Vilmanians’ day in New Jersey

She came. She was seen. She conquered.

Cliché but true, according to Alan Trambulo, New York president of VISION (Vilma Santos International Online Network), referring to Lipa City Mayor Vilma Santos’ (and husband Sen. Ralph Recto) "special guesting" at the Seventh Annual Pinoy Fiesta held last Aug. 20 to 21 at the Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus, New Jersey.

"Vilma brought great joy to our homesick kababayan who came in full force," reported Alan, a Batangueño like Vilma is now, who works as a front-desk staffer at Radisson Hotel in Manhattan where Vilma’s group was billeted. "Maraming pinasayang tao si Vilma," he said.

Organized by Nanding Mendez and his wife Mila, the Philippine Fiesta was first held in 1996 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in Manhattan. Its success encouraged Nanding and Mila to make it an annual affair, with New Jersey now as venue. Now the biggest annual reunion of Filipino-Americans in the East Coast, the Pinoy Fiesta consists of a trade exhibition from the Philippines and the USA, a cultural and food festival and a showcase of international and local entertainers.

Vilma was invited as this year’s special guest through VISION (which has its own website). It was Vilma and Ralph’s second trip to the US in one month. In July, the couple spent a two-week vacation in Europe. Before flying to New York/New Jersey, Vilma and company spent three days in Los Angeles with her sisters Winnie, Lyn and Tess.

Here’s the rest of Alan Trambulo’s report on the Pinoy Fiesta:

Vilma and Ralph arrived on Friday, Aug. 19. That same night, they were honored at a welcome reception gala party sponsored by the Batangueños of the East Coast, in cooperation with the Philippine Fiesta USA, Inc., at the Newark New Jersey-Sheraton Hotel. The party also showcased the talents of the 2005 Miss Philippine Fiesta USA finalists. Vilma and Ralph sat at the presidential table with Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah Healy. Vilma’s thank-you speech was roundly applauded.

On Saturday, Aug. 20, Vilma and other invited dignitaries cut the ceremonial ribbon at the Fiesta. She came back in the evening in time for the show featuring Aiza Seguerra, Nanette Inventor, Jon Santos and Leo Martinez who all performed to the delight of the audience.

Then, Vilma graced the VISION booth where she was mobbed by fans and kababayan eager to get her autograph and have their photos taken with her. The Star For All Seasons happily obliged.

All in all, this year’s Pinoy Fiesta was a resounding success, made even more memorable by the presence of the one and only Vilma Santos.

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