Get ready Toronto! On July 23 & 24, Bathurst St. and Wilson Ave. plays host to a new and massive Filipino Street Festival called FUN PHILIPPINES! Organized by the Philippine Legacy and Cultural Alliance (PLACA), the festival celebrates 2022 and Filipino diversity with food, music, and culture through inclusive and fun collaborations with artists and creative partners, community leaders, food establishments and chefs, and various groups that advocate for true Filipino representation in the mainstream.
Spanning a one-kilometer stretch in Bathurst St., festival attendees will enjoy live performances, Filipino games and activities, cultural showcases, street dancing, karaoke, storytelling, kamayan feasts, food, craft demos, and carnival rides.
In addition to the fun weekend of Filipino cultural recognition, MYX will be inviting a few special guests on the first day of the festival: Ylona Garcia, Keith Pedro, and Darren Espanto for performances. To learn more about the event, please visit the official website here. We hope to see you there!
Initially an independent project that started between friends, Paraisla has grown into a full-blown record label. The project, started by Bret Jackson is described as a creative collective finds talent and sources straight from the Visayas region. According to the label, they "teamed up with talents around the island and organized a movement dedicated to discovering and honing local talents...capturing the culture of the Philippines."
Let's take a look at some of the homegrown talent Paraisla has added so far to their label repertoire. We're given hints that more live performances are to come so it'll be something we have to look out for!
Jetter - "Focus on You"
Danna Ysabel - "Mama"
Batang Indio - "Life In The Isla"
Cover Photo Credit: Bret Jackson Instagram
