14 October 2015 - Philippine Consul General to Sydney Anne Jalando-on Louis was joined by Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, Members of the New South Wales (NSW) Parliament Geoff Lee and Prue Carr, Mayor Stephen Bali of Blacktown City, Mayor Paul Garrad of Parramatta City, Dr. Eman Sharobeen of Multicultural NSW, and Philippine Australian Sports and Culture Inc. (PASCI) President Manny Castillo in officially opening the Fiesta Kultura 2015 held at the Fairfield Showground in Fairfield City, New South Wales on October 05.

Representing Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Senator Concetta Fierravanti Wells said that the Filipino community is a great example of how Australia’s cultural diversity adds great value by delivering social and economic strength, prosperity and unity to Australia. She highlighted the strong bonds shared by the Philippines and Australia and the importance of people-to-people linkages which is promoted through activities such as the Fiesta Kultura.

On behalf of New South Wales Premier Mike Baird, Member for Parramatta and Parliamentary Secretary Geoff Lee said that the NSW government is cognizant of the Filipino community’s contribution to the state’s workforce which, together with the increasing number of Filipino international students in NSW, has further spurred the growth of the state. He also cited the Filipino community’s family-centeredness and values as richly adding to the state’s multicultural strength.

In her message at the event, Consul General Louis highlighted the Fiesta as a Philippine cultural tradition that highlights Filipino talent and artistry, Filipino cuisine, and the importance of community-building to Filipino society. She invited the audience to attend the Philippine Food Week, which was held last October 02 to 10 at the Shangri-La Hotel in Sydney. She also encouraged those who have yet to visit the Philippines to do so, and lauded PASCI’s efforts to help promote the Philippines as a tourism and business destination by organizing the fiesta for the past 27 years.

The Consul General Louis also informed the attendees that they may avail of the mobile consular services and register as overseas voters (OV) at the Philippine Consulate booth at the fiesta.

For the past 27 years, Fiesta Kultura has been organized by the PASCI under the leadership of Mr. Manny Castillo. The Fiesta showcases local talents and artists from Manila, features food stalls, booths selling Philippine products and services, and a Trade Promotion Center featuring products from various regions in the Philippines. This year’s Fiesta also had a Media Centre manned by several Filipino community media practitioners. Proceeds from the event are donated by PASCI to various institutions, such as hospitals and orphanages in the Philippines, and to fund scholarships for deserving Filipino youth.

The event was capped by the Miss Philippines Australia and Charity Queen beauty pageant in the evening. Ms. Rica Sey Alida won as Miss Philippines Australia and Ms. Susana Downes as Charity Queen. They will both travel to Manila to turn over donations to an orphanage and to award scholarships to an educational institution. END