“Philippine Fiesta Unites the Filipinos in the NY-NJ-CT Tri-State Area as ONE!� by: Luis Pedron email: LuisPedron@gmail.com For 12 years now, Filipinos have been flocking to the Meadowlands Expo Center in Secaucus, NJ for the ever popular Philippine Fiesta in America festivities. Produced by the energetic couple Nanding and Mila Mendez, the event was a two day extravaganza that brought in big stars from the Philippines' - ABS-CBN stars Angelica Panganiban, Jake Cuenca, and recording stars Laarni Lozada and Bugoy Drilon. They were such "crowd drawers" that for the two days of August 14 and 15, 2010 there were thousandsof Filipinos who lined up for the Meet and Greet and patiently waited for their evening performances. The exhibitors and food vendors were also eagerly visited by the audience. There were booths from big companies like Globe, Smart Pinoy, Direct TV, Western Union, Walmart, plus lots and lots of local and Filipino based companies such as Milcu.com, Mega Sardines, Knorr, Prime Fruits, TheTravelOutlet.com, Elvie Pineda cosmetics, redcarpeteventpbny.com and HealthyCoffee.com. Local press where there to support too: TFC Balitang America, Asian Journal and Planet Philippines New England and FilipinoTimesOnline.com. There were a lot of Filipino Handicrafts too from different provinces from the Philippines. Organizations such as Philippine Nurses Association, Association of Filipino Teachers of America and Gawad Kalinga were there to greet the enthusiastic crowd. Philippine's Ambassador to the US, Willy C Gaa, is proud to say about the event " May the Philippine Fiesta always steer the Filipino Community in the true spirit of bayanihan as we aim to reach our collective goals of peace and prosperity." Consul General Cecilia B Rebong of the Philippine Consulate General NY mentions that " Our community's summer will not be complete without the Philippine Fiesta. People look forward to the trade fair, to delicious Filipino food and to an excellent entertainment program." The State of New Jersey's Governor, Chris Christie mentions that the Philippine Fiesta " offers an excellent opportunity to recognize the entire Philippine - American community for its many important contributions to our society. " The State of New York's Governor, David A, Peterson lauds the organizers " Those affiliated with this widely-anticipated event are applauded for their commitment to helping realize a better quality of life by achieving the " American Dream." The highlight of the two day's entertainment besides the great talents of Angelica, Jake, Bugoy, Laarni and other local talents...... was the crowning of the latest 2010 Miss Philippine Fiesta - Ms Tifanny Janda. Congrats Tifanny, all exhibitors, organizers, volunteers and fellow Pinoys who attended. Kudos too to Tita Mila and Tito Nanding Mendez, congrats to bringing us Philippine Fiesta in America, an event that truly unites us as ONE.
See video coverage of the Philippine Fiesta in America 2010 in www.FilipinotimesOnline.com and in http://vimeo.com/14198045 Videographer/Editor: Little John Gadia / Photographer: Oliver Untalan / Interviewer: Luis Pedron
the Filipino Times Staff with the stars: Bugoy Drilon, Laarni Lozada, Angelica Panganiban and Jake Cuenca Picture taken by: Manny Agbanlog