The festival continues this weekend at the Philippine Cultural Enrichment Complex.
TAMPA, Fla. – Thousands of people come to Tampa for the weekend to celebrate PhilFest.
The Filipino community holds its 28th annual festival in the Philippines. It started on Friday and will continue through the weekend at the Philippine Cultural Enrichment Complex.
The three-day event features a number of cultural performances and delicious Filipino cuisine, along with an agenda full of all kinds of entertainment.
“It never gets old, and every year, there are more and more people,” said Joey Omella of the Philippine Cultural Foundation.
Omila was born in the Philippines and said he eventually came to Tampa in 1986.
Omella said he never expected the festival to grow to the size it has today. Since its founding, he said it is important to keep the celebrations alive because of what he and others have accomplished.
“I really feel at home,” said Regina Royan of St. Petersburg. “Everyone is welcome.”
Omila said it is a festival that everyone in the community enjoys and encourages people to learn more about Filipino culture.
He hopes to see celebrations develop and grow in the future, especially through projects for younger generations. Last year's attendance already broke records, with about 19,000 admission tickets sold, Omella said.
“From time to time, I go to a quiet corner and say:I hope these people continue “What we started,” Omila said.
PhilFest gates reopen this weekend at 10 a.m. at 14301 Nine Eagles Drive.
For more information, visit this connection.
