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6th Pasko sa Canberra
Sunday, 06 December 2009
Philippine Embassy Grounds, 1 Moonah Place, Yarralumla ACT
On its 6thyear, “Pasko sa Canberra”, the annual Philippine Christmas Festival in Canberra, has been successfully held by the Filipino Community on Sunday, 06 December 2009 at the Philippine Embassy grounds. The event was officially opened by Ms. Perlita Swinbank, President of the Filipino Community Council of ACT and the Monaro Region, and Consul General Uriel Norman Garibay.
Approximately 6,000 people, more than in previous years, descended on the venue to be part of the celebration. Visitors enjoyed the numerous variety of food among which are adobo, bopis, pinakbet, tokwa’t baboy, pancit, pork and chicken barbecue, okoy, afritada, kaldereta and many more. Sweets and desserts like leche flan, cassava, biko, puto, banana cue were not missed. The scorching summer heat also had people lining up halo-halo and ice cream.
The cultural extravaganza gave color to the festivities. The Rondanihan group played the rondalla and serenaded everyone with Christmas carols, followed by a variety of folk dances and singing. Kids lined up to have their photo opt with Santa and received their gifts of goodies and lollies. Various prizes were given away for raffle tickets drawn, the top prize being the round trip Philippine Airline (PAL) ticket to Manila.
Ambassador Ernesto H. De Leon was able to catch up with the festivities, arriving in the afternoon from his official mission in Sydney. He congratulated everyone for successfully organizing the event, gave his greetings for the Yuletide Season, and expressed hope for a successful and joyful Pasko sa Canberra in 2010.
The event started at 10:00am and ended at 7:00pm. |
