Celebrating the 37th year of the Philippine Fiesta of Victoria (Australia)
By Manny G. Asuncion
Melbourne-Australia
November 28, 2019
MALASAKIT – The word that binds
To protect from the inclement weather, the Fiesta was held inside the Millennium Reception Centre at 45 Fourth Avenue Sunshine. All food and dry goods were located inside the venue.
This year’s theme was MALASAKIT PARA SA PAMAYANAN, BAYAN AT LIPUNAN a moving spirit of the festivity that underscores care, concern and compassion for the community, country and society.
The first day, Saturday, 23 November (BISPERAS)N was opened by an invocation by Pastor Tim Barrioquinto followed by the Fiesta Chairperson Mr Mario Magbiray with the Philippine Fiesta Management Committee and other members followed by the speeches by Ms Carmen Garcia, the president of the Filipino Communities Council of Australia (FILCCA) and Mr Marlon de Leon, chairperson of the Filipino Community Council of Victoria Inc. (FCCVI).
The second day, Sunday, 24 November KAPISTAHAN), a Catholic mass was held, followed by the speeches of Mr Mario Magbiray , chairperson of the Philipine Fiesta of Victoria; Magbiray made a followed by Ms Marlene Cruz, Representative to Hon Daniel Andrews; Hon Bwe Thay , Multi cultural Commission; Ms Lucinda Congreve, Mayor of Brimbank and Ms Judith Zamayla, chairperson Philippine Association of Geelong.
The festivity was highlighted by the traditional SANTACRUZAN mostly graced by the present and former Fiesta’s beauty and charity queens. This parade, the longest ever, featured more that 65 Biblical characters culminating with the Reyna Elena with her consort Prince Constantine.
SANTACRUZAN is an old Filipino religious tradition that depicts the search for the holy cross by Queen Helena. It’s considered the queen of all the parades in the Philippines because of its spectacular glitter and glamour.
The revellers were entertained by famous-Australian Filipino recording artists like Mary Ann Van Der Horst, Fasika and Cyrus Villanueva, as well as Melbourne-based singers and dancers. The entertainers also included Neil Corleta and Raven Diva from the Philippines, courtesy of Mama Lor. Diva impressed the audience by her gutsy performance and strong voice.
Another highlights of the celebration were the HIMIG and INDAK competitions, wherein the Filipino choirs and the folk dance groups competed with each other for trophies and cash prizes. All the contestants were given certificates of appreciation.
The models, from FACE – AUSTRALIA headed by Maria Theresa (Choy) Symes, mesmerized the audience by their Filipino -inspired gowns coming from the different regions provinces and tribes of the Philippine Islands.
Another feature of the Fiesta was the recycled gowns competition by the current candidates of the Philippine Fiesta Queen and Charity Quests with their creative and innovative gowns made from plastic bottles, plastic cups and plates, styro-foams and what-have you. A jaw-dropping show indeed.
And of course, Fiesta is not complete without a row of food and dry goods stalls that offered Filipino, drinks and snacks, colourful bingle bangles, clothes and bags made from the Philippines.
Official poster PFVI Fiesta 2019
The recent Philippine Fiesta celebration had bought an immense happiness and excitement to the Filipino Community in Victoria as well as its visitors from other states. This annual Festivity has reached its 37th year because of the dedication of the Fiesta Management Committee, its numerous volunteers and the full support, concerned and cooperation of the Filipino community in Victoria. The true spirit of MALASAKIT had been aptly demonstrated in this year’s Fiesta celebration. The word that binds.