MOVIEGOER: Vina praying for right partner
Vina Morales proved she still has the singing chops that have been fine-tuned through the years as she matures, as she headlined the entertainment lineup at the recently held 28th Fiesta in America 2025.
The singer-actress brought the house down Aug. 17 at AmericanDream Retail and Entertainment Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey, with her powerful renditions of her hit songs as well as covers of pop hits. Vina won over the huge late-afternoon crowd as she serenaded them with songs like "Sana Ay Ikaw Na Nga," "Sa Puso Ko," "Pangako Sa 'Yo," and her medley of Filipino songs.
Vina stunned the audience with an a cappella number that displayed her vocal prowess in its purest form. Fans rose to their feet and sang with her, turning Court A into a giant community concert.
Vina shared on social media: “I’m so grateful to feel your love.”
She said being single for many years has allowed her to focus on both her singing and acting careers.
“I’m still praying that a right partner will come along,” she said.
The event’s success prompted Fernando Mendez, founder and president of Fiesta in America, to exclaim, “What a weekend it was!”
The 28th Annual Fiesta in America ended on a resounding high note, reaffirming its reputation as the largest indoor Filipino cultural and business expo in the United States. Thousands of Filipino Americans and multicultural visitors filled the country's second-largest retail and entertainment complex, immersing themselves in a two-day celebration of trade, tourism, culture, and music.
This year’s Fiesta set new records with 35 performers, surpassing last year’s 28. The program offered something for everyone: cultural dances by Filipino youth groups, a Philippine-inspired fashion show by Bessie Besana, live bands, and powerhouse vocalists.
The Philippine Department of Tourism partnered with cities and provinces to highlight travel packages, including breathtaking destinations.
Mendez says Fiesta in America is more than a stage show — it is a crossroads of commerce and culture. Dozens of exhibitors joined this year, representing Philippine provinces, airlines, hotels, food and beverage brands, and small businesses. Airline partners brought special fare promotions, while Philippine resorts and city governments enticed attendees with travel and retirement opportunities. Major sponsors include GMA Pinoy TV, NJ Dept. of Health, Korean Air, Tita’s Special Food International,LLC., Philippine Airlines, Monde M.Y. San-SkyFlakes, and Delta Airlines. Other main exhibitors include Astoria Hotels and Resorts, Sante Barley, SaladMaster, LBC Air Cargo, PaySend Remittance, and Cathay Land.
With the success of the 2025 edition, Fiesta in America, the largest and most trusted Filipino American business and cultural expo on the East Coast, is now accepting exhibitors and sponsors.
Save the dates: Fiesta in America 2026, Aug. 15-16 at American Dream; and Pasko in America, Dec. 6, 2025, American Dream.
Pasko in America, now on its third year, serves as a perfect occasion to celebrate Christmas the Filipino way. Think parol, puto bumbong, bibinca, Christmas carols.
“If people can’t go to the Philippines during the holidays, we will bring the Pasko spirit to them,” he says.
“Fiesta in America is not just an event,” Mendez added, “it’s a movement that unites Filipinos and multicultural audiences across generations.”
For more info, visit https://www.philippinefiestausa.com/ or fiestainamerica.com, via email at [email protected]. Check out scenes from the event on website: https://www.philippinefiestausa.com/2025-fia-photos-1