November 7, 2025 is set to be a vibrant day of cultural inquiry and celebration in Adelaide as the OzAsia Festival 2025 culminates the residency of the Adelaide-based Filipino artist collective, Ugnayang Sining at Pamana (USAP), with their free community event, MAGDIWANG (meaning ‘to celebrate’).
Taking place from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm at the City of Adelaide ART POD, MAGDIWANG is the culmination of a residency that has seen the USAP Collective—comprised of artists Althier Alianza, Ana Koch, Clai Pasion, Gale Dy, Lourdes Duenas Blinco, Maui Mauricio, and Michelle Kenney—transform the ART POD into a welcoming Filipino home.
The collective’s goal throughout the residency, titled Gathered Time, has been to deconstruct and decolonise the Filipino fiesta. They have examined how this enduring tradition, often a symbol of connection and belonging, is shaped by contemporary pressures, gender roles, and family expectations.
“As a collective, we’re seeking to interrogate the tradition of fiesta in the Philippines, not just as a cultural spectacle,” the USAP Collective noted, “but as a lens through which we can revisit and understand the fundamental social practices and reasons for gathering that bind communities together, both historically and in the contemporary moment.”
Full Day of Food, Music, and Art
The public is invited to drop in for an hour or stay for the entire day to experience the art, conversation, and community spirit forged throughout the residency:
The day begins at 11:00 am with a Welcome to Country and Artist Talks, immediately followed by an interactive Story Circle and Montage – Bunting Making, providing attendees a chance to contribute to the collective’s exhibition.
The celebration continues with Filipino hospitality:
- 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm: Kape’t Kwentohan (Coffee and Conversation), featuring local blends from Background Noise & Bunso Coffee.
- 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm: Salu-salo (shared food), a chance to partake in a traditional communal meal.
The afternoon also features cultural activities, including a Sungka Session (a traditional Filipino game), before leading into the evening performances.
Live Music and Dance Finale
The late afternoon is dedicated to performance and music:
- 3:30 pm: A Kulintangan (musical) piece and the Tboli “Harvest Dance” are performed by Clai Pasion, offering a look into traditional cultural practices.
- 4:10 pm: Acoustic Songs by Gale D
- 4:45 pm – 6:00 pm: The event wraps up with indie band Dear Luna leading a Community Dance followed by a lively Kantahan (open mic music jam).
MAGDIWANG is a free event at the City of Adelaide ART POD, promising to be a highlight of the final weekend of OzAsia Festival, offering a thoughtful and joyous look at Filipino community and tradition.
For more information, visit https://www.cityofadelaide.com.au/community/creativity-culture/public-art/art-pod
