The President of the Philippine Australian Sports and culture (PASC) Inc., Marivic Ayap-Flores said it is no coincidental that Australia and the Philippines have been able to turn multilingualism into a blessing, in her message during the celebration of the 31st Philippine Fiesta Kultura held at the Fairfield Showground in Fairfield, NSW.
Confiding that in her country of origin where there are eight major languages and where she is only fluent in one, namely Tagalog, Ayap-Flores said that in Australia multilingualism also thrives, with the country able to contend with influences from at least 160 languages, as she lead visitors and dignitaries in addressing the opening of the Philippine Fiesta Kultura last Sunday 6th October.
Those who gave their messages on the stage were representatives of society including NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Mr Geoff Lee, MP; the leader of NSW Opposition Ms Jodi McKay, Mayor of Fairfield City Mr Frank Carbonne, Mayor of Blacktown City Mr Stephen Bali MP and Fiesta “Patron” Mr John Dowd, formerly Leader of NSW Liberal Party.
NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Mr Geoff Lee MP recognised the achievement of the PASC as an organisation of volunteers, including the present officers and members of the PASC Board.
On its 31st year, the PASC management continued to highlight its featured prime activity namely beauty pageant called Miss Philippines Australia whose winner was chosen a week before, an entertainment treat to Fiesta visitors courtesy of ABS-CBN TFC talents from the Philippines, the Trade and Tourism expo and the Filipino food festival.
