Jessica Sanchez, the Filipino-American singer who wowed music fans during the 11th season of the popular reality singing competition American Idol, will be the special guest performer at the Fiesta In America Expo 2024 in New Jersey, USA on Aug. 17-18.

This was announced by Fernando "Nanding" Mendez, President of Fiesta in America Expo, during a press conference in Timog, Quezon City recently. 

Aside from Jessica, other special performers during the two-day event are Shane Ericks, grand champion of Global Pinoy Idol, and Bryan Termulo, also known as the Prince of Teleserye Theme Songs in the Philippines.

"Fiesta in America is the premier Filipino event in the U.S., featuring a dynamic two-day business and cultural expo. Our mission is to empower Filipino businesses to flourish and capitalize on the opportunities within our diverse and energetic community of attendees," " said Fernando, who has been running the event since its inception in 1996.

Fernando added: “Every year, it’s challenging for us. When we started, we only had 200 people in 1996. But we continue to grow and invite more exhibitors and sponsors.

“We were publishers before, and our market was to deal with corporate people, advertisers, sponsors and exhibitors. It was just a matter of time that we reached this point that we are 10,500 Filipinos now.

“We’d like to double that in a span of 10 years, with the help of many representatives from the Philippines and the US, we can accomplish that. I am not alone. I cannot do it alone. I’m very good at delegating work and networking.

“I attend many functions in the US every weekend. I also travel to the Philippines and I’m networking when I’m in Manila," Fernando said.

Fourteen years ago, the most unforgettable moment for Nanding and the Fiesta in America organizers was the uninvited visit from Philippine government officials.

“We were surprised and honored when that happened,” Fernando recalled.

This developed as the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) will be held in New York this year. 

Fernando and Susan del Mundo, the international sales and marketing directors, shared their commitment to ensuring the success of MMFF 2024.

“Our initial proposal is to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the MMFF. They would like to showcase the most awarded film of the MMFF, Jose Rizal (1998)," said Susan. This would be done in collaboration with the Knights of Rizal, and the New York and New Jersey chapters.

Susan added: "It’s a large membership of Rizalistas on the East Coast. We are excited, as we have just concluded negotiations with the Manila International Film Festival. Let’s wait until January for the official entries of the MMFF to be screened in New York."

Manila Metropolitan Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Don Artes as well as lawyer Che-Che Ona are expected to grace the event.

“We would like our kababayans to enjoy the screenings of MMFF entries in the US. They go home in December so they can watch the entries. It’s a way of promoting them to be part of the celebration," Susan added.