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TIMES SQUARE, NYC
— Just a stone’s throw from the frenzy
of Times Square, a different kind of
celebration was quietly brewing.
Fernando Mendez, ever the gracious
host, devoted the day—and well into the
night—to honoring his much older brother
Manny Mendez with a heartfelt
75th birthday celebration.
It was joyful, warm, and as full of life as the city outside.
The event kicked off at 12 noon with a
lively cocktail reception, setting the
tone for an unforgettable afternoon
filled with music, dancing, and Filipino
culinary delights. Lunch was served at 2
pm, featuring a sumptuous spread of
Filipino favorites.
Guests from all over enjoyed overflowing
Filipino wine and a menu that showcased
staples like pancit bihon (rice
noodles), pork adobo, diniguan
(pork blood stew), menudo (pork
stew dish), crispy lechon kawali
(pork belly), and the most talked-about
dish of the party—Turon King's juicy
sweet banana rolls served up by
Rosalie Ramos who runs her business
in New Jersey.
Leading the guests were Emilio P.
Quines Jr., the recipient of the
Philippines’ highly coveted biennial
Presidential Awards for Filipino
Individuals and Organization Overseas (PAFIOO)
-- the Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino
award. Quines came with better half
Angie Cruz.
Guests included lovely couple Bernie
and Sally Dela Merced,
Ginang
Filipinas America Tourism Janette
Andrada Lane.
The
JCI Phil-NY
members came in full force
with
Vivian Velasco,
JCI
Senator,
leading the way.
Gerard Mc Keon,
publisher of Black Tie Magazine,
felt
right at home among the predominant
group of Filipinos,
having lived in the
Philippines.
The day was further enlivened by
captivating performances that added an
extra touch of magic to the celebration.
Among the performers was Eric Celerio,
a New York-based Filipino pianist,
guitarist, and composer/arranger, whose
music carries the legacy of his father,
Philippine National Artist Levi
Celerio. The Band of Brothers, led
by Pepe Lozano, brought their
infectious energy to the birthday party,
while a host of other talented
individuals rounded out the lineup,
ensuring the room stayed filled with
melody and spirit all evening long.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, guests
sang and danced their hearts out during
a fun-filled line dancing session with
the band, Sweet Caroline and Build Me Up
Buttercup. More guests kept coming, with
the Fiesta in America team also in
attendance.
A prelude to the holidays
The event wasn’t just a celebration of a
milestone birthday for Manny—it was also
a joyous lead-up to the upcoming
Filipino Christmas event, Pasko in
America, on December 7, to be held at
American Dream, Court A in East
Rutherford, NJ. The festive spirit of
the birthday party set the stage for the
holiday season, promising another
unforgettable gathering filled with
music, delicious food, and community
connection.
“We wanted this birthday celebration to
bring people together, and it did just
that. It’s a wonderful way to get
everyone excited about the holidays,
too,” said Mendez, CEO and president of
Fiesta in America who also holds two
other well-attended events,
Pasko in America and People’s Ball.
Pasko in America will be held on
December 7,
from 10 am to 6 pm
at American Dream, Court A in East Rutherford, NJ
which will be just as exciting as Fiesta
in America, thanks to the holiday cheers
people will be bringing when they come
to the event.
Other than the spaces that have been
booked, the December 7 event will
feature Filipino Christmas fun and games
as well as live traditional performances
of Filipino artists, and dancers,
providing a magical way to close out the year.
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