EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J., August 5, 2026 — Fiesta in America will unite the Filipino American community for two major 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 American Dream in East Rutherford. Admission is free.
More than a cultural celebration, the 2026 program will connect Filipinos in the United States with opportunities in the Philippines and in the New York-New Jersey region. Retirement, remittance, tourism, real estate, investment, public health, media and entertainment will share the spotlight, giving families, businesses and government agencies direct access to a Filipino and multicultural audience across the Northeast.
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.
Beyond its islands and warm climate, the country offers English-speaking communities, private healthcare options, relative affordability and the chance to remain close to family and culture for Filipinos and a more relaxing life for non-Filipinos. Attendees can begin conversations about long-term stays and retirement pathways, including the Special Resident Retiree’s Visa.
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, Zamboanga offers overseas Filipinos and other travelers a reason to look beyond familiar destinations when planning a visit, investment or eventual homecoming.
Robinsons Land Corporation will present housing, condominium and property opportunities in the Philippines, helping visitors explore not only where they may want to travel, but also where they may someday live, invest or reconnect with the country.
Presenting sponsors ABS-CBN, iWant and TFC, together with Xoom, a PayPal service, will help bring the celebration to a broad Filipino audience.
Xoom’s participation places remittance at the heart of the diaspora experience. Sending money home is more than a transaction: it supports education, healthcare, household needs, family milestones and future plans. At Fiesta in America, remittance becomes part of the larger story of how Filipino Americans sustain families and economic ties across borders. Smiles Mobile Remittance also joins the event as a main sponsor.
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, offering live music, dance, cultural presentations and nonstop Filipino entertainment. Admission is free.
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. The entertainment lineup will also include Bamboo Grill’s ballroom dancers from New Jersey, choreographer Ronnie del Barrio and Luisa Pineda from the Philippines in separate presentations. Fiesta in America will have mainstay hosts Vince Medina and Grace Rustia.
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.
The celebration begins one week earlier with the People’s Ball, an elegant luncheon gala honoring more than 20 Empowerment Awardees whose achievements span business, public service, healthcare, education, culture and community leadership. This year, Fiesta in Amer
ica will introduce the Intergenerational Impact Award, recognizing work that brings older and younger generations together.
Among the distinguished guests will be Senen T. 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. Bamboo Grills’ ballroom dancers in New Jersey are Ronnie del Barrio, choreographer with Luisa Pineda from the Philippines. The welcoming party at People’s Ball are cultural ambassadors Nathalie dela Cueva, Iris Capuno and Juliaross Ramos.
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.
More than 20 exhibitors and partners are also participating in the 29th edition of Fiesta in America but it can still accommodate some last-minute exhibitors and sponsors up to 12 days before the event, subject to space availability and participation limitations. Interested cities, provinces, brands, real estate companies, financial services, travel organizations and community groups are encouraged to act quickly as tables and exhibition spaces continue to fill.
The 2026 celebration marks Fiesta in America’s 29th year. In 2027, the organization will celebrate its 30th edition with an expanded program of sponsors, exhibitors, partners and special events.
For sponsorship, exhibition, participation or advertising information, email info@fiestainamerica.com or visit www.philippinefiestausa.com where you can fill up forms for your level of participation.
About Fiesta in America
Philippine Fiesta USA, Inc., doing business as Fiesta in America, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization promoting Filipino culture, business, tourism and community achievement through major public events in the northeast U.S.
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 or info@fiestainamerica.com. Visit www.philippinefiestausa.com. For People’s Ball tickets, visit https://www.philippinefiestausa.com/peoples-ball To donate, visit https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-to-philippine-fiesta-usa-inc-dba-fiesta-in-america.
