Singer-actress Vina Morales headlines Fiesta in America 2025
From her humble beginnings in Cebu to the spotlight of Broadway, Vina Morales brings her storied journey full circle as she takes center stage at Fiesta in America 2025.
The opening ceremony will be on August 16 at 11:00 a.m. Vina will headline the main concert the next day on August 17 at American Dream in East Rutherford, New Jersey—one of the largest retail and entertainment destinations in the U.S.
Now in its 28th year, Fiesta in America is the largest indoor Filipino expo and cultural festival in the United States, featuring a powerful blend of trade shows, tourism showcases, culinary experiences, business networking, and star-studded performances. The event annually attracts thousands of Filipino Americans and multicultural audiences from across the East Coast—and in 2025, it welcomes one of the Philippines’ most beloved performers, who recently returned to GMA Network—where she began her television career—for her comeback teleserye Cruz vs. Cruz.
Born in Bogo
Born Sharon Garcia Magdayao in Bogo, Cebu, Vina Morales is the eldest of four sisters, including another popular actress-singer Shaina Magdayao. Vina discovered her voice in the church choir of Saint Vincent Ferrer Parish. At just 9 years old, she was selected by Father Fritz Malinao to perform his original composition Paglaum (“Hope”) in the 1986 Cebu Pop Music Festival. Her powerful delivery stunned the audience, earning her both Best Interpreter and Grand Prize—a moment that would change her life forever.
Soon after, talent scouts from Viva Films saw her potential and offered her a contract. Her family made the life-altering decision to leave their businesses and home behind in Bogo to support her growing career in Manila. What followed was a meteoric rise in Philippine entertainment: a debut alongside Sharon Cuneta in Nakagapos na Puso, starring roles in The Sarah Balabagan Story and Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo, and numerous acclaimed performances on both film and television.
Vina’s talent is matched by her musical achievements. She released multiple studio albums, co-wrote songs with fellow artists like Piolo Pascual, and headlined concerts across the Philippines and abroad. She made history as the first Filipino to perform at the New York International Music Festival in Las Vegas in 2003 and won the Ikon ASEAN singing contest in 2007, further solidifying her status as a performer of international caliber.
Her versatility led her to unforgettable roles in Philippine dramas like Maria Mercedes, Nasaan Ka Nang Kailangan Kita, and Araw Gabi, where she portrayed both protagonists and villains with equal finesse. She has been honored with six Awit Awards and nominations from the FAMAS, Gawad Urian, and Metro Manila Film Festival.
A Broadway breakthrough
In 2023, Vina reached a new milestone: her Broadway debut. She was cast as Aurora Aquino in the musical “Here Lies Love” by David Byrne and Fatboy Slim, succeeding Lea Salonga for a limited engagement. Her performance marked a historic moment for Filipino representation on the world’s most prestigious stage.
“To perform on Broadway was a dream come true,” Vina was quoted as saying in her interview with Playbill. “I am grateful to Coach Lea for guiding me and to the entire “Here Lies Love” team for embracing me with open arms.” Director Alex Timbers, who first noticed her over a decade ago during casting in Manila, called her return to the role “a full-circle moment.”
In addition to her appearance at Fiesta in America, Vina has returned to GMA Network where she began her television career after nearly 25 years. She will star in the upcoming teleserye Cruz vs. Cruz, marking her highly anticipated comeback to soap operas.
Vina’s headlining role at Fiesta in America 2025 is more than a performance—it is a celebration of her journey and the Filipino spirit. As the festival continues to showcase the best in Filipino entrepreneurship, music, and cultural pride, Vina Morales takes her place not only as an artist, but as a symbol of global Filipino excellence.
To sponsor, exhibit, or attend Fiesta in America, visit fiestainamerica.com or philippinefiestausa.com or email info@fiestainamerica.com.
