THE PAGEANTRY OF THE  PHILIPPINE FIESTA 2015 IN MELBOURNE

By Manny G. Asuncion
Melbourne-Australia
December 17, 2015



Halina, Halina sa Fiesta,
Tayo'y magsa-sama,
Itaguyod ang ating kultura,
Dito sa Australia!
(Philippine Fiesta Hymn 2015)

For two days, the huge hall of the historic Royal Exhibition Building was filled with gaiety, pageantry and fun. It was the celebration of the 33rd anniversary of  the Philippine Fiesta of Victoria and the first ever Trade Expo initiated by Australian Philippine Business Council (APBC) with the full support of the Philippine Consulate of Victoria.

The much-awaited festivity, which was held on 28-29 November 2015,  was attended by more than 6,000 people -  not only coming from Victoria but from other states of Australia such as as NSW, Queensland, Tasmania and Canberra.

The Saturday Festival (28 November) was opened by an invocation by Pastor Tim Barrioquinto assisted by the Faith Christian Community Choir which  also sang the Australian National Anthem (Advance Australia Fair)  and the Philippine National  Anthem (Lupang Hinirang).

A Roman Catholic Mass was held in the morning of Sunday (29 November), officiated by Fr Joselito Asis with the assistance of Pangkat Pinoy. Harmonico Filipino sang the Australian National Anthem and the Filipino National Anthem followed by Ako'y Filipino rendered by coloratura soprano, Miss  Janine Santos. For the first time, the Philippine Fiesta of Victoria Hymn, Halina, Halina sa Fiesta   was sang. The rousing song was   conducted by Mr Rolly Limun who was also the composer of the hymn. Mr Manny G. Asuncion wrote the lyrics.

Among the Fiesta speakers were Ms Perla Luetic, chairperson of the Filipino Community Council of Victoria (FCCVI); Mr Neil Grimes, the vice president of APBC;  Hon Felix Pintado, the Philippine Consul of Victoria ; Hon Clare O'Neil, MP Federal member of Hotham, Victoria and Ms Rissa McInnis, vice president, Lions Club of Blacktown City, New South Wales. Ms McInnis read the message of Mr Bill Shorten, Labor leader of the opposition. 

The Saturday event was highlighted by the Fabulous Pageantry Parade which was a tribute to the title holders of the  the Philippine Fiesta of Victoria Miss & Mrs Beauty and Charity Quests. This parade was in recognition for the great financial contributions of the winners to the Fiesta and bringing glitz and glamour to the festival over the years. The audience was also delighted by the colourful and exotic  fashion show  prepared by the Transgender Angels of Victoria: Etnika – Planeta Filipina.  This fabulous fashion show was in cooperation with Mary Kay headed by Mrs Lina Obien. 

This year's Fiesta had something for  everyone. There were wrestling bouts for men and women; Kick Boxing demonstrations by the Kom  Bo Kan Group headed by Noel Royeka; Melbourne Talent Xtreme competitions and  band concert initiated  by Unity of Purpose chaired by Randy Gabuat; an Adobo and Halo-Halo competitions; beautiful native folk dances performed by Filipino Elderly Get Together Association (FEGTA), the Pilipino Elderly Association of South East Region (PEASER) and the Association of Senior Filipino- Australian of Victoria Inc (ASFAVI; the art exhibit featuring the Filipino artists  from the Philippines and Melbourne-based Filipino artists  in coordination with the Filipino-Association Students  Council  (FASTCO);  the FILO Zumbazwag - an energetic Zumba performers;  folk songs and Christmas medley  from Anthony Crisostomo and the Philippine Language School; Hip Hop performances by the FMD Extreme and Kstar Evolutionz; elegant ballroom dancing by Dance N' Style; ballet numbers by the Showtime School of Dance and brilliant renditions of the popular Filipino Kundiman by tenor Mr Miguel Castro and baritone Mr Joseleo Lobregat and famous pianis Dr Raul Navarro.


One of the innovations of the Fiesta this year was the Gabi ng Sining – “ a gala  event showcasing the best of Philippine traditional culture through original Filipino music.”  The guests were entertained with  Filipino romantic songs performed by Miguel Castro (Tenor); Stephen Couts (Baritone), Joseleo Logdat (Baritone) and Janine Santos (Soprano) accompanied on the piano by Dr Raul Navarro. Other performers were Christine Signe, Shanelle Dionson and Roselle Aresgado.  The Kundiman songs evoked lots of nostalgic and romantic memories among the attendees. The event was coordinated by Boy and Terry Apines. 

Members of the Fiesta management committee received a lot of superlative kudos from people who attended  the Fiesta  and congratulations from social media such as facebook, emails, tweeters and instagrams.

“ Successful po ang Fiesta. Sigurado pong babalik kami sa isang taon!!!” (The Fiesta is successful. Definetely we'll return next year!),  says one of the attendees.