The Filipino Australian Community Choir are at the back (L-R) Rey Anasta, Marjorie Anasta, Alice Tique, Mel Wild, Jeya Maranan, Mary Jean Day and Cecilia Alcedo. In front are Jackie Hands, Joie Maranan and Jenny Hands.
Over 60 people gathered at the Holy Family School Hall earlier this month for an international dinner. The event was organised by a small, but wonderful Holy Family Parish committee consisting of Pat McCallum, Merilyn Rodgers, Chris Duffy and Kay Craft. The tables were beautifully set, and the variety of food was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
In particular, all the guests raved about the array of Filipino dishes brought along by members of the local Filipino Australian Community Choir. Others brought Moroccan, Italian, Irish, Maltese, Mediterranean, Indian, and even some good old Aussie dishes.
A highlight of the evening was the entertainment from the local Filipino Australian Community Choir consisting of traditional songs and dance with associated explanations about Filipino culture.
After nearly three years of Covid-limitations and feeling disconnected from each other, being able to host an event to bring back the feeling of belonging in the community was well received by all. It was so much fun and so successful that the committee was besieged with requests of “when are you organising all this again”!
By Lynn Rogers