A big crowd of Filipino Americans and guests packed the first and second floors of the American Dream pavillion, | Photo via Fiesta in America
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J., July 30, 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 the Marriott Newark Airport, followed by the 29th Fiesta in America on August 15 and 16 at American Dream in East Rutherford. Admission to Fiesta in America is free.
More than a cultural celebration, the 2026 program will connect Filipinos in the United States with opportunities in the Philippines and across 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 throughout the Northeast.
Leading government participation are the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) and the City of Zamboanga, both returning with expanded programs designed to engage overseas Filipinos, dual citizens and non-Filipinos interested in the Philippines.
Philippine Retirement and Tourism Take Center Stage
The PRA will introduce prospective retirees and returning Filipinos 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. Attendees can begin conversations about long-term stays and retirement pathways, including the Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV).
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 invites overseas Filipinos and other travelers 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.
Remittance, Media and Major Sponsors Expand the Celebration
Presenting sponsors ABS-CBN, iWant, TFC, and 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 supports education, healthcare, household needs, family milestones, and 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 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 performers from the tri-state area, offering live music, dance, cultural presentations and nonstop Filipino entertainment.
People’s Ball will be emceed by Ogie Afable and Jennifer Cuneta, with Cultural Ambassadors Iris Capuno, Nathalie dela Cueva and Juliaross Ramos welcoming guests throughout the gala.
Fashion, Culture and Broadway Talent at the People’s Ball
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 blends 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 America introduces 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.
Exhibitors, Sponsors and Opportunities for Participation
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. At the same time, Oakley originated the role of Jenna in the first national tour of Waitress and recently appeared on Broadway as Roxie Hart in Chicago. Additional entertainment will include Bamboo Grill’s ballroom dancers from New Jersey, choreographer Ronnie del Barrio, and Luisa Pineda from the Philippines.
Other sponsors include Maybelle Francisco Law, the New Jersey Department of Health, Philippine Airlines, Robinsons Land Corporation, Smiles Mobile Remittance, and The GAMEROOM Powered by Hasbro.
More than 20 exhibitors and partners are participating in the 29th edition of Fiesta in America. However, the event can still accommodate last-minute exhibitors and sponsors up to 12 days before the festival, subject to space availability. 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.
