By Christine Joice Cudis
ADELAIDE — The OzAsia Festival, an annual celebration of diverse cultures in South Australia, commenced on October 24, with a stunning performance by Filipino artist Brian Ruiz at the Lucky Dumpling Market in Elder Park, Adelaide.
“Performing at the OzAsia Festival was a surreal experience. It’s an honor to share our culture with such a diverse audience,” Ruiz commented. Born and raised in South Australia, Ruiz’s journey into music was inspired by his father, who arrived in Australia in the mid-1960s and played in various bands. His mother followed in the mid-1970s, and the couple met through their shared love of music.
Ruiz’s early career highlight was winning the South Australian Young Composers Award in 1994. He has navigated various challenges over the years, including the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. “It was tough, but music is in my blood. Adapting was the only way forward,” Ruiz shared. Up until 2020, Ruiz had been working as a full-time musician for almost 25 years. The pandemic forced him to transition into another field, yet he continues to perform at corporate events, special occasions like the OzAsia Festival, and as part of the worship team at Equippers Church in Reynella.
A turning point in his career was meeting Kuya James, a Darwin-based DJ and producer, who helped Ruiz reconnect with his Filipino roots. “Kuya James opened my eyes to the wealth of talent in our community. Singing in Tagalog was a profound experience, connecting me more deeply with my heritage,” Ruiz said. This collaboration led him to participate in cultural events such as “The Filipino Street Party” at the OzAsia Festival. “I personally never focused on the Filipino music scene or saw myself as a Filipino musician but rather a musician who happens to be Filipino.”
Beyond performing, Ruiz is passionate about mentoring young Filipino artists in Australia. “Mentoring young artists is incredibly rewarding. I want to share my experiences and help them find their own voice,” he said. “With support from festivals like OzAsia and Womad, I hope more Filipino artists gain visibility and represent our culture fully.”
Brian Ruiz’s story is one of resilience, heritage, and inspiration. His dedication to his craft and his community serves as a beacon for Filipino artists in Australia, encouraging them to embrace their roots and shine brightly in their artistic endeavors.
The festival, which officially opened at the Lucky Dumpling Market, features Filipino food stalls, including “The Filipino Project” and “Hoy Pinoy!”. The Filipino Project is renowned for its Filipino-style charcoal barbecue and platters, while Hoy Pinoy offers delicious Filipino food that has become a favorite among festival-goers. Their presence at the OzAsia Festival highlights the rich culinary traditions of the Philippines and strengthens cultural ties within the community. Running until November 10, this year’s festival is set to offer a rich tapestry of cultural experiences. #
Based in Adelaide, writer Christine Cudis loves capturing the beautiful lives of Filipino migrants thriving in South Australia. Reach her at christinecudis@gmail.com.
