PHILFEST has definitely metamorphosed from a much-anticipated annual event into a treasured and source of pride among Fil-Ams and locals in Florida, United States.

Now on its 28th year, PhilFest has become a festival coup as it continues to surpass its vendor and visitor records annually.

PhilFest 2024, by the Philippine Cultural Foundation, Inc., did it again.

Held at the Philippine Cultural Enrichment Complex in Tampa, the three-day festival (April 5-7) drew another record-breaking crowd just on its first day.

Tens of thousands of Fil-Ams, foreigners and visitors from other states participated in the event as a grand shoutout to the world that the Pinoy fiesta culture and bayanihan spirit is very much alive in Florida.

Turning up the excitement on the first day of the festivities was young heartthrob, singer and hit songwriter Inigo Pascual.

During TFC Hour, Pascual performed his hit, Dahil Sa Yo, among other charbusters, before an adrenaline-packed audience who sang and line-danced along with him and his backup dancers.

“PhilFest proudly upholds the cherished tradition of spotlighting and celebrating Filipino culture in a dynamic three-day festival held at its home facility, the Philippine Cultural Enrichment Complex in Tampa, Florida. At PhilFest, the sensory experience is nothing short of spectacular, with a myriad of vendors enticing visitors with exotic Filipino delicacies, authentic Philippine merchandise, and captivating service exhibits,” beamed PhilFest 2024 Chairman Arnell Biglete.

Chairman Biglete added that the PhilFest stage is an extravaganza of non-stop entertainment, featuring mesmerizing performances by PCFI’s resident performing groups and culturally rich showcases by visiting artists from various states, including vibrant talents from Canada.

Among the festival’s highlights are engaging segments such as the “Tanghalang Pambata” Talent Competition for Children, “Tawag ng Tanghalan” Singing Competition for Adults, “Yugyugan” Street Dancing, “Flores de PhilFest”, and a host of other captivating events!

PhilFest’s major sponsor, The Filipino Channel (TFC) brought Pascual for the TFC Hour.

In the spotlight is the search for the next “Miss/Mrs PhilFest” from a pool of contestants, each representing her respective Filipino-American organization.

These contestants, along with other vibrant participants, add glam and glit to spirited street parades like “Flores de PhilFest” and the grand “PhilFest Parade.”

Over at the Bayanihan Arts and Events Center, the Philippine Embassy continues its consular services through the Embassy Consular Outreach, culminating in a heartfelt dual-citizenship ceremony for new Filipino-Americans.

“PhilFest proudly stands as a cornerstone Philippine festival in the southeastern United States, annually attracting a diverse audience of approximately twelve to fifteen thousand visitors,” Chairman Biglete added.

Members of the PhilFest 2024 committees are:

ARNELL BIGLETE, Chairman, PhilFest 2024; VIVIAN FURIGAY-DUDGEON, Co-Chair, PhilFest 2024; ADVISERS: Ross Balderama, Joey Omila, Lari Peterson, Rocky Barrido, Rudy Bautista, Roberto Ruelo, Esq. – Legal; ADVANCE GATE AND RAFFLE TICKET PREPARATION: Marly Balderama,Nenita Sweet,.Nhick Ramiro Pacis, Finance Committee Representatives; ARM BANDS AND FOOD VOUCHER PREPARATION: Lucy Bautista, Nhick Ramiro Pacis, Finance Committee Representatives; AWARDS, PRIZES, AND TROPHIES: Lucy Bautista, Chair, Marly Balderama, Co-Chair, Amy Estrada; BAHAY KUBO: Sylvia de la Cruz, Chair, Arnel Artus, RJ Dudgeon, Ray Dudgeon, BAEC Office; BEER AND BEVERAGE SALE AND INVENTORY: BAEC Crew; CHILDREN’S PAVILION: Judy Sibayan, Indak Pambata; EMBASSY COUNSULAR OUTREACH: Lari Peterson, Chair, Lissa Biglete, Lucy Bautista, Emma Barrido, Tere Seggerman, Norman Mangila, Emil Cruz; DECORATIONS AND SIGNS: Frank Estrada, Nhick Ramiro Pacis, BAEC Staff; ENTERTAINMENT: Nhick Ramiro Pacis, Joey Omila, Connie Chanrasmi, Emil Cruz; ENTRANCE TICKET AND FOOD COUPON SALES SCHEDULING: Maryann Branesky, Chair, Assigned Member Organizations; FINANCE: Vivian Furigay-Dudgeon, Chair, Frank Butron, Assistant Chair,Liberty Galloway, Lorelei Uy, Erlinda Sanchez, Liberty Galloway, Phyllis Andolino, Babette Butron, Lottie Jahrling, Ray Dudgeon, Joe Barruta, Navigale Bagaporo, Gil Bagaporo; FIRST AID: Philippine Medical Society, PNA Tampa Bay, PNA Gulf Coast; FLORES DE PHILFEST: Lissa Biglete, Abby Hamilton, Daphne Auza; HOSPITALITY: Musikong Kawayan Bamboo Ensemble, Mindanaoan USA; HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS: Joey Omila, Vivian Furigay-Dudgeon; HEALTH AND FOOD QUALITY CONTROL: Dr. Ross Balderama, Dr. Lenny Bissonnette, Dr. Terry Bissonnette, Lorelei Uy BAEC Crew,;. ICE REFRIGERATION AND DISTRIBUTION:bDr. Ross Balderama, Chair, BAEC Crew; JUDGES COORDINATOR: Connie Chanrasmi; MASTER OF CEREMONIES: Joey Omila, Emil Cruz; MISS/MRS. PHILFEST 2003: Lissa Biglete, Kristina Biglete; MISS/MRS. PHILFEST CANVASSING: Frank Butron, Chair, Joe Barruta, Co-Chair, Finance Committee Representatives; PARKING – GENERAL, VENDORS, MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS, AND ENTERTAINER: Erlinda Sanchez, Chair, Lorelei Uy, Co-Chair, Finance Committee Representatives; PERMITS, LICENSES, AND CONTRACTS: Vivian Dudgeon – Permits, Frank Butron – Licenses; PHILIPPINE FASHION SHOW: Joey Omila – Chair, Bing Curioso, Co-Chair; PUBLICITY AND ADVERTISING: Lucy Bautista, Nhick Ramiro Pacis, Joey Omila, Kristina Biglete, Aurora Fortson; SECURITY: Dr. Simeon Lao, Chair, James Jamo, Co-Chair, Viven Puyot, Paul Branesky, Al Spicer, Katipunan Tribal Arts; SITE PREPARATION AND MAINTENANCE: Ray Dudgeon (Tents),Tristan Gerbolino Smith (Tents), Rocky Barrido (Plumbing and Electrical), Jess Barnacea (Electrical); SPONSORSHIPS: Lucy Bautista, Joey Omila; STAGE LIGHTING AND SOUND: Fr. Christian Villagomeza, Chair, Jonathan Sibayan, Co-Chair, Ray Dudgeon, RJ Dudgeon, DJ Jomar; STAGE MANAGER: Abby Hamilton, Kristina Biglete; SUNDAY MASS Ed and Susan Bilbao TANGHALANG PAMBATA: Nhick Ramiro Pacis, Lucy Bautista, Emil Cruz, Connie Chanrasmi; TAWAG NG TANGHALAN:, Nhick Ramiro Pacis Joey Omila, Lucy Bautista,, Marly Balderama, Lari Peterson, Connie Chanrasmi; and TRANSPORTATION: (SHUTTLE SERVICES, GOLF CARTS); BAEC

Meanwhile, the Philippine Cultural Foundation, Inc. (PCFI) is a 501 (c)(3), non-profit umbrella organization for Filipino-American organizations based in the Tampa Bay Area in Florida. The Foundation aims to preserve and present Philippine heritage and culture as its legacy for future generations and to contribute to the diversity of this region and the State of Florida.

PCFI is located at the Bayanihan Arts and Events Center at 14301 Nine Eagles Drive, Tampa, FL 33626.