By: Chiqui Desphy
Photos by: Butch Alcantara
PASKO NA NAMAN is a Tagalog Christmas carol that captures the exuberance of the Philippine Christmas season. Christmas is recognised as one of the longest festive season in the world. Pasko Na Naman was the theme of the Christmas celebration held last November 29 at the St Marys Senior Citizens Centre, and went from 10:00 am to 5:30pm.
The Pasko Na Naman event was based on its namesake – a celebration of the talent, ability, genius and musical forte that burst forth scintillatingly during the four-hour musical programme. The various performers included: Alyssa Esguerra, Bobby Harrison, Clarissa Bock, Divine Kids Inc., Donelle Nepomuceno, FCF Quartet, Ilonggo Dinagyang Connection Australia, Jeanette Sampana (FCA), Kayumanggi Dancers, La Union Dance Group, Michael Cunanan, Penrith Filipino Community School, Penrith Youth Live Band, PLCAA Glee Club, SJ Gonzaga, Rene & Ruth Uy and Friends, Sonata Seniors’ Group, Wahema and Youthlife. These performers unselfishly shared their time and talents, much to the appreciation of the wider community.
The event was graced by the presence of honoured guests: Philippine Consul-General Maria Theresa Lazaro, Mr David Bradbury MP, Mayor Jim Aitken, PLCAA Adviser Mr Pat Sheehy , Cr. Greg Davies and Cr.John Thain. A warm wish of a better year for the Filipino-Australians and continuous active participation in the community was emphasised in their Christmas messages.
Pasko Na Naman was also fortunate to be able to feature works of art from established artist Jun Caingat and up-and-coming artists Maria Teresa Garbo, Adrian Leones, David Lindaya and Marikit Santiago.
There were stalls for clothes, shoes, jewellery, trash & treasure, as well as stalls to feed the hungry with a cornucopia of Filipino goodies – sans rival, sago’t gulaman, turon, biko, dinuguan at puto, kuchinta, adobo, sinigang, pancit malabon, mini-cupcakes at kung anu-ano pa! The fellowship among the patrons around the dining tables was a scene reflective of Filipino hospitality and tenacity.
The day continued with surprises during the door prize draws and the happy crowd joining in the singing of ‘Pasko Na Naman’ till the last tune culminated the event.
For a debut effort, the Pasko Na Naman celebration received very positive feedback from guests and performers alike. The clamour is building…..PASKO NA NAMAN in 2009!
Pasko Na Naman Celebrants: Seated front row L-R: Mercy Loquite, Normi Steward, Evelyn Esguerra, Jun Esguerra, Mai Ibarra, Marivic Manalo, Elsa Collado, Pearl Gorgonio, Loy Tagudin, Benita Clarke ;
Standing first row L-R: Emma Braceros, Elvira Gacis,Cora Barretto, Beth Alcantara, Malu Laserna, Malu Barroga, Ninea Nepomuceno, Cr. John Thain, ConGen Theresa Lazaro, Divina Ibarra, David Bradbury MP, Alexis Leones, Aida Basto, Malu Roldan, Eden Carino, Marie Bandayrel, Glo Malicdem, Ruth Uy;
Standing second row L-R:Chiqui Desphy, Jerry Ibarra, Bien Barroga, Bing Soriano, Vic Carino, Nonoy Laserna, Eric Ruiz, Dodee Leones, Tony Malicdem, Andy Porral, Romeo Alenaje, Marcelita Castillo, Rene Uy
Photos by: Butch Alcantara
PASKO NA NAMAN is a Tagalog Christmas carol that captures the exuberance of the Philippine Christmas season. Christmas is recognised as one of the longest festive season in the world. Pasko Na Naman was the theme of the Christmas celebration held last November 29 at the St Marys Senior Citizens Centre, and went from 10:00 am to 5:30pm.
The Pasko Na Naman event was based on its namesake – a celebration of the talent, ability, genius and musical forte that burst forth scintillatingly during the four-hour musical programme. The various performers included: Alyssa Esguerra, Bobby Harrison, Clarissa Bock, Divine Kids Inc., Donelle Nepomuceno, FCF Quartet, Ilonggo Dinagyang Connection Australia, Jeanette Sampana (FCA), Kayumanggi Dancers, La Union Dance Group, Michael Cunanan, Penrith Filipino Community School, Penrith Youth Live Band, PLCAA Glee Club, SJ Gonzaga, Rene & Ruth Uy and Friends, Sonata Seniors’ Group, Wahema and Youthlife. These performers unselfishly shared their time and talents, much to the appreciation of the wider community.
The event was graced by the presence of honoured guests: Philippine Consul-General Maria Theresa Lazaro, Mr David Bradbury MP, Mayor Jim Aitken, PLCAA Adviser Mr Pat Sheehy , Cr. Greg Davies and Cr.John Thain. A warm wish of a better year for the Filipino-Australians and continuous active participation in the community was emphasised in their Christmas messages.
Pasko Na Naman was also fortunate to be able to feature works of art from established artist Jun Caingat and up-and-coming artists Maria Teresa Garbo, Adrian Leones, David Lindaya and Marikit Santiago.
There were stalls for clothes, shoes, jewellery, trash & treasure, as well as stalls to feed the hungry with a cornucopia of Filipino goodies – sans rival, sago’t gulaman, turon, biko, dinuguan at puto, kuchinta, adobo, sinigang, pancit malabon, mini-cupcakes at kung anu-ano pa! The fellowship among the patrons around the dining tables was a scene reflective of Filipino hospitality and tenacity.
The day continued with surprises during the door prize draws and the happy crowd joining in the singing of ‘Pasko Na Naman’ till the last tune culminated the event.
For a debut effort, the Pasko Na Naman celebration received very positive feedback from guests and performers alike. The clamour is building…..PASKO NA NAMAN in 2009!
Pasko Na Naman Celebrants: Seated front row L-R: Mercy Loquite, Normi Steward, Evelyn Esguerra, Jun Esguerra, Mai Ibarra, Marivic Manalo, Elsa Collado, Pearl Gorgonio, Loy Tagudin, Benita Clarke ;
Standing first row L-R: Emma Braceros, Elvira Gacis,Cora Barretto, Beth Alcantara, Malu Laserna, Malu Barroga, Ninea Nepomuceno, Cr. John Thain, ConGen Theresa Lazaro, Divina Ibarra, David Bradbury MP, Alexis Leones, Aida Basto, Malu Roldan, Eden Carino, Marie Bandayrel, Glo Malicdem, Ruth Uy;
Standing second row L-R:Chiqui Desphy, Jerry Ibarra, Bien Barroga, Bing Soriano, Vic Carino, Nonoy Laserna, Eric Ruiz, Dodee Leones, Tony Malicdem, Andy Porral, Romeo Alenaje, Marcelita Castillo, Rene Uy
Penrith's Ex-Mayor Pat Sheehy gave a joyful X'mas message to the community
First encounter between Penrith City Mayor Jim Aitken and PLCAA's Dodee Leones and Alexis Leones. Mayor Jim Aitken celebrated Pasko Na Naman with his message to the community to share joy and happiness in this festive season..
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