EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — August 16, 2026 — From serious conversations about retiring in the Philippines to a crowd-surrounded appearance by actor and singer Sam Milby, the 29th Fiesta in America brought together government, business, tourism, fashion and entertainment for a lively two-day celebration at American Dream in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
One of the weekend’s strongest areas of interest came from the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA), led by CEO and General Manager Roberto “Bob” Zozobrado and his delegation. Visitors repeatedly stopped to inquire about the possibilities and practicalities of making the Philippines their retirement home. PRA participated as the Philippine government agency tasked with promoting the country as a retirement destination and assisting qualified foreign nationals and Filipinos considering living there.
The response demonstrated how Fiesta in America serves not only as a cultural festival, but also as a place where the Filipino diaspora can explore tangible connections to the Philippines—from retirement and tourism to property, travel and financial services.
That connection was reinforced during Saturday’s opening ceremony, when government leaders from New Jersey joined Filipino diplomatic and tourism officials in welcoming the community. Jersey City Councilman-at-Large Rolando Lavarro Jr. officially represented Jersey City and presented a proclamation to Fiesta in America President and CEO Fernando “Nanding” Mendez. Bergenfield NJ Mayor Arvin Amatorio, a People’s Ball Empowerment Awardee for his public service, was also among the government guests, reflecting the pride of local officials in recognizing the Filipino American community and its contributions to New Jersey.
The Philippines was represented with equal exuberance. Zamboanga City Mayor Khymer Adan T. Olaso, whose city was spotlighted for its cultural heritage, surprised the audience by showing another side of himself—his singing prowess. His performance enlivened the stage and turned an official appearance into one of the weekend’s spontaneous crowd-pleasing moments. The Fiesta program presented Zamboanga City as an invitation for Filipino Americans to discover another side of the Philippines.
Fashion provided another visual high point. San Diego-based designer Elsie Borreros Clavin presented her imaginative Eco-Couture Collection with KuFiPA, transforming everyday and recycled materials into striking designs inspired by culture, nature and movement. The runway presentation was among the weekend’s standout attractions, demonstrating how Filipino creativity can be playful, resourceful and theatrical at the same time.
Families also found activities beyond the main stage. Children had their own little corner where they could take part in Filipino arts and crafts activities, giving younger attendees a hands-on way to engage with Filipino culture while parents explored the exhibits and performances. The family-friendly space added another dimension to the weekend by making cultural participation something children could create and experience for themselves.
Saturday reached fever pitch with Sam Milby, presented during the ABS-CBN Global Hour. Anticipation had been building throughout the afternoon for the Filipino American actor, recording artist, singer, model, host and entrepreneur. When Milby came down from the stage and moved closer to his excited fans, the encounter transformed the performance into a more intimate moment, with attendees crowding around for a closer glimpse of the star.
But the weekend’s entertainment extended far beyond its headliners. The many other singers, bands, dancers, cultural groups and young performers also thrilled audiences throughout the two-day program, creating a steady mix of music, dance and Filipino cultural expression. The full roster of performers is featured on the Fiesta in America website under Performers, together with the models who took part in the fashion presentations, for visitors interested in learning more about the artists and personalities they saw onstage. The event program itself reflected that breadth, moving from traditional performances and rondalla music to rock, pop, line dancing and emerging young talent.
Presenting sponsors ABS-CBN Global and Xoom anchored a broad mix of sponsors and exhibitors that kept visitors engaged throughout the weekend with information, presentations, services, videos, activities and giveaways. Other participants included the Philippine Retirement Authority, Zamboanga City, New Jersey Department of Health, Philippine Airlines, Robinsons Land Corporation, Maybelle Francisco Law, Smiles Remittance, EKG Production, EVA Air, GMA Pinoy TV, and The Gameroom powered by Hasbro, among others. Both ABS-CBN Global and GMA Pinoy TV promoted their TV programs.
On Sunday, Filipino American recording artist Jenn Cuneta turned her performance into another communal celebration, getting attendees on their feet and dancing. Cuneta, known for her dance-pop and club recordings, was part of a full Sunday program spanning generations and musical styles.
As it has so often over the years, Sounds of Manila provided a fitting finale. The New Jersey-based group, longtime members of the Fiesta in America family and advocates for Original Pilipino Music in the United States, closed the 29th Fiesta with familiar songs that had the audience singing and dancing along.
The conclusion of this year’s Fiesta also begins the countdown to a milestone. Fiesta in America will mark its 30th year in 2027, and organizers are already planning a major celebration to commemorate three decades of bringing Filipino culture, community, entertainment and enterprise together in the United States. The 2026 closing program itself looked ahead to the 30th Fiesta as a celebration “like no other.”
Mendez said he was particularly encouraged by what appeared to be a larger turnout than last year, seeing it as another indication of the strength and continuing engagement of the Filipino American community. For Mendez, the growing enthusiasm also adds momentum as Fiesta prepares to celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2027.
Mendez is inviting businesses and organizations interested in sponsoring, exhibiting or
advertising at the 30th Fiesta in America to begin discussions with Fiesta in America now.
For sponsorship, exhibiting and advertising inquiries:
Philippine Fiesta USA, Inc. dba Fiesta in America
A 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit organization
August 14 and 15, 2027
American Dream, East Rutherford, NJ
Email: info@fiestainamerica.com
Phone: +1 (212)682.6610 (during office hours) or text +1 (646) 588-8996
Website: www.philippinefiestausa.com
The 30th Fiesta in America will be more than another annual festival—it will be a celebration of three decades of community. With the community’s support, Fiesta in America hopes to make 2027 its biggest and most memorable year yet.
