Paskuhan sa Barangay Banyuhay Christchurch 2025
Experience the joy and warmth of a Filipino Christmas and join us for a day of cultural exchange, community connection and festive fun for everyone.
SAVE THE DATE! Join us at Cowles Stadium on the 30th of November, 2025 from 10am onwards. ADMISSION IS FREE.
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EVENT OVERVIEW
Did you know the Philippines celebrates the longest Christmas season in the world? From September through to February, it’s a time of joy, togetherness, and endless festivities!
This year, Banyuhay Aotearoa, in partnership with BusinessPH NZ and Primo Digital Creative, is bringing this vibrant celebration to Christchurch with Paskuhan sa Barangay Banyuhay Christchurch—and you’re all invited!
Step into a dazzling Paskuhan village, filled with stunning Filipino Christmas decorations, twinkling lights, and festive cheer. It’s an immersive cultural experience you won’t want to miss!
WHAT'S ON?
🍽️ Foodie Heaven
Indulge in mouthwatering Filipino dishes and treats at our food market, alongside some of Christchurch’s favourite local vendors. From savoury classics like lechon and pancit to sweet delights like bibingka and puto bumbong, there’s something for every taste! We are now accepting expressions of interest from local vendors to join the market. Click the button below to register!
🎤 Live Entertainment
Get ready for a jam-packed lineup of live performances showcasing the best of Filipino talent. Enjoy soulful singers, energetic dance groups, harmonious choirs, and more—the stage will be alive with culture and creativity!
🤝 Connect & Discover
Explore our business networking activities and community service booths to learn about local organisations, sports clubs, and businesses. It’s the perfect opportunity to support our vibrant community and make new connections.
Whether you’re Filipino at heart or simply curious, this is your chance to experience the warmth, generosity, and festive spirit of a Filipino Christmas. Bring your whānau and friends—everyone’s welcome!
📍 Christchurch | 📅 Save the date! Sunday, 30th of November, 2025 at Cowles Stadium, Aranui.
Don’t miss out—join us for a celebration like no other!
PAROL-MAKING CONTEST
Bring the vibrant colours and festive spirit of a Filipino Christmas to Christchurch! Join our Parol-Making Contest and showcase your creativity while celebrating our beloved holiday tradition.
Whether you're an individual, a school group, or a community organisation, we invite you to craft a stunning star-shaped parol (traditional Filipino Christmas lantern) and help light up Cowles Stadium for Paskuhan sa Barangay Banyuhay.
Why Join?
✅ Celebrate Filipino culture – Share the beauty of a traditional Filipino Christmas in Aotearoa.
✅ Showcase your creativity – Design a unique parol and stand a chance to win $500 (courtesy of the Philippine Consulate of Christchurch).
✅ Promote sustainability – Use recycled or cost-efficient materials—good for the planet and your budget!
✅ Be part of a festive display – Your parol will be proudly hung at the event for all to admire.
✅ Featured online – All entries will be shared on our event website and social media.
Contest Mechanics
Who Can Join?
Open to all Filipino individuals, schools, and community groups in Canterbury and the Greater South Island, NZ.
Parol Design & Requirements
✨ Shape: Must be a traditional star-shaped lantern with tasseled tails.
✨ Optional extras:
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A ring around the star
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Battery-powered lights (NO mains-powered lights, please!).
✨ Size guidelines:
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Star: Minimum 750mm (height & width); maximum 1,500mm (including optional ring).
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Tasseled tails: Minimum 500mm long (or 67% of the star’s total size).
✨ Weight limit: Maximum 3kg (for safety and ease of hanging).
✨ Durability: Ensure your parol has a strong, secure string that is AT LEAST 2 metres long with the appropriate hanging hook - it will be displayed from the ceiling! The string and hook should be durable enough to support the weight of your parol.
Sustainability Encouraged!
We highly encourage the use of recycled or budget-friendly materials—let’s make this contest eco-friendly and creative!
Important Dates & Logistics
📅 Registration Deadline: 31 October 2025
📅 Drop-off: Bring your parol to Cowles Stadium on 29 November 2025, between 5 PM – 8 PM.
🏆 Judging & Announcement: Winners will be announced on 30 November 2025 during the main event.
🎄 Take-home: Collect your parol after the event—don’t forget to take it home with you!
Judging Criteria
🌟 Creativity/Innovation (30%) – How unique and original is your design?
🌟 Craftsmanship/Workmanship (30%) – Is it well-made and durable?
🌟 Christmas Spirit/Cultural Representation (30%) – Does it capture the Filipino festive spirit?
🌟 Cost Efficiency (10%) – Did you use materials wisely?
Prize
🥇 Grand Prize: $500 (sponsored by the Philippine Consulate of Christchurch).
Other Important Notes
📸 All entries will be photographed and shared on our website and social media.
⚖️ Judges’ decisions are final.
⚠️ Organisers reserve the right to adjust contest rules if needed.
Let’s Make This a Colourful Filipino Christmas in Christchurch!
Your parol will help bring warmth, light, and tradition to our community celebration. Get crafting, and we can’t wait to see your dazzling designs!🌟🎄
FREE SHUTTLE SERVICE
Planning on taking public transport? We've arranged for a FREE shuttle service at 4 different points around the city thanks to Pub Charity LTD, and Bentley Coachlines.
Catch the bus that will take you directly to Cowles Stadium at the following pick-up points:
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Northlands - Main Super Stops, mall side of the road
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Hornby Hub - Main Bus stops on Chalmers Street outside the Paknsave corner
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Bus Interchange CBD - Lichfield Street, opposite the Fresh Choice Supermarket
SCHEDULE
Pick-up times at ALL stops:
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9:30am
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11:00am
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12:30pm
Return trips to these same bus stops:
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4:30pm
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5:30pm
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6:30pm
Seats are limited for every pick-up/return trip so make sure to book your FREE ticket to not miss out. Avoid the stress and book your free ride today!
STAY UP-TO-DATE & GET A CHANCE TO WIN AT THE RAFFLE!
To stay up-to-date with all the exciting event details, simply fill out the form below. By registering, you’ll also go in the draw to win some fantastic prizes on the day!
We will update this page to list all the prizes at stake SOON!
Raffle Draw Terms & Conditions:
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The raffle is open to everyone currently residing in New Zealand who plan to attend Paskuhan sa Barangay Banyuhay.
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All raffle participants must NOT be related by consanguinity with any of the Banyuhay Aotearoa Trustees, nor with any of our event partners and sponsors for Paskuhan sa Barangay Banyuhay.
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All winners will be drawn during Paskuhan sa Barangay Banyuhay on the 30th of November, 2025 at Cowles Stadium, between 12pm and 6pm.
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You will need to be present at the event to be able to claim your prize.
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All unclaimed prizes will be redrawn and awarded before the end of the program.
OUR DEEPEST GRATITUDE TO OUR GENEROUS RAFFLE SPONSORS!
EVENT PARTNERS & SPONSORS
This event will not be possible without the cooperation of, and generous endowments from the following:
EVENT PARTNER
EVENT PARTNER
MEDIA PARTNER
FUNDER
FUNDER
FUNDER
MAJOR SPONSOR
MAJOR SPONSOR
DIAMOND SPONSOR
GOLD SPONSOR
MAJOR SPONSOR
BRONZE SPONSOR
For partnership and sponsorship enquiries, please email mabuhay@banyuhayaotearoa.org.