Iñigo Pascual to perform at Filipino festival in Tampa Bay

Photos from inigopascual/Instagram; Joey Omila/Facebook

Displaying the vibrancy and dynamic energy of fiestas back home, PhilFest in Tampa will transport you to the streets in the homeland filled with parades and cultural celebrations. Did we say banderitas too?

Whether you’re a homesick Fil-Am or a culture vulture, this is your ticket to experiencing the festive scene of Philippine celebrations in all its colorful glory.

Kicking off today, April 5 until Sunday, April 7 at the Philippine Cultural Enrichment Complex, home of the Philippine Cultural Foundation, Inc., this Filipino community cornerstone boasts vibrant parades, traditional dances, sumptuous Filipino foods and a variety of events.

From the “Yugyugan” street parade to performances by the Philippine Performing Arts Company Inc., to Flores de PhilFest Parade, fashion show and pageants showcasing the Filipina beauty — this event is dazzling with pure Pinoy creativity.

Coinciding with April’s Filipino Food Month, let’s not forget the delish feasts with Filipino vendors like So Sarap NYC among the participating food stalls. The cherry on top? Actor and singer Iñigo Pascual is coming to perform and serenade the attendees.

From 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. this Friday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, expect a myriad of dance, singing competitions, art and food with entry at only $8 (advanced ticket) to $10 (at the gate purchase).

PhilFest broke records last year with over 16,000 guests. Beyond the beats and the parade of BBQs, Filipino culture and history plus love of community are fueling this festival.

You may also like: Filipino Food Month: A feast of flavors and culture

PhilFest’s legacy in Tampa

Stretching back to the early ‘90s, PhilFest roots span back three decades, with various Filipino community organizations from the greater Tampa Bay Area bonded with a shared goal: forging a community that thrives on love for culture, unity and mutual support.

At the core of this event’s ethos is the dedication to inclusivity, also underscored by the Philippine Cultural Foundation Inc (PCFI) by welcoming diverse religious backgrounds.

The guiding force and PhilFest co-founder Joey Omila reflects on the organization’s odyssey and its unrelenting commitment to celebrating Filipino culture amidst diversity. 

Spending many years strengthening the foundation, Omila, former director of Cultural Affairs, has been credited for bringing PCFI to the forefront of community success.

Fast forward to the future, Philfest is embracing the waves of change, all propelled by the dynamism and innovation of the younger generation. 

Program and Music Director Nick Ramiro Pacis exemplifies this dynamic spirit pushing Philippine Cultural Foundation into the digital frontier.

Trying to fill in the generational gaps, Pacis expressed his belief to the younger generation, “Joey and his peers are passing on the torch and we’re just continuing what they started so many years ago—and a lot of the younger people have great ideas.” 

PhilFest is not just about having fun — it’s a grand homecoming. Your attendance is expected at 14301 Nine Eagles Drive, Tampa, Florida. 

Stay tuned by visiting their Facebook page or pcfitampa.org for tickets.