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Around Town | Joy, culture and community: FAFA’s Pasko sa Shepparton 2024

FAFA’s Pasko sa Shepparton attracted plenty of attendees. Photo by Contributed

FAFA’s Pasko sa Shepparton on December 7 brought together the warmth of Filipino culture and the joy of Christmas under clear, sunny skies.

Guests from near and far, carrying delicious dishes and sweets to share, gathered at Philippine House to celebrate the spirit of giving.

The event was honoured by the presence of distinguished guests, including Consul Jan Sherwin Wenceslao (representing Consul General Maria Lourdes Salcedo), accompanied by his wife Cecil and son James.

Other esteemed attendees included Lady Imelda McLean, Lady Josephine Quintero, Lady Felicitas (Nini) Jover, Sir Walter Villagonzalo, Sir Rob Quintero and Sir Paul Mascarenas.

Local special guests Mariola Nebiu and Leigh Johnson also graced the occasion.

The celebration was filled with vibrant dance performances, fun games for all ages and heartwarming moments of community spirit.

Young children gleefully bounced on the free jumping castle, while everyone enjoyed a surprise visit from Santa Claus and Mrs Claus, spreading extra holiday cheer.

The joyful spirit of bayanihan shone brightly as families shared food, laughter and festive fun, making this Christmas gathering truly memorable.

On behalf of the FAFA committees, from the bottom of our hearts, we extend the most beautiful Christmas greetings to everyone.

We deeply thank you for your continued support of FAFA in every way.

See you all next year — safe, sound and refreshed!

Rockin’ Around, Jingle Bell Rock and Feliz Navidad dancers, Jhane Stevens, Jessica Carminati, Mayette Martin, Mariola Nebiu, Rebecca Reid, Dithche Lopez, Cathy Javier and Rosie Read. Photo by Contributed
Celebrating culture and connection with Bollywood dancers. Photo by Contributed
Sir Walter Villagonzalo’s speech (area commander for Southern Australia, ANZO Region of the Knights of Rizal). Photo by Contributed
Christmas medley dancers Welda Bunny, Liezel Marshall, Emma Nacion Prasad, Jessy Keith Villahermosa, Wilma Bernadette Mojica, Tricia Perez and Jessica Villahermosa. Photo by Contributed
Attendees with Santa and Mrs Claus, Consul Jan Sherwin Wenceslao, Kababaihang Rizalista and Knights of Rizal. Photo by Contributed
Skittles games — taste the rainbow, win the game. Photo by Contributed
Lunch with friends and family. Photo by Contributed
Lunch with a great bunch. Photo by Contributed
Lorna Davis, Magenda Smowling, Cathy Javier, Delma Broughton, Mariola Nebiu, Mayette Martin, Wilma Bernadette Mojica, and Jessica Reid (back). Photo by Contributed
Everybody say, ‘Christmas cheer’. Photo by Contributed
Wilma Bernadette Mojica, Mayette Martin, Lady Josephine Quintero (fourth generation niece of Dr Jose Rizal) and Jessica Carminati. Photo by Contributed
Raffle winners Liezel Marshall and Tricia Perez. Photo by Contributed