Fernando Mendez

Fernando ‘Nanding’ Mendez

An award-winning art director currently residing in New York City. 

A graduate of Fine Arts degree major in advertising from the University of Santo Tomas, (the oldest existing university in Asia) Nanding made significant strides for the Philippine advertising industry, earning accolades in graphic arts, painting, and advertising. His transition to United States in 1982 marked a new chapter, where his talent continued to flourish. In Montana, he designed the award-winning logo for the city of Billings, a feat that memorably highlighted his creative prowess. Moving to New York, he faced even bigger challenges, establishing a strong foothold in one of the world’s most competitive markets.

In 1992, Nanding ventured into publishing with the launch of 'Special Edition Press,' amplifying Filipino voices in America and collaborating with distinguished writers and art professionals. His deep engagement with the Filipino community culminated in the founding of Fiesta in America in 1996—a cultural trade show that has since become a cornerstone event, celebrating Filipino heritage and providing a platform for hundreds of sponsors and exhibitors. Beyond the limelight, Nanding's commitment is profoundly felt at the grassroots level, where he supports the overlooked and ensures fair compensation for his team. 

He has won numerous art competitions since his formative school days in poster competition, illustration, painting, graphic design, and in print advertising during his working years..

In the Philippines, he was the youngest art director in 1976 at the Philippine Advertising Counselors and worked on blue chip accounts which include San Miguel Beer, Marlboro, Singer and Scott Paper. He designed the logo of Insular Bank of Asia & America, won the City Seal of Billings (Montana), and won the logo of Philippine Independence Day Council Inc. (PIDCI_ New York. He is a fixture in the Fil-Am Who's Who in the US.

Fiesta In America Expo, which Mendez and his late wife Mila founded in 1996 has grown into the largest indoor gathering of Filipino Americans in the US east coast. The event spotlights Filipino talents, Philippine export and tourism industries, and linkages between ethnic and American businesses.

"Stewarding Fiesta In America is my small way of promoting our culture, our products, and the matchless beauty of our land as Fil-Ams' beacons of pride.""

Career Highlights:

●  1st Prize Philippines National Poster Design Competition 1969, Philippines (age 16)

●  Awards in Oil Painting, Illustration, Photography 1970-1974 University of Santo Tomas.

●  Worked with Link Advertising, designed the logo for Insular Bank of Asia & America 1974

●  Became the youngest art director at Philippine Advertising Counselors in 1976. Won advertising awards for the advertising agency 1975-1982, Worked with major clients including San Miguel Beer, Marlboro, Singer, and Scott Paper accounts

●  Awards in print advertising for Alpine Advertising Inc. Montana 1983-1986
Won 1st Prize – Statewide Seal of Billings Montana Competition

●  Founded Special Edition Press, Inc. publishing and printing company in New York 1992
Created Special Edition Magazine, a US wide publication with over 20,000 circulation. The publication focused on Filipino American political, social, and economic issues for 8 years

●  Created the logo for PIDCI, the biggest Filipino American parade and event held annually in New York City, 2001.

Major Achievements:

●  Co-founded Fiesta In America established in 1996 with his late wife Mila Beltran Mendez.
The event grew to become the largest indoor expo of its kind on the US east coast, showcasing Filipino talent, Philippine exports and tourism. Held annually at American Dream, the 2nd largest retail and entertainment center in the US, it has since become a cornerstone event, celebrating Filipino heritage and providing a platform for hundreds of sponsors and exhibitors.

●  Co-founded People’s Ball in 2010, an annual gathering of Filipino American luminaries in the east coast; Pasko in America established in 2023, held every December – A Filipino American Christmas experience in the US.

Fernando Mendez is inviting all interested professional fine artists to showcase their creative works at https://theworldwidegallery.com. For more information, you may contact via email at fernando@fiestainamerica.com

Visit www.philippinefiestausa.com