The Concert King of the Philippines will perform at Swangard Stadium this weekend. Martin Nievera, a legendary Filipino crooner, is the headliner at the Pinoy Festival: Panahon na para Magsaya 2 (Come Join the Fun), which will be at Swangard Stadium from 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on June 22.
Nievera has recorded one quadruple-platinum, three triple-platinum, five double-platinum, and 18 platinum albums in is storied career, which spans four decades. This makes him one of the most successful Filipino singers of all time.
Nievera will take the stage at 5:30 p.m.
In the past, he has performed alongside Burnaby’s Michael Bublé and Victoria-born David Foster. On top of his musical career, Nievera has appeared in many movies and television series. Moreover, he was the first Filipino to be named Entertainer of the Year at the Awit Awards for three consecutive years.
Nievera won’t be the only singer at the Pinoy Festival. Other musical performers include Beatbox Back2Beats, Center Lane, Maria Charmane Angelika Borbe, Kimmortal, and Street Smart. The live bands will perform from 6 to 9 p.m.
Grand Santacruzan and street dance parade
Mabuhay House Society and the Pinoy Festival Alliance are presenting the festival in cooperation with many community groups. The free event will open with Filipino Zumba at 8:30 a.m., followed by a street dance parade at 10 a.m. reflecting the diversity of Filipino culture in Metro Vancouver.
Another highlight will be the Grand Santacruzan at 3 p.m. Part beauty pageant and part religious exercise, this Filipino tradition sends teenage girls and young women on a search for a hidden cross. The one who finds it becomes Reyna Elena, the Virtuous Queen of Constantinople, who reputedly uncovered the Holy Cross used to crucify Jesus Christ.
This year’s Grand Santacruzan Reyna Elena is Leigh Kathryn.
There will also be food trucks offering Pinoy treats along with a beer, barbecue, and music garden. These are in addition to a Grand Tianggehan (marketplace) and an art and painting exhibition.
Watch ABS-CBN’s preview of the festival.
Mabuhay House Society and the Pinoy Festival Alliance will present the Pinoy Festival: Panahon na para Magsaya 2 (Come Join the Fun) at Swangard Stadium on June 22. For more information, visit the website. Follow Pancouver on X (formerly Twitter) @PancouverMedia and on Instagram @PancouverMedia.
