“PhilFest” of Tampa, Florida, celebrated its 30th anniversary on April 10th, 11th, and 12th, 2026, at the 10-acre Philippine Enrichment Complex of the Philippine Cultural Foundation, Inc. (PCFI), which also organizes the festival.
On Saturday, April 11th, Mariben Andersen, Chairman of the Mayor’s Asian American Pacific Islander Advisory Council (MAAPIAC) and Raquel Pancho, MAAPIAC City Adviser, and Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator with the Office of the Chief of Staff, delivered the framed Proclamation from Tampa’s Mayor Jane Castor, witnessed by more than 10,000 attendees. Mariben delivered her opening speech and congratulations while Raquel Pancho read the entire proclamation. The proclamation was then presented to Dr. Rosauro Balderama, PhilFest 2026 Chairman, and Arnell Biglete, PCFI Chairman of the Board.
PhilFest, which started in 1996 as a one-day event, has now grown into a three-day event to accommodate attendees from all over Florida and neighboring states. The festival offers Philippine cuisine, products, exhibitors, nonstop entertainment, street parades and processions, singing and dance competitions, and the Philippine Embassy OUTREACH PROGRAM, a service of the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C.
 and Raquel Pancho, MAAPIAC City Adviser, and Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator with the Office of the Chief of Staff, delivered the framed Proclamation from Tampa's Mayor Jane Castor, witnessed by more than 10,000 attendees.){kind=link}