Visayan Association of Australia clinches the Beauty Pageant title and more at the Fiesta Kultura 2014

By Richard J Ford (PRO for VAA Inc)
Sydney-NSW Australia
October 24, 2014




Special entertainments from dancers like the Fil-Oz Liverpool, the Visayan Association of Australia, also from Liverpool to the ACT Filipino-Australian Social and Cultural Association. Then there was Kookies N Kreme, M7 Band, and also from X-Factor were Trill, Majic Honey and Erin Miranda, with experienced singers from the likes of Sidney Perez and Brian Lorenz. From the Philippines was the ever-talented singer Frenchie Dy, along with Ken Chan who is also a talented singer and a rising GMA actor.

All these entertainers kept the audience enthralled with so much energy and variety that it really gave them a chance to showcase Filipino talent. But the  biggest highlight of the night is what really drew the largest crowds, for the best was as always saved till last, the glittering and stunning crowning of the new Miss Philippines-Australia and Miss Charity Queen Australia Beauty Pageant for 2014.

The audience was not to be disappointed by the display of beautiful evening gowns that set off the array of such beautiful Filipina young ladies that were all vying for the highly coveted title of Miss Philippines-Australia for 2014.

The Visayan Association’s candidate Miss Glyssa Perez surprised everyone by winning the coveted title of Miss Philippines-Australia, and if that wasn’t enough she also won Best in Traditional Filipiniana, Best in Swimsuit and Best in Evening Gown. It was a coup for the Visayan Association   who worked so hard to help Glyssa gain the title. Also the good management of her manager, Imelda Serra and the support of her parents, Yolie and Godofredo are what made it such a success along with “Team Glyssa.”

The other winners were Miss Charity Queen was won by Hannah Arnold, representing the ACT Filipino-Australian Social and Cultural Association.

Miss Philippines-Australia Runner-Up was won by Arianne Tan, representing the Philippine-Australian Friendship Association.

Miss Charity Princess was won by Desa Santos, representing the Filipino-Australian Community Association, she was also Miss Popularity.

Miss Friendship was won by Sarah-Anne Johnstone, representing the Ilocano Association of Australia.

Finally, Miss Photogenic was won by Christine Ferrer.

As the evening ended, one can only wonder what surprises are in store for them next year. Who knows, the Visayan Association of Australia was have another winner!

---

FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN NEW SOUTH WALES CELEBRATES FIESTA KULTURA 2014

Press Release
Department of Foreign Affairs
Philippine Consulate General
Sydney-Australia

21 October 2014 –Philippine Consul General Anne Jalando-on Louis was joined by  Congressman Jose “Lito” Atienza and his wife, Evelina, as well as by Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, who represented Prime Minister Tony Abbott, Federal Member of Parliament Chris Bowen (McMahon) who represented the Leader of the Labor Party Bill Shorten, New South Wales (NSW) State Member of Parliament and leader of the Labor Party in NSW John Robertson (Blacktown), NSW State Member of Parliament Kevin Connolly (Riverstone), NSW State Member of Parliament Andrew Rohan (Smithfield), Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali and Fairfield Deputy Mayor George Barcha at the opening of the 26^th Sydney Fiesta Kultura 2014 on October 06 at the Fairfield Showground in Prairiewood, NSW.

According to Mr. Manny Castillo, President of the Philippine Australian Sports and Culture Inc. (PASCI) which organized the event, PASCI was founded 26 years ago and aims to organize sports and cultural events to bring together the members of the Filipino community in Sydney, and to undertake projects to assist those in need in the Philippines and in New South Wales. PASCI has extended assistance to victims of natural disasters, established scholarship programs for deserving students, donated medical and dental equipment to Philippine institutions and local government units, and supported an orphanage in Manila.

Representing Prime Minister Tony Abbott, Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells conveyed the Prime Minister’s warm wishes to the organizers and participants in the Fiesta Kultura and referred to the long-running event as a manifestation of the Filipino community’s strength, and important contribution to Australia’s multicultural society.

In his message, Representative Atienza highlighted the importance of Philippine culture and congratulated Mr. Castillo and PASCI for having successfully organized the Fiesta for the past 26 years. He encouraged the Filipino community to register for overseas voting, noting that that they are in a position to vote objectively and intelligently for the right leaders who will chart a bright and prosperous future for the Philippines.

In her message on the occasion, Consul General Anne Jalando-on Louis expressed her wish that the event would encourage those visiting the Fiesta for the first time, and having their first experience with Filipino food and performances, to come and visit the Philippines to discover more of the country and its people. She also thanked the Australian officials and guests for their attendance and support. She said that their presence represents the strong relationship between the people of Australia and the Philippines as well as recognition of the Filipino community as a significant member of Australia’s dynamic multicultural society.

The Philippine Consulate General in Sydney had a booth at the Fiesta Kultura 2014 where the Consulate General team delivered mobile consular services such as processing of passports, registration of reports of births and marriages, notarials, and NBI clearance, and processing of dual citizenship applications as well as registration of overseas voters. The Consulate General team responded to more queries on dual citizenship, overseas voting, and other consular matters compared to the previous year.

An estimated 15,000 visitors turned up during the one-day event to view the exhibition of Philippine products, to witness cultural performances, and to savor Filipino food. There were more than 1,500 participants, volunteers and exhibitors at the Fiesta Kultura 2014. The event also featured a Media Centre manned by Filipino community media practitioners.

Among the performers who shared their talent at the event were artists from the Philippine such as singer Frenchie Dy and singer/actor Ken Chan, as well as Filipino-Australian talents such Fil-Oz Liverpool dancers, Visayan Association dancers, the Filipino-Australian Community Association of East Sydney dancers, Kookies N’Kreme, the M7 Band, singing groups Trill and Majic Honey, and singers Erin Miranda, Sidney Perez and Brian Lorenz.

Capping the event was the Miss Philippines Australia and Charity Queen Beauty Pageant in the evening. Ms. Glyssa Perez of the Visayan Association Inc., was crowned Miss Philippines Australia 2014, while Ms. Hannah Arnold of the ACT Filipino Australian Social & Cultural Association was crowned Miss Charity Queen 2014. As the winning PASCI titlists for 2014, both will travel to Manila with PASCI President Manny Castilllo to turn over donations to an orphanage and to award scholarships to an educational institution.