Pista sa Nayon 2025 successfully launched the Philippine Australian Multicultural Association, Inc. (PAMAI). The occasion was undertaken under the new name of the group which has served the community for 15 years under its previous name of APCO. The event celebrating the 127th Anniversary of the declaration of the Philippine Independence, was truly a ‘fiesta’ with much festivity, excitement and engagement of the crowd for the whole day of June 14, 2025.
The free entry fiesta celebration was held in the historic Parramatta Town Hall. In keeping with its name, PAMAI welcomed not just the Filipino-Australian community but all from various communities. It was held during 8am to 4pm provided cultural and modern dances, music, Tagalog poetry and competitions.
The special guests from the Philippine Consulate led by Hon Consul General Rowena Charmaine Aviquivil, Consul Marie Tario and Vice Consul Diana Marie D. Jimenez-Leomo and other Consular Officials, and special guest, the former Parramatta Mayor, Cr Sameer Pandey. ConGen Aviquivil held a toast with Cr Sameer Pandey. It was a toast to the Philippine Independence, community harmony, belonging, and PAMAI’s heartfelt message that we may be of various cultural heritage, we belong together in a harmonious and cohesive society.
The program commenced with the exciting parade of colours and the singing of the National Anthem of the Philippines and Australia. These were followed by the Invocation by PAMAI Senior Vice President, Mrs Cora Bojarski and the Welcome Speech by Mrs Ronna Guzman, PAMAI President.
Dr Cen Amores, Founding President, in her Keynote Speech shared a bit of the history of the group and its achievements over the years. She also expressed great hope and enthusiasm on promoting the recharged vigour and focus of PAMAI. She enjoined all in participating in the pursuit of PAMAI’s vision and mission.
In her Welcome Speech, PAMAI President, Ronna Guzman highlighted:
“…This organisation is, at its heart, all about its people. We would not be here today without the dedication of our executive officers, board directors, advisors, affiliates, members and volunteers. You are the heart and soul of PAMAI, and everything we have accomplished has been made possible through your passion, generosity, and service.
“…“Together, we will continue to elevate culture, empower community, and lead with unity. Let this moment be a celebration and a legacy. May we continue to build a future anchored in community, culture, and collaboration.”
The Hon. Consul General Charmaine Rowena C. Aviquivil’s speech gave an inspiring message to all present. We are glad to share excerpts from her speech.
“On behalf of the Philippine Consulate General in Sydney, I join you in commemorating the 127th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence, along with Filipinos around the world.
This year, the Philippines continues the four-year commemoration of the Anniversary of Philippine Independence and Nationhood under the powerful theme, “Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan.” Freedom. Future. History. These three words serve as both a tribute to our past and a challenge for the present. It continues to resonate deeply with all of us Filipinos, reminding us of the courage and sacrifice of those who came before us, and also of our shared responsibility to carry their legacy forward with pride and purpose.
….As we celebrate this milestone, may we also reaffirm our commitment to building a Bagong Pilipinas, one that maintains our freedom and secures our future through innovation, perseverance, and steadfast support for a rules-based international order that upholds peace, stability, and respect for international law. Each of us, whether in the homeland or abroad, plays a vital role in this ongoing task of nation-building.
The other speaker was the former Parramatta Mayor, Cr Sameer Pandey. Cr Pandey commended PAMAI for undertaking the event which has brought the Fil-Aus and the community together in a very enjoyable and memorable occasion. He also highlighted the contributions of Filipino-Australians in the progress of Parramatta and Australia, and in promoting a cohesive and harmonious society. Consul General Aviquivil and Cr Pandey raised a formal toast to the Philippine Independence, the Philippines and Australia. It was a toast which symbolised the
A video message from Ms Donna Davis, State Member of Parramatta was shown. She wished PAMAI a successful event. She emphasised the significance of the occasion of celebrating 127th anniversary of the declaration of the Philippine Independence on June 12, 1898 after 300 years of being under the Spanish rule. She also noted that the celebration means so much for the local Filipino community, around Australia and around the world. She also thanked PAMAI for the projects and initiatives it does for the community, and for all the arrangements undertaken for the day’s celebration.
One of the special guests was Brian Laul, who is Founder- Director of Good Morning Macarthur, also Chairperson of Rainbow Crossing Inc and was Campbelltown Citizen of the Year 2023, originally from Chennai, India. There were several Filipino community leaders who attended the event throughout the day.
Filipinos are well known for their passion and talent of singing and dancing. The artists who shared their talents, in the order of appearance, were: Dayang-Dayang Dance performed by OZFIL Dancers - Rita Agostino, Juliet Vella, Carmenchu Montilla and Diane Ford.; Gilda Pagaduan (singer); PASA Dancers’ dance number was a modern one and with Pandanggo sa Ilaw Tagalog Medley dance performed later in the program, its members were: Dolly Borbe Josephine Silvestre Vivian Moreno Lyn Fernandez Mellie Villamor; singers: Zaebriel Orayenza; Desa Santos Estandarte and Macey Hall; dancer number by Nigel Guarin (doing MJ “Dangerous”), songs by Chloe Lofthouse; Brian Lorenz who got the audience to sing and dance with him; Himig Laya comprised of veteran artists Lillian de los Reyes, Rod Dingle and Albie Prias; few more singers: Justin Anda; Lilibeth Munar; Joanne Conducto; Daniel Ross and Lem Tandang. Dolly Borbe and Emma Recio also did a modern dance together. Last to perform was the upcoming talent Mojo Smoko Band and got the audience clamouring for more to the end.
The additional features of the fiesta event were the poetry reading about Kalayaan (independence) by two Tulambit awardees Grazie Panlican and Precy Buchlak and three competitions. The first competition was Filipino dish cooking which had four entries: sweet sour Barramundi fish, with lots of exquisitely carved salad items of carrots, radishes, cucumbers, etc submitted by Ms Daisy Ann Cumming; crispy Binagoongan with accompanying binagoongan fried rice which are nicely plated and submitted by Chef Eman Recio; popular dish of Pork Sisig by Rod Dingle; and Banana Suman dessert by another entrant. The judges were Gilda Pagaduan and Nilda Ruiz who enjoyed tasting all the submissions. The unanimous decision selected Sisig as the winner.
The second competition was catwalk which was in two categories – children’s and adults. The children’s contestants included a very confident and cute three-year old girl. The winner was Layla David, but all the kids received a prize. The adult catwalk winner is Edna Crowe. The judges were Edinel Magtibay Dearden and Albie Prias.
Surprisingly, the Tiktok competition had only two contestants – a pair of girls and Emman Recio. Emman was the winner. The judges were Lillian de los Reyes and Rod Dingle.
The other part which gave excitement to the crowd was the drawing of the winners of the raffle tickets. The first prize of Cebu Pacific return ticket to the Phillipines, organised by Kreative Travel was won by a female staff of the Filo food stall “Filipino Pride” with the ticket sold by Jimmy Lopez; second prize of $200 donated by Funeral Services was won by Eugenio Corpuz, with the ticket bought online through Violi Calvert and the third prize of $100 donated by Charles Chan and Ronna Guzman was won by a member of the public. There were also several consolation prizes drawn afterwards.
The emcees who took turns in getting the program happening smoothly and with much fun, in an enjoyable atmosphere comprised of Edinel Magtibay Dearden and Charles Chan, Violi Calvert and Desa Santos. The Program Director responsible for the overall production and program was Albie Prias (PAMAI Director), supported by Leigh Dearden and Darwin Huelgas. The recording of the festive and enjoyable parts of the event through photos was undertaken by Bob Reyes.
The sponsors who partnered PAMAI in undertaking this significant event were: Kreative Travel; SBS; Mama Lor, Starlight Bakery, Taptap Send, Plus Cargo, Expert Education Visa, CASS Aged Care, Catholic Cemeteries & Crematorium and Segwick Housing Coop.
Up to the closing time, there was a happy buzz and reluctance to end the celebration. Those who attended expressed their intention to join PAMAI’s Independence Day celebration in 2026. Congratulations to PAMAI for a very successful event and more importantly in a very meaningful way that the community was excited in embracing the new name and identity of the group.
Watch this space for details for Pista Sa Nayon 2026!