Pinoy Stars to Rock England: A Filipino Fiesta Celebration
I am currently in England, honored to be the main artist invited to several vibrant barrio fiestas. The celebrations kicked off on June 7 in Yorkshire, continued on June 8 in Derbyshire, and most recently, on June 15 in Milton Keynes. These gatherings truly showcase how Filipinos unite to support one another whenever they organize events abroad.
This spirit of togetherness explains why over 30 iconic Filipino artists are preparing to perform in Birmingham at the highly anticipated ASAP England on August 30. Big names like BINI, Piolo Pascual, Sofronio Vasquez (The Voice USA Champion), Martin Nievera, Gary Valenciano, Donnie Pangilinan, James Reid, Paulo Avelino, Regine Velasquez, Ogie Alcasid, Morisette, Yeng Constantino, Maymay, Kyle Echarri, Darren Espanto, Joshua Garcia, Belle Mariano, Bamboo, and many more will light up the stage.
A Filipino Cultural Explosion in the UK
Last weekend was nothing short of extraordinary as nearly a thousand Filipinos gathered in Milton Keynes for the Barrio Fiesta. The festive mood resembled a Pinoy-style Coachella, where people from different backgrounds shared traditional Filipino dishes like barbecue, pansit, and dinuguan. This fusion of cultures made the event truly unforgettable.
Despite the chilly weather and occasional rain during the Yorkshire and Derbyshire fiestas the previous week, Filipino spirit remained unshaken. Temperatures dropped to 10 degrees Celsius with winds and showers, yet when it was my turn on stage, the rain would pause and the sun would shine, drawing audiences out from their tents to enjoy the performances.
Connecting Generations Through Music and Comedy
Performing as both a singer and stand-up comedienne, I find the audience’s energy vital. My bilingual comedy routine resonated well as many Filipinos brought their British spouses and friends. Witnessing first-generation Filipinos alongside Gen X, millennials, and Gen Alpha laughing and enjoying the show together was a truly heartwarming experience.
I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the organizers of these events, including the Yorkshire Maharlika Club, Lt Express Padala, and Ali Hajj of World Travellers. Their support, including generous raffle prizes like three-day, two-night stays at La Carmela Boracay, made the festivities even more special.
For more news and updates on Filipino artists in the UK, visit Filipinokami.com.