The Filipino Student Council of New South Wales (FSC NSW) and its affiliate Filipino Student Societies (FSS) closed 2024 with their inaugural Gunita Year-End Ball, held on November 30 in Parramatta. Over 100 Filipino students, alumni, and community leaders gathered for an evening of cultural pride, community connection, and achievements.
“This year marked a great expansion of FSC NSW into the wider Filipino-Australian community here,” shared FSC NSW Secretary Julian Macasil. “We have forged new connections and friendships, allowing us and our associated societies to host amazing events for members this year. Some of my highlights include being invited to talk about mental health from anFilipino-Australian perspective at the inaugural FUEL conference, which is a topic that is very dear to my heart. Another was Recess Revival, an event in which we flipped the script and introduced aspects of Australian school and childhood culture to our international kababayans.”
A Year of Connection and Impact Cultural & Community Engagement
Throughout 2024, FSC NSW and its FSS affiliates created a lasting community impact through initiatives that showcased Filipino heritage and fostered inclusivity. Filipino students volunteered at landmark events such as Pista sa Nayon, Bicol Incorporated’s 18th Anniversary Ball, and Fiesta Kultura. Members also supported high-profile projects like the Parokya ni Edgar concert and Kristine Aquino’s OFW rights exhibit at UTS, amplifying Filipino representation in the state.
Innovative Programming
FSC NSW introduced unique initiatives that bridged cultural gaps and celebrated diversity. Quarterly community nights featured engaging programs such as a Family Feud-inspired game show and a multicultural winter dating show. Spring brought a picnic and sausage sizzle, where Filipino-Australian students shared childhood games and stories with their international peers, bridging cultural gaps.
Chapter Milestones
The year wasn’t just about large-scale events, it was also marked by remarkable achievements at the chapter level. FSS chapters across NSW made remarkable strides this year:
- FSS UNSW earned a nomination for the People’s Choice for Outstanding Club Community Award at the Arc @ UNSW Club Awards.
- FSS UON celebrated victory at the UNSA Club World Cup in collaboration with the Malaysia Cultural Club.
- UTS FSA hosted five collaborative events with ASEAN cultural clubs, including a Halloween cruise that drew over 250 attendees.
Giving Back: Tulong Liga Charity Sports Match
One of 2024’s most impactful moments was the inter-FSS Tulong Liga Charity Sports Match, uniting Filipino young people across NSW. Led by Christian Rose and Phoebe Calulot, the event raised $1,841 for Bantu Philippines, a charity supporting Filipino youth with programs to fight poverty, making a difference beyond Australian shores.
FSC NSW Annual Awards
The evening also spotlighted student leadership with the FSC NSW Annual Awards, judged by esteemed community leaders from NARRA, ADHIKA, Gawad Kalinga, and the Filipino Food Movement Australia.
- Jorge Capati earned recognition as the FSS Overall Champion (Veteran) for his enduring contributions. Reanee Jee Hoyle and Kela Matutina were highly commended, with nominations including Julian Macasil and Janwelle Pascual.
- For exceptional leadership, Czeyden Raposas received this prestigious title for FSS Overall Champion (Executive). Christian Rose was highly commended, with nominees Phoebe Calulot, Kela Matutina, and Angelica Princena.
“2024 was the year I’ve seen the most growth and collaboration within the student community in all my years being a part of it,” reflected FSC NSW Vice President Julius Macasil. “I would like to give a huge thank you to the entire FSC team for making this possible and to continue this going into 2025.”
The Gunita Year-End Ball was not just a celebration of 2024 but a testament to the community’s spirit. As FSC NSW is committed to building on this momentum with even more ambitious projects and collaborations on the horizon, the future of the Filipino student community in New South Wales is bright.
The Filipino Student Council of New South Wales (FSC NSW) is a state-wide alliance of Filipino student organisations dedicated to empowering Filipino students, promoting cultural heritage, and building a vibrant community where young people can thrive.
