- ‘Barrio Fiesta sa London’ returns with a bang!
- On its 34th year, “Barrio Fiesta sa London” makes a loud comeback with a world-class ensemble: Inigo Pascual, KZ Tandingan, Yeng Constantino, MayWard, and the cast of “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” led by Coco Martin
Excitement was in the air as the gates opened for the comeback of the biggest Filipino festival in United Kingdom, the “Barrio Fiesta sa London 2018”, which happened last July 21 and 22 at the Hampton Court Palace Hurst Rd., at Walton-on-Thames in Surrey.
“Barrio Fiesta sa London 2018”, known to be the festival that brings together the Filipino community in U.K., has also attracted the locals who were intrigued by the colorful Filipino culture that was featured in the two-day celebration.
After a year of hiatus, Philippine Centre in partnership with The Filipino Channel (TFC) once again worked together to thoroughly prepare for the 34th year of the festival.
“It warms our hearts to see the crowd’s excitement as we open the gates once again for the Barrio Fiesta sa London 2018. This inspires us to continue bringing together this event where people of different nationalities bask in the rich Filipino culture,” said Hermano Mayor and Philippine Centre Vice Chairman Joseph Parinas,
On the other hand, TFC Europe Country Manager Luis Bariuan stated: “TFC is grateful to be working with Philippine Centre for years now in ensuring a meaningful and exciting Barrio Fiesta sa London, where Filipino communities gather and keep the Filipino culture alive by sharing it to the world.”
All throughout the festival, the crowd feasted over variety of Filipino delicacies like kutsinta, suman and sapin-sapin, and savor Filipino recipes like laing and dinuguan.
A piece of Philippines was also brought in London through an exhibition from Doce Pares showcasing Philippine’s national sport Arnis. While the Kaamulan Bukidnon group gave a glimpse of the Kaamulan festival that happens in Philippines’ province, Malaybalay City in Bukidnon.
The event goers also got to enjoy shows from local performers and a world-class ensemble of Filipino artists who flew in from the Philippines.
From Streaming to the Concert Stage
It is just day one, but the “Barrio Fiesta sa London 2018” stage was already ablaze with the show-stopping performances from some of the Philippines’ caliber performers, whose chart-topping hits were often heard through music streaming applications.
First in the lineup is the first Filipino artist who last year topped the Billboard Philippines chart, Inigo Pascual. His high energy was contagious that he got the crowd singing and dancing when he performed his hit single “Dahil Sa ‘Yo” (Because of You) and newest single “That Hero”.
Loud cheers filled the venue as soon as the crowd got a glimpse of KZ Tandingan entering the stage while performing her rendition of the song “Rolling in the Deep” by Adele. The “Singer 2018” participant further captivates the crowd with her refreshing take on the songs like “Royals” by Lorde and performed her original hit “Mahal Ko o Mahal Ako”.
From one singer-songwriter to another, the audience was glad to see Yeng Constantino back on the “Barrio Fiesta sa London” stage. The Philippines Pop-Rock Superstar never fails to move everyone with her heart-felt performances, especially when she did a medley of her all-time favorite hits like “Hawak Kamay” (Holding Hands) and “Ikaw” (You).
Meantime, the crowd went wild upon seeing Edward Barber and Maymay Entrata on the stage, for their first TFC show in Europe. As if seeing them together was not enough to get everyone go loco, the loveteam popularly known as MayWard did a duet of the songs “Mahal Kita Kasi” (Why I Love You) by Toni Gonzaga and their original single “Baliw” (Crazy).
From Screen to Personal
It is another humid afternoon for the second day of “Barrio Fiesta sa London 2018”, but nothing will stop the crowd from seeing in person the people they often just watch on the screen–-the cast of “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” (Brothers).
Often seen doing heart-skipping action scenes and dealing with the bad guys, the cast led by Coco Martin was in a laid-back and light mood as they spend the afternoon with their fans.
For starters, John Prats showed how proper twerking was done with some members of the audience. On the other hand, PJ Endrinal and Mark Lapid serenaded the crowd with the songs “Dahil Sa ‘Yo” (Because of You) by Inigo Pascual and “Hinahanap-Hanap Kita” (Constantly Looking for You) by Rivermaya, respectively.
Meantime, performing at the “Barrio Fiesta sa London 2018” was a memorable experience for Lito Lapid since this is the first time he sang in front of a big crowd—all thanks to Martin who convinced him that they should do a duet.
Barrio Fiesta sa London was also an opportunity for Martin and his leading lady Yassi Pressman to personally thank everyone who supports their show even outside the Philippines.
Aside from a fiery dance number from Pressman and several song numbers from Martin, the two also did a duet that had everyone screaming for more.
Meantime, everyone also enjoyed the different programs prepared for the two-day event, including the coronation of the Mrs. and Little Miss Barrio Fiesta sa London 2018 who were chosen from the beautiful ladies and young ladies who joined the santacruzan led by the Casilleras Charity Organization U.K.
Kids also donned their best costumes for the “Little Cardo and Alyana” contest where Ethan Kyle was named little Cardo and JV as little Alyana.
Philippine Centre and TFC also extend their gratitude to the Philippine Centre volunteers who helped in making sure that the “Barrio Fiesta sa London 2018” experience will be memorable to everyone.
More than being a Filipino festival, “Barrio Fiesta sa London” has become a venue where people from different walks of life come together for fun, entertainment and discovery as they get to know and celebrate each other’s cultures.
For more updates about upcoming TFC events, visit emea.kapamilya.com or facebook.com/TFCEurope. Connect with fellow global Kapamilyas and follow @KapamilyaTFC and KapamilyaGlobalPR on Twitter and Instagram.
