PhilFest Mississauga 2024: Epic Summer Finale Celebrating TFC 30

TORONTO, ON,  September 19, 2024 – PhilFest Mississauga 2024, held from September 14 to 15 at the state-of-the-art Mississauga Celebration Square, was a resounding success, showcasing a dynamic display of Filipino culture, music, and community. The event attracted close to 60 thousand attendees over the weekend.

Organized by the Kalayaan Filipino Cultural Organization (Kalayaan), in partnership with Kalayaan Cultural Community Centre, Fiesta Filipina Dance Troupe Canada, Culture Philippines of Ontario, and Musika Children’s Chorus, the festival created an unforgettable experience that not only capped off the summer with a bang but also commemorated TFC’s 30th anniversary.

According to Kalayaan, PhilFest Mississauga has always been organized by volunteers with financial support from the government, corporate sponsors, and their vendors. Their goal is to bring together the community and share their heritage with all of Canada. This year, by far has been the largest and most diverse crowd that PhilFest has had.

A Platform for the Younger Generation

On Saturday, MYX Presents showcased the talents of Gabe Bondoc (left) and Jeremy Passion (right), captivating the second-generation Filipino Canadian audience. (Photos courtesy of Linda Le)

Their performances resonated with the younger crowd, marking the first time the festival saw such significant participation from this demographic. (Photos courtesy of Linda Le)

Jeremy Passion (left) and Gabe Bondoc (right) take a group photo with the audience right after the MYX Presents set on Saturday night. (Photo courtesy of Linda Le)
 

OPM Legends Light Up the Stage
The crown jewel of the weekend festivities was Sunday’s TFC Happy Hour, where legendary Original Pilipino Music (OPM) icons Odette Quesada, Joey Albert, and Pops Fernandez took to the stage. Their performances turned the square into an unforgettable concert, blending nostalgia with incredible energy. 
Each artist brought their own timeless hits, with Fernandez (left) igniting the stage with her signature pop flair,  Albert (center) serenading the audience with her smooth vocals, and Quesada (right) delivering her timeless ballads. (Photos courtesy of Raymond Santos)

The trio’s on-stage chemistry was undeniable, reflecting not just years of individual success but a deep camaraderie that made every moment feel intimate and personal. Their combined setlist of classics had the entire crowd singing along, creating a collective impromptu karaoke experience that transcended generations. From love songs to anthems of the 80s and 90s, the music struck a chord with every Filipino in attendance, making this one of the most cherished performances in PhilFest’s history.

Odette (top), Joey (bottom left) and Pops (bottom right) went down from thestage to take selfies with their fans, much to the delight of all. (Photos courtesy of Raymond Santos)

The trio’s presence symbolized more than just entertainment; it was a celebration of Filipino artistry and cultural pride. Audience members had the time of their lives, with many commenting that it was one of the finest TFC shows in recent memory, leaving everyone with fond memories.
 

A Hub for Cultural Connection
The festival attracted a diverse audience, with visitors flocking to MYX and TFC booths for engaging activations that offered a taste of Filipino culture. The festival's inclusive atmosphere allowed attendees to explore vendor booths, savor traditional Filipino cuisine, and enjoy music that spanned generations.

Kyle, a Filipino Canadian content creator who is getting popular on TikTok and Instagram did quick collab videos with Gabe and Jeremy (left photo) and with Joey, Odette, and Pops (right photo) that reflected the Filipino culture. Both videos got over 150K plays in less than 24 hours of publishing with a lot of viewers relating to both scenarios. “It feels surreal and i feel so fortunate to have had the chance to collab with the artists! I feel honored to even be associated with such legends,” Kyle enthused. (Photos courtesy of Kyle)

A Grand Finale to Summer

(Photos courtesy of Raymond Santos)

PhilFest Mississauga 2024 was more than just an event—it was a heartfelt celebration of community, heritage, and unity. With its lively performances, delicious food, and strong sense of connection, it provided the perfect farewell to summer while reinforcing the Filipino community’s cultural pride. PhilFest Mississauga 2024 was brought to you by Sendwave and RLC Residences.