Celebrating the 33^rd Anniversary of the Philippine Fiesta of Victoria

Philippine Fiesta of Victoria  and Trade Expo 2015 – a cornucopia of arts, culture and business opportunities

By Manny G. Asuncion
Photos: PFVI archives
Melbourne, Australia 
November 20, 2015



 A cornucopia of arts, culture and business opportunities awaits guests, visitors and attendees of the Philippine Fiesta of Victoria which will be held on 28-29 November 2015 at the  World Heritage Royal Exhibition Building (Est.1880), Nicholson Street, Carlton Garden, Victoria. 

This year's Fiesta and Trade Expo,  in partnership with  the Australian Business Council (APBC),   is aimed to promote, business, investment and trade opportunities between Australia and the Philippines, with full support of  the Philippine Consulate of Victoria.

Five  major exhibitors are expected to join the Trade Expo: APBC, Ayala Land, Black Swan,  Mannerim Capital and Freemason.


Freemasonry is the oldest and largest  existing organisation in the world . It is  a society that brings together millions of people across the world, in a fraternal manner, ol all nations, religions, political beliefs, and social backgrounds. It comprises an estimated 5 Million members worldwide over 12,000  in Victoria . Modern Freemasonry traces its organisation to the 17^th Century and proudly preserves the traditions it has inherited  from those times. These traditions make Freemasonry unique within the community. The principles by which the Freemason is expected to conduct himself are based on tolerance, equality, charity and honour. They strive towards spiritual enlightenment and personal development as a way to moral perfection. Freemasons demonstrate these principles by showing tolerance and respect for the opinions of others, behaving with kindness and understanding and and  practicing charity and care for their community. 

Other sponsors are:  MoneyGram, MLP Developments Pty Ltd., Royal Brunei, Western Travel,  Century Properties Group Inc., Philippine Tours and Philippine Airlines.

At present, Fiesta has about 10 food stalls offering sumptuous Filipino food, desert and drinks as well as 50 dry goods that are available during the festival. The food stalls will serve exotic and famous Filipino food such as adobo, dinuguan, kare-kare, litson, menudo, pansit palabok and lumpia. The deserts will feature delicious sweets as halo-halo, leche flan, bibingka not to mention a few.  The dry good stalls  offer beauty cosmetics, clothings, real estate, kitchen ware, jewellery, door-to-door deliveries, money remittances and the likes. 

Through its colourful and vibrant activities, the Fiesta has become a showcase of rich cultural heritage of the Filipino-Australian people in Victoria, contributing  immensely to the exciting milieu of the Australian multi-cultural society.     

The Fiesta program also features folk dances  performed by the elderly groups and tribal dances from Geelong; Zumba performers;  ballroom dancing by Dancd N' Style;  Youth choir and a fantastic fashion show by the Trans Angel Victoria -   the Etnika: Planeta Filipina; presentation of Miss and Mrs Philippines Beauty Charity Quests, among others. There's something from everyone, young and old and most of all, equality of gender.  

On the night of 28 November, is the Filipino arts and culture evening  or Gabi ng Sining. This is a formal cocktail affair that highlights Filipino music and song with guests performers coming from the Philippines. They are Mr Joseleo Logdat (Baritone), Mr Miguel Castro (Tenor) and Mr Raul Navarro (Pianist). This is also the Talent Night of the Miss and Mrs Philippine Fiesta Beauty and Charity Quests.

There will be a Fabulous Filipino Pageantry, a magnificent parade of the current and previous winners and candidates of the Miss and Mrs Philippine Fiesta of Victoria Beauty and Charity Quests wearing their crowns and marvellous gowns – a reunion of beauty and talent. This parade is to honour and acknowledge these deserving individuals in gracing the occasions,  and most of all  for financially assisting the Philippine Fiesta over the years. The parade will also include the winners and candidates of Mr Philippines Victoria in their prize-winning Filipino regional and tribal costumes. .

A Hip Hope number will be performed by the FMD Xtreme ( a popular and awesome Hip Hop dancers from the Philippines)  as well as martial arts demonstration and exciting female and male wrestling.     .

Like any other Fiestas in the Philippines, the festivity will have bands that will definitely enliven  the celebration. They  will not only render popular music of the decade, but also will perform Filipino music and songs through the ages.  

Apart from the above mentioned activities,there are exciting initiatives and innovations in initiated by the Filipino-Australian Students  Council (FASTCO). These are: Philippine Fiesta and Trade Booth Competition; Fiesta Human Bingo; Fiesta Talent Extreme; Pinoy Works of Art Exhibit; On the Spot Photo Contest and Fiesta Essay Competition. 

Over the years Philippine Fiesta has brought immense happiness and joy to thousands of Filipino-Australians and other multi-cultural groups not only in Victoria but also across Australia.

The Fiesta clearly enunciates the Filipino heritage through its cultural activities like its themes, exhibits, parades, music, songs and choreography. Let's join the Fiesta and share its everlasting friendship  camaraderie and most of all, a sense of belonging.