Every year is a significant milestone in the Filipino-Australian community, a time wherein new events take centre stage and major feats are highlighted. But while the yesteryears have been nothing but a blast in this part exotic, part local community, the year 2018 is not without its own surprising showcase.
Kicking off this year’s exciting reveal is the first ever Australian rules football team established as a result of the collaboration between Australian Filipino Community Services (AFCS) and the Australian Football International (AFI). Making a fresh appearance in the scene, the newly-established team donned their jersey patterned after the Philippine flag.
Another noteworthy event of 2018 is the strong presence of the Filipino community led by the Filipino Community Council of Victoria during the Australian Day Parade in which participants wore Filipiniana and the Barong Tagalog as symbolic of the Filipino traditional costume, in addition to the colourful and exotic ethnic tribal outfits from the Philippines.
On the entertainment front, Pinoy names make for a welcome addition to an ensemble for the musical based on the iconic Dream Works animated film, Shrek. Eponymously named “Shrek the Musical,” the show featured two Pinoy-by-blood artists, Haji Myrteza and Mark Andres.
Giving tribute to the date which made the Filipino free from foreign rule (the Independence Day), the Philippine Street Fiesta was held at the Victoria Market. The free-entry Fiesta was organised by the Philippine Consulate of Victoria headed by Honorary Consul Felix Pintado and by the ASEAN Association of Victoria.
Meanwhile, the Filipino Association of Victoria, Inc. (FAVI) held an event in celebration of the Philippine’s independence. Not only is the group enjoying their homeland’s 120 years of freedom, they are also coincidentally commemorating their organisation’s 59 years. The Philippine House in Shepparton conducted an open house, showcasing some authentic Filipino artefacts.
Orphaned as a child and only to be adopted by his Aussie parents, Christopher Remkes made headlines for 2018 as he brought in gold medal for the men’s vault from the recently-held Commonwealth Games—the first for Australia in 24 long years. The 21-year old athlete suddenly grew into stardom arising from his winning.
In another side of sport, a champion emerged from this year’s interstate basketball when the Sydney Amigos team dominated the competition, followed by the Team Auckland New Zealand on first place. Featuring physical attributes connotative of Asian men, the Amigos team undeniably hailed from the Filipino-Australian community.
Fashion and charity are among the favourite fundraising activities of Filos. Not only do they get to sashay in elegant, formal evening attires, but also extend help for a favourite charity on the other. Some of this year’s most memorable, already a staple in the Melbourne fashion event department were the Rio Charity Ball, Black Tie and Tiara Ball, the Le’ Oscars Charity Gala and the Pampangueno Club’s Masquerade Ball.
The Filipino-Australian has also been a toast in the culinary world. Aside from Filipino-blooded Australians making their way in Master Chef Australia, a multi-awarded young Filipino chef, John Rivera was named executive chef of prominent restaurant Lûmé. The Annual Philippine Foodfest showcased a spread of delectable Filipino food at the Shangri-La Hotel in Sydney, and this year was its sixth outing. In ACT, Lolo and Lola, owned by three Pinoy chefs, was cited with a Best in Casual Dining Award by the OUTINCANBERRA People’s Choice Award.
As 2019 is here, it is worth recognising the significant events of last year, no matter how simple or small. Let us all look forward to the more positive events that are about to take place. Whether recurring—and thus, expected—or something completely unforeseen, 2019 is surely worth looking and giving the best shot.
