Entertainment
OPM icons Ogie, Zsa Zsa headline TFC30 Happy Hour, MYX presents BGYO at the 3rd Fun Philippines Toronto Food & Music Festival on July 26-28
By ABS-CBN
TORONTO, July 23, 2024 – Toronto’s Harbourfront Centre – Canada’s leading destination for contemporary culture and an international hub for innovative arts and ideas – is celebrating its Golden Jubilee by promising an unforgettable summer experience this year.
One of the selected events to grace Harbourfront Centre’s 2024 summer calendar is the 3rd Fun Philippines Toronto Food & Music Festival scheduled for the July 26-28 weekend. The Centre is co-presenting the event with the Philippine Legacy and Cultural Alliance (PLACA).
To ensure the Centre’s goal of providing “transformative experiences… and unforgettable moments to cherish at its waterfront”, PLACA partnered with leading Filipino media and entertainment company ABS-CBN which, on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of its flagship multimedia brand, TFC, will showcase the best of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) through world-class TFC Happy Hour and MYX Presents at the event’s festivities.
On July 27, Saturday, MYX Presents will spotlight BGYO. Composed of members Gelo, Akira, JL, Mikki, and Nate, BGYO burst into the music fans’ consciousness when it debuted on January 29, 2021 with the video for the hit single, “The Light”. The group’s debut album also titled, The Light, topped the iTunes Philippines Top 100 albums chart for a record 12 days straight. It also made the charts in Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Canada, Australia, Norway, and Mexico. The quintet with an acronym that stands for “Becoming the change; Going further; You and I; Originally Filipino” has since then earned millions of streams, amassed listeners, topped charts, and bagged several awards, and performed live in several countries. MYX Presents segment will be opened with MYX Beats by DJ Nina who is one of the top DJs in the Philippine club scene.
On July 28, Sunday, legendary King of OPM Ogie Alcasid teams up with Philippine Divine Diva Zsa Zsa Padilla on stage for both a nostalgic trip down memory lane of their countless hits as solo artists and also for their unique covers of hit songs. Cast pillars of the longest running TV weekend show in the Philippines, “ASAP Natin ‘To”, Alcasid and Padilla have discographies that are must-haves in an OPM music fan’s collection. Alcasid, who is also an award-winning songwriter, has songs that are covered by people from all genders and ages. Timeless hits like “Nandito Ako”, “Sa Kanya”, “Pangako”, “Pagkakataon” and much more are guaranteed to be passed on from generation to generation, cementing his legacy. Zsa Zsa, on the other hand, who also made a name as an accomplished award-winning actress on TV and film, is known more for her live performances with her unique velvet voice and mesmerizing personality. As someone who can sing pop, ballads, Broadway hits, rock, new wave, and rhythm and blues, she commands attention with her stage presence.
BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE
TFC pulled out all the stops to make sure their entertainment offerings for Fun Philippines are topnotch. Two FREE Filipino movies will be shown at the Harbourfront Studio Theatre during the same weekend.
Unbreakable
Directed by Mae Cruz-Alviar (Crazy Beautiful You, Four Sisters Before the Wedding, Bride for Rent, Love or Money), this film stars Bea Alonzo, Angelica Panganiban and Richard Gutierrez. It’s about two best friends whose friendship is challenged as family obligations and a tragedy force them to evaluate the meaning of loyalty. It screens on July 27 at 2pm.
Watch the trailer: Unbreakable
Love You to the Stars and Back
Directed by Antoinette Jadaone (That Thing Called Tadhana, Alone/Together, Fan Girl), this romantic comedy stars Julia Barretto and Joshua Garcia. Eccentric Mika goes on a road trip to look for aliens. She bumps into a charming, good-humored boy who she decided to give a free ride to his destination. It becomes a road trip of adventure and misadventures with lifelong lessons to learn. The film screens on July 28 at 2pm.
Watch the trailer: Love You to the Stars and Back
TFC always works with the community and heartily acknowledges the strong support of the following sponsors: Western Union, RLC, Nutriasia (UFC, Mang Tomas, Silver Swan, and Datu Puti).
Whether you’re a foodie, a music buff, Filipino movie fan, or a cultural art lover, the 3rd Fun Philippines Toronto Food & Music Festival has something to offer everyone. Experience first-hand why the Philippines is admired as the “Pearl of the Orient Seas” and feel the world-renowned Filipino hospitality at the event at Toronto’s famed Harbourfront Centre!
And the best news? Attendees of the 3rd Fun Philippines Toronto Food & Music Festival can watch BGYO, Ogie Alcasid and Zsa Zsa Padilla and enjoy all the offerings for FREE!
For more information, visit https://mytfc.com/Events/featured-events