The 2011 Philippine Fiesta in Victoria is the most awaited and biggest celebration of Filipino-Australians. It is a meaningful and expressive way to describe Filipinos’ splendid culture and colourful heritage. This year’s Philippine Fiesta, organised by the Philippine Fiesta of Victoria, Inc., will surely be full of laughter, food, friends and family members, games, and prayers.
Businesses will be busy showcasing their goods and services, talented Filos will give their best and organisations and associations will reach out to the community in stalls. To be held on 26-27 November 2011 at the Melbourne Show Grounds, the theme for this year focuses on “Ambagan” meaning to contribute or share something for the common good. This is the 29th Fiesta celebration.
The “Ambagan” theme is a celebration of the contributions being given by Fiesta committee officers, the volunteers, the different organisations, the local talents, the youth, the elderly, the Mums and the Dads, the Ates and the Kuyas, the owners and operators of Filipinos shops and new and old businesses alike. These people share their talents and resources to make the Fiesta a successful and memorable event.
Meeting Ambassador Anota
On the second day, the Filipino community will meet for the first time the new Philippine Ambassador to Australia Belen Anota. Other special guests are: Philippine Honorary Consul of Victoria Gigi Kalong; Minister for Financial Services and Superannuation and Federal Member for Maribyrnong Bill Shorten; Chairperson of Victorian Multicultural Commission Chin Tan, and Leader of the Opposition of Victoria Daniel Andrew.
Fr. Loi Viovicente, Filipino Chaplain, will hold a Mass on Sunday at 10am.
What’s in store for everyone
Liz Honey, PRO of the Fiesta Committee, has confirmed that the guests during the Fiesta would be Pekto, Kylie Padilla, Gwen Zamora, Imelda Papin and Jim Paredes. Aside from these famous Filipino entertainers, there will be local entertainers- – Sheralyn May Hill, Zabrina Araya, Jerson Trinidad, Lynyl Go, Pamela David, Karen Esco, Michael Catayas, Chris Centeno, Francesca Frivolous, Ficol Ati-Atihan of Lara, among others.
During the opening, community leaders and members from Philippine Fiesta of Victoria, Inc. and Philippine Fiesta Beauty Quests will lead the ribbon cutting and flag ceremony.
There will also be an oathtaking of Filos who have acquired dual citizenship to be led by the Filipino-Australia Association of Ballarat.
The two-day event will also see the recognition and presentation of Miss Teen Philippines of Victoria 2010, Miss Philippines Title Holders 2009, Mrs Philippines Holders 2009 and Miss and Mrs Philippines Fiesta Beauty Quests 2011.
The Miss Victoria Secret glamour girls will also have a Drag Fashion Performance.
Also in store are exhibits, food stalls, Galing Gintong singing contest, free kids and cultural presentation, wrestling, and the grand parade.
For details, visit www.philfiesta.com. (See page for 14 for copy of the program.)
