By Tess Abadilla
“I am proud to be a Filipino.” Internationally-acclaimed personalities like Manny Pacquiao and Charice Pempengco openly acknowledge their cultural heritage with pride in their hearts. What a great model for Filipinos around the world to emulate!
As Filipino–Australians, we need to re-discover and renew our appreciation for our Filipino roots and heritage. Not only for our present generation but for the next generation and generations to come. And what better way to “bring back the passion” than through arts and music.
“Pinoy Ako” (I am Filipino) is the showcase event of the project “Sining at Musika – Filipino Arts and Music”. “Sining at Musika – Filipino Arts and Music” project is the brainchild of Connect City Church (led by Senior Pastor Buddy Abadilla) and proudly supported by the City of Whittlesea 2010/2011 Community Development Grants Program. Specifically, it is in line with the City’s cultural diversity program for the period 2010-11.
The key objectives of the project are:
(1) To promote the rich and diverse cultural Filipino heritage through the art of traditional and modern dance and music … (bringing the Filipino culture to Australia)
(2) To enable Australian children with Filipino origin (those who were born and/or grew up in Australia) to be aware of the Filipino cultural heritage … (remembering our Filipino heritage)
(3) To promote unity and develop pride and appreciation for traditional and modern Filipino dance and music that is truly one of the best in the world … (regaining our pride to be a Filipino)
The production concept, direction and choreography of “Pinoy Ako” is led by Chito Javier. The fusion of traditional and modern songs and dances (Then and Now) interpreted by representatives of all generations brings the Filipino culture to life.
It has been an exciting time of learning and re-discovering our Filipino heritage and this showcase event enables us to collectively share what we have to the City of Whittlesea community, especially the young Australian generation, and to our family and friends.
“Pinoy Ako” (I am Filipino) will be held on Saturday, 24th of September, 2011 at Connect Centre, 3/60-70 Mahoneys Road, Thomastown. Join us for a fun-filled Filipino Day with travel exhibits (sponsored by Philippine Tours), food exhibits (sponsored by Kabayan) and of course, the cultural Filipino production (matinee at 2 pm and evening show at 5 pm).
As the song “Pinoy Ako” by Orange and Lemons goes:
Pinoy ikaw ay Pinoy, Ipakita sa mundo,
Kung ano ang kaya mo, Ibang-iba ang Pinoy
Wag kang matatakot,
Ipagmalaki mo Pinoy ako, Pinoy tayo
