The Philippine Times

Category: Community

  • Celebrate Pasko sa Melbourne this Sunday at Queen Victoria Market

    Celebrate Pasko sa Melbourne this Sunday at Queen Victoria Market

    Come together for a celebration of Filipino Christmas traditions at Pasko sa Melbourne 2024 on 8 December, from 9am to 4pm at the Queen Victoria Market. Organised by TEAMS, FASTCO and the Philippine Consulate General in Melbourne, this annual event promises a festive feast of Filipino culture for all.

    This year’s event offers exciting additions and cherished traditions with new food choices, performances and activities. A food truck from Adelaide will be in attendance, and a special Christmas feast by Chef Miguel Vargas of the Uling Project is set to be a delectable treat for attendees. Traditional dances and carols await, and regional talents will be sure to captivate the audience. The event will also feature cultural activities such as parol-making, perya and parlour games, even gift-giving by Santa himself! Talk about spreading holiday cheer!

    This event brings the essence of Christmas in the Philippines to Melbourne—recreating treasured traditions on different grounds. Its multicultural approach makes it open to everyone and invites the broader Victorian community to join and experience the distinctness of a Filipino Christmas. This year’s theme, “Joy to the World”, emphasises the joy of giving as well as sharing Filipino traditions with multicultural communities. And speaking of inclusivity, a Polynesian dance performance is also something to look forward to during the event.

    Sponsors, volunteers, and performers are still welcome. Interested individuals and businesses can explore opportunities by contacting TEAMS at teamsinc.office@gmail.com. For general inquiries, reach out to Myrna Abergos-Ysais on 0421 111 774. Mark your calendars and join the festivities at Pasko sa Melbourne 2024, where the spirit of Christmas knows no borders!

    Pasko sa Melbourne 2023
    Pasko sa Melbourne 2023
    Pasko sa Melbourne 2023
    Pasko sa Melbourne 2023
    Pasko sa Melbourne 2023
    Images from Pasko sa Melbourne 2023
  • Pinoy Casey Community Inc. Welcomes New Officers with Oath-Taking Ceremony

    Pinoy Casey Community Inc. Welcomes New Officers with Oath-Taking Ceremony

    On November 20, 2024, the newly elected officers of Pinoy Casey Community Inc. (PCCI) officially took their oaths of office in a ceremony held at the Philippine Consulate General office in Melbourne. Presided over by Consul General Maria Lourdes Salcedo, the event marked a significant milestone for the organisation, as it continues its mission to uplift and support Filipinos in the City of Casey.

    The newly inducted officers are:

    • President: Azalea Lapuz
    • Vice President: Egen Pardenilla
    • Secretary: Marianne Gesta
    • Treasurer: Genelou Bagayao
    • Public Relations Officer (PRO): Francis Mancenido

    The ceremony was graced by the presence of PCCI’s founding members and previous officers, whose contributions laid the groundwork for the organisation’s success.


    In her address, Consul General Salcedo emphasised the importance of promoting cultural diversity, inclusion, and collaboration within the Filipino-Australian community and beyond, encouraging the new officers to champion these values in their programs and initiatives.

    Under the leadership of its new officers, PCCI is poised to embark on exciting initiatives and projects aimed at addressing the needs of the Filipino-Australian community in Casey. Their collective vision is to foster unity, cultural pride, and support among members while promoting meaningful contributions to the wider Australian community.

    For more information about PCCI’s upcoming programs and how to get involved, visit their official Facebook page or contact them directly.

  • Consular State of Play Data 2023-2024 released

    Consular State of Play Data 2023-2024 released

    Today the 2023-24 Consular State of Play data was released, which shows the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provided consular assistance and crisis support to more than 15,000 cases over 12 months, including more than 6,000 Australians and their family members impacted by conflict in the Middle East, Ukraine, Sudan as well as civil unrest in New Caledonia.

    The Consular State of Play is a snapshot of the consular assistance and crisis support DFAT provides to Australians overseas. In 2023-24 this included DFAT’s Emergency Centre responding to more than 53,000 calls for assistance, on average 145 calls per day from July 2023 through to 30 June 2024.

    In 2023-24 more than 2.5 million passports were issued, including over 8,000 emergency passports to Australians overseas.

    As the number of Australians travelling overseas has increased, so has the assistance the Australian Government has provided. Compared to 2022-23, there was a 7% increase in non-crisis consular cases.

    Compared to 2022-23, the new data shows a:

    · 31% increase in lost passports, with 2,678 cases.

    · 23% increase in stolen passports, with 1,945 cases.

    · 21% increase in illness and hospitalisation, with 1,356 cases.

    · 3% increase in death cases, with 1,919 cases.

    · 23% increase in drug-related arrests, with 117 cases.

    · 24% increase in whereabouts cases, with 328 cases.

    · 26% increase in theft cases, with 198 cases.

    · 10% decrease in welfare and other serious matter cases, with 2,840 cases.

    Every day, DFAT consular staff around the world and in the 24/7 Consular Emergency Centre in Canberra work tirelessly to provide consular assistance to Australians overseas, however in some circumstances the support DFAT can provide may be limited.

    Australians travelling overseas can help manage their own safety and security by visiting Smartraveller.gov.au, reading and acting on the travel advice, and subscribing to free updates to stay informed while they’re away. The full Consular State of Play is available on the Smartraveller website.

  • Filipino Folklore Brings Magic and Mystery to La Mama’s Festival of Mother Tongues

    Filipino Folklore Brings Magic and Mystery to La Mama’s Festival of Mother Tongues

    Melbourne, Australia – Filipino myths and legends are set to captivate audiences at La Mama Theatre in Carlton as part of the Festival of Mother Tongues. Two exciting shows—The Field of Forgotten Dreams and Aswang—invite audiences to experience the magic and mystery of Filipino folklore.

    A Magical Story for Families: The Field of Forgotten Dreams

    The Field of Forgotten Dreams is a play for all ages, set in a mythical land where people have forgotten how to dream and sing. The story follows Laia, a young girl who begins to remember songs from the goddess Ina, inspiring her to help her people rediscover their dreams. Directed by Ricardo Magno with music by TJ Ramos, the show uses puppetry, traditional Filipino music, and a message about hope and freedom. This enchanting experience is perfect for children and families alike.

    Content Warning: This production includes haze effects to create a magical atmosphere.

    Showtimes for The Field of Forgotten Dreams:

    • November 16 at 2 pm
    • November 17 at 2 pm and 4 pm

    Written and Directed by Ricardo Magno
    Dramaturgy: Enya Daly
    Original Music: TJ Ramos
    Production Design: Atulya Mohan and Kiki Ando
    Lighting Design: Giovanna Yate Gonzalez

    Cast:

    Francine Miranda
    Alecx Barredo
    Leah Bourne
    Mayen Estanero
    Shivam Gupta
    Natasha Mohamed
    Kiril Stamenkov
    Bryan Yap
    Stef Raharjo-Gunawan Zhou-Lin

    Co-Producer: Divergent Theatre Collective

    A Dark Tale of Myths and Monsters: Aswang

    Aswang is a one-woman show that delves into the darker side of Filipino folklore, exploring the terrifying world of the aswang, a creature feared in Philippine mythology. Actor Mayen Estanero performs six different characters, each facing themes of fear, power, and love in this intense, thought-provoking performance. Directed by Ricardo Magno, Aswang challenges the line between monster and human, using folklore to provoke deep reflection.

    This performance is recommended for those who enjoy gripping, thought-provoking stories.

    Content Warning: The show contains depictions of violence, sexual violence, violence against children, blood/gore, and haze effects. Viewer discretion is advised.

    Showtimes for Aswang:

    • November 15–17 at 6 pm
    Aswang
    Aswang
    Aswang
    Aswang

    Adaptation and Direction: Ricardo Magno
    Performer: Mayen Estanero
    Dramaturgy: Enya Daly
    Production Design: Atulya Mohan
    Additional Design: Kiki Ando
    Lighting Design: Gabriel Bethune
    Sounds Design: Miles Cosmo Phillip
    Creative Consultant: Zachary Dunbar
    Image: Darren Gill

    Celebrating Filipino Culture Through Storytelling

    These shows are part of La Mama’s Festival of Mother Tongues, co-produced with Divergent Theatre Collective, celebrating the diverse voices and cultures of the world through the arts. Both plays bring Filipino folklore to the Melbourne stage, blending fantasy, mystery, and profound themes for audiences of all backgrounds.

    For more information and to book tickets, visit:

    Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in these extraordinary stories celebrating Filipino culture and the power of storytelling.

  • Filipina wins Lord Mayor’s Multicultural Emerging Leader of the Year award in Brisbane

    Filipina wins Lord Mayor’s Multicultural Emerging Leader of the Year award in Brisbane

    From pest management and poultry technology to digital marketing and desserts, Brisbane’s diverse business community was celebrated at the 2024 Lord Mayor’s Multicultural Business Awards.

    The event on Friday saw more than 500 of Brisbane’s multicultural entrepreneurs and influential leaders gather to recognise the 11 finalists that have made Brisbane even better over the past year.

    Lord_Mayors_Multicultural_Business_Awards_optimized_300
    2024 Lord Mayor’s Multicultural Business Awards held at Brisbane Town Hall on Friday 8 November 2024

    The 2024 Lord Mayor’s Multicultural Business Awards were supported by Diamond Sponsor Shayher Group and Gold Sponsor Roder Lawyers. Melbourne-based migration firm Roder Lawyers is headed by Principal Lawyer and Director Alfe Roder who attended the event with guests from Melbourne including the Editor-in-Chief of The Philippine Times, Jason Cordi. Guests also included Atty. Jonah Presto, Davao City Mayor’s Deputy Chief-of-Staff who flew in from the Philippines on the day.

    Awardees

    Filipno-Australian Ginger Mendoza Anderson is a winner at the 2024 Lord Mayor’s Multicultural Business Awards

    Founder of JRNY Digital Australia Jason Le took out the Nick Xynias Multicultural Young Business Person of the Year award as his growing digital marketing agency continues deliver outstanding results to clients across Australia.

    Dr Tugrul Durali was named Multicultural Entrepreneur of the year for his work in the poultry-technology field.

    His business Avian Management Services has brought new technologies to the Australian market, including a fully automated composter to support poultry farmers across the country.

    The award for Multicultural Business Person of the Year went to Dr Deling Ma, an entomologist who’s business provides digital pest management training across Australia and the Asia-Pacific.

    New Award Announced

    A new award was also announced during the evening, with the Multicultural Emerging Leader of the Year being awarded to Filipino-Australian, Ginger Mendoza Andersen.

    Multicultural Emerging Leader of the Year, Ginger Mendoza Andersen

    Ginger launched Batch Cookie Bar in 2020 which focused on delivering Filipino flavour combination to the Brisbane CBD. The success of her first business allowed Ginger to open Luna Pies and Tita’s Canteen which continue to serve up the flavours of the Philippines.

    The funds raised at Friday’s event will support the next round of the Lord Mayor’s Multicultural Business Scholarship Program in 2025 which helps aspiring business leaders receive training and educational opportunities to expand their offerings in the market.

    Since its inception, the Lord Mayor’s Multicultural Business Awards initiative has crowned more than 30 winners and helped deliver more than 700 scholarships.

    Winners and Finalists of the 2024 Lord Mayors Multicultural Business Awards

    For more information, visit Brisbane City Council’s website and search Lord Mayor’s Multicultural Business Awards.

    While the Lord Mayor was unable to attend due to an illness, he stated “Brisbane is home to some incredible multicultural business owners who make living and working in our city even better, and we are proud to celebrate their success.

    “Each year these awards recognise the talent, innovation and resilience our businesses continue to show across a range of industries.

    “Importantly the awards evening raises funds for our Multicultural Business Scholarship Program, which helps young leaders grow into the entrepreneurs of tomorrow.

    “Congratulations to all the finalists and winners and we look forward to seeing Brisbane’s multicultural business scene continue to thrive here and abroad,” he added.