A team of Filipino organisers promises an enjoyable free entry Fiesta experience
There will be more Filipino food stalls, more Filipino entertainers, more Filipino participation and more Fiesta mood in this year’s 2nd Philippine Festival scheduled on 18-19 November 2017 at Argyle Square in Lygon Street.
The Festival, organised by the Asean Association Australia Inc. (AAAI), continue to have more Filipinos in the organising committee. “Last year’s event was an overwhelming success with the support of the Filipino community which is why it is necessary to continue this free entry initiative. This year, the focus is all things Filipino and there are necessary steps taken to make this event memorable,” Albert Lim told The Philippine Times.
Despite having small hiccups, last year’s event was a success. This year, the group has successfully increased the support and participation of the Filipino community. “We now have top Filipino Restaurants such as Lasang Pinoy, Mimosa Restaurant, Reynaldo’s, GJs Grill, Kabayan, Kamayan, Mixed Delights and Kusina Ni Lola. We have also advised all participating restaurants to ensure all the dishes to be as authentic as possible. They will be offering lechon, kare kare, halo-halo, Lapaz batchoy, Iced-Milo Dinosaur, Filipino-style BBQ, fish balls, corn cobs, longganisa, sisig, piyaya and many more mouth-watering Filipino dishes and snacks. Other traders include: The Filipino Channel, real estate providers and Filipino-owned businesses.
Lim said food traders from Queen Victoria Market and other festivals have put in expressions of interest to participate in this year’s Philippine Festival. “However, we will ensure that Filipinos and their businesses have first entry priority,” he noted.
The Festival will showcase cultural performances and music, general stalls and kids activities and sports and cultural games. It will include lechon-eating competition, Tug-of-War fun game, and “Easter egg hunt” for the kids. On the second day, Sunday there will be a Mass at 11am. “We are also giving away a return airfare ticket to the Philippines,” Lim added.
“This festival will showcase the best that the Filipinos in Victoria have to offer and also to allow everyone to come for free. We always believe that free entry gives patrons the opportunity to enjoy the event over two days and also be given the chance to explore and try Filipino cuisine. Instead of an entry charge, we believe that patrons can utilise that fee to purchase a meal for themselves, their friends and their family members,” he explained.
The event, however, is not only for Filipinos but for other nationalities and the public for them to learn more about the Philippines and its people. “As the Philippines is a part of ASEAN, the other nine nations of ASEAN will support and celebrate this with fellow Filipinos,” Lim said.
Aside from AAAI members, contributing members of this Festival are: Noel Tolentino – Filipino Street Festival Director/Trade enquiries; Michelle Dela Pena – Head of Cultural Division; Genevieve Dela Pena – Cultural Division supporter; Fred Jover – Advisor for Festival Direction, and Rochelle Sison – Assistant Event Manager.
For more information, contact Albert Lim on 0431 577 508 or email albert@alivegroup.com.au.
