Cultural shows, concerts, parade add spectacle to celebrations
It will definitely be a big event for the forthcoming Filipino Festival on 4-5 May 2012 with expected 5,000 revelers to 
attend, according to Ed Guevarra, Director of EMG Sports and Entertainment Network. “We are actually in the process of preparing for the Flores de Mayo at the moment which is proving to be quite a task with so many things to prepare like Sagala or the queens of the parade or processions,” Guevarra told The Philippine Times.
The two-day celebration, to be held at the Croatian Catholic Centre Sunshine, Fitzgerald Rd and Whiteside Avenue in Ardeer, will present religious and cultural tradition of Filipinos with Flores de Mayo as its main highlight. K-La Rivera, one of the five finalists of ABS-CBN’s Star Magic Talent will be the Reyna Elena together with other Filipinos based in Melbourne.
Guevarra said on the first day, there will be variety shows (from cultural to modern dancing), musical events from local talent and imported artists, comedy show, activity games for the kids and raffle prizes including bingo games. The Flores de Mayo will start at 5pm, followed by a concert of April Boy Regino and his son, John Christian Regino known as “Father and Son Duo”. Sunday, he said, is the continuation of other activities and variety shows.
Aside from April Boy Regino and son, John Christian, two stand-up comedians Aj and Bombshell from Clowns and Zirkoh comedy bars in Manila will entertain the crowd.
Compared to other Flores De Mayo events held in the past, this one is a big event in terms of budget. “We are offering a lot of entertainment and activities for the people to enjoy, Guevarra notes. “We are inviting everyone especially business people or companies to sponsor this event. We do have dry stalls for those companies who want to promote their businesses or sell their merchandise, and food stalls for those with special delicacies to cater for the people who are missing or interested in trying the Filipino delicacies,” he added. Volunteers are also needed to help prepare and assist the group on the day of the event.
Guevarra is working with Roy Carbungco, Pat de Luna, Josie Sotelo Remy Raquel, Fred Osorio and their partners. This is the group’s first Fiesta initiative.
The entrance fee for the Festival is $8, with free parking. For tickets and enquiries, please contact Ed on 0419 209 738, Remy 0404 071 116, Roy 0411 145 776, Fred 0431 535 700, Josie 0430 387 989, and Pat 0433 556 954.
