First Mitcham Barrio Fiesta A Big Success
The first ever Mitcham Filipino Summer Festival took place on Sunday (25 July 2010) at Three Kings Piece, Commonside West Road, Mitcham, Surrey CR4 4HA featuring International balladeer and songwriter Mr David Pomeranz. His songs and recordings have sold over 35 million copies worldwide and his musical projects have earned him a total of 18 Gold and 22 Platinum records. Billboard Magazine has referred to him as, "One of our finer voices..." and his concerts have delighted and inspired millions all over the world. Mr Pomeranz said,“It was wonderful to play here in Mitcham, I loved it and hope to see you again
He played an hour long set for an estimated 2000 attendees including Councillor Nick Draper, Mayor of Merton, Cecilia Santos, a cultural attaché from the Philippine Embassy, MP Siobhain McDonagh of Morden and Mitcham and Charlotte Simms, event officer from Merton council.
The festival was organised by the Mitcham Filipino-British Association (MFBA) and with the support from Thames Community Foundation and Grassroots Grants the event was made truly possible. Century Properties, the company who brought Mr Pomeranz to Mitcham made this event a very historical and successful one.
Other acts in the festival are the hottest Fil-Brit rockers Rag Rag Band, Martial Arts Doce Pares, Indio Stilo (Hip Hop), other local talents and traditional Filipino dances “Cariñosa, Pangalay and La Jota” performed by cultural dancers both from Mitcham and East Grinstead community association respectively.
Mr Nick addressed his speech saying "Im very, very proud to be here and very grateful because the Mitcham Filipino-British Association has been fantastic in the time that I was Mayor and fantastic again today"
Ms McDonagh said: “It is an honour to be here at this excellent and well organised event. I am not surprised it is so well organised as I know the formidable members on the Mitcham Filipino-British Association and I know they are probably the best community organisers we have.”
MFBA President Ronald Dalida says he hopes the festival will become an annual event. Mr Dalida said: "I feel so proud to see what we have achieved. We have had a lot of support, without it we might not have been able to put this on. But it has been a great success.”
Mrs Cecilia Santos, Attachè and Cultural Officer of the Philippine Embassy also attended the festival and said, “We are very proud of what they have done here. It is a great cultural showcase for the community,” then she also read the note from the Ambassador HE Antonio Lagdameo, who is unable to attend and said, “The Philippine Embassy share this optimism for the future of the British-Filipino community and the association’s festival will always have their support”.
It is estimated around 250,000 Filipino’s live in the United Kingdom and mostly are festival enthusiasts trooping barrio fiestas all around UK. These cultural events attracted locals and other nationalities of different background as well. Barrio fiesta has turned into fun-filled event and symbolizes as an open invitation showcasing the introduction of Filipino culture, values, music and foods.
