Bukas-Isip  2017

Celebrating the 35^th Anniversary of the Philippine Fiesta of Victoria (1982-2017) on November 25-26, 2017

By Manny G. Asuncion
Melbourne,  Australia
Photos: PFVI archive of past celebrations
August 24, 2017



The Philippine Fiesta of Victoria is celebrating its 35th year on 25-26 November 2017 at the Polish  Club, 19 Carrington, Drive Albion.

The Fiesta is managed by the Philippine Fiesta of Victoria Inc (PFVI), a non-profit organization whose  primary objective is to promote the Philippine customs and traditions.  

This year Fiesta’s theme is: MALAWAK NA PANANAW PARA SA MAUNLAD NA PAMAYANAN  “  A BROAD PERSPECTIVE FOR A PROGRESSIVE COMMUNITY”: a calling for every member of the Filipino-Australian  community to have a wider and positive view  in paving the way for growth and improvement of the community where they belong,  to have an open mind that would bring about beneficial changes and tangible progress in the community.  

Utang na loob (Debts-that of-Gratitude); Bayanihan (Helping-one-another); Pakikisama (Smooth Interpersonal Relationship); Kababaang- Loob (Humility) and Kasipagan (Industry) are some of the  Filipino transformative values that Philippine Fiesta wish to underscore  this year’s celebration. Most importantly, the mind-set of loving and assisting one’s community

For years, Fiesta has been depending on the countless people who voluntarily give their, energy time and  invaluable services (from planning to executions)  to this festival. As early as January, the PFVI Committee starts to plan the next fiesta celebration with the assistance of its members and volunteers. Like any other communal endeavours, Fiesta needs cooperation, dedication, coordination, patience and most of all, hard work.

The Philippine Fiesta does not receive any grants from the Australian Government, It gets its revenues from the sales of entrance fees during the two-day festivity; donations and sponsors; advertiser; raffles; marquee rentals from food and dry good stalls and from the beauty and charity quests.  

As a showcase for the Filipino language, arts and culture, the Fiesta features a two-day program depicting traditional and modern Filipino songs, dances and music; offers favourite Filipino cuisines and drinks; initiates Filipino games and local sports, holds fashion shows that depict the  modern and colourful ethnic attires of the archipelago; Filipiniana exhibits  that underscores Philippine history; arts and crafts, wrestling;  colourful traditional parades such as Santacruzan, Flores de Mayo Dinagyang and Ati-Atihan; exciting rides for children, face painting and many more. Fiesta has something for everyone.  

The Philippine Fiesta is the original ang longest-running Fiesta in Victoria. Its open to all nationalities and multicultural groups. For 34 years it has been celebrated without a break despite few obstacles that it encountered.  Thanks to the dedication and tenacity of its members and its active and hardworking management committee.  

This year’s Fiesta underpins the importance of every member of the Filipino-Australian  community to have a wider and positive view  of looking at their community for its progress and development.

Philippine Fiesta of Victoria: ATIN ITO!!!