Arielle Jacobs, ‘Here Lies Love’ cast, and more await at a Pinoy Christmas event in New Jersey
‘Pasko in America’ takes a broadway turn with ‘Here Lies Love’ cast | Photos from fiestainamerica/Instagram
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas not just in the Philippines but all around the world. From snowy landscapes to sunlit beaches, the merry magic knows no bounds.
Now, that distinct Filipino Christmas spirit is crossing borders and finding a home in the United States as the offshoot event of the not-for-profit Fiesta in America stages “Pasko in America” on Dec. 16.
Organized by New Jersey-based Fernando “Nanding” Medez, this holiday-themed festival stands as the longest-running indoor Filipino event on the East Coast.
The organization took to Instagram on Sept. 30 (months away from the show day) to announce the event, with a caption: “As the holiday season approaches, we are excited to invite you to a special event that will transport you to the heartwarming Christmas traditions of the Philippines right here in America.”
The highlight of the event will be a Broadway-style musical performance featuring top Broadway star Arielle Jacobs and her fellow Filipino-American cast members of “Here Lies Love.”
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“The sight of an all-Filipino cast from ‘Here Lies Love’ on Broadway sends shivers of awe down our spines, but for them to perform for their Filipino audience is even better; it’s a wonderful Christmas or Pasko gift. They’re giving back to the community,” they wrote after posting the lineup on Instagram.
Alongside Jacobs, other cast members present at the event include Angelo Soriano, Sarah Kay, Roy Flores, Nathan Angelo, Danielle Troiano, Carol Angeli, and Timothy Matthew Flores
Aside from the “Here Lies Love” ensemble, other artists present are FAMAS Best Child Actress awardee Isabelle de Leon and 14-year-old New Jersey-based singer-songwriter Camille de la Cruz.
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The festivities also promise a mosaic of experiences, inviting attendees to immerse themselves in “the joy of Filipino Christmas.”
Like in the Philippines, there will also be a lantern parade illuminating the event. Attendees can also explore unique Filipino products, and indulge in a wide variety of Filipino cuisine from participating food trucks.
As attendees revel in the festivities, they can also participate in school reunions, enjoy raffles from sponsors and exhibitors, try their hand at parol making, and partake in fun games for children and children at heart.
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The event will also feature community and artistic excellence awards, recognizing outstanding contributions to the Filipino-American community.
“Pasko in America” will be on Dec. 16, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at American Dream in East Rutherford, New Jersey. This is open to the public.
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