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Festivals

posted on Feb 28, 2008

Philfest 2008: A Celebrated Tradition

The upcoming 13th Philippine Festival in Tampa, popularly known by its trademark Philfest, opens its doors at the 10-acre Philippine Cultural Enrichment Complex located on 14301 Nine Eagles Drive on April 4-6. Thousands of visitors locally and from other states are expected over three days of entertainment, food, exhibits, and singing competition.

Excitement this year is expected to heat up its singing competition “Tawag ng Tanghalan” many degrees over previous years with the publicity generated by one of its previous winner and champion, Ramiele Malubay, who qualified into the number one television variety program, American Idol. Over the years, the Philippine Cultural Enrichment Complex has become a major area attraction, and has become a visitor’s destination tradition. Filipinos and Americans have made it a point to visit Philfest with their family and friends every first week of April. These also include notable guests such as Senators and other government officials from the Philippines, US government officers, and then Florida Governor Jeb Bush, who saw the place as a “new US Landmark.”
	Miss Philfest 2008 contestants. The pageant seek to raise funds to benefit the community.

Since 1996 Philfest has been keeping visitors informed and entertained with its presentation of Philippine Arts and Culture, Exhibits, traditional songs and dances, ethnic culinary delights, and products. This year’s three-day festival dubbed Philfest 2008 offers more entertainment, programs, and content than previous years.

Philippine Embassy officials from Washington D.C. and the office of the Philippine Honorary Consul General of South Florida will be onsite for its “Consulate on Wheels” program which will set office at the Bayanihan Arts Center’s Cimafranca Library.

Over a decade ago, the idea of a Philippine Cultural Center of this magnitude was all but a community’s dream. Now that it has become a reality, the blood, sweat, countless hours and financial resources of the community, leaders, volunteers, and underwriters have made its mark. And to that end, their sacrifices and tradition will live on. (Basta Pinoy News)