Mississauga, ON — [Aug 11, 2025] – The Philippine Festival Mississauga is set to deliver a musical highlight this year as acclaimed Filipino-American artists Albert Posis and Jesse Barrera take the stage for MYX Presents at Philfest Mississauga on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Celebration Square.
Known for their smooth vocals, heartfelt songwriting, and genre-blending sound, Posis and Barrera have captivated audiences worldwide with their soulful performances and dynamic collaborations. Their appearance at Philfest marks a rare opportunity for Canadian fans to experience their artistry live, adding a distinctive musical moment to this year’s expanded three-day festival.
Now celebrating its 14th year, Philfest Mississauga has grown into one of the largest Filipino cultural events in Canada. The 2025 edition will run from September 12–14, featuring live entertainment, cultural showcases, interactive activities, and a wide variety of Filipino cuisine. The festival, a finalist for Festival of the Year at the prestigious Marty Awards, continues its mission of celebrating the rich heritage, culture, and community spirit of Filipinos while welcoming audiences from all backgrounds.
Admission to Philfest Mississauga is free, with MYX Presents featuring Albert Posis and Jesse Barrera expected to be one of the marquee performances of the weekend.
For more information, visit www.philfestsauga.ca or follow @philfestsauga on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
It’s San Francisco’s biggest Filipino party, and YOU’RE invited!
📅 August 9-10, 11am – 5pm
🌟 Parade along Market Street on Sat, Aug 9
🎉 2-day Festival at the Yerba Buena Gardens and Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
👉 Free admission
📍 pistahan.net | Follow us @pistahansf
ALL FOR ONE, FUN FOR ALL: Join us for the 32nd Annual Pistahan Parade and Festival—the largest Filipino celebration outside the Philippines—happening in downtown San Francisco! This vibrant, two-day event celebrates Filipino community, culture, and cuisine, where Filipino pride comes alive.
PISTAHAN PARADE: Experience the rhythm, color, and joy of the Filipino spirit with a spectacular display of festive floats, traditional dance troupes, lively contingents, and community organizations. It’s a high-energy celebration of culture and unity.
MAIN STAGE ENTERTAINMENT: Catch live variety entertainment all weekend long—from modern musical acts to cultural performances, and dynamic surprise guests. It’s a back-to-back lineup of talent you won't want to miss!
FLAVORS OF THE PHILIPPINES: Come hungry! With over 20 food vendors, Pistahan is a true culinary fiesta. From sizzling sisig to sweet halo-halo, indulge in a mouthwatering journey through the Philippines—right here in San Francisco.
IMMERSIVE CULTURAL EXPERIENCES: Explore six themed pavilions packed with hands-on activities that celebrate the depth and diversity of Filipino heritage:
» Art Pavilion – local artists, exhibits, and kids’ art activities
» Culinary Pavilion – cooking demos, tastings and eating contests
» Dance Pavilion – traditional and modern dance workshops
» Innovation Pavilion – showcasing Filipino ingenuity and innovation
» Health & Wellness Pavilion – wellness resources, health tips, and services
» Sports Pavilion – interactive games and athlete spotlights
CULTURE MEETS CREATIVITY: Shop local! Discover unique artisan and cultural merchandise from Filipino makers and creators. From handmade crafts to unique fashion and souvenirs, it’s the perfect place to find something meaningful and memorable.
A CELEBRATION FOR EVERYONE: Whether you're Filipino or Filipino-at-heart, Pistahan welcomes all. Bring your family, your friends, your appetite, and your dancing shoes—it’s San Francisco’s biggest Filipino party, and YOU’RE invited!
Kid Heroes Productions, the team behind the LUMPIA films and comic books, spotlights Filipino Music, Film, Comics At World’s Most Influential Pop Culture Festival and off-site restaurant.
(San Diego, CA) San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC), the premier pop culture event in the world, will shine a history-making spotlight on Filipino music, film, martial arts, and comic books in the prime time panel:
“Astounding Team-Ups in the Lumpia Deep Fried Universe”
7 pm – 8 pm
Friday, July 25
Room 6 BCF
San Diego Convention Center
https://kidhero.es/sdcc25
Featuring legendary comic book artist/author Whilce Portacio (Stone), edged weapon specialist and TV "Master Kealer" Doug Marcaida (Forged in Fire), DJ Icy Ice (World Famous Beat Junkies), Benjamin Lee DeGuzman (artist), Figure X (toy designer), writer/director Patricio Ginelsa (Lumpia with a Vengeance), filmmaker/writer/producer Maria Diane Ventura (Eraserheads: Combo on the Run) and lead vocalist Ely Buendia of groundbreaking Filipino supergroup, Eraserheads. The panel will center on the multiple collaborations including a larger-than-life appearance in their new issue of Giant-Size Lumpia by Doug Marcaida and a unique comic book adaptation of the new film Eraserheads: Combo on the Run.
But you don’t need to attend Comic-Con to celebrate this occasion as Kid Heroes Productions will hold their annual off-site events nearby. Gaslamp Lumpia Factory is once again our LUMPIA COMIC-CON HEADQUARTERS! 3 straight delicious nights of pop-ups, exclusives, and mixers at the Gaslamp Lumpia Factory, 423 F. St. Admission is FREE to all events.
THURSDAY, 7/24, 7:00pm - Midnight
Official media partner MYX presents SKETCH & SCRATCH, a night of live sketching and DJ spinning. Hosted by DJ Marlino.
Live drawing by artists Don Aguillo, Brian “beee” Bello, Kevin Paez, Cesar Cueva, and Benjamin DeGuzman
FRIDAY, 7/25, 9:00pm - Midnight
DOUG MARCAIDA Meet & Greet + Comic Book signing
hosted by DJ ICY ICE & DJ MixMaster JBL
Doug will launch his new COMIC BOOK and sign limited edition variants of GIANT-SIZE LUMPIA #2 comic book alongside artists BENJAMIN DEGUZMAN and LEROID DAVID. While supplies last.
SATURDAY, 7/26, 7:00pm - Midnight
FIL-AM CREATOR CON Mixer! A gathering for creatives to meet and network. Hosted by DJ G Money and WinLove
Exclusive pop culture collectible barrel men for sale by Watermoon Studios
There also be a POP-UP DAY MARKET with craft and art vendors from 12pm to 6pm THURS-SAT.
THURS: beee
FRI: Little Yellow Jeepney
SAT: Sunkissed Pinay, Strawberry Scented Burnout
The 2025 Gaslamp Lumpia Factory exclusive comic book by Benjamin DeGuzman is only available to purchase at Gaslamp Lumpia Factory on Friday 7/25.
For the LUMPIA team’s full schedule of events at San Diego Comic-Con, please visit: https://kidhero.es/sdcc25
About Kid Heroes Production: Founded by director Patricio Ginelsa, Kid Heroes Productions is a Los Angeles-based creative studio that blends nostalgic flair with bold storytelling. Known for its dynamic films, music videos, and comics, the studio continues to grow its Lumpia universe through a thriving fan community and national appearances at top conventions. Learn more at kidheroes.net.
About Gaslamp Lumpia Factory: The Nautical Steampunk Filipino Bar and Restaurant is located in the Gaslamp, 423 F Street, San Diego, CA. As the only Pulutan Bar in San Diego, they offer Filipino-inspired cuisine to the downtown area focusing on one of the most popular dishes of the Philippines - LUMPIA!
Festival Kicks Off a Celebration of the Citrus Fruit at Stackt Market On August 24th
TORONTO, ON – It’s sour, it’s sweet, it’s a little bit sassy and it finally has its own festival! Get ready for the first-ever Kalamansi Fest in Canada, happening Sunday, August 24, 2025 at the iconic Stackt Market, co-hosted by Kalamansi Collective and Barkada Mrkt.
This inaugural event celebrates the vibrant culture, flavour, and creativity inspired by the humble Filipino citrus fruit, kalamansi, also known as the Philippine lime. Small but mighty, kalamansi is cherished for its distinctive tartness and versatility in Filipino cooking, drinks, and traditions. While Filipino festivals are a staple across North America, Kalamansi Fest is squeezing out something totally different! A day full of food, music, art, fashion, and Filipino joy, all in honour of this small but mighty fruit.
“We’ve experienced so many incredible Filipino events across Canada and the US, and while ube has certainly taken the spotlight lately, we wanted to highlight another rising star, the kalamansi,” says Kris Pangilinan, founder of Kalamansi Collective. “It’s important to celebrate the kalamansi’s cultural significance, and who better to do that than us and after all, it’s in our name.”
“We are so excited to be curating the very first Kalamansi Fest here in Toronto! It’s a true celebration of Filipino creativity, flavour, and community spirit.” says Izzie Santiago and Aiza Panganiban, founders of Barkada Mrkt. “From the distinct taste of kalamansi to the stories behind our local vendors and entrepreneurs, we can’t wait to highlight the richness of our culture. This festival is about connection and bringing people together to support small businesses, uplift each other, and honour the shared love we have for our heritage.”
And yes, we spell it with a K — the way it's spelled in the Philippines. Because this isn’t just some fruit; it’s a feeling. A taste of home. A reminder that even the tiniest things can bring people together.
At the festival, expect to find kalamansi infused into everything, from street eats and refreshing drinks, to beauty products and limited-edition merch, all crafted by an exciting lineup of Filipino-Canadian creatives and vendors. Add live music, interactive art, and nonstop good vibes, and you’ve got a festival that’s as bold and bright as the fruit itself.
This will be the first festival of its kind in Canada, and whether you're Filipino or just a citrus fruit fan, Kalamansi Fest promises to be an unforgettable (and delicious) summer highlight.
Kalamansi Fest is proudly presented in partnership with MYX Global, our official media partner bringing the energy to Filipino communities worldwide.
Kalamansi Fest presented by Kalamansi Collective & Barkada Mrkt
WHERE: Stackt Market, 28 Bathurst Street
WHEN: Sunday, August 24th, 2025
TIME: 12pm-6pm
For more information, interview requests or any other inquiries, feel free to reach out to us below!
ABOUT US
Kalamansi Collective Kalamansi Collective is a clothing and lifestyle brand founded in 2022 by Filipino- Canadian journalist Kris Pangilinan. Inspired by the stories of immigrant families, the brand is a tribute to their resilience, sacrifice, and the fruits of their labour.
Through creative design and cultural references, Kalamansi Collective honours the experience of starting over in a new country and the generations shaped by that journey.
The name comes from the small but bold citrus fruit known as kalamansi or Philippine lime. Often underappreciated, kalamansi is a symbol of strength, identity, and pride. As global interest in Asian flavours and culture continues to grow, Kalamansi Collective believes it's time for kalamansi to take its place on the world stage.
Beyond clothing, Kalamansi Collective is committed to bringing the Filipino and Asian community together through panel discussions, community pop-ups, and cultural events that spark dialogue, connection, and pride.
Barkada Mrkt
Founded by Izzie Santiago and Aiza Panganiban, Barkada Mrkt is a vibrant pop-up platform in the GTA that brings together community, culture, and creativity. We spotlight Filipino and Asian-owned small businesses through thoughtfully curated markets and events like our Asian Night Markets, seasonal holiday bazaars, and our signature spring pop-ups at STACKT Market that features over 30 vendors, live music, food, drinks, swag bags, and pet-friendly vibes.
Whether you're browsing handcrafted goods, tasting Asian inspired eats, or discovering emerging artists, every Barkada Mrkt event is rooted in community and creativity. At the heart of it all is a mission to uplift small businesses with a strong commitment to supporting Filipino entrepreneurs. Barkada Mrkt creates space for makers, creatives, and culture shapers to thrive by fostering a sense of family through shared stories, celebration and meaningful connection.
K-Drama Prince Park Seo Jun swooned his Filipino fans with his aura once more during his Fit For Any Role: The Ultimate Fan Fest last July 12, in partnership with Century Tuna. The event marked the actor’s first stint as the first Century Tuna Global Superbod.
In a pre-event press conference, Park Seo Jun expressed his honor to represent Century Tuna as the first foreign ambassador of the brand. Beyond physical fitness, he also emphasized the importance of caring for one’s mental well-being.
I needed to hear this...the past weeks/months have been really taxing physically and mentally. As it is my physical state is nowhere near fit & I need to keep my mind healthy too...bring back my optimistic state 🥹#ParkSeoJun #ParkSeoJunCenturyTunaPH2025 #CenturyTunaOppa pic.twitter.com/AX1J6bPXYJ
— Nina Maverick 🥀 (@Ninamaverick) July 13, 2025
“I realized that the most important health we must maintain is our mental health. To do that, we need to have a healthy body,” the Pambansang Oppa said. He added that one must also be optimistic and have a bright mind to overcome difficulties.
He advised those who are still starting their fitness journey to actually start, then they will see results.
During the fanmeet proper, PSJ was introduced by PH’s #1 Dyosa Superbod Anne Curtis, where he was met with loud chants from his fans shouting “LAKAS MAKA-SUPERBOD” and “PARK SEO JUN.”
As he greeted the fans, the new Global Superbod stated that he has been busy with shooting his upcoming drama, but he felt happy and energized seeing his fans.
From fitness-centered events to trying out Park Seo Jun’s ideal Century Tuna wrap, a total of 38 fans were given the opportunity to participate in the various stage segments with the Korean superstar during the event.
One lucky fan even got to spend two minutes alone on stage with the Nation’s Son-in-Law after winning a trivia game centered on the actor. (Everyone wishes they were her.)
@izzmatias More fan cams soon!! 2 MINS WITH PARK SEO JUN Park Seo Joon Century Tuna Fan Meet @Century Tuna #ParkSeoJunCenturyTunaPH2025 #ParkSeoJuninManila #ParkSeoJooninManila #parkseojun #CenturyTunaOppa #ProteinFit #hallyutalkph #parkseojoon #박서준 ♬ original sound - Izzy 🇵🇭 | Hallyu + Travel
As the fanmeet came to an end, Park Seo Jun thanked his fans once more for their support in his endeavors. “I was very happy to see you all. Although time was short, thank you for coming. If you continue to support Century Tuna, we will meet again in the future.”
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Written by Ana Rufa Padua, a fourth-year Communication student from the Ateneo de Manila University. With a passion for storytelling, she hopes to shed light on the various realities, lives, and phenomena surrounding the communities she covers. In her free time, she indulges herself in watching movies and listening to K-Pop.
