What a spectacular celebration! The Filipino Australian & Friends Association (FAFA) brought Shepparton alive on Saturday, 7 June 2025 as we marked the 127th Philippine Independence Day at the Overlander Hotel with an evening bursting with colour, culture, and pure joy.
The night kicked off beautifully with my Acknowledgement of Country, followed by a heartfelt thanksgiving prayer, stirring national anthems, and enthusiastic flag-waving that had everyone’s hearts swelling with pride.
We were absolutely thrilled to welcome Mayor Shane Sali, who celebrated our city’s beautiful diversity, alongside Councillor Rod Schubert, who recognized the Filipino community’s incredible contributions to Shepparton. Delma Broughton captivated us with the powerful history of Philippine Independence Day, while Mariola Nebiu touched hearts with her inspiring words. Eric Egan from Shepparton Police joined us as our honoured Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer – Shepparton Police, making the evening even more special.
With Cecilia Babano-Cash as our fantastic host, the dance floor came alive! Our talented performers dazzled everyone with One Way Ticket, the graceful Pandanggo sa Ilaw, the lively Maria Merengue, the romantic Cariñosa, the passionate La Cumparsita, an energetic Medley Dance, Sumayaw Sumunod, and a show-stopping Mix Hiphop performance.
The excitement peaked with our Search for Best in Filipina Dress and the glamorous Coronation ceremony, while lucky winners celebrated during our raffles. Romy Samuel’s live music had everyone dancing and singing along, keeping the festive spirit soaring all night long.
Adding to the evening’s special moments, FAFA proudly presented Certificates of Appreciation to Delma Broughton, Murray Broughton, Cecilia Babano-Cash, and Emmie Stenhouse in recognition of their outstanding contributions to our FAFA community.
One Way Ticket dance – Front: left to right – Dithche Lopez, Mel Torney, back: left to right – Mayette Martin. Jhane Stevens, Olivia Bermudez and Viv’s Natale. PHOTO: SuppliedPandanggo sa Ilaw dance– From left to right: Emma Nacion Prasad, Tricia Melanel Perez, Jacqueline Nicolarosa, and Welda Bunny. PHOTO: SuppliedMaria Merengue dance– From left to right: Marlee Pots, Janeth Pila, Mayette Martin, Rebecca Reid, Cathy Javier and Jessica Carminati. PHOTO: SuppliedCarinosa dance – From left to right: Olivia Bermudez, Viv’s Natale, Guilly Jones, Emmie Stenhouse and Rosie Read. PHOTO: SuppliedLa Cumparsita dance– From left to right: Rosie Read, Cathy Javier, Rebecca Reid, Marlee Pots and Jessica Carminati PHOTO: SuppliedMedley dance – Front: Odessey Joy Sabalones, back: from left to right – Pablito Jr. Derong and Evan Cadungog. PHOTO: SuppliedSumayaw Sumunod dance – From left to right: Emma Nacion Prasad, Jessica May Sotto, Liezel Marshall, Jessy Keith Villahermosa, Tricia Melanel Perez, Jacqueline Nocolarosa and Welda Bunny. PHOTO: SuppliedMix hip-hop dance – Front ( gold tops): From left to right – Kenneth Daan and Conrad Daniel, back (silver tops): Michael Ligaray, Jay Clifford Arao-Arao and Alvin Dave Macapas PHOTO: SuppliedPhotos with Mayor Shane Sali – Front: from left to right – Councillor Rod Schubert, Mariola Nebiu and Mayor Shane Sali, back: from left to right – Mayette Martin, Murray Broughton, Cathy Javier, Delma Broughton, Eric Egan and Emmie Stenhouse. PHOTO: SuppliedCommittees with special guests – Front; from left to right – Rosie Read, Emma Nacion Prasad, Tricia Melanel Perez, Welda Bunny, Maria Benita Connelly, Mariola Nebiu, Emmie Stenhouse, Delma Broughton. Nora Salisi Welsch, Cathy Javier, Mayette Martin, Rebecca Reid and Jessica Carminati, back (gentlemen): from left to right – Mark Bunny, Mayor Shane Sali, Councillor Rod Schubert and Eric Egan PHOTO: SuppliedMini competition candidates. PHOTO: SuppliedMini Competition winners – From left to right: Melinda Vizconde Williamson (Second runner-up), Councillor Rod Schubert, Luchie Hull (Miss Lady of the Night), Cathy Javier (FAFA President) and Cora Fuentes-Mahnic (First runner-up) PHOTO: SuppliedFAFA Gentlemen – From left to right: Mark Benedict Academia, Mark Bunny and Kenth Villahermosa PHOTO: Supplied
This wasn’t just an event—it was a celebration of heritage, community, and the vibrant Filipino spirit that makes Shepparton so special. FAFA is overwhelmed with gratitude for every guest, performer, and volunteer who helped create this magical evening. The smiles, laughter, and pure happiness filled every corner of the room—truly an unforgettable night that reminded us all why we celebrate with such pride and joy!
