BY RICHARD FORD – What is typical Filipino-Australian Christmas in July celebration? It is all about Christmas carols and other merry making celebrated in places where winter occur in July instead of December.
Just like last 22nd July 2017 at All Saints Church in Liverpool,NSW when the Fil-Oz Liverpool and Districts Association held their yearly Christmas in July with the main focus of a festival celebration for children.
Three important guests namely, Philippine Consulate officers Ms. Linda Albay- Visa Officer/Assistance to National Officer, Ms. Rachel Calisin- Cultural Officer and Assistant to the Consul General, Mr. Raido Ibanez- Consular Assistant, honoured the occasion. Also with the guests was Elizabeth Grillo, former wprk mate of Fil Oz President Cora Bojarski. Philippine Consul General Anne Jalando-on Louis couldn’t make it to the event and sent her three officers.
Mrs Bojarski assisted by Fil-Oz ÂTreasurer Cora Paras, emceed the event ,highlighting the club’s brief history on why Christmas in July is celebrated in Australia. Entertainers including Angel Villalobos and former singer and celebrity from the Philippines and talent from ABS-CBN broadcast network. Zabriel Oriensa wowed the crowd.
Only 8 year old, young performer Oriensa sang a wonderful rendition of “O Holy Night.’ on on a cold winter evening. Others during the program were the LBL 4 dancers, a young group led by the ever talented Sharlene Gamo. The Fil-Oz dance group also performed a line dance number .while Terry Terry Spencer, surprised everyone by singing and dressing up as Marilyn Monroe
Everyone were singing and dancing to the Philippine Christmas songs- “Ang Pasko ay Sumapit”, ” Pasko, pasko na naman” and Jingle Bells with our Assistant Fil-Oz Treasurer Alma being involved in singing the Christmas Carols
The crowd including representatives from Philippine consulate enjoyed the group singing, highlighted by playing musical instruments maracas and tambourines,.
One feels an actual Christmas celebration in the Philippines, making one reminisce Christmas merry-making in the street , participated by family and friends. BY RICHARD FORD.