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Manila Bulletin devider devider 'Fiesta In America' marks 20th anniversary

'Fiesta In America' marks 20th anniversary

Published Jul 25, 2018 04:05 pm
When I was in New York recently (from May to June), I met Nanding Mendez during a special event at the Philippine Consulate in New York. We met again when he treated me and my son Lester and popular salon owner Gloria Cabrera to dinner at the jazz joint Birdland in Broadway. It was an enjoyable night as dinner came with a remarkable performance of a quartet led by pianist-vocalist Freddy Cole, brother of the late Nat “King” Cole and uncle of Nathalie Cole. Nanding Mendez, CEO of 'Fiesta In America' (mb.com.ph) Nanding Mendez, CEO of 'Fiesta In America' Nanding is the founder and CEO of “Fiesta In America,” which marks its milestone 20th anniversary on Aug. 11-12 at Meadowlands Exposition Center in New Jersey. “Fiesta In America” is considered the biggest expo and cultural show of its kind in the East Coast. The annual two-day event, a unique booster of US and RP brands, normally attracts about 5,000 Filipinos and multi-cultural consumers from New York, New Jersey and five peripheral states. This large and affluent culture-driven audience appeals to a wide range of business and not-for-profit interests, Nanding said. Throughout the years, most of our foremost singers have performed at “Fiesta In America.” For its historic 20th anniversary, performers are Filipino fans’ favorite Gary Lewis and the Playboys (which charted No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with “This Diamond Ring” and had six other Top 10 singles), multi-platinum selling singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid, and the hot love team of Janella Salvador and Elmo Magalona. Ogie Alcasid (mb.com.ph) Ogie Alcasid This year’s “Fiesta In America” will be ushered in by a marquee Trade Pavilion. No less than 14 exporters of handicraft, holiday decor, personal accessories, packaged food and other Philippine goods will exhibit their unique products under the Region IV-A Calabarzon banner. “Fiesta in America’s’” community-tribute gala, the People’s Ball, will be held on Aug. 10 at the Meadowlands Hilton in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The People’s Ball will be highlighted by the presentation of awards for outstanding Fil-Am achievers in diverse fields. On Aug. 12, a Sunday mass and a colorful Santacruzan pageant will launch the second day’s celebration. • • • Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, July 26, go to Mayor Johnny Osmeña, Dondon Nakar, Director Heidi Sison, Annabelle Adriano, Anita Udarbe Lorenzana, Annie Ausmolo, Pacito Hipolito, Pamela Nava, Cynthia Lim, Joseph Robles, Janelle Quintana, Jennina Garcia, and Gov. Carmela E. Alvarez... July 27: Melissa Mendez, former Miss Philippines Cynthia Ugalde Tan, Penny Zosa, Carmen Garrido, Lily David, Delia Galima, Mila Reyes, Dr. Dolly Baja Lasam, Jayme Joaquin, Malou Aguilar, Jaycee Perlas, George Tapan, AJ Dee, and Kim delos Santos…
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