17 Filipino-Australian children and youth, together with community leaders Ms Jinky Trijo Marsh and Mr Rado Gatchalian and vocalist and vocal coach Ms Tina Ranoso Bangel, took centre stage in this year’s Children’s Week presentation held at the Philippine Consulate General Sydney on the 7th of January 2025.
Performances and Speeches
Highlights of the event included engagement of children from emceeing to singing, delivering speeches, reciting poems, playing music, and featuring artworks. Miss Ivy Bailey and Miss Caitlyn Ranoso sang the Philippine and Australian National Anthems, respectively.
The multi-award-winning song ‘Paraiso’ by National Artist for music Ryan Cayabyab was performed by Miss Ysabella Sibucao, Ms Charlize Santos, Mr Joshua Lui and Master Matthew Dino on guitar. Miss Chloe Lofthouse rendered a song and delivered her speech entitled ‘A Safe Place to Call Home.’ Master Cameron Joshua Marsh also delivered his own school public speaking speech entitled ‘There Is Nothing Like A Dream to Create The Future.’
The program finale featured all participants singing the Original Pilipino Music (OPM) song ‘Next In Line,’ which hoped to stir the minds and hearts of young people to use their zeal, imagination, and curiosity for discovery, exploration, and progress in life. The program was emceed by Miss Mejia and Master Cameron Marsh.
Poetry Recitations
Delino brothers Master Luke Andrew, Master David Lorenz, and Master Paul Steven recited the poem of Filipino-Australian poet Rado Gatchalian entitled ‘Ang Batang Filipino,’ which they had previously presented at the 2024 Philippine Pasko Festival in Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour.
Community leader and poet Mr Rado Gatchalian presented his own poem entitled ‘Kabataang Pilipino.’
Art Presentations
Artworks on Philippine national symbols were showcased by several participants. Miss Sophia Ysabelle Cruz de Guia presented the mango, Miss Arianna Chrystelle Cruz de Guia highlighted the sampaguita, Master Timothy Anthony Marsh featured the narra tree, and Miss Juliana Sophia Mejia displayed the pearl of the Philippines.
Interactive Storytelling
Ms Tina Ranoso Bangel read her own book entitled ‘My Lola’ with Master Felipe Ranoso, Miss Caitlyn Ranoso, Miss Ivy Bailey, and Miss Josephine Ezzy to children attendees.
Master Timothy Anthony Marsh also performed the folk song ‘Ili-Ili Tulog Anay’ with his 8-tone musical bell, adding a traditional musical touch to the program.
Event Context
Children’s Week is an annual event that celebrates children and promotes the rights of the child as proclaimed by the United Nations in 1954. Philippine Proclamation 190, series of 1964, issued by then-President Diosdado Macapagal, mandates the celebration of Children’s Week every fourth week of January in recognition of the need to safeguard children’s rights and be given the opportunity to thrive and participate in society.
Message from the Consul General
Honourable Consul General Charmaine Aviquivil, in her message, emphasised the hope our children and youth bring as their role in society plays an integral part in our future. Furthermore, Consul General Aviquivil focused on the need for the government, private and non-government sectors to be united in the efforts of protecting and promoting the rights of children and youth.
Parents and children were encouraged to continually and actively engage in the community.
