The SAYA Fil-Aus Youth Festival and Gala, organised by the Filipino Communities Council of Australia (FILCCA), was a remarkable gathering of young Filipino Australians, celebrating their achievements, identity, and community spirit. Held at Parramatta Town Hall on 15 February, the event provided a platform for youth to connect with their Filipino heritage, explore their unique Filipino-Australian culture, and be recognised for their contributions in various fields.
With a packed program featuring panel discussions, performances, workshops, and networking opportunities, the festival brought together youth leaders, emerging talents, and established Filipino-Australian figures to share their stories and inspire the next generation.
This article presents two perspectives on the event—one from a youth awardee and participant, and another from the festival chairperson, offering insight into its impact and aspirations for the future.
A Youth Awardee’s Perspective on Culture and Community
By Nicole Yaneza-Bagatsing
I had the privilege of attending the SAYA Fil-Aus Youth Festival and Gala organised by FILCCA. The festival and gala was an incredible experience to amplify Filipino youth. The goal was to reconnect with Filipino heritage, explore unique Filo-Aussie culture, and celebrate notable outstanding youth. The event was held at Parramatta Town Hall on 15 February. I attended as a participant, panel speaker, and youth leadership nominee and awardee.
An event uniquely co-designed by Filipino youth, it was refreshing to see youth shine in a space they had openly advocated for. Bayanihan and community truly is a generational effort. Panels were held by Filipino public servants, famous content creators, emerging leaders, and more. The day was jam-packed with a fashion show, dance workshop, young adults’ choir, lots of singing, and delicious food. Youth nominees were celebrated in various fields, including entertainment, community service, leadership, creative arts, and sports.
The gala provided a space for Filipinos under 35 to be recognised in their respective fields. The panel discussions were thoroughly planned and thought-provoking for us participants. We got to learn about Vice Consul duties, the world of influencing, balancing purpose and Filipino identity, Filipino representation in leadership, and more.
Diversity in Leadership and Success
My highlight would definitely be seeing the diversity of youth awardees in their various life stories. All in one day, I met an inspiring artist, dancer, singer, nurse, and athlete – different jobs, life stories, and upbringings. But what tied us all together? Our Filipino identity.
There is no one way to be Filipino. And there is no one way to be a youth leader. There are multiple ways to excel in the lucky country we call home, Australia. It’s enlightening to know there is no shortage of talent among Filipino youth shining in this country.
Kudos to the organisers – Tita Agnes Cabe, Tita Glenice Lui, and Jenina Lui. Our future is bright. The celebration of our culture is in good hands. This festival and gala made me sure of that.
Reflections from the Festival Chairperson
By Jenina Lui
It was both a great pleasure and an honour to have launched the inaugural SAYA Fil-Aus Youth Festival, hosted in New South Wales. We created this event with the hope of providing a meaningful space for the younger generation of Filipino Australians to reconnect with their heritage, and I’m deeply grateful to see it come to life in such a positive and impactful way. Many of our youth had not fully understood the richness of their Filipino roots or had the opportunity to experience our culture firsthand, so this event became a wonderful chance to share that love and appreciation for the Philippines.
A Celebration of Filipino Identity and Achievement
SAYA was designed to immerse our youth in all things Filipino, inspiring them through stories of success and encouraging a strong sense of pride in their identity. Our goal was to nurture a community of active leaders who would carry forward Filipino traditions and values here in Australia, and we were fortunate to see this vision start to take shape.
The event featured an exciting expo, where attendees enjoyed the incredible flavours of Filipino cuisine, supported local Filipino businesses, and experienced a variety of entertainment.
One of the standout features of SAYA was our conference component, where successful Filipino Australians shared their inspiring stories with our youth. It was humbling to witness how these role models made such a strong impact, giving the youth a renewed sense of ambition and direction. The networking activities also played a vital role in fostering connections and strengthening our sense of community, reminding us that Filipinos, no matter where we are in the world, have a shared spirit of support and unity.
Honouring Filipino-Australian Youth Leaders
The Gala Night was a memorable moment, where we celebrated the achievements of exceptional Filipino-Australian youth who are making meaningful contributions in various fields. The evening was made even more special with a Filipino-inspired three-course dinner prepared by a talented young chef.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the participants, performers, and youth stream leaders whose hard work brought this festival to life. A special thank you to our generous sponsors, without whom this event would not have been possible, and to the stream mentors for their guidance and dedication.
Looking Forward to a Bigger Festival Next Year
The SAYA Fil-Aus Youth Festival was truly a celebration of our culture, talent, and the remarkable potential within the Filipino youth community. Together, we were able to nurture the Filipino spirit in our youth, and we look forward to having an even bigger festival next year!
