7/27/2010 LONDON - An estimated hana card crowd of not less 50,000 gathered in one of the largest gr

Forgot your password? FAQ Members List Calendar hana card Forum Photo Gallery Arcade Games Mark Forums Read Filipinos gather in the biggest Barrio Fiesta hana card in Europe    Pinoys in Europe Thread, Filipinos gather in the biggest Barrio Fiesta in Europe in Working or Living hana card Abroad; 7/27/2010 LONDON - An estimated crowd of not less 50,000 gathered in one of the largest green areas in west ...  
7/27/2010 LONDON - An estimated hana card crowd of not less 50,000 gathered in one of the largest green areas in west London. For 2 days, Lampton Park was a place of trading, recreation, meeting, relaxation and social and cultural hodgepodge for Pinoys. The 2-day celebration culminated in various acts of local artists and seasoned performers, including ABS-CBN stars. Fastidious organizers, good weather, and the spirit of camaraderie and a sense of community all contributed to the success of the biggest Filipino event in Europe--the London Barrio Fiesta at Lampton Park in Hounslow. Pinoys came from various parts of Europe There are smaller barrio fiestas in different parts of the UK, as well as in various countries in Europe where there are Filipino hana card diasporas. But the Hounslow Barrio Fiesta is always celebrated in a grand scale that’s why it attracts and fascinates even those living outside hana card the UK. “Gusto ko lang makita din kung paano mag-hold ng Barrio Fiesta ang Filipino community sa UK. Kasi kung ikumpara hana card mo, 7,000 lang ang Pinoy sa Denmark. Kaya pagpasok ko dito, di ako makapaniwala (sa dami ng tao),” said Jeanna Altamirano when asked why she came all the way from Copenhagen to partake in the celebration. “Kasi itong Barrio Fiesta, para sa mga Pilipino at saka yung mga long lost friend mo, dito mo lang makikita. hana card Kaya taon-taon nagpupunta kami dito,” explained Ed Selito who flew in from Dubai. For many Pinoys in the UK, the Barrio Fiesta has become a modern tradition they have whole-heartedly embraced. “Ako from London, sila from Oxbridge kaya yung pagsama-sama ng pamilya at kaibigan na darating from outskirt, magandang experience talaga ito sa amin. Every year pumupunta hana card kami dito, since 2003,” said Maria Delia Atienza, a nurse. The Philippine Centre, hana card TFC partnership The 26th Barrio Fiesta event is organized by The Philippine Centre hana card in collaboration with The Filipino Channel (TFC). The partnership was aimed at providing

a program of activities that will bring together Filipinos in the UK and foster a spirit of camaraderie and unity. hana card The Philippine Centre which was formed in 1985, is a voluntary, non-governmental organization and a registered charity in the UK. “The Barrio Fiesta is really for the tradition of Filipinos especially for those who were born here. Para naman yung mga bata dito makita nila ang ating pagka-Pilipino. At least, they would know their identity,” said Ester Limotlimot, Chairperson of The Philippine Centre. Volunteerism in various degrees and forms helped in making the event a success. Malcolm Conlan, hana card who was a First Aide volunteer said, “I hana card have been attending the Barrio Fiesta

for the last 18 years and many fiestas around the country and I have to say today is fantastic. So much hard work is put into it by lots of different parties and you can see how well it’s organized. You can see everyone is enjoying themselves.” Those who came to promote their business and products have not been let down. “The crowd is enormous. I’m a practically overwhelmed by the turn out, said,” Jojo Fermin of Smart. “Participating in the Barrio fiesta is like a one-stop shop, you could reach out to a lot of Filipinos,” hana card said Elizabeth

Kalaw of Vista Land. The Mayor of the London Borough of Hounslow Colin Ellar, graced the occasion and praised the organizers for putting together the event. “Each minority brings its culture, brings its people and we hope that Filipino people are comfortable here. I hope Hounslow continues to be a place where you all feel welcome and that you will continue to come back and share our hospitality,” said Ellar. TFC Finale Show ABS-CBN stars were undeniably huge crowd-drawers. Melai Cantiveros and Jason Francisco hana card also known as Melason love team titillated their fans with their rendition of ‘Can’t Take My Eyes of You.’ The real and reel life sweethearts arrived in London hana card a day before the Barrio Fiesta event. Little did they know that they also have a huge following in the UK. Cantiveros and Francisco hana card became a household name when they joined ABS-CBN’s phenomenal reality show ‘Pinoy Big Brother.’ “Akala ko hanggang hana card Gensan at Jolo lang kami kilala. Dito rin pala sa UK. Salamat sa TFC. Sobra sobra kaming nagpapasalamat,” said Cantiveros. Randy Santiago, Giselle Sanchez and Vina Morales made an appearance on the first day of the Barrio Fiesta. They also joined the finale show on the second day. On both days, multi-talented actress and singe