Fiesta in America
Returns with a Vibrant
Two-Day Extravaganza
 at American Dream

Celebrating its 27th year, Fiesta in America Expo 2024
reaffirmed its status as the premier Filipino event
in the northeastern United States.

 This year, the much beloved event returned to its dynamic two-day format at the American Dream, attracting over 12,800 Filipino Americans

 and generating non-stop foot traffic of approximately 60,000
 at the second-largest retail and entertainment complex
 in the United States.

A Festive Start to the Week-Long Celebration
 

Metro Manila Film Festival Executive Director Atty. Rochelle Ona

Empowerment Awardees 2024

Fiesta in America 2024 continues to ignite enthusiasm each year,
 beginning with the dazzling

People's Ball on August 11

—a glamorous gala that set an exciting tone for the week.
https://blacktiemagazine.com/society_2024_august/Fiesta_in_America_Peoples_Ball.htm

The highlight of the festivities was the screening of the restored

"Jose Rizal"

film on August 13 at LOOK Cinemas W57 in New York,
 co-sponsored by the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF)
and the Manila International Film Festival (MIFF).
https://blacktiemagazine.com/society_2024_august/Jose_Rizal.htm

The international premiere of the movie was met with resounding success, drawing a sell-out crowd eager to witness the international premiere of the fully restored and remastered 1998 classic. MMFF Festival Director Rochelle Ona graced the event, and attendees enjoyed a captivating talkback session with New York-based writer Gil Quito.

The week culminated in the highly anticipated Fiesta in America Expo 2024, which took place on August 17 and 18 at American Dream. The expo, unique for its two-day format and business orientation for both small and big Filipino businesses as well as government units in the Philippines, celebrated Filipino culture and heritage through music, fashion, business networking, and community building.

Ribbon Cutting and Opening Ceremonies
 

The Expo officially began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by

Consul General Senen Mangalile
of the Philippine Consulate General in New York

 and singer Jessica Sanchez, 2012 American Idol runnerup.

They were also joined Filipino community leaders who were also given
 their Community Leadership certificates.

 These included

Marygene C. Espinosa (CDO MIS Or Association of NY INC),
Sharmaine Anderson (Pinoys of New York),
Chuck Mayangao (JCI Philippine-New York),
and Jubert Paul Ong (JC New York State).

Additional leaders from various organizations, including Tribu Cebuano, PWU Alumni Association Tri-State, and NaFFAA-NY, were also recognized for their outstanding community leadership.

Fernando Mendez, CEO and President of Fiesta in America, humorously remarked, “Crazy plans often lead to the best ideas,” reflecting on the successful return to a two-day celebration, a challenging feat for any organization. Fiesta in America highlighted the power of community and collaboration, bringing together leaders, artists, and entrepreneurs from across the globe to share in the rich tapestry of Filipino culture.

Cultural Extravaganza: Fashion, Music, and Culture
 

Carmelo Designs by Carl Andrada with Fiesta in America Models

2012 American Idol Runner-up Jessica Sanchez

Grand Champion Global Pinoy Shane Ericks

Prince of Teleserye Theme Songs Bryan Termulo

JAGMAC

Sounds of Manila

A highlight of Fiesta in America 2024 was the fashion show by acclaimed "Fashion Week" designer Carl Andrada, whose Philippine-inspired designs captivated the audience with a blend of traditional heritage and modern aesthetics. Models, selected through a month-long talent search, brought Andrada's intricate creations to life on the runway.

Musical performances by top Filipino and Filipino American artists, including Jessica Sanchez, Shane Ericks, Sounds of Manila, and sibling pop sensation JAGMAC, further elevated the event. Spectators filled every level overlooking Court A, the heart of the Fiesta in America celebration, to witness these electrifying performances.

“We secured the leads we needed, and now our focus is on converting them into successful outcomes,” said Raymond John Ordoveza from Rockwell Properties in the Philippines, echoing the Expo’s impact on business networking and cultural exchange.

Business and Cultural Exchange: Connecting Communities
 

Siargao Island delegates

Zamboanga City delegates

Angeles City delegates

Liberty Insurance

NJ Health

The Fiesta in America Expo 2024
provided a dynamic platform for about 60 sponsors, exhibitors
and key partners,

featuring representatives from Philippine cities like

Angeles City, Boracay Island, Mati City, Makati City,
Zamboanga City, and Siargao Island.

These Philippine cities and provinces highlighted investment opportunities and showcased their destinations with captivating video presentations on a 30 x 8 feet LED wall, immersing attendees in the breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cultures of their regions. The previous year, the provinces of Bulacan, Capiz, and Ilocos Norte were similarly featured.

Mayor Sol Matugas of General Luna, Siargao, led a delegation that included officials from six municipalities and key private sector partners. Angeles City and Zamboanga also took to the stage to promote their unique charms, creating an engaging atmosphere that encouraged cultural exchange
and investment.

Liberty Insurance and the New Jersey Department of Health were among the major sponsors, further enriching this year’s event by supporting the Filipino American community through healthcare services and insurance plans for Filipinos in the Philippines and New Jersey.

Josefina Salvador, Liberty Insurance Corporation president and CEO said it was a great experience to see kababayans in this part of the US together, actively participating in an event to promote and uphold our cultural heritage. “Thank you for the opportunity to be one of the sponsors in this event and to be able to promote our products and services.”

Commitment to Community Well-being
 

Fiesta in America 2024 underscored its commitment to community well-being by partnering with Englewood Health to offer free healthcare screenings, including blood pressure and cholesterol checks.

The event also featured family-friendly activities, such as KPop album giveaways, Pokémon card trading, and creative workshops, ensuring there was something for everyone to enjoy.

Celebrating Filipino Craftsmanship and Small Businesses
 

The Expo proudly spotlighted Filipino American small businesses and local crafts from the Philippines, allowing attendees to purchase high-quality, handmade products such as intricate textiles from Ilocos and Capiz shell ornaments as well as Palawan-inspired jewelry. Jewelry items crafted from materials sourced in the Philippines drew significant interest, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the event. Parols from Parols of America were also one of the exhibitors.

A Memorable Santacruzan Procession

A Filipino event would not be complete without the vibrant Santacruzan procession, a traditional celebration honoring the finding of the True Cross by Queen Helena. The procession featured sagalas in stunning gowns, floral arches, and a brass band, creating a festive and reverent atmosphere that resonated with all attendees
 

Looking Ahead: A Legacy of Empowerment and Celebration

Day 1

Day 2

Fiesta in America
continues to be a beacon of Filipino culture and entrepreneurship in the United States. The event not only celebrates the rich heritage of the Filipino American community but also empowers businesses, fosters cultural exchange, and strengthens communal bonds.

As the festival concluded, attendees left with a renewed sense of pride and connection to their roots, eagerly anticipating the next chapter of this extraordinary event.

For more information on future events and how to get involved,

visit Fiesta in America’s official website at

www.philippinefiestausa.com
and
www.fiestainamerica.com

call (212) 682-6610,
 or email info@fiestainamerica.com

About Fiesta in America:

Fiesta in America is an annual event dedicated to showcasing the rich cultural heritage and entrepreneurial spirit of the Filipino American community. Through trade fairs, cultural performances, and business talks, the event aims to inspire and empower Filipino Americans while promoting the Philippines as a prime destination for tourism and investment.

 Now in its 27th year,

Fiesta in America continues to be the premier celebration
of Filipino culture in the United States