The Philippine Australian Sports & Culture Inc (PASC Inc) launched the 35th Grand Philippine Fiesta Kultura 2025 at Club Blacktown on 13 April 2025. The event honoured PASC Inc’s long and prolific history and announced the highlights and refreshed format of this year’s Grand Fiesta, to be held on the Labour Day long weekend in October.
The event opened with a prayer led by PASC Inc. Secretary Mr Jose Elizes. In her address, PASC Inc. President Marivic Ayap-Flores reminded attendees to “embrace the future with open hearts and minds, carrying forward the legacy of the organisation’s founding fathers and mothers while empowering the new generations to come.”
New features and food experiences
Stall Manager Bobby Mendoza-Deleon shared that the number of food and dry goods stalls will be reduced this year to make space for community organisations to promote their services and causes.
The crowd-favourite boodle fight will be reintroduced under a new name: Kamayan at Kuwentuhan—a traditional Filipino communal feast where a generous spread of food, often grilled or fried, is served on banana leaves and eaten by hand. The format celebrates connection and camaraderie.
Kamayan at Kuwentuhan will feature regional dishes including Bicol Express, Chicken Inasal from the Visayas, and Pinakbet from Ilocos. Guests can expect games, music, a live DJ, and prize giveaways throughout the event. “This is going to be a huge and exciting Grand Fiesta to celebrate a milestone that will be remembered as the best Grand Fiesta ever,” said Ms Ayap-Flores.
Youth, pageantry, and culture
The much-anticipated search for Miss Philippines-Australia and Little Miss Philippines-Australia continues this year, raising funds for PASC Inc.’s charitable programs in Australia and the Philippines.
Chloe Lofthouse, Miss Little Philippines-Australia 2022 and Charity Queen 2022, encouraged other young people to join. “It’s not just about wearing a crown. It is about discovering your voice, talent and your love for our culture,” she said. She also expressed her thanks to her parents and supporters: “Let’s continue to share the beauty of being Filipino with the world.”
Honouring the past, planning the future
Founding President of PASC Inc. and 2024 Multicultural Community Medal recipient, Mr Manuel Bermejo Castillo OAM, reflected on the organisation’s humble beginnings—from a local community sports program to becoming the biggest Filipino cultural showcase in New South Wales.
He urged the Filipino-Australian community to come together for a lasting impact. “Where there is unity, there is strength. What we need are visionary leaders who are planners, committed project and results-oriented,” he said, referencing remarks he also delivered at the recent NSW Premier’s Harmony Dinner at the International Convention Centre.
The launch event was hosted by Ms Sarah Estrellado (née Johnstone), Miss Philippines-Australia Charity Queen 2014.
