Fiesta in America presents 2 weekends of Filipino excellence in New Jersey
Fiesta in America will unite the Filipino American community for two weekends in New Jersey, beginning with the 22nd People’s Ball on Sunday, August 9, at Marriott Newark Airport, followed by the 29th Fiesta in America on August 15 and 16, 2026 at the American Dream in East Rutherford. Admission is free.
The celebration begins one week earlier with the People’s Ball, an elegant luncheon gala honoring more than 20 Empowerment Awardees whose achievements spanning business, public service, healthcare, education, culture and community leadership.
Fashion will take the stage through San Diego-based designer Elsie Clavin, whose eco-couture transforms coffee filters, banig mats, plastic spoons, packaging strips and other recyclable materials into theatrical Filipino fashion. Her work combines Filipiniana pageantry, indigenous-inspired textures and sculptural silhouettes, proving that sustainability can be glamorous and unmistakably Filipino. Clavin will be featured on both August 15 and 16.
This year, Fiesta in America will introduce the Intergenerational Impact Award, recognizing work that brings older and younger generations together. Among the distinguished guests will be Senen Mangalile, outgoing Philippine Consul General in New York and Philippine Ambassador-Designate to the Kingdom of Cambodia. The community will celebrate his service and offer him a memorable send-off before his next diplomatic assignment.
Broadway will come to the People’s Ball through a musical showcase featuring award-winning performers William Michals and Desi Oakley. Michals starred in the Tony Award-winning revival of South Pacific at Lincoln Center, while Oakley originated the role of Jenna in the first national tour of Waitress and recently appeared on Broadway as Roxie Hart in Chicago.
Entertainment will be led by award-winning Filipino American actor and recording artist Sam Milby, who will headline Fiesta in America at 5 p.m. on Saturday, August 15. Appearing Saturday only, Milby will be joined across the two-day festival by more than 20 other performers from the tri-state area. The entertainment lineup will also include Bamboo Grill’s ballroom dancers from New Jersey, choreographerRonnie del Barrio and Luisa Pineda from the Philippines in separate presentations. Fiesta in America will have mainstay hosts Vince Medina and Grace Rustia.
Leading the government participation are the Philippine Retirement Authority and the City of Zamboanga. The Philippine Retirement Authority will introduce prospective retirees, returning Filipinos and dual citizens to the possibilities of beginning a new chapter in the Philippines.
The City of Zamboanga will showcase one of the Philippines’ most culturally distinctive destinations known for its heritage, regional cuisine, coastal life and major role in the country’s sardine industry.
The private sector will be led by Robinsons Land Corporation presenting housing, condominium and property opportunities in the Philippines. Xoom’s participation places remittance at the heart of the diaspora experience. Smiles Mobile Remittance also joins the event as a main sponsor.
People’s Ball will be emceed by Ogie Afable and Jennifer Cuneta. Cultural Ambassadors Iris Capuno, Nathalie dela Cueva and Juliaross Ramos will welcome and assist guests throughout the gala.
Presenting sponsors include ABS-CBN, iWant and TFC, together with Xoom, a PayPal service.
Other sponsors include the Maybelle Francisco Law, Department of Health for the State of New Jersey; Philippine Airlines, Robinson’s Land Corporation (RLC), Smiles Mobile Remittance; and The GAMEROOM, Powered by Hasbro.
For sponsorship, exhibition, participation or advertising information, email info@fiestainamerica.com or visit www.philippinefiestausa.com.
Fiesta in America is free and open to the public on August 15–16 at American Dream. The People’s Ball on August 9 is a ticketed gala. For information, call Fiesta in America at +1.212.682.6610.
