on a wide array of topics. They ranged from shipping and remittances to dental health, from immigration updates to guidelines for home-buyers and SBA tips, as well as advice for balikbayan investors.
The din of the overflowing native food court, crafts and t-shirt sections, and the exhibitor-filled trade show was matched by the excitement over a newly introduced trivia contest for iPhone users. Attendees had to go to the App Store, download the Philippine Fiesta’s “Philippine Trivia App.” to try out the game, and challenge themselves to see how much they know about the Philippines. Indeed, this popular contest showed how knowledge of culture and history can intersect with modern technology.
“We were particularly heartened by the participation of new exhibitors,” added Mila Mendez, Philippine Fiesta Executive Vice President. “It affirmed our belief that Fil-Am consumer power is attractive to Filipino and non-Filipino businesses even in the midst of a drawn-out economic downturn. VOIP giant Vonage, which added to the excitement by staging a boom box free-for-all dance; San Miguel Beer, a beloved Filipino brand; and Jaime Jerez of Aviva Life are notable examples of first-time exhibitors. We hope to welcome them again at succeeding Fiestas.”
While new trade show participants added to the buzz, returning participants form the backbone of Fiesta exhibitors. According to President Nanding Mendez, “We can’t say enough about the support of the Philippine Department of Tourism; the Association of Filipino Teachers, which organized fun-filled activities for kids and the whole family; community leaders, and our friends in the newspaper industry.
Main sponsors include Kapatid TV5, Aksyon TV International, Special Edition Press, Inc. in cooperation with San Miguel Beer, Mama Sita’s, DirectTV, ABC Global Systems, Inquirer.net, Western Union, Asian Journal Publications, Moneydart, Tancinco Law Offices, Filipino Reporter, Fil-Am Food and Filipino Express. To sponsor and exhibit at 2013 Philippine Fiesta in America, call (212) 682-6610; email: sepmgzn@yahoo.com or visit www.philippinefiesta.com