It’s fiesta time in America

For sure, Filipinos trooping to the Fiesta in America at New Jersey’s Meadowlands Expo Center in Secaucus will feel nostalgic when they listen to Gary Lewis and the Playboys perform their hit songs at a concert on Aug. 11 and 12. After all, Gary (son of the late comedian Jerry Lewis) is considered by Filipinos as kabayan because he was once married to a Filipina, Jinkee Suzara.

The band will share the stage with Ogie Alcasid and ElNella (Elmo Magalona and Janella Salvador), “imported” from the Philippines for the Fiesta’s 20th anniversary. The annual event is a “must-go” for Filipinos not only in the East Coast but from other parts of the USA. You know how fiesta-loving Filipinos are, whether at home nor anywhere in the world.

Ogie Alcasid

“Our two-day event is uniquely located at the junction of Filipino culture and US diversity marketing,” said Nanding Mendez, founder and CEO of Fiesta in America, adding that the starry concerts comprise only half of what the Fiesta is all about. “The consumer expo segment commands equal attention. Nostalgic immigrants and even non-Filipinos are also attracted by the Trade Pavilion which offers array of products from the Philippines.”

Not only that.

According to Mendez, “Beyond the product showcase, attendees can also avail themselves of free health screenings and free workshops on various subjects ranging from small start-ups to healthy food preparation. They can dine on Philippine regional specialties in the food court and enjoy artistic as well as fun activities for all age groups throughout the venue.”

The Fiesta’s 20th-anniversary edition will be ushered in by the marquee Trade Pavilion with no less than 14 exporters exhibiting handicraft, holiday décor, personal accessories, packaged food and other Philippine products.

Elmo Magalona and Janella Salvador

Said Daphne Kwok, vice president for Multicultural Leadership of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) with over 37 million members, “Our partnership with Fiesta in America has been very exciting and we look forward to creating more innovative ways of how we can share AARP’s resources.”

Mendez noted that a diverse spectrum of Philippine-based industries is drawn to the buying power of East Coast Filipinos who attend Fiesta in America.

“The median household income (of East Coast) Filipinos far exceeds that of their kababayan in California,” said Mendez. “Our business participants include some of the most respected names in Philippine real estate, small-to-medium manufacturers of various products.”

A People’s Ball will be held on Aug. 10 at the Meadowlands Hilton in East Rutherford, New Jersey, highlighted by the presentation of awards to outstanding Fil-Am achievers in various fields.

Nanding Mendez, founder/CEO of Fiesta in America

It’s “old home” two days for Filipinos out there.

“The good thing is that Fiesta in America also educates young Filipinos born and raised in America about Filipino culture and tradition,” said Mendez. “The event takes them back to their Filipino roots.”

(E-mail reactions at [email protected]. For more updates, photos and videos, visit www.philstar.com/funfare or follow me on Instagram @therealrickylo.)