John Pandazopolous Hall in Doveton was once again filled with festive cheers on December 7 as the Young Generation Filipino Seniors Club of the Southeast, popularly known as YG, celebrated a meaningful Christmas with over 200 members, their families and friends.
Bringing back fond memories, the celebration opened with fun games and Christmas carols enjoyed by both young and old. Musical performances were delivered by Ferdie Verdan, Dion Desengano, Elvie Gallucci on the ukulele, and Casey Councillor Jennifer Dizon. Dance numbers followed, featuring the YG male dancers performing Jingle Bell Rock, Jocelyn Lopez and her team, Ebony Farquhar with Winter Wonderland, and YG dancers presenting Sa Libis ng Nayon and Katakataka.
Following an opening prayer led by emcee Pastor Eric Maliwat and welcome remarks from re-elected YG President Maria Norma Patrizi, one of the most anticipated moments of the program arrived – the appearance of Father Christmas, delighting wide-eyed children who eagerly received YG gifts.
Community carol singing and a spiritually enriching re-enactment of the Simbang Gabi tradition, led by Pastor Maliwat, filled the hall with a sense of longing for the traditional Filipino Christmas – nine dawn masses leading to Christmas Day, accompanied by the familiar aroma of Filipino delicacies along the walk to church.
Guest speaker City of Casey Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen inducted and congratulated the newly elected YG officers: President Norma Patrizi, Vice-President Rod Bagon, Secretary Virgie Wright, Treasurer Evelyn Unwin, Assistant Treasurer Cora Biclar and Public Relations Officer Cristina Kofoed. Mayor Koomen praised YG officers and volunteers for their dedication and wonderful work through the years in supporting seniors and families in the Casey municipality.
Other special guests, including Casey Councillor Jennifer Dizon and YG’s “adopted son,” Cranbourne Neighbourhood Watch President Damien Rosario, were full of admiration for YG and its officers for bringing together a truly meaningful traditional Christmas celebration, particularly for Filipino families missing home. John Pandazopolous Hall manager Brian Oates, who has known YG for many years, shared the same sentiments and vowed to continue supporting the group in his role.
True to tradition, the YG Christmas celebration featured an abundance of mouth-watering Filipino dishes, complete with popular desserts such as taho, ginataan and rice cakes. Public dancing once again became a much-awaited opportunity to strengthen social connections, while generous raffle prizes – made possible through the support of various donors – delighted many attendees.
Giving has long been a hallmark of YG’s Christmas celebrations, extending warmth to new migrants and recognising December birthday celebrants. The bayanihan spirit was most evident at the end of the program, as members and volunteers came together to help clean up John Pandazopolous Hall – a fitting conclusion to a celebration led by an organisation that, for 27 years, has been a generous giver, dedicated seniors advocate, and guardian of meaningful Filipino traditions. More power to YG and the team.
