July 25, 2014 (LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM) – As ABS-CBN’s The Filipino Channel (TFC) celebrates its 20th anniversary and as the Philippine Centre marks its 30th, the two industry movers presented the biggest ensemble of stars and the grandest showcase of Filipino talent at the “2014 Barrio Fiesta sa London” last July 19 and 20 at the Apps Court Farm near Hampton Court Palace in London, United Kingdom (UK).
From its humble beginnings as a picnic in Holland Park in London, Philippine Centre’s “Barrio Fiesta sa London” has become the most anticipated Filipino gathering in UK and, together with TFC, has drawn record crowds throughout the years by providing a world-class Filipino entertainment platform and a dazzling display of Filipino culture and tradition.
“Barrio Fiesta sa London has consistently been a success throughout the years because it has remained true to its vision of being Europe’s premier event hub in celebrating Filipino artistic and cultural pride as well as in showcasing the dynamic presence of Filipinos in the continent,” said ABS-CBN Europe, Ltd. Managing Director Edgardo Garcia. “TFC is delighted and honored to partner with the Philippine Centre and grateful to all the sponsors, vendors, exhibitors, public officials, performers, volunteers and attendees without whose invaluable support the vision of the Barrio Fiesta sa London would not be realized.”
Galing ng Filipino, Ituloy Mo!
This year’s London Barrio Fiesta brought together the biggest names in Philippine entertainment to showcase what TFC’s anniversary believes in, the “Galing ng Filipino.”
As part of its 20th year, TFC brought no less than its anniversary ambassador Gary Valenciano for the two-day festivities. Singing the song that brought memories of the homeland to the crowd was his gigantic hits including, “Babalik Ka Rin,” and the TFC 20 theme song, “Galing ng Filipino.” Addressing the sea of Filipinos at the event, Valenciano said, “Kayong mga nandito ngayon, parang iba’t-ibang isla sa Pilipinas. There are 7,100 islands that make up the Philippines – I know you’re from different places – Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao – and I want to hear you sing (‘Babalik Ka Rin’).”
Joining in the singing was ABS-CBN Corporation President and Chief Operating Officer Charo Santos – Concio who even moved along Valenciano’s dance tunes. Santos was joined by other ABS-CBN executives including Star Cinema Managing Director Malou Santos and ABS-CBN Regional News Bureau Chief Danny Buenafe.
Also joining Valenciano for the two-day fiesta and hosting the event is Pokwang, who could relate to Valenciano’s song as she used to be an overseas Filipino herself before she became a comedienne and a household name. Pokwang surprised the crowd by role-playing as Darna and Supergirl the next day.
“Got to Believe’s” Chichay Kathryn Bernardo also took on a different persona in her first “Barrio Fiesta sa London” as she sang the Jessie J hit “Price Tag” to which the audience sang along. Following Bernardo’s surprise song number, her equally famous love team Daniel Padilla performed Rey Valera’s 70s hit “Ayos Lang.” The immensely popular duo dubbed, KathNiel, thrilled the audience with a duet of the Kuh Ledesma original “Till I Met You” from their current international film hit, “She’s Dating The Gangster.”
From one teleserye hit to another, Jessy Mendiola reprised her role as “Maria Mercedes” in one sizzling number. Sam Milby raised the shriek decibel level with his acoustic number and band medley. Enchong Dee wowed the crowd with a boy band medley complete with costume changes for each number.
On day two of “Barrio Fiesta sa London,” Valenciano was joined by Pokwang, Padilla and Bernardo for a second round with Kapamilya heartthrobs Rayver Cruz and Shaina Magdayao who joined forces for an explosive “Hangover” (Psy and Snoop Dogg original) dance number. In her solo number, Magadayao held her own as she performed the dance hits, Zed and Hayley Williams of Paramore’s “Are You Gonna Stay Tonight?” and Cash Cash’s “Take Me Home.”
Injecting thrills into the second day was the JulQuen loveteam from the teleserye hit “Mirabella.” Enrique Gil electrified the stage with his signature moves as he did Kesha and Pit Bull’s “Timber” dance. Julia Barretto, immaculate in a full white ensemble, sang like an angel as she rendered the theme from the serye and the Jamie Rivera original “I’ve Fallen For You.”
Galing ng Samahan
The Philippine Centre headed by hermano mayor Joseph Parinas has been organizing the “Barrio Fiesta” in partnership with TFC in Europe, headed by Garcia, since 2010 to bring together all Filipinos and Filipinos-at-heart in UK and nearby countries, for a two-day event that replicates the elements of a Philippine fiesta, as its name connotes.
Pariñas said: “Year after year, I continue to be surprised at how Filipinos gather at every opportunity like a real family. And like family, Philippine Centre and TFC have been joining hands to deliver the ‘Barrio Fiesta sa London.’ This year showcases not only the Filipino talent but this kind of samahan or partnership. We hope to do this in more years to come.”
Aside from the celebrity showcase, the “Barrio Fiesta sa London” also offered Filipino activities such as games and promos and treats, including meet and greets and a food fiesta.
Showing that the event not only offers fun but also funds to Filipino causes, the Philippine Centre turned over to Charo Santos-Concio a donation of GBP3,000 for ABS-CBN Foundation’s Sagip Kapamilya, a program dedicated to relief operations during calamities and rehabilitation projects.
Every year, TFC and Philippine Centre bring Filipinos in UK and nearby countries together and become purveyors of the best of the Filipino, all in the spirit of community and in honor of the ‘Galing ng Filipino.’
Connect with global Filipinos. Visit www.facebook.com/TFCEurope or follow @KapamilyaTFC on twitter and instagram. (With additional reports from Rose Eclarinal and Allie dela Cruz)
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