Fiesta In America 2024: When cultures come together to celebrate
By Angelito Cabigao
Out of the 10,000 giveaway pieces that IKEA provided to Fiesta in America attendees, one special piece stood out at their booth: a unique poster that captured the spirit of this Philippine-inspired indoor expo. This artwork, designed with iconic Filipino emblems like the Jose Rizal monument, the Jeepney, the Banaue Rice Terraces, and the Guimaras mangoes, was a true reflection of Philippine pride.
Bianca Perez of IKEA shared that this art piece was designed specifically for Fiesta by the wife of one of the furniture company’s Filipino team members. Beyond IKEA, there were other similar collaborative efforts between the Filipino and multicultural communities.
For instance, did you catch TikTok sensations Jeffrey and Mama of “Our Filipino Grandma” fame with over 1.8 million TikTok followers teaching line dancing on stage to a multicultural crowd? Prior to the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Fiesta opening, I joined Jeffrey and Mama for some Filipino line dancing. The multicultural crowd that had gathered at American Dream was just as enthused. I was inspired seeing how Jeffrey, being born in the U.S., maintained and promoted the traditional Filipino family value of respect and care for elders.
Additional performers on stage included Jessica Sanchez, JAGMAC, Arato Brothers, Band of Brothers, Sounds of Manila, Bibak NY, Not Shy Dance Crew, Wynnum Sabile, and The Green Planet.
Off stage, Fiesta In America also offered a diverse mix of experiences to cater to everyone regardless of age, gender and social status. Food enthusiasts indulged in the diverse flavors of brands, with exhibitors like HMart, Bang Cookies, Jollibee, and the Kapamilya Food Truck. Travelers booked enticing flight deals from Philippine Airlines, EVA Air, Delta Air, and Korean Airlines, with giveaways.
Collectors had the chance to snap up treasured finds like Pokémon cards, Gundam figures, and Bayani comics, while gift seekers found unique items ranging from Ilocos’s Inabel Shop to beauty products from Sephora, which also offered free Philippine flag temporary tattoo designs for attendees. Gretz Jewelry and Parols of America added to the array of special finds for Palawan pearls and Capiz ornaments.
The event also provided opportunities for connection and growth, with educational institutions such as the Filipino School of New York & New Jersey, the FUNK Filipino Club at Kean University, and Fairleigh Dickinson University engaging with families. Children and families enjoyed hands-on activities from UNIFFIED and Toys R’ Us.
Senior citizens benefited from health screenings provided by the Philippine Nurses Association of New York and Hackensack Meridian Health. Health and wellness enthusiasts found services from New Jersey Department of Health and Liberty Insurance and products from IAM Worldwide, CERAGEM, and Saladmaster.
HR and tech startups were represented by MabuhayHR and FastR, while financial institutionssuch as Philippine National Bank, Valley Bank, Pomelo, and Remitly showcased their banking and remittance services. Community leaders had the unique opportunity to engage with government officials from New Jersey, the Philippine Consulate in New York, and the mayors of Siargao. At the same time, real estate investors such as Rockwell Land and Ayala Land made an impactful presence.
Fashion enthusiasts were treated to the elegant collection of Carl Andrada, who brought the beauty of Philippine sceneries to life through a vibrant fashion show. Additionally, Filipino American designer Jason from Pocket Kings BK introduced Brooklyn-made clothing, adding a contemporary edge to the event.
Media and press outlets like The FilAm, GMA, and OSM! provided vital support, amplifying the event’s reach.
A standout collaboration was the awareness campaign between CP (Cerebral Palsy) Cares PH, Siargao (San Benito), and Kulture Ko. This initiative, led by a work colleague and friends Wilfred Bautista and Karl Menil, was orchestrated through a few Zoom calls between the Philippines and the USA and came together in less than three weeks.
Fiesta In America 2024 demonstrated the power of collaboration between Filipino and multicultural communities in America while celebrating the richness of Philippine cultural heritage and preserving it for future generations.
