Philippine Festival Mississauga opened its 15th anniversary celebration on Sept. 11, with crowds gathering at Celebration Square and Filipino actor Jericho Rosales taking centre stage as the night’s headliner.

The three-day festival runs from Sept. 11 to 13, bringing together Filipino and non-Filipino attendees for performances, food, shopping and activities across the square.

Friday’s theme, “Euphoria at the Square: A Night of Colour and Sound,” turned the opening day into a party night featuring heritage beats, DJs, drag performers and live entertainment.

Rosary Escaño, program, marketing and experiences lead for Philippine Festival Mississauga, said reaching 15 years is a milestone made possible by the people and organizations that continue to support the festival.

“We’re so incredibly grateful for all the support that people have shown us: partners, sponsors, volunteers, vendors, organizers and for everyone coming out,” Escaño said.

“We wouldn’t be here if not for the support of everybody.”

Jericho Rosales performs onstage during the opening night of Philippine Festival Mississauga at Celebration Square. Photo by Luis Miguel De Castro

Throughout Friday, attendees moved between different booths offering Filipino products, community resources and other services. 

Food vendors also drew visitors looking for Filipino dishes and treats as the festival offered activities beyond its main stage.

The square included an amphitheatre movie night and an acoustic night at the Ube Cafe, while other areas offered activities and experiences for different ages.

Escaño said organizers wanted this year’s milestone festival to make more use of Celebration Square rather than center everything around its main stage.

“There are so many activities and performances that we lined up,” she said.

“We have headliners and unique performances for each day.”

Jericho Rosales performs in front of a packed crowd at the Philippine Festival Mississauga. Photo by Luis Miguel De Castro

Jericho Rosales raises his microphone toward the crowd during his headline performance. Photo by Luis Miguel De Castro

Fans watch and record Jericho Rosales during his headline performance at Philippine Festival Mississauga. Photo by Luis Miguel De Castro

Festivalgoers gather in front of the main stage during Philippine Festival Mississauga’s opening night at Celebration Square. Photo by Luis Miguel De Castro

Other activities over the weekend include PawFest Sauga, movie screenings and sports stations involving Raptors 905 and Philippine Baseball Group Canada.

“So not just the main stage, but throughout the square. We activated the entire square,” Escaño said.

The decision to make Friday a party-focused opening night followed the response organizers received when Philippine Festival Mississauga first introduced Friday programming last year.

Escaño said organizers did not anticipate how many people would attend or how long they would stay.

“We didn’t expect the number of people, and that they stayed until 11 and they felt it wasn’t enough,” she said.

That response helped inspire Euphoria at the Square, giving attendees a place to unwind after the workweek while celebrating Filipino culture through music and entertainment.

“We’re adding to that by giving them entertainment and music that will allow them to unwind, enjoy and have fun,” Escaño said.

Rosary Escano, program, marketing and experiences lead for Philippine Festival Mississauga, speaks onstage during the festival. Photo by Luis Miguel De Castro

The main highlight came when Jericho Rosales took the stage as the opening-night headliner, drawing festivalgoers toward the main stage for one of the evening’s most anticipated performances.

The festival also provided Filipino entrepreneurs an opportunity to showcase their work.

Among the vendors was AKI’s Bayong, owned by Maricel Salvador. 

The business began by selling traditional bayong bags and has since expanded to include Filipiniana clothing, barong and parol.

Salvador said participating in Filipino festivals allows her to promote products tied to the country’s traditions.

“We promote our own culture,” Salvador said. “We carry our Filipino traditions, especially bayong.”

Parol and other Filipino-inspired items are displayed at AKI’s Bayong during Philippine Festival Mississauga. Photo by Luis Miguel De Castro

Salvador makes the bayong herself and sometimes customizes bags for customers at events. 

Her parols have also attracted attention from festivalgoers, with the lanterns nearly selling out at last year’s Philippine Festival Mississauga.

One customer who couldn’t get one last year returned early this year to reserve a parol, Salvador said.

For her, having Filipino businesses alongside the festival’s food, music and cultural programming is another way to show the wider community what Filipinos have to offer.

“It’s a pride to be able to promote our own culture to the world,” Salvador said. “How creative, how artistic we are.”