2023 Fiesta in America Journal (ALL©)

PROGRAM SCHEDULE

AUGUST 19 – STARTS AT 10AM @ AMERICAN DREAM

COURT A, EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY USA

PART 1: 10am THANSKGIVING MASS – Msgr. Oscar Aquino and Fr. Dani dela Pena

SANTACRUZAN 2023

Catholic Action of Mary – Freddy Burke

OPENING CEREMONIES

WELCOME SPEECHES (To be announced)

PART 2:

12:30pm

CULTURAL PRESENTATION

A Multi-Cultural Journey through DANCES & ARTS

BIBAK NY

Filipino School of NY & NY

C.E.B.U. Inc.

Latino Segment: Moises Ruidias & Mia Solis and Hillary Anticona & Ryan Casire

CONTEMPORARY TALENT SHOWCASE

Sarah Joy Santos

Jisyl

The Band of Brothers

Bernie Dela Merced

GV Line Dancers of St. Vincent in Bayonne, NJ

Beef Jerky Experience • Best Pizza

Bigoi Venezia Sani e Italiani •

Bluewhale • Bravo Pizza• Burger

Shack • Butter Lane Cupcakes•

Carpaccio American Dream •

PART 3:

PART 4:

2:10pm

FEATURED ARTISTS

Elite Club Pinoy-Boobsie & Jay Manalo plus Special Guest

Tuesday Vargas

3:30pm SPONSORS ADVERTISING & SPEAKING

ENGAGEMENTS / ANNOUNCEMENTS

4:00pm CONTEMPORARY TALENT SHOWCASE

Camille dela Cruz

Belvidere Avenue Band

Defined Movement

The Arato Brothers

5:00pm SHOW STOPPER

Boi Angel

Morris Montilla

Pong’s Playground

6:00pm FEATURED ARTISTS

Elite Club Pinoy - Boobsie & Jay Manalo plus Special Guest

Tuesday Vargas

EMCEES: Vince Media and Grace Rustia

CULTURAL DIRECTOR: Ogie Afable EDITOR IN CHIEF: Len Manansala

FINANCE DIRECTOR: Vicie Allam MARKETING DIRECTOR: Susan del Mundo

MANAGING DIRECTOR: Gino Cabigao

PRODUCTION MANAGERS: Shegie Agsaoay, Vivian Velasco and Rose Javier

ART DIRECTOR: Manny Mendez DIGITAL DIRECTOR: Nate Mendez

Charleys Philly Steaks • Chickies

Fresh food fast • Cinnabon •

Cortaditos Cuban Coffee y Mas •

Cotton Pop Shop Artisanal

Cotton Candy & Popcorn • Cozy

Tea Loft • Deep Fried Love •

Dream Bar• Dunkin • Falafel & Chips • Falafel Inc Eat for Good •

Five Guys Burgers and Fries •

Geoffrey’s Cafe • German Doner

Kebab• Global Newsstand •

Goldie Lox• Grisini• House or Que Authentic Austin Barbeque •

Hui Lau Shan • Haagen-Dazs • Ichi

Japan Express • illy • Jarana •

Jollibee • Kelly’s Cajun Grill •

Kingkong Express • Laderach

Chocolatier Suisse • LadyM New York • Latin Grill • Lucciano’s •

Mozzarella Bar • Mr. Mian •

MrBeast Burger• Mrs.Fields •

Oreo Cafe• Popeyes• Pora Ramen

• Real Fruit Bubble Tea • Red

Mango • Rosetta the Italian bakery

• Starbucks • Sushi Express •

Szechuan Opera • Taco Bell • Van

Leeuwen • Vanessa’s Dumpling

House • Vinoteca Wine bar at American Dream • Wendy’s •

Wetzel’s Pretzels • Yard House •

MESSAGE

On behalf of the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Washington, D.C., I convey our warmest greetings to the organizers, supporters, and distinguished guests of Fiesta in America on the occasion of its 26th Anniversary on 19 August 2023.

The Embassy appreciates the Filipino community’s efforts in maintaining Fiesta in America as a central and prominent platform for showcasing the richness of Philippine culture, tradition, history, and heritage. I am confident that this event will continue to unite the community together and foster strong bonds among Filipino-Americans in the US East Coast.

Let us forge ahead together, fueled by the bayanihan spirit, and inspired by our unwavering pursuit of stability, progress, and prosperity for the Filipino people, as envisioned by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

In this shared journey, every Filipino holds a stake in the destiny of our nation,and together, we shall continue to shape a brighter future for the Philippines. Maraming salamat at mabuhay po kayong lahat!

19 August 2023

MESSAGE

I extend my warm greetings to all visitors from New York, New Jersey, and the nearby states to the American Dream as you visit the Fiesta in America 2023.

All visitors will definitely enjoy the extravaganza of Filipino culture which would include, among others, music, art, food, Philippine products, as well as sharing with the public our travel attractions and other reasons to show why visitors fall in love with the Philippines.

My warmest congratulations to all participants in Fiesta in America. The Consulate General of the Philippines in New York is proud and appreciative of all that you are doing. Mabuhay po kayo!

19 August 2023, New York City

Message froM the President and Ceo

Dear Friends:

The meaning of the “American Dream” has evolved through generations: from Baby Boomers owning a house, to Millenials thriving in a commune, to Gen Z youth basking in experiences instead of material possessions.

Immigrant Filipinos – Fiesta In America’s core audience – have their own notion of “living the dream.” It is shaped by their struggles in the United States as newcomers. It is shored up by putting a premium on education. It is won by skill, hard work, sacrifice and pluck.

Fiesta In America celebrates the “Filipino American Dream,” which takes peculiar forms that only immigrants could recognize. It can mean landing a high-paying job despite the barriers imposed on newcomers-of-color. It can imply putting kids through the best U.S. colleges, and having the extra income to provide for loved ones back home, and the resources to invest in a Philippine business or real estate.

Unrealistic? Demographic data have proven otherwise. Filipinos rank second in median household income among all U.S. population groups, regardless of race. According to Pew Research Center, 41 percent of foreign-born Filipinos have a Bachelor’s degree vs. 20 percent of all Americans, and 65 percent of immigrant Filipinos live in owner-occupied homes vs. 59 percent of all Asians in the U.S.

No venue for our 26th Anniversary reflects Filipinos’ purchasing power better than New Jersey’s American Dream. The venue’s gleaming atriums, stores and dining places seem to say, “You’ve made it in America.” Our exhibitors – franchisers led by the Elite Club Pinoy; leisure travel to Ilocos Norte and other Philippine tourist havens; investments in Philippine real estate, and others – affirm a singular message. If you’re willing to work hard, to use your smarts and leverage your education, no one can stop you from living the Filipino American Dream.

Sincerely,

Nanding Mendez

On the Fiesta in America marquee

Vargas

AA much sought-after “free agent” whose acting, singing and comedic talents have graced the big screen as well as TV shows of GMA Network and ABS-CBN, Tuesday Vargas personifies the beautyand-brains celebrity.

Tuesday (formerly Marizel Sarangelo-Placido) is an alumna of Manila Science High School, which was modeled after the famed Bronx High School of Science and designed to meet the needs of scholars gifted in science and math. She is a resident judge of TV5’s highly-rated Talentadong Pinoy talent show.

A gifted comic and actress, Tuesday was first thrust in the limelight with early roles in film, including Keka and First Time (Viva Films), Liberated (Seiko Films), Mr. Suave (Star Cinema) and Captain Barbell (Premier Entertainment Productions), all in 2003. Her star turn came with acclaimed roles as Saling

in Gulong Ng Palad, and as Libby in Bituing Walang Ningning, both in 2006. She followed up these triumphs with Here Comes the Bride (2010), Ang Turkey Man Ay Pabo Din (2012) which was spun off as a TV5 series in 2015, The Girl In The Orange Dress (2018) and LSS (Last Song Syndrome). She won the Best Supporting Actress Award for LSS (Last Song Syndrome) at the Third Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino in 2019.

On the small screen, Tuesday’s prominent roles have ranged from Yumi Gonzales in Cooking Kumares (2012) and Cookie in Kano Luvs Pinay (2015), both on TV5; to Hannah Silva in Daddy’s Girl (2018) and Ebony Ventura in Mga Lihim Ni Urduha (2023), on GMA Network.

Fiesta In America’s marquee performer has charmed her legion of music fans with her singles, Babae Po Ako and Kuya ‘Wag Po.

tuesday_v

Jay Manalo

AAward-winning film and TV personality Jay Manalo will regale Fiesta In America's attendees with his magnetic personality and skills as a live-audience performer. His recent triumphs on the silver screen include Bayaran, Ang Huling Birhen Sa Lupa, Prosti, and Mano Po 3: My Love, as well as the comedies I Will Survive and Ako, Legal Wife. On TV, he thrived in popular soap operas such as Mula Sa Puso, FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano and Pangako Sa ‘Yo (all on ABS-CBN), as well as in Kung Mawawala Ka on GMA Network.

@jaymanalo30

Boobsie W on DE rlan D

FEATURED PERFORMERS

CComedian Boobsie Wonderland’s standup routine sharply contrasts with her start in showbiz as a Philippine cultural dancer and choreographer in Japan, Dubai and other countries. After her talent for rib-ticklers was discovered by well-established performers, Boobsie (the former May Jane Arrabis) joked her way to fame at the Comedy Bar, Celebrity Bluff and Eat Bulaga on GMA Network, on the variety show Sunday PinaSaya, and at a recent Araneta Center concert, Panahon Ng May Tama

boobsiewonderland18

Franchising for gain and common good

PLACE PRODUCT

PRICE franchise

PROMOTION

OOpportunities for Fil-Ams to invest in Philippine franchising businesses is one of the core themes of Fiesta In America’s 26th Anniversary on August 19 in New Jersey’s American Dream. Led by the Elite Club Pinoy, one of the Philippines’ most successful groups of local franchisers, a section of Court A is devoted to the club’s member-firms representing a broad swath of local franchising operations.

Fiesta In America attendees will be able to engage with Elite Club Pinoy franchisers on a wide range of businesses in which to invest for themselves and their families back home; how to start, sustain and grow a local franchise; how much

capital and skill is required; the rewards and drawbacks of the business; and other related topics.

According to the International Trade Administration, the Philippines’ growing middle class makes the country a good market for franchises, ranging from beauty and wellness to restaurant chains, and from fashion to automotive and home furnishings. “The Philippines is considered one of the largest franchise markets in Southeast Asia,” the ITA observed. “Metro Manila alone, with a population of 20 million during the day, is a target market for foreign franchises. The key to success would be identifying a capable local partner and bringing

a unique concept that can be priced according to Philippine standards.”

The Elite Club mindset goes beyond wealth-generation, says Sonny “Mogs” Angeles, club founder and President. “We allocate a portion of the profits from successful transactions to the club’s social responsibilities, such as community services, scholarships, and healthcare support,” indicating that a money-making franchise can also benefit communities in need.

To pursue opportunities in the franchising industry after Fiesta In America, contact Nanding Mendez via email at sepmgzn@yahoo.com or by phone at 917-612-8861.

Featured Destination

‘‘i’m in!’’

White-sand beaches uncrowded with hordes of tourists. Sand dunes that invite all-terrain joy rides. Soaring wind farms that overlook the sky-blue sea. These, and more, are Ilocos Norte’s natural and manmade wonders that seem to ask the jaded traveler, “Are you in?” The northern Luzon province offers many stillundiscovered treasures for visitors, that it was selected by Fiesta In America as the festival’s Featured Destination among local tourist havens.

Because leisure travel is one of the main themes of Fiesta In America 2023, Ilocos Norte was a shoo-in as a destination to be showcased. “Ilocos Norte checked all the boxes for us,” said Nanding Mendez, Fiesta In America’s President and CEO.

“It has the makings of the next tourism hot spot that may even rival Palawan and Boracay with sufficient public awareness.”

Governor Matthew Manotoc’s administration has stepped up its promotion of local visitor attractions that are gaining traction in the travel industry. Ilocos Norte’s prime spots include Saud Beach in Pagudpud; Suba Sand Dunes in Paoay; the wind farms in Burgos, Pagudpud and Bangui, the latter being the country’s first wind-power generation plant; Kapurpurawan Rock Formation; Cape Bojeador

Lighthouse; and St. Augustine Church in Paoay, one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites in the Philippines; and Pannzian Beach. The marketing catch-phase “Ilocos Norte: I’m IN!” justifies the buzz about the province.

For international travelers who put a premium on modern amenities, the 77-hectare Fort Ilocandia beckons with its hotel, resort and casino. The SpanishMoroccan villa was designed by architect Jorge Ramos and built by the Philippine Tourism Authority in 1983. Golf aficionados, meanwhile, can indulge in their favorite sport at the superb course on Paoay Lake, which was designed by the legendary golfer and course designer Gary Player. Other resorts for discriminating tourists include Plaza del Norte and Sitio Remedios.

Saud Beach, Pagudpud

More than owning a house or a hefty bank account, attaining professional success or making a difference in the world could define the “Filipino american dream.” it may not be the wish of most Filipinos in the united states. But for the 2023 empowerment awardees, being the best in what they do, or doing well as agents of change, transcends wealth and fame –traditional notions of the american dream. The People’s Ball pays tribute to exceptional Fil-am achievers in diverse fields. This year’s glittering gala will be held on august 13 at the Marriott Liberty international airport Hotel in newark. awardees will be cited for accomplishments in business and professional endeavors, public service, and the humanities. Their success reflects on us all.

EmpowErmEnt AwArds 2023

DNP, RN, FNYAM Honorary Chair

Laura Garcia is associate professor of Nursing at the College of Mount St. Vincent and a clinical instructor at the New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing. She received the Pamana Ng Pilipino Award in 2021, Presidential Awards for Individual and Organization Overseas (PAFIOO). Dr. Garcia is currently Vice President for Community Relations at Fiesta In America and President of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations, Northeast Region. Her Doctorate in Nursing Practice was conferred by Fairleigh Dickinson University. She sits on the Manhattan Community Board District Five.

senen caBaLFin

RN, MSN, CNOR Grand Marshal, Fiesta in America Honoree: Entrepreneurship

“Senen Cabalfin is a successful entrepreneur who broke down barriers to business ownership by women in the U.S.,” said Nanding Mendez, Fiesta In America’s President and CEO.

“As our first Grand Marshal, Senen will set the mold for her successors.” Cabalfin, RN, MSN, CNOR founded Special Care Community Services, which initially built two New Jersey group facilities for older adults. She and her partners followed up this venture by purchasing Harbor Hall at Egg Harbor City, Freehold Manor at Freehold Township and other facilities. To date, Cabalfin counts 11 group homes in Central-South Jersey and in Boca Raton and Broward, FL among their holdings. She has received numerous awards for Community Service and Clinical Excellence.

rev. MsGr.

Oscar aquinO

JCD

Honoree: Spiritual and Civic Stewardship

A Doctorate degree in Canon Law earned in Rome (summa cum laude), a Bachelor of Laws degree and Diplomate in International Pastoral Sociology, his dissertation published by the Vatican…testify to the Rev. Msgr. Aquino’s standing from the start of his career in the church. Since his ordination in 1962 and appointments as Chancellor and Oeconomous of the Archdiocese of Dagupan, Superintendent of Catholic Schools in the Philippines and Vicar General, he has blazed a trail as spiritual and lay leader. For New York Fil-Ams who grappled with various needs, he has mediated on drug cases, discrimination, work disputes, domestic abuse, hunger, affordable housing and immigration. “Monsignor Oscar” is a strong advocate for, and spiritual adviser to, faithbased and lay groups.

Laura Garcia

EmpowErmEnt

nYs asseMBLYMeMBer sTeven raGa

Governance and Public Administration

Representing District 30 in the New York Assembly, Assemblymember Raga tirelessly serves his multicultural constituents in Woodside, Elmhurst, Maspeth, Middle Village, Jackson Heights, and Astoria. He holds an MBA from Cornell University's S.C. Johnson Graduate School of Management, an MS in Healthcare Leadership from Weill Cornell Medicine, an MPA from CUNY Baruch, a Graduate Diploma in International Human Rights Law from the American University in Cairo, and an MPP and BA in Political Science from SUNY Stony Brook. He has completed fellowships at the CUNY Institute for State and Local Governance, New American Leaders, National Urban Fellows, Cornell Law School, the Cornell University Emerging Markets Institute, and Coro New York's Immigrant Civic Leadership Program. He has founded Pilipino American Unity for Progress, and has served on the Queens Community Board 2 as well as the Queens District Attorney’s Advisory Commission for Asian American Affairs. He is a New York State Advisory Committee Member for the U.S. Federal Commission on Civil Rights.

Brendan FLOres Public Affairs and Community Advocacy

Brendan is the youngest-ever president and chairman of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations. Based in Florida, he is the Senior VP and Consumer Vehicle Lending Integration Manager for Bank of America. He previously held the position of Consumer Banking Leader at BA, leveraging over 20 years of financial experience to drive consumer and small business results across 150 of BA’s West Florida locations. An advocate of unity among Fil-Am civic groups, Brendan has been named one of the National Association of Asian Pacifics in Politics and Public Affairs' Top 40 Political Operatives and Public Affairs Professionals Under 40 in the United States. Among his awards are the US President's Volunteer Service Award, Community Service Lifetime Achievement Award from President Biden, the ABSCBN North America Gawad Geny Lopez Bayaning Pilipino Award, a citation as One of the Outstanding Filipino Americans in the US, and the Global Innovator Award.

edGar Lerias MD

Pediatric Medicine and Philanthropy

A Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatrics and graduate of Cebu’s Southwestern University College of Medicine, Dr. Lerias first earned his US stripes as an intern in pediatrics at Long Island Jewish Medical Center, a pediatrics resident at Nassau County Medical Center, and a fellow in Pediatric Ambulatory Medicine at Winthrop University Hospital. He is a Consultant/ Attending Physician in the Pediatrics Department of St. Francis Hospital Medical Heart Center in Roslyn, NY. Dr. Lerias is a dedicated humanitarian as well. He was a member of numerous charities such as the American Pediatric Society, and was past President of the Philippine Medical Association in America, the Association of Philippine Physicians of New York, and Friends Indeed USA. Through the Rotary Club of NY’s Gift of Life Program, he has led the campaign to bring congenital heart-defect patients from the Philippines for surgical repair at St. Francis Hospital. He recently received the Lankapil Award for medical and humanitarian missions in the Philippines.

HeLen casTiLLO

Civic and Cultural Engagement

Helen Castillo leveraged her Agri-Business degree from the UP in Los Baños to secure her current position on the faculty of New Jersey City University’s Mathematics Department. But her prominence in the community stems chiefly from her indefatigable work heading the Philippine American Friendship Community, Inc. (PAFCOM), a 33-year-old civic group whose mission is to enhance FilipinoAmerican relationships in the Northeast USA. Helen is viewed by many as PAFCOM’s guiding spirit; their various initiatives include holding an annual parade and cultural show to observe Philippine American Friendship Day. Her stewardship of PAFCOM has garnered Helen a host of awards, including the 2010 Women of Action Award from the City of Jersey City, 2011 Volunteer of the Year Award from then-New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, 2012 Community Leadership Award from New Jersey’s PanAmerican Community Action League, and the 2021 Gintong Pamana Prism Award.

AwArdEEs 2023

eMiLiO quines, Jr. MD, KGCR

General Medical Practice and Humanitarian Missions

A renowned Family Medicine practitioner whose civic efforts include medical missions and support for immigrants as well as small entrepreneurs, Dr. Emilio Quines, Jr. (Ret.) is a Diplomate of the American Association of Family Medicine. For nearly 30 years, he served as Attending Physician at the Good Samaritan Hospital and Medical Center. He also made his mark as Medical Director at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Health Center, and as an HIV Specialist for 20 years at Suffolk County Department of Health Services on Long Island. He was a Founder of, and serves as an Advisor to, the UERM Medical Foundation. He was a Charter Member of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Foundation and Museum. With his wife, Dr. Felicisima DavidQuines, he has provided capital to the EQFQ Credit Corp., which extends micro-loans to small Filipino businesses. A lifetime Knights of Rizal member, he rose to the post of Commander of the KOR’s Long Island Chapter in 2014-2015. He received the TOFA (The Outstanding Filipinos in America) Heritage Award in 2022.

rOnie MaTaqueL PhD

Education Management and Civic Affairs

Before his appointment as Adjunct Lecturer at Brooklyn College (2020 to the present), Dr. Mataquel served as Adjunct Lecturer, now College Instructor, at Queensborough Community College. Since 2018, he has been an Adjunct Professor at Touro University System’s Lander College for Men. He received his Doctorate in Development Administration from Philippine Christian University, a Master of Arts degree in Education from National Teachers College, and a Diplomate in Mathematics Teaching from the UP Open University. He has led various civic groups, including the United Federation of Fil-Am Educators, the Philippine Independence Day Council, Inc., and the Association of Filipino American Teachers in America. Among his awards are The Most Outstanding Migrant Award for Community Service and Promotion of Cultural Diversity from the USA In – Global Migrant Heritage Foundation; New York Family Magazine’s Excellence in Education Award; and Model Fil-Am Teacher of the Year from the Philippine American Communities Executive Council.

MSN, RN, CNL Professional Development in Nursing Education

Currently the Program Director for Nursing Continuing Professional Development at New York Presbyterian, Laarni oversees the continuous skills improvement and training of more than 11,000 nurses at 11 New York Presbyterian campuses, including the prestigious NYP Cornell and NYP Columbia University Hospitals. She teams up with the Cornell and Columbia Medical Colleges, as well as the Columbia School of Nursing under their Inter-Professional Continuing Professional Development program. Laarni is the President-Elect of the Philippine Nurses Association of New York; she will assume the post in 2024. She volunteers for the American Nurses Association, Maryland Nurses Association, the Association of Nursing Professional Development, the American Organization of Nursing Leadership, and other institutions at the forefront of continuous nursing instruction. A civic-minded leader, Laarni has founded the Thinking of You Kindness Campaign and Nurses Advocating for Nurses.

TeresiTa Medina

DNP, MAS, RN-BC Behavioral Healthcare Administration

With over 30 years of psychiatric and behavioral nursing care management behind her, Dr. Medina exemplifies the healthcare professional. She currently serves as Assistant Vice President, Behavioral Health Services, at Clara Maass Medical Center in Belleville, NJ. Previously, she distinguished herself as Chief Nursing Officer, Patient Care Services, at RWJB Behavioral Health Center in Toms River; Administrative Director, Behavioral Health Services, at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch; Administrative Director of Behavioral Health and Acute Care at Saint Clare’s Hospital in Boonton; and Administrative Director, Behavioral Health Services, at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. She sits on the faculty of the School of Nursing, Felician University. She has also taught psychiatric nursing theory and clinical practice at other famed nursing schools in New Jersey and in her native Manila. She is the incumbent President (20222024) of the Philippine Nurses Association, NJ. >>>

Laarni FLOrenciO

EmpowErmEnt AwArdEEs 2023

sOLedad de La Merced DNP, MSN, CCRN Clinical Care Nursing Practice and Education

A senior critical care nurse at the University Hospital in Newark, Dr. De La Merced has excelled in clinical nursing practice for over 40 years, her passion for education being stoked by her appointment as adjunct clinical nursing faculty member at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (now the Rutgers School of Biomedical and Health Sciences). She is responsible for guiding the next generation of nurse leaders. An alumna of the University of the East Memorial Medical Center College of Nursing, she earned her Master in Nursing Education degree from Thomas Edison State University, and a Doctorate in Nursing Practice in Executive Management and Leadership from Rutgers University. An advocate of alliances that advance nursing education, she has collaborated with professional groups such as the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Philippine Nurses Association of New Jersey, and the UERM Nursing Alumni Association USA, Inc. to name a few.

[ORGANizATiON]

Fil-Am Community Advocacy and Cultural Preservation

For over three decades, the Philippine American Friendship Community, Inc. has embedded itself in the fabric of Fil-Am life. PAFCOM was founded in 1990 in Jersey City with the goals of preserv-

ing Filipino heritage, helping Filipino immigrants assimilate into mainstream U.S. society, and fostering closer relationships with other ethnic communities. Their goals have expanded to include assisting the elderly, the handicapped, youth, the LGBTQ community, and families in need. PAFCOM is a mainstay of some of the most popular Fil-Am community events in New Jersey, such as the Philippine American

Friendship Day in June; the Taste of the Philippines feeding program; wellness initiatives including Zumba, yoga and dancing classes; Pasko at Simbang Gabi sa Konsulado; scholarships; and a host of others. In 2021, PAFCOM received the Banaag Award by the Presidential Award for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas for dedication to issues affecting Filipino Americans’ well-being.

Choral Music as Cultural Touchstone

The Kayumanggi Chorale’s mission is to promote awareness of the Philippines’ musical heritage, foster talent, and provide opportunities for personal growth while raising funds for Filipinos in-need. Led by Lourdes Payumo-Corrales,

President since 2017, and Dr. Dennis Bernardo, Musical Director for over three decades, the Kayumanggi Chorale has performed at benefit shows for initiatives including the Adopt-A-School Project, financial aid to victims of natural disasters, funding for abused and neglected children, educational materials for underprivileged students in rural areas, the Balik-Turo

Program, and others. Their acclaimed performances have included prominent venues such as Alice Tully Hall, Merkin Hall, Florence Gould Hall, Bruno Walter Auditorium at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, Equitable Auditorium at Princeton University, and Newark Symphony Hall. Their most recent plaudit was the 2021 Lingkod Sa Kapwa Pilipino (LINKAPIL) Award.

PHiLiPPine aMerican FriendsHiP cOMMuniTY inc.

KaYuManGGi cHOraLe, inc. [ORGANizATiON]

2023 Empowerment Awardee for Outstanding Achievements in General Medical Practice and Humanitarian Missions

A proud Knight Grand Cross of Rizal, who takes pride of his immigrant roots — Charter and Founding Member of The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation (with Museum-The American Family Immigration History Center); and of his legacies:

EQFQ Credit Corporation, Marcelina Lorenzana Parrana Quines Bldg (named after his loving mother)—Medical and Dental Clinics at the Tagudin National High School in Tagudin, Ilocos Sur; Founder and Advisor, UERM Medical Foundation.

senen CabalfiN

Fiesta in americaʼs first Grand Marshal

SSenen Cabalfin, RN, MSN, CNOR, will lead Fiesta In America 2023 as the festival’s Grand Marshal. “She is a successful entrepreneur who broke down barriers to women-owned companies in the U.S.,” remarked Nanding Mendez, Fiesta In America’s President and CEO. “As our first Grand Marshal since 1996, Senen will set the mold for her successors.”

Senen reflects the spunk and vision behind Fiesta In America itself, which has evolved into the biggest annual indoor Filipino event on the east coast. While studying for her Master’s degree in Nursing Administration, she learned of a funding opportunity from the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD). Sensing a breakthrough, she founded the not-forprofit Special Care Community Services, which built two New Jersey group facilities for older adults. “After a year,” she recalls, “I purchased Harbor Hall at Egg Harbor City that houses and supports 16 elderly and special needs individuals, as well as Freehold Manor at Freehold Township, which houses 20 elderly clients.”

She traces the roots of her nursingto-business career switch to her deep

passion for home healthcare. “Being an entrepreneur means having a keen eye for spotting opportunities where others see obstacles,” Senen asserts. “I honed my skills in identifying gaps in the market, studying emerging trends, and understanding consumer needs.” Her move could not have been better timed. “ The healthcare industry now has the highest success rate among all small business categories,” according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “It’s the industry where small businesses succeed the most: 85 percent of small businesses in social assistance are still running after one year, 5 percent above the average rate.”

Senen is quick to credit her husband Pete, who worked in the home improve -

ment industry, as well as a male friend, who was in construction, for their crucial role in expanding the business. “We started Mobility Special Care Housing, a nonprofit that builds permanent housing,” Senen recounts. “We were able to build and own 11 group homes in Central-South Jersey.” In Florida, the company operates in Boca Raton and Broward. It helped that people close to her have lent their own skills to the expansion. “My son’s expertise in home construction helped Mobility Construction to soar, and my daughter’s credentials as Doctor in Physical Therapy ensure total care for our clients who needed recuperative services,” says Senen.

Public recognition naturally followed in her wake. She has been honored as a Parent of the Year, and has received numerous awards for Community Service and for Clinical Excellence, as well as the 2012 Nursing Excellence Award for Structural Empowerment, the 2013 PNANJ Care Award for Nurse Entrepreneur of the Year, and 2023 Bayani ng Mundo – Nursing Heroes.

Being an entrepreneur means having a keen eye for spotting opportunities where others see obstacles senen

Congratulations to our ad Edgar LErias, Md

2023 Empowerment Awardee for Outstanding Achievements in Pediatric Medicine and Philanthropy

As a Lankapil Awardee from President Rodrigo Duterte, we are proud of your achievements in your profession and your life’s mission, especially the Gift of Life Program you initiated (bringing congenital heart defect patients from the Philippines for surgical repair).

From your loving wife Mary Jane and your children and families — Brandon & courtney Lerias and children sam & James; dr. nicholas & nikki Lerias; Jeremy & Tara Lerias Bird and children avery, r alph & nathalie

CHAMPIONS & LEADERS

Fiesta In America proudly acknowledges exceptional individuals for their invaluable support towards its mission. For information to be included in the FIA Champions & Leaders, please email info@fiestainamerica.com

Dr. Dino Amarga & Ms. Ollie David

Author Ms. Loida Lewis with Book Editor Blair S. Walker WHY SHOULD GUYS HAVE ALL THE FUN

Dr. Edgar Lerias & Ms. Mary Jane Lerias

Dr. Emilio Quines & Dr.. Angie Cruz

ARATO BROTHERS

aratobrothers.com

THE BAND OF BROTHERS

tbb100

BELVIDERE AVENUE BAND

BelvidereAvenue

DEFINED MOVEMENT @definedmovementnj

MORRIS MONTILLA morrismontilla

SARAH JOY iamsarahnjoy IamSarahNJoy

JISYL MANUEL JisylDSantos

BERNIE DELA MERCED drbernardo.merced

BOI ANGEL https://linktr.ee/boiangel

CAMILLE DE LA CRUZ thecamilledelacruz

Pong's Playground

GV LiNE DANCERS OF ST.ViNCENT iN BAYONNE NJ Good Vibes Line Dancers of St.Vincent

Pongs-Playground

BiBAK NY bibak.ny.3

MOiSéS RUiDiAS & MíA SOLiS

Moises Ruidias Mia Teresa Solis

ORGANIZATIONS & LEADERS

Fiesta In America proudly acknowledges exceptional organizations for their invaluable support towards its mission. For information to be included in the FIA Leaders & Organizations, please email info@fiestainamerica.com

SANTACRUZAN by Catholic Action of Mary Freddy Burke, President

Suriya Samanyaphon, HERMANO MAYOR

Rebecca Samanyaphon, HERMANA MAYOR

Hudson County Latino American Chamber of Commerce Heidi Castrillon, President

HEALTH SCREENING by Philippine Nurses Association NJ

Teresita Medina DNP, MAS, RN-BC, President

CHILDREN’S ARTS & CRAFTS by UNIFFIED New Jersey Catalina Suerte, President

His improbable Journey

nandinG MendeZ: From caloocan egg farm and Makati ad agency to new York business holdings

BY LEN MANANSALA

If the odds for success in the Big Apple are low for immigrants, the chances for immigrants-of-color to succeed in the city are near zero. But don’t tell that to Fernando “Nanding” Mendez. He has climbed over, dug under and worked around seemingly insurmountable barriers that have cowed millions of dreamers before him. “Dreaming is one thing,” Nanding says in his midtown-Manhattan office. “Breaking one’s back to make dreams come true is the real story.”

Nanding’s trek to America was strewn with “Do not enter” signs from the get-go. He and his siblings were brought up in his grandfather’s poultry farm in Caloocan City. From an early age, they helped out by

cleaning the layers’ coops and gathering eggs every morning to sell in the market. But Nanding had a talent for the arts that he knew from the onset would take him as far away as possible from the coops’ stench.

Majoring in Advertising, he graduated from the University of Santo Tomas in the mid1970s with a Fine Arts degree.

His stint as Art Director at Philippine Advertising Counselors (PAC) was distinguished by awards for campaigns on behalf of blue-chip brands. Overseas ad agencies took notice, and he received job offers in Singapore and in the United States. “Accepting a position as Art Director in Montana was the most momentous decision I’ve ever made, up to that point,” Nanding recalls. He moved to Billings, MT with his wife Mila and their sons, Nathan and Mervin, in the early1980s. Nanding first received recognition in U.S. advertising when he won a competition to design the logo of the city of Billings. Another “Do not enter” sign ignored.

Soon after resettling in New York City with his family, Nanding and some Makati advertising colleagues landed an unlikely job producing two annual editions of the first Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi Yellow Pages. “Imagine the nerve of Pinoys writing and designing a business directory for South Asians in New York!” With not a little pride, Nanding

Nanding at work on his art desk in 2014

Nanding Mendez, Fiesta in America Founder and President / CEO with beloved Laura Garcia.

American Dream, East Rutherford, New Jersey, home of Fiesta in America since 2022

remembers those early days of desktop publishing in a cramped apartment in Astoria, Queens.

Ever the restless entrepreneur, Nanding followed up the directory gig by publishing a nationally circulated Filipino American quarterly magazine, Special Edition Press, in 1990. The magazine’s seven-year run built up his Rolodex of connections among U.S. ethnic-marketing experts. The magazine became the precursor to his most successful venture to date, Fiesta In America. Founded in 1996 by Nanding and his late wife (Mila passed away in 2012) as the US-Philippines Trade Show, the indoor festival was popularly known as Philippine Fiesta

New York-New Jersey area. He also invested in residential and office real estate in the two-state area and in the Philippines, graphic design and photography, as well as commercial printing.

in its first decade. The expo showcased Philippine exports, tourism attractions, and U.S. brands with a stake in the Fil-Am market. “Our mission back then was to connect businesses with Fil-Am consumers through a festival that highlighted immigrant-centered services, Filipino products, heritage and talent,” said Nanding. Fiesta In America, as the event has been known since 2013, is now recognized as the biggest annual indoor Filipino event on the east coast.

Apart from Fiesta In America, Nanding’s business interests have expanded into large-audience staged events, such as concerts in Atlantic City and New York headlined by icons including Sharon Cuneta, Rico Puno, Nora Aunor, Apo Hiking Society, Dolphy and Zsa-Zsa Padilla, plus a host of rising talents from the

Though his path from the Philippines to the Big Apple has been forked with byways and detours, Nanding remains rooted to his past as graphic artist. Taking time from his various holdings, he has designed the logo of Insular Bank of Asia and America, and has won the competition to design the logo of the Philippine Independence Day Committee, Inc. (PIDCI).

In addition to his graphics design success, Nanding has completed a ceiling painting in 2021 measuring 12 feet by 9 feet. The allegorical representation of angels was inspired by the works of selected early Renaissance masters, and was a tribute for victims of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nanding’s painting symbolizes hope, healing, and solace for the individuals who faced the challenges of the pandemic.

Visit: https://theworldwidegallery.com.

Profiled several times in the Fil-Am Who’s Who, he is the recipient of numerous awards

for his civic engagement, including the 2016 Phoenix Award from the Jaycees Philippines-New York in recognition of Exemplary Community Leadership by Jaycee Alumni, and Outstanding Thomasian hosted by University of Santo Tomas Alumni Association.

Fiesta In America’s 26th Anniversary edition will be staged on Saturday, August 19, 2023 in the stunning Court A of American Dream in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The venue boasts four sprawling theme parks and more than 400 brand-name department stores and restaurants. Due to the success of Fiesta In America 2022, American Dream management predicts a much larger audience turnout this year of more than 10,000 Fil-Ams, aside from the venue’s built-in summer weekend foot traffic of 50,000+ consumers of all cultures.

Recognized as the biggest annual indoor Filipino event on the U.S. east coast, Fiesta In America is a one-of-a-kind cornucopia of Philippine music and dance; native products; tourist attractions; real estate for investment and retirement; native cuisine; and financial, health as well as other immigrant-tailored services. It has been attended by more than 220,000 mostly-Filipino consumers since its inception in 1996.

The Fiesta in America Team With American Dream's Brian Hague

Health Screening by PNANJ

Trade Show Vendors

Special Latino Show

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