Piyesta Pinoy Summer Celebration in Bolingbrook

The Village of Bolingbrook estimated that there were about 5,700 attendees despite the afternoon rains. Some hardy folks stayed despite the cold winds and the rain that dampened the grass, but definitely not their spirits. They sang along and rocked on to the performances of front acts Raissa Yabes, Skokie Idol 2023 Trina Milo- Nicolasin and Skokie Idol 2024 Anna Nicolasin, and especially the celebrity guests The Voice Season 25 favorites Justin and Jeremy Garcia and Shamrock’s former front man Marc Tupaz. They gave rave reviews to the performances of Ingrid, the Nicolasin sisters and Lia Mercer (Lupang Hinirang), Phoebe Teoli (Star-Spangled Banner), Rozz Daniels, Soundredd, No Limits Band, FIA Liwan, SamaSama Project, BIBBAK, Philippine Nurses Association of Greater Chicago, PSA Barkada, Santacruzan Dance Group, Santacruzan Rhythm of the Islands, FIA Cultural, PACF Performing Arts and Lane Tech Kapamilya Habang Buhay. Piyesta Pinoy had 130 singers, musicians and dancers this year!

The program was emceed by Alpha Nicolasin, Galilee Montero, Olive Leopoldo and Olivia Mercer. Bolingbrook Mayor Mary Alexander-Basta came with the Village Trustees and officers, leading the parade along with Philippine Consul Ella Karina Mitra, who delivered a message on behalf of Consul General J. Susana V. Paez. Mayor Alexander-Basta welcomed the crowds to the village and later on enjoyed the performances on the main stage. One deeply touching part of the program was the conferment of posthumous awards to Piyesta stalwarts Romy Balcita and Glenn Bermejo, with the plaques received by their families represented by Tita Balcita and Celeste Bermejo.

There were more vendors and many attendees at this year’s festival. The parade started at around 3:00 p.m.and traveled around the far-side of the pond and ended in front of the stage. Despite the rain, overall the Piyesta Pinoy 2024 was highly enjoyable and very successful.

The parade was led by the Village of Bolingbrook mayor and other dignitaries. From left to right: Hope Mercado, Bolingbrook Mayor Mary Alexander-Basta, Will County Board Member Elnalyn Costa and Piyesta Pinoy Chair Ruben Salazar. (photo credit: Rey Miran)

Ingrid Bantugan celebrates as she holds aloft a facsimile of her round trip ticket to the Philippines courtesy of Eva Air. From left: Raffle committee members Isabel Tuazon, Richelle Tuazon and Pia Natividad, host Alpha Nicolasin, Ingrid, Eva Air General Manager Oscar Chen, Deputy Manager Jake Chen and Piyesta chair Ruben Salazar. (photo credit: Aileen Garcia)

Celebrity guests Marc Tupaz, and The Voice Season 25 Justin and Jeremy Garcia pose for pictures with the volunteers, crew and some of the audience members after the celebrity performances on the Bolingbrook Performing Arts Center’s main stage. (photo credit: Aileen Garcia)