Philippine Fiesta
They come for food and entertainment, trade exhibits and business opportunities. They come to meet people and to network. To discover what’s new and exciting. They come to feel connected back home, to get a taste of Philippine sights and sounds in one unique festive gathering.
The Philippine Fiesta in America has become an annual summer destination for Filipino-Americans in the East Coast, each year bigger and better than the last. 2006 is no exception, as the Philippine Fiesta in America opened its doors early this month, going on to August 19 and 20 at the Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus, New Jersey, USA. The event is the largest indoor gathering of Filipino-Americans in the Northeast, with an average attendance of over 21,000 ,and growing, at the two-day event.
Besides the trade exhibits, highlights of the Fiesta include an art cultural shows, with concerts by top celebrities like Judy Anne Santos, Diether Ocampo, Ryan Agoncillo and Faith Cuneta. There’s also a special rare appearance by the legendary Celeste Legaspi, recipient of this year’s “Most Outstanding Filipino Award.” Adding glitter to the festivities are performances by Filipino-American artists – Dance Philippines, Performing Arts-Boston, Foundation of Filipino Artists Rondalla & Dance Company, Maureen Javier, April Talangbayan, Fiesta Idol Mark Romero, Project D, Fr3sh, Ciennesse Lontok, Rythmology, Golda dela Merced, Breathe, NYFP, SKDS Dance Company, 5Families, Warholsoup , Jellyn and Josh Echon, the Santacruzan entourage headed by this year’s Hermano & Hermana Mayor, Mr. & Mrs. Zonny Lerum – and, but of course, Miss Philippine Fiesta 2005, Tet Palencia with her court: Miss East Coast Barbara Jade Frez, Miss Luzon Anna Karina Gomez , Miss Visayas Joanne Casingal, and Miss Mindanao Joanne Jacinto.
The Fiesta will also enjoy the presence of New Jersey Senator Robert Menendez, Secaucus Mayor Dennis Elwell, Philippine Ambassador to the USA Willie Gaa, Philippine Consul-General Cecilia Rebong, and Bergen County Executive Dennis McNerney.
Organized by Special Edition Press, Inc., a New York-based company long committed to supporting the Filipino-American community, Philippine Fiesta 2006 carries the theme, “Thank You, America- Salamat, Pilipinas.”
