Train station to deliver the Philippines to the world

The dancing pair of Sheena Daminar and Jungie Zamora did a number from the musical ‘Chicago.’ Photos by Boyet Loverita

The dancing pair of Sheena Daminar and Jungie Zamora did a number from the musical ‘Chicago.’ Photos by Boyet Loverita

By Cristina DC Pastor

Artist and businessman Jerry Sibal isn’t done yet.

A flush floral design studio, a coffee table book, a charmed episode in Macau where he decorated a Vegas hotel chain. Jerry has done all of the above.

He is back once again with another breathtaking project. The venue alone says a lot: Grand Central Terminal (GCT). “Explore Islands Philippines” (EIP) is Jerry’s latest venture, a four-day event — from May 9 to 12 — where tourism, investments, cuisine, media, arts & architecture, history, real estate, and fashion are expected to converge at the largest and busiest train station in the world.

“I’ve been here in New York for 25 years and have been very lucky being a Filipino American in this city,” said Jerry during the event’s press launch. “It’s just my way of giving back.” His JS Productions is organizing this inaugural event.

The 6,000 sq-ft Vanderbilt Hall East will become one big exhibition hall with 24 booths selling a variety of Philippine products or offering services. Humming along on the side are educational workshops, cooking demos, lectures, business networking, and other supporting activities.

From left, Hank Hendrickson of the U.S.-Philippines Society;  Jerry Sibal; Consul General Theresa Dizon-De Vega; Tourism Attaché Susan del Mundo; Edwin Josue; and Josh Vasquez, PAL’s area manager for New York.

From left, Hank Hendrickson of the U.S.-Philippines Society; Jerry Sibal; Consul General Theresa Dizon-De Vega; Tourism Attaché Susan del Mundo; Edwin Josue; and Josh Vasquez, PAL’s area manager for New York.

“The purpose of the event is to present the Philippines as a tourism and investment destination,” said Jerry. “New York is the world stage to bring people together.” With an average of 7,500 people passing through GCT every hour, foot traffic is a retailer’s dream. Organizers are touting potential clients and investors of about 750,000 throughout the event.

It is important to note that EIP enjoys the support of the Philippine government through its Department of Tourism and Philippine Airlines.

Tourism Attaché Susan del Mundo said EIP is a wonderful platform for showcasing the Philippines with its many attractions and its warm and friendly people. “What we’re saying is, come experience our beautiful country,” she said.

Hank Hendrickson, executive director of the U.S.-Philippines Society said EIP is a “good time to follow up” on Manila’s successful hosting of ASEAN in November.

“It is an opportunity for Philippine companies to invest beyond China, to come to America and do business here,” he said, noting the “complex and rich” history of Philippine-American relations.

Powerful duet by jazz singer Angel Ram and Bryan Magsayo on keyboard

Powerful duet by jazz singer Angel Ram and Bryan Magsayo on keyboard

The idea behind EIP came from Japan Week also held at Grand Central, where New Yorkers and tourists get to experience Tokyo’s arts, culture, and technology. “This is what we need,” Jerry blurted to husband and business partner Edwin Josue, a real estate professional.

Meanwhile, planning for the event continues. “It is not easy,” said Jerry but a project that will elevate the name of the Filipino is something that inspires and energizes him.

Several ideas currently in brainstorming mode include possibly a video of comedian Jo Koy taking in passengers in a Jeepney and cracking jokes; White House Executive Chef Cristeta Comerford cooking a Filipino dish; and a Filipiniana fashion show curated by the Fashion Institute of Technology. At the end of the four-day expo is Closing Night, a black-tie dinner at nearby Cipriani.

“This is totally a different concept,” stressed Jerry.

© The FilAm 2018

The San Francisco Bay Area’s Parangal Dance Company.

The San Francisco Bay Area’s Parangal Dance Company.

Kalayaan Hall became one big dance party.

Kalayaan Hall became one big dance party.



Leave a Reply

%d bloggers like this: