21 December 2015 – The umbrella Filipino Community Council of the ACT (FCCACT) in Canberra successfully held the 12th Pasko sa Canberra, the annual Philippine Christmas Festival in Canberra on December 06 at the sprawling Embassy grounds.
The event kicked off with the rondalla rendition of the traditional Filipino and festive Christmas music by the Rondanihan, a Filipino string band in Canberra. FCCACT President Cecilia Flores officially opened the event where she expressed appreciation for the support of the Filipino community in Australia and the Philippine Embassy for making the festivities successful.
Philippine Ambassador to Australia Belen F. Anota expressed sincere thanks to the Filipino community for the continued support and cooperation extended to her during her tour of duty as Philippine Ambassador to Australia and wished everyone a happy and festive season.
The Honorable John Barilaro MP, Member for Eden-Monaro, delivered a message and ACT Assembly Speaker Vicki Dunne also graced the event.
The Filipino and Australian communities, members of the diplomatic missions, Australian government officials as well as the general public experienced the annual extravaganza of fun, dance, music and food. Filipino tenor Miguel Castro performed Kundiman songs and Filipino Christmas songs. Guests enjoyed Filipino cuisine sold at various food stalls while witnessing the cultural performances by the Philippine Cultural Society, dance numbers of the Filipino Language School and ACTFA, and musical performances by Ken and Max duo band, Jasmine Henry, Brandon Morgan and Elizabeth Garrett. Smiles lit up the children’s faces during the “Santa walk”. The Miss Philippines-Australia 2015 was presented to the crowd, Diego San Agustin played his saxophone and a Zumba class spiced up the warm afternoon.
The day ended with the much anticipated raffle draw. Almost everyone who attended the Pasko sa Canberra left with at least one bag full of personal purchases, like food and gift items and definitely priceless, happy memories of the event. END