The Pangasinan Down Under Victoria Inc (PDUVI), an organisation established in 2009, held its 2025 Winter Wonderland Dance Ball on Saturday, 9 August 2025, at Grand Star Convention Centre, Grieve Parade, Altona, Victoria.
The theme for this year’s event was Kingdom Crown Christmas, conceptualised by PDUVI to allow attendees to feel like kings and queens. Guests came dressed in elegant gowns and suits, making the night both memorable and stylish.
The fundraising vision
The event was the third fundraising campaign since 2023 under the leadership of current President Edward Dela Cruz. The long-term goal is to build a Pangasinan Community Hub. Dra. Nida Bravo-Cartas commenced as Vice President in August 2025, bringing new ideas to support the organisation’s vision and mission.
Most members and officers of the organisation are Pangasinenses, natives of Pangasinan, a coastal province in the Ilocos region of Luzon, Philippines.
The program began with the entrance march by the Steering Committee. The Philippine and Australian National Anthems were played by DJ Kenny, followed by an invocation by Pastor Ernesto Cartas of New Life Believers Fellowship Inc.
Dela Cruz welcomed the enthusiastic audience.
In his speech, among other things, he reiterated his profound gratitude to all members and officers of PDUVI for their hard work and dedication to make the event a resounding success, all sponsors and donors for their generous support, all attendees for their continued enthusiasm and camaraderie, and to Consul General Jesus S. Domingo for gracing and adding significance to the occasion. Most importantly, he reminded everyone of the occasion’s main objective. He said that “……… Looking back, 3 years ago, I stood here before you, sharing our vision to build our very own Pangasinan Community Hub. Yes, it is true that it is a long term and monumental task, but we are committed to our vision.”
The organisation has a plan to purchase land in five years in the Victorian regional area as an investment to fulfil that dream.
A new consul general’s first event
Next, Gene Prado, on behalf of Rafael Prado, the founding President of PDUVI, introduced the Guest Speaker, Consul General Jesus “Gary” Domingo, the newly appointed Consul General of the Philippine Consulate based in Melbourne.
In his speech, ConGen Domingo briefly outlined his vision for his term of office. He encouraged the Filipino community to continually boost the Philippine cultural heritage and the relevance and engagement of our young generation. He also wanted to enhance tourism, investment, trade and agriculture in the Philippines. He advised the community to be strongly involved in the Philippine elections. “……out of 12 million Filipinos overseas, only just over 2,000 voted in the last Philippine election. If more overseas Filipinos would vote, the course of the Philippine election would change for the better,” says ConGen Domingo.
He appreciated the warm reception he received and welcomed the Filipino community to visit him in the Consular office in Melbourne. The 2025 Pangasinan Dance Ball was the first Filipino community function attended by ConGen Domingo in Melbourne.
Winners and performances
The announcement of the winners for the Best Dress in the female and male categories highlighted the event. The coveted title went to Tess Winter in the female category, while Jesce Dela Cruz won the title in the male category.
The exquisite gowns and suits paraded by all candidates were scored by a panel of judges led by Dr. Nida Bravo-Cartas. The female candidates who vied for the title were Tess Winter, Rowena de Guzman, Andrea Jaca Smith, Katya Alatiit, Rolenia Cook, Corazon Hinchcliffe, Choy Symes, Cecilia Byrne, Mary Sobredo, Mercedes Fedele, and Sandy Chan. For the male category, the candidates were Joey Gicoso, Jill Pamintuan, Darren Pannam, Jesce Dela Cruz, and Ian Young.
Intermissions were performed by Dazzling Dancers & Andre, Leo Bagayao with his Saxophone, a talented Year 11 student from Nossal High School, and the Filcom Hunks Melbourne, a group of performers from the local community. “All I want for Christmas is You” and “APT or Apateu” were sung by Andre, the amazing nine-year-old Grade 3 schooler of St Lawrence Catholic Primary School in Derrimut.
The event was emceed by the Mother-Son duo, Amy Antonio and Andre Edward Dela Cruz. REYN Lights & Sounds provided the eclectic music and lights, while the beautiful decoration of the venue was done by Sarah Isla-Biasura.
Sponsors and community support
A net amount of $7,039.99 was raised from the sale of attendance tickets, door and raffle tickets, auction, sponsorships and donations.
It is worth mentioning that the winners for door and raffle tickets were drawn digitally with no paper involved, much to the delight of everyone. The electronic drawing was introduced for the first time by PDUVI in the Filipino Community.
Approximately 25 sponsors and donors generously gave their valued support. Among them were the major sponsors: My Travel Solution, Blue Spa Dental and Ms. Lilly Menzie.
