Location:
MaryMac Community Centre, Annerley
616 Ipswich Road, Annerley, Qld
Date / Time:
Saturday 25 October 2008
6:30 pm
Entrance:
$12.00
Food will be available for sale.
Further information:
For more information, please phone:
The 22nd of January was the day that I had anticipated, after so long the day had finally arrived. After being crowned Ginoong Philippines Australia I was filled with eager anticipation, waiting for the day that I would finally be able to represent my family and Filipino Australians in our distant home land. Although we have come to call Australia home, in my heart I still feel Philippines is deep resonance beating at my core, it’s in my blood and constant in back of my mind.
At the air port excitement had reached a climax, I tried not to count down the days before hand because that way, I knew the day would feel like it came sooner. After a 12 hour flight with a stop over in Singapore, we finally touched down in Manila international port. As I stepped off the plane still in a limbo between dream and reality (because I hardly slept) the reality of being in the Philippines slowly sank in, the first thing that hit me was the heat, and then the aroma which was ever present everywhere around manila. Driving to the hotel where we could finally get some sleep, we were surrounded by crazy drivers, tricycles and street vendors.
After a quick nap, I was hungry, and to eat we decided to go to Makati and meet up with some family who were also visiting from America. After walking around greenbelt we came to a place called “Bubba Gump”, it was named after the movie Forest Gump, the movie which Tom Hanks starred in. The food was great; the food everywhere around the Philippines was great, we even tried botsay, the signature dish of Iloilo.
On our second day we visited the set of Wowowee it’s just like it is on TFC but without the commercial breaks, and a 360 degree view. Later that evening we had dinner with the CPU alumni, where we met some very nice people who really care about education, and then it was on to Iloilo.
Iloilo had a different ambiance compared to the rest of the Philippines, for one thing I had no idea what people were saying, because they spoke Ilonggo, and I only speak Tagalog. The Ilonggo’s do have a sense of community which seemed to lack in big cities like manila.
We stayed in the Gonzaga mansion which was on the campus of CPU it was a nice little place, we did’nt spend much time there though, we were too busy sight seeing, trying out the local cuisine and the local specialty of “batchoy”, it was pretty good.
Asilo de Molo is a home for the old and a places we visited during our stay in Iloilo, in the faces of the residents, you could tell they had wisdom from the experiences of their lives; I could not help think that each face and each person had a story or two to tell, the residents seemed to had enjoyed the visit from the Australia delegation.
The Dinagyang is something everyone should at see at least once, the colour the energy in the dance steps and drums were enjoyably overwhelming. They “tribes” were so well organised and there seemed to have been a lot of interest from around the Philippines about this annual festival.
Finally we went to my home town, the place I lived until I was 5 years old, and also the home town of Apolinario Mabini, a Filipino national hero. Tanauan, Talaga, Batangas. Driving in I was not ready from the warm reception they had prepared for me, in the town centre and in front of the school was my name and the words congratulations Mr Philippines Australia, Welcome. Not everyone can say that they were honoured in their home town. But I felt such a pride and joy because all my family and people I hadn’t seen in years turned up. It felt great donating money to the school my mother, aunties and uncles school, my grandmother had also been a teacher there, and this was my final official act in the Philippines, and something I would not trade. It is something that I would love to do again. It has inspired me to keep doing things for the community and to become a better person.
The beginning wasn’t very bright… but this trip turned into one of the most memorable experiences I will ever encounter in my lifetime. I look back and embrace each event - good and bad, knowing whatever has happened, we have touched some lives, made a little difference, we have learned and we have grown.
Our journey consisted of 3 weeks jam packed with meeting those high up in the hierarchy and those who needed our support, dinners with the educated and those who were eager to learn, road trips, boat trips and plane trips, riding in a float for a parade and being a special guest in the Dinagyang festival, and of course relaxing in Boracay. With too many experiences to write about, I would like to share one small part of my journey which left a lasting impression on me.
Travelling 18 hours by mini-bus, my group of 7, made our way from Alabang to my mother’s home town Catarman, Northern Samar. I was joined by my mum, dad, sister, tita, family friend and our driver. We arrived in Samar in the middle of the night going straight to sleep after our tiring journey.
On our second day on the island we were planned to visit St. Michaels Academy. This was the school which my grandmother, mother and aunties studied. We arrived at a large stone wall with a small door at the base opened to us by the security. As we entered the quiet courtyard, we were greeted by Sister Anacleta Arnaiz, the principal of the school. She continued to lead us through the walkway when it dawned on me -this school wasn’t as quiet as I had first imagined.
Walking into the opening, voices echoed throughout the entire grounds. Students filled the balconies and walkways of the school all waiting for our arrival. The noise was intimidating, because I had never been greeted with such excitement and enthusiasm in my life. I waved politely at the students calling my name and they giggled with excitement at my acknowledgement of them. I was in complete bewilderment at the attention we received. As we made our way to the stage, I was met by a young boy who presented me with a bouquet of flowers. I thanked him and gave him a kiss on the cheek. The school broke into cheers and laughter – the boy broke into a blush. We got through the introductions and formalities, but the highlight was the performances put on by each of the year levels.
Even though the school was not like my mother had described it, I could still see they were lacking in materials. Our donation of 4 computers, 2 printers and basic software was only a small step to delivering the materials necessary to sufficiently equip the entire school.
As we toured the school it was made even more evident that these students were lacking in proper equipment and materials, like an updated atlas and encyclopaedia, furniture, media equipment and of course computers. To the end of our tour students began to crowd around to try and get photographs, autographs or just shake my hand. Their voices could be heard calling as the doors closed behind us. The amount of attention and praise we received makes me embarrassed to think about how little we actually gave. It just goes to show how much they are in need of our support.
Our short trip to Samar has left a lasting impression on me and my family. The students and teacher’s gratefulness will never be forgotten, but there is still so much that can be done. Our support abroad is needed, with no lack of appreciation for even the smallest giving.
During the coronation night of Mr and Miss Teen Philippines-Australia in June 2006, I mentioned that I wanted to help the needy and learn more about the Filipino culture. Now that I have been to the Philippines and back, I achieved this goal plus much, much more. In fact, the whole experience has changed my life.
From the moment we landed in Manila, we had a very hectic schedule. We met and gave thanks to the CPU Alumni and Department of Tourism for their support. We also had our 15 minutes of fame dancing the ‘boom-tarat-tarat’ on Wowowee. In Iloilo, we met and thanked more supporters, the CPU President, the Director of Department of Tourism and the Mayor of Iloilo City. We also appeared on live television as we were interviewed by the CPU Alumni, handed grant-in aid scholarship certificates to work students and performed a dance routine on short notice!
The next day Clara and I paraded on a float during the Kasadyahan Festival. Later that evening, we were guests at the CPU International Night where we performed our song and dance routines for the audience. The following day we experienced the lively colour and sounds of the Philippines’ biggest cultural event, the Dinagyang Festival. It was like nothing I had ever seen before. I was completely amazed by the spectacular costumes, exciting presentations and heart-thumping drums. Again, we were interviewed on live television and later in the day, were interviewed on live radio.
After the festivities we visited the various recipients of the funds I had raised. I donated funds to A. Montes 1 Elementary School where my father and all his brothers attended many decades ago. The school was in great need of many things including new book shelves for the library as the existing ones were falling apart. We were warmly greeted by the grade 3 music band and the rest of the school assembly. We were entertained by young students performing songs and folk dances and in return I performed a hiphop dance with my sisters. The children made Clara and I feel like celebrities as they swarmed us for autographs and photos. The children’s smiles and laughter filled me with joy. It was a very moving experience.
I also donated funds to Barangay Sambag, Jaro for the provision of a new foot path to houses. Sambag is where my mum spent her childhood days. Before, the local people could only access their homes by walking along a dirt track which was dark at night and would become muddy and slippery when it rained. Now that there is a new footpath, local residents are able to safely walk to their homes, the shops and public transport. It feels great to be able to contribute to other people’s lives by easing their burden.
The trip to the Philippines was a life-changing experience. I was able to help the less fortunate and see the fruits of my donations. The experience has made me appreciate what I have and made me want to do more to help others. The challenging schedule also helped me to grow and better handle stressful situations. The whole experience has not only enabled me to help others and learn more about the Filipino culture, it also helped me to develop as an individual.
Winning the Miss Teen Philippines-Australia 2006 competition was an experience of a lifetime. Imagine, I made it to the front page of the Gold Coast Sun with featured article on page 5! I even watched myself in The Filipino Channel (TFC) Global several times.
But there is more to it than just glamour, publicity and popularity. The fulfilment in becoming Miss Teen Philippines-Australia comes from the opportunity to create huge social impact as an ambassador of goodwill. I was able to use my ‘title’ as a vehicle to draw awareness and effectively reach out to the needy. Donating my personal cash prize (as I have promised my sponsors) and working towards soliciting more money to increase the amount of donation for the children in the Philippines were more rewarding than I have expected. Every effort was worth it!
My work commenced on 18 January 2007, the following day after we arrived in the Philippines. We visited the ‘Children’s Village’ in Norzagaray, Bulacan where victims of abuse and domestic violence were sheltered and rehabilitated. Since my family had been actively involved in the Youth-for-Christ program of Couples for Christ, our activities were focused at evangelising the children so that we could impart God’s message of love and hope to them. We distributed souvenirs from Australia which included a mini-poster of my mission. Through the watchful eyes of the children, we saw how desolation could be transformed into happiness by sharing God’s love through visiting strangers - us!
A few more days, we visited the Intensive Care Unit of Philippine General Hospital Manila and I donated a humble amount to the family of a baby who I chose myself. The knowledge that my ‘gift’ would lessen the family’s financial burden brought an inner feeling of self-dignity.
When the whole delegation arrived in the Philippines on 25 January 2007, the fun began! We were accorded VIP treatment in Manila and Cavite yet five-star reception in Iloilo City. Upon our arrival at the airport, there hanged a big streamer with our names on it and we were welcomed by the Department of Tourism with native garland shells. We joined the Kasadyahan Festival parade on a float and witnessed the famous Dinagyang Festival. We had our short moments of fame through television exposures and interviews. We also had an opportunity to meet the leaders in education and politics. Evan handed over his donations for the cause that he had chosen, and we were there to witness and support him. During the International Night, I sang my winning piece ‘Isang Lahi’ with my sisters interpreting the song for international delegates… All those times, I really felt like a beauty queen!
After a very hectic schedule it was time to unwind.
Next stop - Boracay! I’ver been there before but it was always awesome to be back. There were lots of pearls and charms, foods and drinks, tourists and masseurs and shops….and shops!
A few more days and we went back to Manila. We made a courtesy call to Gawad Kalinga who received half of my personal winnings for the educational scholarship of a child. Although nothing momentous occurred, I knew that my donation was safe in good hands. In fact, I plan to participate in other Gawad Kalinga projects in future for the sake of families who have lost their human dignity from severe poverty or natural catastrophe.
I left the Philippines with an imprint of bountiful memories. I know that I will not be the same person from the past and my humble beginnings will not end with just memories. No matter how far I go, I will not forget that I owe my achievements to my parents and sisters, my grandmother, all my relatives (especially my aunt), my friends and my sponsors who believed in advocating a good cause. Most of all, I will forever be grateful to my Lord.
Philippine festivals and fiestas mirror the rich Filipino heritage, and the welcoming and religious spirit of Filipinos. All year round, there are festivals or fiestas celebrated throughout the country. You have not experienced the rich diversity of the Philippines until you have been to the festivals.
Anyone will be awed by the degree of the Filipino’s devotion to his patron saints. As the feast day of a town’s patron saint nears, folks get busy with all the activities that go with the festivals or fiestas: processions on land or water in honour of the patron saints, parades with colourful floats and brass bands or drums, street dancing with dancers clad on colourful and outlandish costumes, singing contests, games and, most importantly, an array of mouth-watering local cuisine artistically laid in every household’s dining table. In some rural areas, the tradition of opening their houses to everyone is still practiced and the fun fare lasts for two to three days, depending on the town’s tradition. Tourists often wonder how we can afford to put on such lavishness with the hospitality and warmth that we show.
The whole month of May is said to be the season of fiestas. Aside from the month-long celebration in honour of the Virgin Mary, there are fiestas almost everyday in various towns and barrios nationwide.
Most Filipinos in other parts of the world make it a point to go home this time of year in order to pay homage to their patron saints and offer thanksgiving. It is also a most-awaited occasion to reunite with family and friends.
Here are just few of the famous Philippine festivals:
Filipinos indeed will never run out of ideas in celebrating life. Aside from the existing festivals, more and more new ones are being conceptualized and launched every year. For the Filipinos, festivals and fiestas are true symbols of togetherness, community bonding, overflowing fun, colour and excitement. These give an experience hard to put into words but can be felt by each one through the bright smiles, melodic songs, dances and delectable cuisine that go in every Philippine fiesta and festival.
