Get ready for Sunday, 30 June 2024, as the first-ever Philippine Grand Fiesta takes over the Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne. This grand celebration of Filipino culture promises to be a feast for the senses, with over 20 Filipino-Australian food stalls and restaurants participating. Whether you’re craving sweet treats, savoury delights, or something in between, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
A Culinary Journey
Attendees can look forward to savouring a variety of Filipino dishes, including the much-talked-about pares and mami, which echo the flavours of the famous Diwata’s pares from the Philippines. There will also be delectable charcoal Pinoy BBQ, guaranteed to delight your taste buds.
Indulge in the colourful and delightful halo-halo, a perfect treat even in the cooler weather, or savour the rich flavours of dinuguan, a comforting pork blood stew. Dive into a hearty bowl of kare-kare, a beloved peanut-based oxtail stew, and enjoy the scent of sizzling BBQ filling the air. A variety of kakanin (rice cakes) and ube pandesal (purple yam bread) will also tantalise your taste buds.
A Cultural Extravaganza
The Philippine Grand Fiesta is not just about food; it’s a chance to connect with friends and family, share stories, and create lasting memories. One of the highlights of the event will be the rhythmic drumbeats and vibrant colours of Ati-Atihan, which will take centre stage. Renowned for its lively celebrations and cultural richness, the Ati-Atihan performance promises to showcase dazzling new costumes, brought all the way from the Philippines.
Cooking Demo by Adobros
One of the must-see activities of the fiesta is the cooking demo by Chef Morris Danzen Catanghal and Chef Michael Pastrana of Adobros, sponsored by Mama Sita’s. This demo, scheduled for 12:45 PM, will offer attendees a chance to learn how to prepare traditional Filipino dishes with a modern twist. Mama Sita’s, known for its authentic Filipino sauces and mixes, will provide the ingredients for this engaging culinary showcase. Don’t miss this opportunity to pick up tips and tricks from the Adobros and bring a piece of the fiesta back to your own kitchen.
Event Program
- 9.00am – STALLS OPEN
- 10.00am – PARADE
- 10.30am – NATIONAL ANTHEMS (Music)
- SONG – Bayan Ko – Hazel Schop (slide)
- OPENING REMARKS – Ed Guevarra, EMG
- TALK ON INDEPENDENCE – Raul Hernandez, Former Honorary Consul
- 11.00am – CULTURAL DANCE – Luzviminda Cultural Group (1)
- SPONSOR 1
- 11.15am – CULTURAL DANCE – Dazzling Dancers (Ifugao Dance)
- 11.30am – CULTURAL PRESENTATION – Kris Aguilar
- SPONSOR 2
- 12.00nn – CULTURAL DANCE – Luzviminda Cultural Group (2)
- SPONSOR 3
- 12.30pm – DANCE – Dazzling Dancers (Modern)
- 12.45pm – ADOBROS COOKING DEMO sponsored by Mama Sita’s
- SPONSOR 4
- 1.00pm – SPEECH: Corina Dutlow of AFCS to introduce Ms Vivienne Nguyen, Chairperson, Victorian Multicultural Commission
- Slide Intro
- CENTENNIAL YEAR ATI-ATIHAN SLIDE
- Ati Intro
- 1.15pm – ATI-ATIHAN Group by Ed Guevarra
- SPONSOR
- 1.30pm – DANCE – HIP-HOP (Liz Quimora Group) not confirmed
- DANCE – HIP-HOP (Gerry Baladjay Group)
- 2.00pm – CULTURAL DANCE – Young Generation
- 2.15pm – BEAUTY PAGEANT – Miss and Mrs Grand Fiesta 2024
- 3.00pm – PUBLIC DANCING – Music by Rollie Radam and Group
- 4.00pm – CLOSE
Enjoy the food, the festivities, and the fun at the Philippine Grand Fiesta 2024!
The Philippine Times is a media sponsor of this event.
