February 27 marked the celebration of Freedom Day at the Filipino Hub in Brooklyn, Victoria. A joint undertaking of the Brimbank City Council and the Filipino Community Council of Victoria, Inc. the festival was dubbed “Colours of the Philippine Islands”, and featured representative cultural costumes and icons from the three major political divisions of the Philippines.
The celebration kicked off with a parade of colours around the Brooklyn compound, led by members of the FCCVI executive committee, followed by delegations representing Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
On hand to open the celebration was Ian Hunter, representing the original owners of the land. He conducted the traditional purification ceremony using smoked bark, before treating the audience to a performance on an authentic didgeridoo. Also on hand to solemnify the occasion was Pastor Tim Barrioquinto, who led the opening prayer.
Guests of honour at the Freedom Day Celebration included the Philippine Deputy Consul for Victoria Atty. Anthony Mandap. Also in attendance were members of the Brimbank City Council, led by the City’s Deputy Mayor Cr. Thuy Dang.
The 2021 Filipino Communities Council of Australia (FILCCA) awards were presented as part of the program, in recognition of youth awardee Enya McKernan, and leadership awardees Ness Gavanzo, and Gloria Moscosa. The Community Award went to FEGTA. FCCVI President Marlon De Leon likewise received the Filipino-Australian Achievement Award, while Manuel Asuncion was pronounced Filipino-Australian of the Year runner-up.
Entertainment during the event was diverse and extremely well received by the multicultural crowd. Song numbers were provided by actress and recording artist Mary Ann Van der Horst, Monina and Joey of the Tropical Notes Band, singer-composer Mike Valdivia, Angel Bardos, Ralf Fernandez, Henrietta Soledad and Leo Javier.
An eclectic mix of dance performances was provided compliments of the Mabuhay Dancers, the EUFEA Dancers, the Power of Two Duo, and the Dazzling Dancers. Emcees for the day-long program were FM 3ZZZ Radio anchors Jenny Dy Tiapco and Beng De Leon, who also oversaw several raffle draws to liven up the celebration.
Food and drinks were provided free of charge, through the auspices of the Brimbank City Council. The celebration proved to be an event to remember and is expected to become a regular fixture in the Filipino Community calendar in the coming years.
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