By: Liza Gay Ferreol, MFBA PRO

On its 2nd year, the Mitcham Filipino-British Association’s (MFBA) Barrio Fiesta sa Mitcham 2011 is once again a huge success. An estimated 3,000 attendees (Filipinos, British and other nationalities) from all over London and nearby counties have attended the barrio fiesta. They enjoyed the variety of Filipino, Thai, and Caribbean hot foods, ice-cream, burgers, groceries, jewellery etc. Also there were live band performers, cultural shows, fun fares and kiddies’ corner.

Everyone was delighted in moving from one booth to another and enjoying a nice sunny day-out with friends and families. The event was graced by Hon. Mayor Gilli Lewis-Lavender (Borough of Merton), Hon. MP Siobhain McDonagh (Mitcham & Morden), the Deputy Chief of Mission Mr. Reynaldo Catapang, Councillors Logie Lohendren, Edith Macaulay, and Councillor Danny Favor (East Grinstead), the 1st Filipino who was elected in office here in the United Kingdom.

The debut performance by “The Ekiz Band” brought the whole park down and made everyone jump on their feet as they listened to some Pinoy rock music. Headlining the event was the techno-pop band “Ooberfuse” headed by Cherrie Anderson (vocalist) for which they use the “Kulintang” instrument from Mindanao, performed 10 of their own hit songs.

The audience was also wowed with beautiful Filipinas and dashingly handsome Filipinos modelling on stage as the search for Mutya and Lakan 2011 was officially opened.  The candidates were introduced wearing their colourful and creative “Karagan costumes” made of leaves, bark of trees, flowers, seeds, etc. which emphasized their beauty and physique even more. Also, trophies were awarded to the winners of the MFBA bowling tournament which started last May.

Finally, a raffle was drawn, and thus, towards the end of the program a lot of the audience went home with a smile and lots of prizes on hand. Truly, the Mitcham Barrio Fiesta 2011 is one event to remember. So, expect the unexpected on next year’s event.

Please view more highlights and photographs taken during the event and other activities of the association by visiting our website: mitchampinoy.com.