The 2008 Philippine Fiesta: Avenue for Philippine Products and Services in the USA

NEW JERSEY – On August 16-17 the Meadowlands Expo Center in Secaucus New Jersey once again opens its doors to the largest indoor gathering of Filipinos on the East Coast. Managed by Special Edition Press Inc. with principal sponsor GMA7 Pinoy TV, the 2008 Philippine Fiesta in America is the definitive celebration for Filipino Americans. Each year, the Fiesta draws crowds of over 20,000 from far and wide, all looking forward to enjoying a festive celebration of the Filipino culture showcased with vibrant music, folkdances, regional cuisines and products from the Philippines. The camaraderie that is seen at the Fiesta all throughout the weekend brings the feeling of togetherness of a unified people who despite the odds encountered at times, find solace and conquer homesickness at the Fiesta seeing familiar and new faces of same lineage.

Having come a long way from the migrant workers who came ashore at the earlier part of the 20th century, the Filipino with the strong work attitude and perseverance, has steadily made his way to the forefront of the American business and cultural community – from holding top management positions in large American firms to appearing in world class theatrical and entertainment events. This current population of Filipino Americans have proven themselves to be ideal consumers, with stable credit ratings, and high disposable incomes who set their eyes beyond mere basic necessities.

Big-name companies bearing easily recognizable brands in various industries,find their participation at the Philippine Fiesta tangibly gratifying as exhibitors or sponsors proven by their participation every year. This year's sponsors are GMA Pinoy TV, Aryty.com/Gorilla Mobile, DirecTV, MYX, Startec, Asian Journal Publications, Inquirer.net, MoneyGram, Tancinco Law Offices and Samantha Lopez Productions, Inc. Negotiation with more sponsors and exhibitors is still on-going.  About 200 booths will be set-up to accommodate business entities from the United States and the Philippines for a face-to-face contact with Filipino American consumers. Registered exhibitors include Port Jersey, Madison Mortgage Corporation, Wall Street Financial Services, Bank of America, Prudential Financial Services, Alquiroz Sources & Designs, Diamond Hut Jewelry Exchange, Bulacan Trade Mission, the Metro Manila Herbal Medicine and Drink Manufacturers Association, Philippine Children’s Fund, Bank of America, United Staffing Registry, Philippine National Bank, Century 21 Properties, One Ayala, Globe Telecom, Bank of Philippine Islands, Westside Mortgage, LLC and Philippine News, to name a few. In addition to the already aggressive efforts of the Philippine Fiesta to bring in producers and manufacturers from the Philippines to exhibit, an initiative from the Philippine Department of Trade and Industries New York Trade Attache, Miss Josephine Romero to bring in DTI members from Central Luzon (for the second year) and Cebu, will contribute to bringing the trade exhibits to a larger scale. Exhibiting companies from the Philippines come from the real estate development, handicrafts, home decors, Christmas decors, fashion, gift items, fashion accessory, bag, shoes and jewelry industries.

Philippine Fiesta attendees profile is very impressive. A recent on-site survey showed that 65 percent of visitors have household incomes of over $50,000, 70 percent fall within the income-earning age groups between 19 and 59 years and more than 50 percent are professionals and business-owners.

Business and Pleasure

More than a trade show, Special Edition Press, Inc. hosts a star-studded Fiesta with some of the biggest names in Filipino show business. This year, the Philippine Fiesta features a musical extravaganza capped by a live concert to be headlined by GMA PinoyTV stars – Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes and TFC star, Bea Alonzo. . Also appearing on the Star Records talent, Divo Bayer, San Francisco’s pride – the hilarious Rey Kilay & Poca. Local performers include Ciennese Lontok, Samahang Filipino Dance Troupe, Rythmology, Dance Philippine Performing Arts Company (Boston), Bhelle Acedera, Andy Roda, the very popular Juggler Pat Davison & Family and many more. Other activities include the Miss Philippine Fiesta Pageant Finals, an ecumenical mass on Sunday, August 17, at 10am followed by a very festive Santacruzan. The event will also showcase the Children’s & Chess Pavilions. The Food Court is an attraction by itself featuring a wide variety of mouth-watering dishes with recipes originating from the various regions of the Philippines.

In addition, the Philippine Fiesta Gala in association with the Philippine Physicians of America through the efforts of its incoming President, Dr. Francis Talangbayan, will take place on August 15, 7pm at the Sheraton Meadowlands Hotel.  The Gala will serve as the opening of the Philippine Fiesta and as welcome and appreciation night for all sponsors, exhibitors and advertisers. Features of the Gala include the presentation of Miss Philippine Fiesta Beauty Pageant, special appearance of the Philippine Fiesta performers and ballroom dancing. Dinner will be served. The Gala is co-chaired by Resy Millora-Dilag of the Bayanihan of Union and Cora Reyes of the Bulacan Medical Mission ably assisted by Ogie Afable, Rose Javier and Elsa Olsen.

To sponsor, exhibit, advertise or attend Gala and the Philippine Fiesta festivities, please contact Philippine Fiesta USA Inc. at 212.682.6610 or e-mail: [email protected]. Visit www.philippinefiesta.com for more details and information.