A host of international and Canadian talents is slated to perform at the ultimate Filipino cultural event happening in Surrey this summer.
Coming from abroad and across Canada, the different talents will grace Fiesta Extravaganza, the star-studded celebration on July 22 and July 23 at the Surrey Civic Plaza.
In addition to musical and dance presentations, Fiesta Extravaganza will also feature fun-filled Filipino games, pop-up markets for various merchandise items, and food stalls and trucks.
Event organizer Rey Fortaleza said that several performing groups are lining up to showcase their talents at the two-day event.
“We are preparing a program featuring a glittering array of talents from outside and inside Canada to entertain our guests,” Fortalez said.
Fortaleza said that the full line-up will be announced closer to the July 22 and July 23 event.
“Visitors are going to have a blast with our mini-concerts and shows,” Fortaleza said.
In addition, exhibitors and merchandisers are quickly filling up spots at the event.
“We are receiving a lot of reservations and we are happy to accommodate everyone,” Fortaleza said.
One of musical acts appearing at Fiesta Extravaganza is the 12B Session Street Band based in Lethbridge, Alberta.
The band relates its origins on its social media page: “Before we formed into ‘12B SESSION STREET BAND’, we are into a group of Band performing here in Lethbrigde TJ Clamosa, Ryan Aribado Tolentino, Jan Olfindo, Hendrik Garcia, Divine Healy and Kris Veracruz are part of the group LOW CARB Band, while Shine Ventura Landayan-Blanco, Joel Joseph Serapio Blanco Pagdanganan Ojie and Renzel Mark Estrellado are part of the group JAM NUTS.”
“We met Joseph Roque and John Karl Raposas they do technical rider, sound technical, sound system operator and also a band member,” the band recalls.
“When people asked why “12B Session Street Band”? It’s simply because, we do our jam, practice, coffee break, food trip in a garage by the 12B street somewhere in Lethbrigde.”
Fiesta Extravaganza is being delivered for the first time in Western Canada.
Fortaleza earlier entered into an agreement with Fiesta Extravaganza founder Von Canton of Ontario.
For the Surrey celebration on July 22 and July 23, Fortaleza has partnered with the Filipino Canadian Cultural Heritage Society led by Primarosa “Tita Prima” Roine.
Fiesta Extravaganza seeks to raise multicultural awareness and appreciation of the Filipino culture and share them with other nationalities.
In 2022, the event made history in the summer festivals in Toronto, Vaughan, Niagara, Hamilton, and Montreal.
The current year 2023, Fiesta Extravaganza is expanding to Surrey and Miramichi.
For bands and other performing groups, contact Rey Fortaleza (reyfort@gmail.com and/or 778-895-6667) and Jojo Alpuerto (604-616-1953).