The Filipino community of Port Macquarie celebrated Philippine Independence Day on 23 June 2019.  The event started with a Filipino mass at 11.30 AM with Fr. Peter Wood as celebrant and followed by a shared lunch and program at the Youth Hub.

A remarkable turn up of people attended the mass and joined in the celebration.  Some guests came from Sydney, Coffs Harbour, Forster, Taree and Kempsey, including two Filipino priests – Fr Cesar Barte from Mt Tabor and Fr Shelwin Fernandez from Nambucca.

A variety of famous Filipino food and desserts were served for lunch.  After a satisfying meal, the program continued with some traditional dances, songs, search for best in Filipiniana/Filipino attire and raffle draws.

Despite a few challenges of accommodating a huge crowd in a small venue, the day turned out to be an enjoyable event for everyone to remember for a long time.

Story courtesy of Grace Familiar on behalf of the Filipino community