So much entertainment, activity, food, excitement and fun for the whole family it should be a two-day event, Piyesta Pinoy, the Midwest’s biggest Filipino festival, promises “never a dull moment” of 12-hours of merrymaking on Saturday, June 9 at the Bolingbrook Performing Arts Center behind Town Center, 375 West Briarcliff Rd.
Now on its fifth year, the festival day begins with a 5K Run Roll and Walk at 9 a.m. organized by Gawad Kalinga, and a volleyball tournament from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. presented by Froghops Sports. A parade at 11 a.m., officially marks the start of the festival.
The main stage entertainment begins simultaneously with the parade with Rondalla music by Chicago Angklung Rondalla Ensemble, followed by the national anthems performed by Silayan Choir with Emil Nicolasin, and the introduction of Philippine Consulate and City of Bolingbrook officials.
The cultural segment is scheduled from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. and features performances by PACF Performing Arts, Bibbak Illinois, Philippine American Seniors Association of Chicago (PASAC), Philippine Dance Troupe of Fox Cities, UIC FIA Cultural, Lane Tech Filipino Club and Kulturo. The one-hour technical break between main stage segments allows people to get food and join in the many activities.
The Variety Show segment, from 2–4 p.m., showcases the talents of: the Silayan Choir; Seafood City’s Sing Sikat finalists Richelle Lu, Willy Lucas and Nina Mae Vidal; and an urban dance number by UIC FIA Modern. This segment concludes with three bands: Ghost in the Backseat, Chasing 90 and the Filipino Musicians of Chicago Band (FMOC).
The TFC Celebrity hours is from 5–7 p.m. and this year’s celebrity guest is Filipino recording artist and actor Inigo Pascual, known for his 2016 hit single, “Dahil Sa’yo,” the first No. 1 song on Billboard Philippines’ then-new Philippine Top 20 chart. Supporting him will be comic POCA from California. The opening act for the TFC celebrity hour features Sing Sikat champion MJ Sumila and LOL segment with games and contests.
New this year is the dance party segment from 8 to 10 p.m. Four live bands and a DJ playing non-stop dance party music make this segment worth staying on the festival grounds for two more hours. Enjoy the live band music by Above N’ Beyond, Soundredd, The Blue Marlin Band, and a collaboration between Above N’Beyond and Filipino Musicians of Chicago Band (FMOC). Bring your dancing shooes. If you don’t dance, bring your lawn chairs, blankets and picnic baskets (some festival food vendors may stay open late) and simply enjoy the live concert.
Throughout the day, there will be at least 10 food vendors to satisfy your Filipino food cravings from comfort food to the ultimate Filipino dessert, halo-halo. On hand to are Manila Fiesta Restaurant, Mabuhay Restaurant and Catering, Mora Asian Cuisine, Oxtail Filipino Inspired, Sandok N Palayok, Seafood City, South Sea Asian Carryout, Kitty’s Shaved Ice, Kona Ice of Wheaton and Yelo.
There are tons of activities for the whole family, the entire day at the Visayas cultural tent area. Starting with a warm-up Zumba session before the 5K Walk Roll and Run. Zumba workshops will be conducted by Julie Azarcon throughout the day with a finale with DJ Johnny Jay at 7 p.m. Other activities include a stilts workshop by Bibbak; a basketball three-point shootout by FABA Chicago; martial arts demo by DBFMA and Kampilan Eskrima; tinikling workshop by Kulturo; a Rondalla music workshop by 3JNR Rondalla; baybayin (ancient Filipino script) workshop by Filipino American Historical Society of Chicago; Pabitin and Pinata, a video arcade by Galloping Ghost Arcade,;meet and greet with JAX of Mortal Combat; and train rides and rock wall climbing courtesy of Bolingbrook Park District. Watch for free arcade passes and Clique Nutrition giveaways from JAX. PT solutions and Amita Health will provide first aid and stretches for 5K participants.
This year’s cultural partners also include Bolingbrook Park District, Chicago Cultural Alliance, Chicago Suburban Christian Church, Couples for Christ, Filipino American Historical Society of Chicago, Filipino Friendship Society, Fountaindale Library, Legion of Mary, MAFASDA, Morton Arboretum. PACF Performing Arts, UPAAGC and Westbrook Christian Church.
The Luzon tent will feature sponsor displays (watch out for giveaways) and merchandise vendors. Mindanao tent is reserved for miscellaneous activities.
So plan your visit to maximize the Piyesta Pinoy experience and the fun. Festival maps and program will be posted all throughout the festival grounds.
This festival is made possible by the support of The Filipino Channel, ABS-CBN News Channel, Cinema 1, Lifestyle Network, ABS-CBN Sports+Action, Three Horses Jasmine Rice, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, LBC Cargo, Rivers Casino, All State Insurance, Ayaland, Creative Impressions Plus, EVA Air, Galloping Ghost Arcade, Mora Asian Kitchen, Salad Master, Signature Event Designs, and Triple A Health Venture.
The Philippine American Cultural Foundation is a 501c3 volunteer-based organization. For more information, visit our official websites: http://pacfmidwest.org/, www.piyestapinoy.org or www.facebook.com/piyestapinoy. For inquiries, send us an email at piyestapinoy@gmail.com or simply send us a message on our facebook page.