Event: Philippine Independence Day Celebration
Date: 24 June 2023, 1-3pm
Venue: TSB Hall, Turanga Library, Christchurch
The Christchurch City Libraries hosted a festive celebration at Turanga Library to commemorate the 125th year of the Philippines' Independence Day from Spanish colonisation. This was done in cooperation with several Filipino-led organisations namely: Banyuhay Aotearoa, Pinoy CARES Canterbury, Musika Filipinas Aotearoa, Ritmo Pilipino, TG Music Studio & Migrante Aotearoa.
The overarching theme was "Filipino Heroes". A brief presentationof key personalities (by Alvin Casaje of Migrante Aotearoa) who were instrumental in the country's quest for freedom from colonisation and invasion was done in an engaging game show format that got several audience members winning gift vouchers sponsored by Vista Immigration Canterbury.
We were also treated to song performances from Musika Filipinas Aotearoa and TG Music Studio Youth Choir. We heard from two young and promising pianists, and a violinist, while a second presentation of modern day heroes was shown in the background (prepared by Becky Buada of Banyuhay Aotearoa).
Ritmo Pilipino showcased a lively dance performance before the program concluded with an encore medley by Musika Filipinas Aotearoa.
Paul Atienza and Jackie Blay hosted the 2-hour event with pizazz and gusto that kept everyone engaged and entertained all throughout. We also heard from a special line up of guest speakers which included Māia Abraham of the Christchurch Library LTT, Tyla Harrison Hunt who is a Councillor for Riccarton, Shreejana Chhetri of the Electoral Commission, and Marie Pollisco who is the Deputy Chair for Hallswell-Hornby-Riccarton Community Board.
Audience members were also invited to take their memorabilia photos with YSA Photo Booth.
Banyuhay Aotearoa worked together with Pinoy CARES Canterbury and Migrante Aotearoa to put together a display that was exhibited on the 4th floor of Turanga Library for a 2-week period preceding the event. Banyuhay Aotearoa also worked with Christchurch City Libraries to design a themed finger puppet craft activity for school-aged children visiting the library network over that same period.
This event was also made possible with the help of very generous sponsors: SID 360, FILSOC of University of Canterbury, Powersmart, Alpha Healthy Homes, Chef Astig, Aircon Christchurch, and Edgardo's Grill.
All in all, it was a remarkable gathering and showcase of talents, that aptly captured the spirit of this important celebration. Banyuhay Aotearoa is honoured to have been part of this endeavour and we look forward to partnering up again with this passionate group of individuals and organisations for years to come.
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