Stevenage Barrio Fiesta, well supported by their Filipina Town Mayor Myla Arceno

Stevenage Barrio Fiesta, well supported by their Filipina Town Mayor Myla Arceno

THE organizers of the Barrio Fiesta Celebration in Stevenage were very lucky to have the town’s mayor as a Filipina.

The humble yet bubbly Mayor was very early to check on the event. As the Mayor, she is the first citizen of the town, she is the spokesperson and representative on all civic and ceremonial occasions, and is the figurehead of the community that the council serves.

Hence, she was welcoming everyone even before the official program hadu. The Filipino Entrepreneurs who were just setting up their stalls when the friendly Mayor arrived gladly took pictures with her and congratulated her on her election win.

During the event, the Honourable Mayor recognised the contributions of those who made this event successful.

“I don’t think we were able to do this, without the efficiency of the core organizers,” Mayor Myla Arceno said.

The mayor also encouraged the Filipinos especially the Youth to offer community service and she hopes that she can inspire younger Filipino generation to also get more involved in local government services.

The Philippine Ambassador to the UK, Sir Teodoro Locsin Jr. also travelled to Stevenage to celebrate with everyone, delivering his welcome address to kick start the event. He also shared his admiration to the elected town Mayor.

“Wow I tell you, Stevenage is prosperous.. imagine the mayor is Filipino,” Ambassador Teodoro Locsin said.

Other local British officials were also present to commemorate with the festival such as Councillor Richard Henry and Baroness Sharon Taylor.

“Welcome to Stevenage, we’re really proud of Myla Arceno,” Councillor Richard Henry,  Stevenage Council said.

The event started at 11am and finished at 5pm. After the short town procession, Lots and lots of entertainment were offered to all the visitors, British Locals offered their zumba dancing skills where the mayor fondly joined, the visitors danced with familiar Filipino song played by the band and the singing prowess of Filipinos is not to be missed and many other various acts such as dancing the tinikling.

On the other hand, the endless choice of Filipino Foods was mouth-watering and very filling. From main dishes to desserts offered by several caterers and unlimited drinks offered by the organisers. Various services were also being offered such money remittance and selling properties back in the Philippines.

And of course, the happy reaction of many Filipinos to the grand celebration is undeniable.

Lastly, the organisers ended the event with a message of appreciation and gratitude to all those who came and joined the celebration.

It is indeed expanding here in the UK and there is a lot of anticipation that many more localized Barrio Fiestas will be celebrated in the near future.

 

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