Although being the new kids on the block, in the closest voting ever for GlobalFest, the Filipino entry came a close second for the Fireworks Festival award. However, all three of the People’s Choice Award categories were swept up by the Philippines! Based on the fact that that these three categories had many more competitors and being “People’s Choice Awards”, the hugely successful GlobalFest 2011 was dominated by the Philippines!

The People voted that the Platinum Fireworks Inc. Pyromusical Performance was the finest, the Favorite Ethnic Food Booth of Ihaw Ihaw was the most popular and the Philippines easily claimed Favorite Cultural Pavilion honors! If there were more awards available, I am certain that the Philippines would have captured “Most Vocal During the Stage Performances”, “Best Tans in the Audience” and “Most Beautiful and Smiling GlobalFest Spectators”!

It was a great time for everyone – Volunteers, Participants and the crowds cheering them all on!  Despite the extensive planning and preparation involved everyone had fun while basking in our finest weather this summer. During a recent conversation with Irene Macaraeg, the Coordinator of the winning Cultural Pavilion, she enthusiastically said she would do it all over again! The pride and commitment of everyone involved was overwhelming!

The Philippine Pavilion incorporated several interactive displays and contests and great prizes from their sponsors. It also showcased traditional Philippine costumes and many Philippine toys, games, candies, products and information. For those who have been missing some unique Filipino traditions, there was a chance to take a ride in a real Jeepney (OK, if you closed your eyes and used a bit of imagination you would have thought you were in the Philippines, or maybe that was because we went to the beer garden first…)

A surprise appearance by the greatest boxer in the world today, Manny Pacquiao – it was really him! – was a highlight for both young and old, Filipino and non-Filipinos. What a great idea!

The Philippine Pavilion would like to thank those who sponsored and supported them for 2011. This list includes Ihaw Ihaw Restaurant, iRemit, Great Life Financial and the Young Once Senior’s Association. They would also like to thank Barrio Fiesta and Supreme Hotdogs for feeding their many Volunteers during this years’ Festival. Additionally, a big cheer for Calgary’s entertainers on the Stages for putting on awesome dance and singing performances! Philippine Beauty Queen Mariedelle was seen posing for endless photo wishes and autograph signing, watched closely by her body guard J Lou. Last but not least is a BIG thank you to the Volunteers for ensuring that we had a great time!

GlobalFest 2011 brought out the best of the Filipino community here in Calgary and the party and festival atmosphere was evident. That’s good news because the Philippine Fireworks Team has already accepted the invitation to return for 2012 and they have promised us an even bigger and better show! For GlobalFest’s 10^th year they will compete against the other invitees from Brazil, Mexico, USA and Canada.

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