On May 25th, the Māngere Arts Centre in Auckland came alive with the vibrant colours, sounds, and flavours of Filipino culture at the Santacruzan for a Cause 2024. Organised by Banyuhay Aotearoa in partnership with Likha NZ and Tiendecity, the event attracted a diverse crowd eager to experience the rich traditions of the Philippines
A Day of Festivities
The event kicked off at noon, with various vendor stalls organised by Tiendecity offering Filipino delicacies and products, setting a festive tone. Attendees enjoyed classic Filipino dishes such as chicken inasal, lumpia, and halo-halo, while browsing handcrafted goods and cultural artifacts.
Harana Contests
The programme was hosted by Kakay Babalo and Emma Carreon.
One of the highlights was the Harana Singing Contest, where participants serenaded the audience with Filipino songs. This segment showcased the vocal talents within the community and kept the audience enthralled with romantic melodies.
Our esteemed panel judges are: Honourable Consul Oneal Mendoza; Cecilia Tan; and Sheila Fernandez.
After the contestants' performances, there was a captivating intermission featuring Reese Ferrer, who mesmerized the audience with a beautiful violin piece.
Then, the winners were announced.
First Price: Abakada - Alex Goal and Cory Brown
Second Price: Khloe Anne Lobredo
Third Place: Trixie Denise Lazaro
Fashion Show
Adding a modern twist to the traditional festivities, the Likha NZ fashion show featured contemporary Filipino designs, blending modern aesthetics with traditional elements.
The Main Event: Coronation of Queen Titles and Santacruzan Procession or 'Sagala'
Our special guests, Miss Philippines New Zealand 2023 Katharina Weischede and Honourable Consul Oneal Mendoza, facilitated the coronation of the Top 6 Santacruzan Queens. It was a grand affair.
The centrepiece of the celebration was the Santacruzan procession, a religious and cultural pageant honouring Queen Helena's discovery of the True Cross which is said to be the one Jesus was crucified on. Participants, dressed in elaborate gowns and traditional attire, paraded through the venue, symbolizing the rich history and spiritual significance of the event.
Photography by the following volunteers:
Community Spirit and Cultural Pride
The event was more than just a celebration; it was a testament to the resilience and solidarity of the Filipino community in New Zealand. It provided a platform for cultural exchange and fostered a sense of belonging among attendees.
Dance group: SamutSari
Looking Ahead
The success of Santacruzan for a Cause 2024 has set a high bar for future events. It highlighted the importance of preserving cultural heritage and showcased the community's ability to come together for a common cause. With its blend of tradition, community spirit, and modernity, the event left a lasting impression on all who attended.
EVENT PARTNERS & SPONSORS
A heartfelt thank you goes out to our event partners, sponsors and co-organisers. This event would not be possible without their cooperation and generous endowments.
EVENT CO-ORGANISERS
FUNDER
OFFICIAL MEDIA SPONSOR
SPONSORS
MEDIA PARTNERS
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