Atlantic City Weekly

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Consider it an affectionate gesture from one island to another. OK, from a barrier island to an island nation, but it’s still a tribute to the Philippines that takes center stage in Ocean City this weekend.

The highlight of the celebration is a performance by world-renowned entertainer, Imelda Papin, an international singing, movie and TV star. Papin, dubbed “The Sentimental Songstress” and “Asia’s Queen of Song,” grew up in a remote village of the Philippines and later moved to Manila with her family. There she performed in clubs, made a mark with her heartfelt, emotional songs and quickly achieved superstar status. In recent years she added success in the U.S., playing Las Vegas where she hosts her own radio program and releasing the CD Voice of the Heart. Her concert will be 8pm Saturday (June 26) at the Music Pier. Tickets are $20.

The festival also includes a Crafts and Cultural Exhibition on Saturday (10am to the end of the concert) and Sunday (10am-3pm).

The Crafts and Cultural show will include displays of Filipino art, furniture, home decors, hand crafts, Filipina dresses, an authentic doll exhibit, shell and coral crafts, lanterns, photography, Filipino foods, handbags made from scrap materials that benefit Filipino charities and more.

And then there’s a lot of stuff thrown in as well including: welcome bags with an array of discount coupons from restaurants, amusement and gift stores for visitors; an Antique Auto Show Saturday on the Tabernacle grounds (6th and Asbury Ave. 9am–2pm including an afternoon Boardwalk Parade after 2pm); educational displays by the Philippine Tourism Industry and displays by the City of Ocean City and Chamber of Commerce; and Yo-Yo demonstrations will be held during the day by Air Circus of Ocean City. The popular Yo-Yo was invented in the Philippines.

The Music Pier is also the site of another big weekend concert as legendary singer Patti Page joins the Ocean City Pops for their season-opening concert Sunday at 7:30pm. Page has sold more than 100 million albums and is known for hits such as “Mocking Bird Hill,” “Mister and Mississippi, ” “Tennessee Waltz” and “How Much is that Doggie in the Window.” Tickets are $25 and $20. Call the Music Pier Box Office at 525-9248 or visit ocnj.us for both shows.

Cultural Calendar

Saturday June 26

Antique Auto Show

Tabernacle grounds, 6th St. and Asbury Ave. Over 300 vintage cars will be featured. Free. 9am-2pm followed by a Boardwalk Parade from 6th to 14 sts. Visit ocnj.us. 

Performing Arts

Friday June 25

2nd Annual “Rock the Boards” Concert

Music Pier, Moorlyn Terrace and Boardwalk. South Jersey’s own Bound by Nothing will headline an evening of family-friendly rock and acoustic music for all ages to enjoy. $8. 8pm. Call 856-357-0000 or visit boundbynothing.com.

Saturday June 26

The Philadelphia Boys Choir

St. Peter’s United Methodist Church, 8th St. & Central Ave. $10 youth under 18 free. 7pm. Call 399-2988 or visit stpetersumcoc.com.

Imelda Papin - O.C. Salute to the Philippines

Music Pier, Moorlyn Terrace and Boardwalk. Imelda Papin, “Asia’s Queen of Sentimental Songs,” will highlight Ocean City’s Tribute to the Philippines. $20. 8pm. Call 525-9248 or visit ocnj.us.