By: Keith C Censoro
The vibrant and rich tapestry of Filipino culture took center stage on September 9, 2023, as the Filipino Settlement Coordinating Council of South Australia (FSCCSA) hosted their much-anticipated Barrio Fiesta at Bonython Park, Adelaide. This annual event is a showcase of Filipino heritage, featuring a delightful array of cultural performances, delicious cuisine, and the crowning of the FSCCSA Barrio Fiesta of South Australia Queen for 2023. The day was filled with excitement, unity, and a deep sense of pride in Filipino heritage.
The event kicked off with a dazzling fashion parade that featured a stunning array of traditional and modern Filipino attire. Models strutted down the runway, showcasing the beauty and diversity of Filipino fashion, from the colorful barong tagalogs to the elegant terno dresses. This segment set the tone for a day of celebrating Filipino identity and creativity.
Founding Chairperson Aida Garcia graced the occasion with her warm welcome remarks, expressing her gratitude to the Filipino community for their continued support and dedication to preserving their cultural heritage in South Australia. Her words resonated with the audience, emphasizing the importance of unity and cultural preservation.
The event was further enriched by speeches from distinguished guests who highlighted the significance of cultural diversity and the contributions of the Filipino community to South Australia. These speeches served as a reminder of the value of cultural exchange and understanding in today’s globalized world.
The heart of the Barrio Fiesta lay in its cultural performances, which transported attendees to the Philippines through music and dance. The Adelaide Chorale ambassador, Adelaide Filipino Ethnic School, Sampaguita Filipino Cultural Entertainers, and Samahan mesmerized the audience with their captivating performances. The graceful movements and vibrant costumes brought to life the beauty of Filipino traditions.
One of the event’s most eagerly awaited highlights was the crowning of the FSCCSA Barrio Fiesta of South Australia Queen for 2023. Vanessa Fajardo Caminade received her well-deserved crown amid thunderous cheers and applause, symbolizing the grace and charm that are deeply cherished by the Filipino community. The recognition didn’t stop with the queen; it also extended to the runners-up, namely, Xanthal Din, Katty Taylor, Jennifer Hanson, and Noami Ezra Favie.
The stage itself was a sight to behold, adorned with patriotic decorations in red, white, and blue, skillfully arranged by Emmy Scroop. This patriotic stage decor added an extra layer of festivity and pride to the proceedings, reinforcing the strong Filipino cultural identity celebrated throughout the event.
The coronation ceremony was made even more special with the presence of distinguished speakers, who played a pivotal role in presenting the sashes, trophies, bouquets, and crown to the winner and her court. Among these esteemed individuals were:
- The Right Honorable Lord Mayor of Adelaide, Dr. Jane Lomax Smith.
- The Honourable Mayor of West Torrens Council, Michael Coxon.
- The Honorable Reggie Martin, MLC, representing the Premier of South Australia, Peter Malinauskas, and Minister of Multicultural Affairs, Zoe Bettison.
- The Philippine Honorary Consul, Carmen Garcia.
- The Honorable Jing Lee, MLC.
Their presence added a touch of grandeur to the coronation, underlining the significance of the event in fostering cultural exchange and community cohesion.
The event was filled with musical enchantment as the Filipino band, The Allan’s Projects, took the stage to serenade the audience with their soulful melodies. R2R, with a mesmerizing solo performance, added to the musical enchantment of the day, leaving attendees in awe of Filipino talent and passion for music.
The Cordillera Social Club of South Australia brought a piece of the Philippines to Adelaide with an enthralling community dance performance. Attendees were invited to join in and experience the joy of Filipino dance firsthand. Children’s games added an element of fun and excitement for the young participants, ensuring that the Barrio Fiesta catered to all age groups.
No Filipino celebration is complete without a feast, and the Barrio Fiesta did not disappoint. Attendees had the opportunity to savor a wide range of Filipino delicacies from various food stalls. From traditional adobo and sinigang to the sweet and refreshing halo-halo, the event offered a gastronomic adventure that left everyone satisfied.
The day was made even more exciting with raffle draws that provided attendees with the chance to win fabulous prizes. This added an element of anticipation and excitement to the festivities. This remarkable event would not have come to fruition without the dedication and hard work of the following individuals who comprised the Committee and Advisers:
Committee:
Chair: Lot Mendoza
Vice Chair: Rosaida Stankevicius
Secretary: Carmie Ricablanca-Duncan
Assistant Secretary: Joy Goodridge
Treasurer: Jun Cordero
Assistant Treasurer: Gerry Mendoza
Auditor: Luz Pore-Shields
Advisers:
Joe Borlagdan
Aida Garcia
These individuals played instrumental roles in organizing and executing the event, ensuring its success and making it a memorable celebration of Filipino culture. Their dedication, leadership, and hard work were indispensable in bringing the FSCCSA Barrio Fiesta 2023 to life.
In conclusion, the FSCCSA Barrio Fiesta 2023 was a resounding success, showcasing the rich culture, talent, and unity of the Filipino community in South Australia. This celebration of Filipino heritage, through music, dance, fashion, and food, served as a reminder of the importance of cultural diversity and the enduring bonds that connect people of different backgrounds. The event not only celebrated the past but also looked forward to a future where Filipino culture continues to thrive and enrich the vibrant tapestry of South Australia’s multicultural society.
