Back: Elle Watt, Jessica Carminate, Marie Clair Suaybaguio, Cecil Borzini, Josie Varapodio, 17, Yolanda McGreevy, Zyrrah Verdijo, 14, Airen Luna, Julie Ann Varapodio, Emmie Stenhouse and Nora McCarthy. Front: Abigail Agustin, Rhea Verdijo, Reje Viagedor and Aryah Casayuran, 2.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
A recently formed group is set to take the community by storm with its first ever Filipino fiesta.
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The Community of Filipino-Australian in Shepparton will be hosting Shepparton’s first ever Filipino fiesta on Saturday, June 14.
Since its establishment in August last year, the group has been dedicated to bringing Filipino culture to town, while fostering connections among Filipinos in a welcoming environment.
“When we started this group, it is for families, not for a chosen individual or a group of people,” CFAS president Yolanda Cuizon-McGreevy said.
“So that’s why I created this for them because there’s so many Filipinos there who don’t know each other.”
On the day, from 11.30am to 4pm, St Paul’s African House will be open for celebrations.
Guests will be able to sample the country’s cuisine from Filipino caterers Edwin’s Food Van, Flor Lotung Bahay and Adyo Food Truck, along with traditional crispy lechon for sale.
A local Filipino band will be providing entertainment, alongside CFAS’ very own dance troupe and Melbourne organisation HBs Humanitarian Inc’s Luvzimin Dancers.
A photo booth and a fashion show will also accompany the festivities.
Back: Lea Palmer, Mely Sapirdol, Edith Ryan, Leora Rowlands and Mel Torney. Front: Natania Daperoc, 5, and Ziva Rowlands, 4.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
And to prepare for the big event, CFAS’ ‘Halo-Halo’ dance troupe has been diligently rehearsing, practising different styles complete with authentic Filipino costumes and dresses.
“The purpose of this celebration is that I’m going to share with the community what the Filipino culture has to offer,” Ms Cuizon-McGreevy said.
“We have our dances, and all this, so if they have their celebrations or important events, they can hire us or invite us.”