Celebrating the 37th Anniversary of the Philippine Fiesta of Victoria

MALASAKIT – The Filipino value that builds and binds the Community
By: Manny G. Asuncion

The Philippine Fiesta of Victoria is celebrating its 37th Anniversary this year and still counting.

From its humble beginnings in the early 80’s, Philippine Fiesta, has become one of the most awaited celebrations in the Filipino community in Melbourne and in Victoria regions.

Over the years Fiesta has been celebrated in a number of venues. In Footscray Park (1983-1987) initiated by the Filipino Community Welfare; Subic Bay Family Association and Filipino Association in Victoria; Queens Park, Essendon (1988),  spearheaded by the Pampangueno Club;  Albert Park, managed by the Philippine Sports Club of Melbourne (1989); Victoria Racing Club (1990-1993) the helm of the Philippine Fiesta of Victoria (PFVI)  and the Philippine Fiesta Community House Complex in Thomas Street Laverton (1994-2008).

In 2009,  Fiesta was shifted to bigger venues due to its increasing needs (burgeoning attendee and immense parking requirements) such as the Melbourne Showgrounds  (2009-2016); the historic Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton Garden (2015) ; Polish Club, Carrington  Drive, Albion (2016) and Millennium Reception Centre, 45 Fourth Avenue, Sunshine (2017-2018) and this year, 23-24 November 2019.

Since its official establishment in 1988, the Philippine Fiesta of Victoria has not missed a beat and becomes a veritable show-window of Filipino arts and culture: The exhibits, the two-day program, the colourful and flamboyant cultural parades, the evocative music, songs and music, and the aroma of the mouth-watering Filipino food wafting through the festive air – all attests to the crescendo of celebrations of our deep-rooted customs and traditions way back home.

Fiesta has brought an enormous  joy and happiness not only to the Filipino community in Victoria but also to the multi-cultural groups in Australia through undeviating efforts and persistence of its officers, members and hundreds of volunteers who worked hard to make the Fiesta a resounding success. Most importantly, the festivity becomes a venue for  family and  friends reunions, where smiles, laughter and great camaraderie prevail.

This year’s theme is MALASAKIT, one of the values that fosters care and concern not only for the individuals, but also for the community, society and country. An encompassing values that builds and binds the community.

The Fiesta is not complete without giving kudos to the Philippine Fiesta of Victoria Queen  and Charity Quests Committee, candidates and winners over the years who worked hard and  give a significant financial contributions to the Fiesta, as well as grace,   glamour and pageantry to the event

The history of the Philippine Fiesta is a narrative of hard work, struggles and immeasurable contributions of countless individuals, associations, artists,  communities, business establishments, entrepreneurs, families, relatives and friends who unselfishly provide their time, finances, services and talents to make the Philippine Fiesta a memorable and successful  annual celebration.