Photos: By George Gregorio ( www.philtimes.com )
November 29-30, 2008, Melbourne, Australia

On Saturday, November 29, the weather was definitely overcast. Dark clouds were dominating the austere skies. People were praying that it would be a beautiful day bursting with sunshine. It was the first day of the Fiesta. Every thing was ready for the festivity. The buntings. The stage. The food. The stalls. The works.

“Sayang naman kung uulan, sigurado pa namang maraming taong darating! Ang sarap-sarap pa naman ng mga pagkaing iniluto namin!” [What a pity if it’s going to rain, I am sure there’ll be lots of people coming over! We prepared a lot of delicious food, though], quipped one of the food stall holders.

But the day proved to be a pleasant one. Though the sky was overcast and the winds were cold and harsh, it didn’t rain. Unpredictable. A true Melbourne weather. So on with the show.

According the Fiesta Management Committee, more than 8,000 people attended the two-day celebration. A quite improvement from the last year’s attendance.

“Naubusan na nga kami ng tikets!” [We ran out of tickets]. Said Gerry Ocampo who was one of those was manning the admission .

During the event, a jovial spirit of the fiesta pervaded the atmosphere. There were laughters and squeal of delights as old acquaintances met after a long, long time.

‘Naku, ang tagal-tagal na nating di nagkikita! O, kumusta ka na?” (Gosh, we have not met for a long time). These were some of the endearing phrases one could hear accompanied by a big smile.

The stalls were the hubbub of activities. One could see hundreds of businesses and products of all descriptions - native clothes, jewelleries, food, drinks, shoes, real estate, insurance, money remittances, water purifier and the likes.

Numerous handouts and flyers that advertised private businesses and community announcements abound the place.

There were exciting rides and amusement games that delighted the kids and the young at hearts.

One thing noticeable in this year’s celebration was the presence of several bins that were placed in strategically positions. They surely nailed down the theme of this year’s Fiesta: Kabalikat sa Pangangalaga ng Kalikasan at Kapaligiran - The protection and maintenance of nature and the environment.

This time, the people who attended the fiesta seemed to be more conscious of the way they threw their refuse. The Fiesta ground looked nicer and tidier.

The smell of delicious Filipino food wafting in the air was enough to make you hungry. One can buy the ubiquitous pork barbecues, refreshing halu-halo; the scrumptious dinuguan, the ever-reliable pansit; the spicy bopis and the local favourite, chicken or pork adobo. There was an array of mouth-watering kakanins, like the glutinous puto kutsinta , suman sa ibus, bingka, leche flan, banana que, and local drinks, such as the all time-favourite halo-halo, pearly sago and the refreshing melon.

The Fiesta was formally opened by ribbon cutting on its first day by Fiesta’s chairperson Ross Manuel surrounded by the members of the executive committee and leaders and members of the Filipino community organizations in Victoria.

All the speakers structured their speeches along the lines of global protection. Hon Ernesto de Leon, the Philippine ambassador to Australia and Mrs Norma Serrano, the chairperson of the Philippine Community Council of Victoria (FCCV) commended the efforts of the Philippine Fiesta Management Committee of highlighting the protection of our environment for its 26th year’s celebration. Dr Lagrito, one of the key speakers and president of the Visayan Association of Victoria Inc. (the biggest group in Victoria) spoke about the importance of earth’s conservation and the perils of pollution. Mrs Florence Parker, the newly elected chairperson of the Filipino communities Council of Australia (FILCA) thanks the committee for inviting her in the Fiesta.

On the second day, Fr Loi conducted the mass followed by the parade of leaders and members of the Filipino organizations in Victoria. The Philippine consulate also took the opportunity to hold the bi-citizenship oath taking of migrant Filipinos in Victoria. The second day proved to be a very pleasant day.

The biggest crowd drawers were personal appearance of guest actors from ABS CBN’s John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo who mesmerized the audience with their songs and enthusiastically greeted their fans.

Popular comedian Pooh left the revellers rolling with laughters, while Sheryn Regis, a Filipina pop singers and composer, and dubbed as the ‘Crystal Voice of Asia”, wowed the audience with her gutsy numbers.

Meanwhile, the nearby Bonifacio Building housed the cultural exhibits and activities initiated by the different community organizations. The Ilocano Association of Victoria featured the magnificent gowns worn by the past beauty queens of the Philippine Fiesta. Ang ganda-ganda naman!” (How beautiful), said one of the Filipinas as she lovingly touched the gown made from a local banig adorned with exquisite green and red leaves and blooms fashioned out of delicate sinamay cloth.

There was even a Karaoke Hour held by the Dulaang Bayan Melbourne group(where people sing their hearts out for a dollar) as a fundraising drive for their forthcoming production. A bright idea, indeed.

The Ilonggo Association fascinated the visitors with its cultural and historical exhibits especially the early photos of the Filipino movie industry.

“The two-day program featured a few innovative numbers. One of these was the Ati-Atihan competition where the participants came from the different community organizations all over Victoria. It was a well received presentation because of the frenetic sound and movements and colourful costumes.

Once again, the large attendance, the enthusiasm of the people and the continuous support and participation of Filipino-Australian community in Victoria have proven that Philippine Fiesta of Victoria is here to stay.