Black Tie International Magazine 
Home
 
Select your preferred language
 
 
Celebrity Philanthropy News
 
Society News
 
Save the Date 2025
 
Black Tie
International Real Estate
 
Editor-in-Chief
Joyce Brooks
 
Publisher
Gerard Mc Keon
 
Nightlife with Rose Billings
 
Dr. Judy Kuriansky
 
Meera Gandhi
 
 
Black Tie  TV
 
Impact Investment
 
Featured Foundations
 
Advertising
 
Co-Hosting Events
 
Listing Non-Profit Events
 
Black Tie China
 
Black Tie France
 
Black Tie Israel
 
Black Tie Philippines
 
New York Society
 
Palm Beach Society
 
International Society
 
Hampton Society
 
West Coast Society
 
U.S. Society
 
Philanthropy  Giving
 
Entrepreneurial & Philanthropy Awards
 
Event Resource Directory
 
Promote your Services
 
Event Talent Directory
 
Feature Your Talent
 
Antiques
Art
Beauty
Blockchain
Cars
Couture Fashion
Crowdfunding
Fine Wines
Gifts
 Health & Wellness
Interior Design
Investigative Services
Jewelry
Kids on Location
Legal Services
Luxury Yachts
Pet Services
Private Air
 Real Estate
Recommended Reading
Restaurant Reviews
Single Friendly Events
Social Announcements
Sustainable Investment
Technology
Theater/Arts
Travel
Wealth Management
 
 
Add your e-mail
 Friends
of Black Tie

 
 
Black Tie Classic
George Clooney
Princess Diana
Back Issues
More Back Issues
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

web
analytics
 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Black Tie International Magazine:  Philippines 1
Share this page with your friends
 
Black Tie International:
Fiesta in Amaerica - People's Ball
Photos by: Jeff Rivera
 

Fiesta in Maerica Peoples Ball

 

Fiesta in America - People's Ball

 

Empowerment Awards gala: Honoring Filipino excellence

The highlight of the evening was the Empowerment Awards 2024, which recognized the remarkable achievements of Filipino Americans across various fields. Led by Dr. Laura Garcia, Vice President for Community Relations at Fiesta in America and celebrated for her exemplary leadership in nursing and community service, the awards honored individuals who have significantly contributed to their communities and professions.
 

 

CEO/President of Fiesta In America Fernando Mendez

CEO/President of Fiesta In America Fernando Mendez

 

Vice President for Community Relations Dr. Laura Garcia

Vice President for Community Relations Dr. Laura Garcia

 

Empowerment Awards 2024

 

Augelyn Francisco:

Augelyn Francisco:
Recognized for Excellence in Filipino Culinary Awareness, thanks to her innovative approach at Kabisera, with locations in Manhattan.

 

Dr. Catalina Suerte

Dr. Catalina Suerte:
Awarded for her advocacy for inclusivity and her distinguished
 teaching career in special education in New York City.

 

Eric B. Bustamante

Eric B. Bustamante:
Commended for his exceptional leadership as First Vice President and General Manager of PNB New York, the top-performing branch under his management.

 

Luisa Felisilda Milone

Luisa Felisilda Milone:
Honored for her excellence in small business leadership through her community-driven beauty and wellness center in New Jersey.

 

Maricar Taino

Maricar Taino:
Newly appointed President of PAFCOM, celebrated for her dedication to community leadership and cultural preservation.

 

Sahlee Manongdo

Sahlee Manongdo:
 Acknowledged for her outstanding contributions to nursing leadership, with over 46 years of experience.

 

Dr. Francisca T. Velcek

Dr. Francisca T. Velcek:
Celebrated for her pioneering work in pediatric surgery and her influence
 as a mentor and leader in the medical community.

 

Steven B. Raga, r. Laura Garcia

New York State Assembly member Hon. Steven B. Raga and Dr. Laura Garcia

 

Fiesta in America - People's Ball

 
 

Fiesta in America - People's Ball

 
 

Siargao Island Philippines delegates

Siargao Island Philippines delegates

 

 Rochelle Ona

Metro Manila Film Festival Executive Director Atty. Rochelle Ona

 

The event also welcomed major sponsors of Fiesta in America, including the New Jersey Department of Health which brought in representatives to show their support.

 Additionally,
Rochelle Ona of the Metro Manila Film Festival flew in from the Philippines to participate in the gala and to be part of Fiesta in America’s special screening of the newly restored and
remastered “ Jose Rizal,“ ; held two days later to a sell-out crowd
in New York.

https://blacktiemagazine.com/society_2024_august/Jose_Rizal.htm


Overall, People’s Ball 2024
 once again underscored the vibrant spirit of the Filipino community,
cementing its place as the premier event to honor Filipino excellence and unity. The event continues to grow each year, serving as a powerful reminder of the significant impact of the
Filipino community in the tri-state area.

For more information on

People’s Ball and Fiesta in America Expo,

 please visit

www.philippinefiestausa.com

 or call (212) 682-6610.

 

 

 Fernando Mendez

 Fernando Mendez President and Founder – Fiesta in America

 

 Fernando's hideaway
Courtesy of the Manila Times

Filipino migrant on a mission to bridge talent and heritage in the US East Coast

By Leah C. Salterio, Manila Times, Philippines

"The most memorable moment is the annual decision to continue 'Fiesta in America.' This moment is significant because it symbolizes our ongoing commitment to the mission that started it all, ensuring the festival's legacy and impact endure."

"FIESTA in America" — a festival of Filipino music, entertainment, native products, street food, and more — is touted as the largest indoor Filipino event in the US East Coast. Nearly three decades ago, Fernando Mendez and his late wife Mila were driven by a mission to connect Filipino entrepreneurs with mainstream businesses and Filipino American consumers.

"That vision led to the inception of 'Fiesta in America,' which is now on its 26th year."

First held at the Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus, New Jersey, "Fiesta in America" was staged annually through Mendez's commitment and the unwavering support of the community and the substantial backing from their partners at American Dream.

This year, "Fiesta in America" will return for two days, August 17 and 18, at the premier venue, American Dream, the second-largest retail and entertainment center in the United States (after Mall in America) at East Rutherford, New Jersey. American Dream gets over 60,000 visitors on weekends. The partnership of "Fiesta in America" and American Dream that started in 2021 is a business milestone that Mendez has been constantly proud of.

"Having the support of the second-largest entertainment and retail complex in America is a significant milestone," Mendez beamed. "That collaboration has elevated the festival's profile and reach, and we are immensely proud of that achievement. "That is a testament to our enduring relevance and appeal. With the support of American Dream, our event this 2024 will underscore our strong presence and the robust demand for our festival.

"The most memorable moment is the annual decision to continue 'Fiesta in America.' This moment is significant because it symbolizes our ongoing commitment to the mission that started it all, ensuring the festival's legacy and impact endure."

Opportunities

"The chance of giving opportunities to small and big businesses, and their employees in the Philippines to expand their horizon in the US, Filipino performers to showcase their talents and skills to homesick Filipinos, plus the Filipinos in many parts of the globe to network and unite with their relatives and friends using 'Fiesta in America,' the platform of being together."

Stewarding "Fiesta in America" is Mendez's humble way of promoting the Filipino culture, products, talent and the beauty of the Philippines. Preparing for "Fiesta in America" is a yearlong process, according to Mendez.

The organizers are busy the whole year round just to mount a two-day event. This year, the event returns to be staged for two days again after the pandemic. "We begin planning for the next event immediately after the current one ends, sometimes even before," Mendez shared.

"The hardest part of staging the event is coordinating the numerous moving parts to ensure everything runs smoothly — from securing venues and sponsors to organizing committees, sales teams, performances and vendor logistics."Without bragging, "Fiesta in America" has evolved significantly since its inception.

"In the early years, attendance was modest, with a few hundred attendees," recalled Mendez. "Today, we have grown and attracted about 10,000. "We have expanded our audience base, drawing a diverse, multicultural crowd, including Filipinos and other multicultural groups, thanks to our strategic partnerships and continuous innovation.

Expectedly, "Fiesta in America" took a halt when pandemic happened and hurled many challenges. "We paused the festival for two years during the pandemic to prioritize the safety of our team, sponsors, exhibitors and attendees," said Mendez. "That decision was challenging, but necessary to ensure the long-term viability of 'Fiesta in America.'

"The main challenges included maintaining community engagement and adapting our plans to the evolving public health landscape. However, during those times, we still continued to hold picnic events of less than 200 people in local parks."

Over the years, "Fiesta in America" has been graced by numerous celebrities, including Pilita Corales, Gary Valenciano, Martin Nievera. Bea Alonzo, Kim Chiu, Marian Rivera, Pops Fernandez, Vilma Santos, Nora Aunor, Piolo Pascual, Sam Milby, Dingdong Dantes, Jericho Rosales, Hotdog, and many more.

This year, entertainers in the line-up include Jessica Sanchez, Bryan Termulo, the New Jersey-based award-winning vocal group Sounds of Manila, Shane Ericks and Lirazen Rose. The 2024 edition of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) New York edition will also be hosted by "Fiesta in America."

"We will try to accept the requirements of MMFF," Mendez said. "For the meantime, the ideal movie to be screened is 'Jose Rizal' directed by Marilou Diaz Abaya and shown in 1998. We will screen it to Rizal loyalists who are on the East Coast. We are looking at August 13."

A week before its opening, "Fiesta in America" will hold a People's Ball on August 11 to be mounted at Marriott Newark International Airport Hotel in New Jersey. Chaired by Mendez's partner, Laura Garcia, the much-awaited annual event comes with live performances, ballroom dancing, buffet dinner and Empowerment Awards recognizing outstanding Filipino Americans in the US.

The gala will be traditionally attended by influential leaders, movers and shakers in the Fil-Am community in the East Coast. Admittedly, being the president of "Fiesta in America" has its pros and cons.

"The advantage is witnessing the professional and personal growth of my team through our collaborative efforts," said Mendez. "Additionally, it is fulfilling to create opportunities for organizations and businesses to thrive. "The disadvantage is the countless hours required, especially in planning, putting together contents, thinking of innovative and creative ideas, creating productive teams to ensure the event's success. Despite the challenges, the fulfillment derived from our achievements makes it all worthwhile."

Playing to win. As a child, Mendez loved playing games, and he always liked to win.

"I loved playing chess and was good at maths and music," he disclosed. "I discovered I had a talent in art when I was 16 years old. "I did not aspire to be someone. I knew I could learn fast, so I tried to learn as many skills as I could because that would be my gateway in earning a living. As a kid, I grew up poor, therefore, I wanted to have a decent life.

"While I was initially sidetracked, I gained valuable experience by learning from other leaders and CEOs (chief executive officers), talent, skills and hard work, which eventually paved the way for me to earn the title."

Mendez earned his Fine Arts degree, majoring in Advertising, at the University of Santo Tomas (UST). "My education was instrumental in my career, leading to roles with top advertising companies handling top multinational accounts," he mused.

"In the US, I was able to work with many companies that led me to travel to other countries for my skills in art direction and photography." He started his apprenticeship and future career in design as art editor of The Varsitarian, the student newspaper of the UST.

Back then, Mendez had won a number of in-and-out campus art competitions that served as his passport to key positions in Manila's advertising industry upon his college graduation in 1974. Mendez migrated to the US in 1982 with his wife Mila and two sons — Nathan and Mervin — after living a hectic lifestyle in metropolitan Makati.

He moved to Billings, Montana, a rural community in the mountainous west with a small population, and worked as art director for many companies.

"I discovered business in printing, graphic arts, publishing and event management, which extended in my exposure to real estate and trading securities," Mendez said. "As art director, I visited and worked in Amsterdam in the Netherlands every year. I retired when Covid-19 hit in early 2020."

Making the big step to move his family to New York City in 1986, Mendez felt the high action that made him manage work and home life effectively. "My partner, Laura Garcia, plays a significant role in maintaining that balance," Mendez said. "I cherish spending time with my two sons and that also takes up a considerable portion of my time.

"I unwind by spending time with my family, either traveling or dining with Laura, and being with my sons in New York. Additionally, I enjoy playing chess online, reading, watching movies or documentaries and reading books." His normal day starts with reading the news on his mobile phone before he gets off from bed. "My day starts with planning and organizing things to do, followed by morning stretches," he said.

"I walk 20 minutes from my condo to the office and usually enjoy a large latte with almond milk plus an egg sandwich. This is the time I also take my medications."

Mendez loves working every day, even on weekends.

"Sometimes there are gala invitations which I don't usually miss — my social obligations," he said. "Laura is always occupied with her teaching job, so we enjoy each other in the evening for dinner and wine." Fortunately, he receives unwavering support from his family and loved ones in the work that he does. They are behind him in every major decision that he makes and for that, he is immensely grateful.

"They consistently advise me to always pray, which is a cornerstone of my daily routine," he said. Mendez's father passed on when he was barely 6 years old. He was separated from his mother, so he lived with his grandparents, and the experience was quite different. "So, I basically lived like I'm on my own," he admitted.

"My heroes are from my reading documentaries of significant people who are great achievers — [John] Lennon, [Steve] Jobs, [Elon] Musk, and many more."

 

QUICK QUESTIONS

What is your biggest fear? For jobs not getting done. For losing loved ones. Maybe death.

What really makes you angry? People who are angry at me for no reason. Also jealous people.

What motivates you to work hard? Achievement

What makes you laugh the most? Brilliant jokes.

What would you do if you won the lotto? Pay all unpaid bills. Invest intelligently, support orphans and unwed mothers, entrepreneurs with brilliant minds, educate financially challenged kids and create businesses that will create more wealth.

If you could share a meal with any individual, living or dead, who would they be?

Laura. My partner. We have a lot of things to talk about. We have many extended families who depend on us and possibly make them leaders on their own.

What was the last book you read? "Fountainhead" by Ayn Rand.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I am a painter by heart and see myself painting important pieces. I don't have to wait 10 years.

Which celebrity would you like to meet for a cup of coffee? Paul McCartney, one of the still living Beatles. I have many questions to ask.

What is the most daring thing you have ever done? To start the "Fiesta in America" event.

What is the one thing you will never do again? "Fiesta in America."

 

 

To list an Upcoming Event
Contact: joyce@blacktiemagazine.com

Save the Date
Celebrity Philanthropy News
Society News

Black Tie Magazine TV

Promote Your Event or Business
Contact: gerard@blacktiemagazine.com

Event Resource Directory,   Promote your Services
Event Talent  Directory,  
Feature your Talent
Co-hosting events with
Black Tie Advertising

 


 




 

 

Joyce Brooks Jewellery banner

 
 

Featured Save the Date

 

 

Black Tie  International Philanthropy

 
Meera Gandhi
 

Black Tie International Realty

 
BRGY SALANG
 

Featured Foundation

 

Peace Angel Project

 
avazoo logo
Avazoo


Launch of the First
Billion Dollar Charity Raffle

 

Couture Fashion

 

Bridal Store

 

Black Tie Gift Selection

 

Black Tie Gift Selection

 

Featured Art

 
Taty
 

 Society News
 

Princess Grace Foundation
 
 
Casa Maria Center
 
DRm t the Disco
 
 

Ocean emergency

 
Oceana
 
Black Tie Magazine Gala
 
Carnegie Hall Opening Night
 
Casirta Maria
 
Zodiac Ball
 
Eliabeth Taylor Gala
 
Texas Heart Institute
 
Womens Foundation Gala
 
Meera Ghandi
 

Pamea Anderson

 

Prince Albert Gala

 

Featured Foundations

 
chuck feeney
 
 

Search the Site

 

 

Impact Investment

 
carbon geocycle
 

Black Tie China

 
lang lang foundation
 

Black Tie Philippines

 
City in a forest
 
black tie philippines
 

Nightlife with Rose Billings

 
Met Gala
 
sara Johnson
 
debutante Ball
 
Judy Kuriansky
 
Gerard Mc Keon
 

Celebrity Philanthropy News
 

sera Vergera
 
nicole Kidnman, jennifer Aniston
 
jean shafiroff, paul mc cartney
 
princess margaret of kent
 
Al Pacino, American Icon Awards
 
clive davis
 
american hospital of paris foundation
 
french heritage society
 
lupus research alliance
 
un women for peace
 
ben kingsley
 
ceylon tea party
 
Blavk Tie Gala
 
ecosoc
 
joyce brooks
 
UN Correspondents Association
 
cardinal dolan
 
palm beach heart ball
 
vienese opera ball
 
lady in red gala
 
sanford stem cell
 
weizmann institute
 
carlos slim
 
israel 65th anniversary
 

Black Tie International Realty

 
secret paradise resort
 
 

Event Resources Directory

event resource directory
 
 


 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Copyright 2006 Black Tie Magazine. All Rights Reserved .

Privacy Policy |