By RICHARD FORD
The Mindanao Ethnic Dance group of the Alliance of Philippine Community Organisations, Inc (APCO) aptly represented the Filipino community in the Auburn City Festival held at Wyatt Park, Lidcombe on 18 September.
Dressed in colourfully-beaded red woven skirts and other authentic props, the Bagobo Dance was artistically choreographed and performed by founding president of Mindanao Ethnic Dance Group, Emma Braceros with Emelee Tuzon, Diane Ford, Glorina Papaiannou and Vivian Brewington.
Also in attendance to support the dancers are members of the APCO Board: Dr Cen Amores, President; Violy Miguel, Treasurer; Linda Trinidad, Director; Ruben Amores, Roberto Sacillotto, Darren Brewington and Grace Montinola.
The diversity and quality of cultural presentations from cross-cultural backgrounds captured this year’s theme, “Celebrating all Cultures”. The 3 stages erected in various locations at the new festival site in Lidcombe sports grounds were packed with various kinds of performances. Also featured within the area are arts, craft, amusement rides, animal farm, show bags, lantern making, market stalls, drumming classes, international food stalls, circus skills workshops and dodgem cars. Families came in droves taking advantage of the free entry, free shuttle buses plying between the train stations and the festival site, very accessible location and a perfect weather.
It was indeed a huge crowd to showcase the cultural integration of Filipinos in one of the most multicultural suburbs of Sydney!
APCO was also invited to perform again on 30 October during the second Auburn City Food Fest – part of The Sydney Food Festival. APCO will also be presenting some exquisite Filipino food samples as one of the ethnic representatives participating in community lunch organised by the Auburn Small Community Organisations Network (ASCON) when Ruben Amores was founding chairman.
