Filipino Australian Friendship Association of Geelong Inc

08/10/2026

🎄🇵🇭 EXCITING NEWS FOR PASKO SA GEELONG 2026! 🇦🇺🎉

We are thrilled to see Pasko Sa Geelong featured in the Geelong Independent, celebrating Victorian Government funding supporting multicultural festivals across our region!

The Filipino Australian Friendship Association of Geelong (FAFAG) is incredibly grateful to the Victorian State Government for recognising the importance of multicultural celebrations and providing funding to help us deliver an even bigger and better Pasko Sa Geelong 2026!

A special thank you to Ella George MP, Member for Lara, for supporting multicultural communities and recognising the valuable contribution they make to our region.

🌏 More Than Just a Filipino Christmas Celebration!

Now in its 4th year, Pasko Sa Geelong has grown into one of our region’s exciting multicultural celebrations, bringing together people from all backgrounds to share in the joy of Christmas, culture, food, music and community.

Last year, we welcomed over 7,000 visitors, and this year we are aiming even higher!

🎄 PASKO SA GEELONG 2026
📅 Sunday, 29 November 2026
🎯 Expected attendance: 10,000 people
🍜 Over 60 food, retail and community vendors
🎶 A spectacular program of multicultural performances, entertainment and activities
❤️ A celebration of diversity, friendship and community!

We are also incredibly grateful to the City of Greater Geelong, which has supported this year’s festival with a $10,000 grant.

These investments are more than financial support — they are a recognition of the important role our multicultural communities play in making Geelong such a vibrant, welcoming and inclusive place to live.

To our Filipino community, our multicultural friends and everyone across Geelong, Melbourne and regional Victoria — this celebration is for YOU!

Come and experience the warmth of Filipino Christmas traditions alongside the incredible cultures that make up our community.

❤️ One Community. Many Cultures. One Amazing Christmas Celebration!

📰 Read the Geelong Independent article here:
https://geelongindy.com.au/news/08-10-2026/funding-for-a-multicultural-region/

🎄 Save the date, invite your family and friends, and join us for Pasko Sa Geelong 2026!

Geelong residents can experience a range of multicultural festivals and events, thanks to state government support. Seven groups will share [...]

06/10/2026

20/09/2026

🇵🇭🇦🇺 THANK YOU FOR CELEBRATING 45 YEARS OF FAFAG! 🎉❤️

What an incredible evening celebrating 45 years of the Filipino Australian Friendship Association of Geelong Inc. (FAFAG) — 45 years of friendship, culture, service and community.

To everyone who joined us, maraming salamat! Your presence made this milestone celebration truly special.

We were honoured to welcome Christine Couzens MP, Deputy Mayor Eddy Kontelj and Mrs Maria Kontelj, together with representatives and friends from so many organisations and communities across Victoria.

Our heartfelt thanks to:

✨ Australian Filipino Community Services (AFCS)
✨ Australian Multicultural Community Services (AMCS)
✨ Bendigo Filipino Foundation (BFFI)
✨ Cultura
✨ Filipino Australian Association of Ballarat (FAABI)
✨ Life Activities Victoria Inc (LACVI) and Alex Sy, President of the LACVI Board of Directors
✨ Filipino Chefs Association of Victoria
✨ The Philippine Times Australia, including Jason Cordi, Editor in Chief
✨ Epic Entertainment
✨ Parallax Performing Arts

A very special thank you to our wonderful Emcees, Paris Mina and Lee Montajes, for guiding us through the evening with warmth, energy and plenty of smiles.

To our guests who travelled from Melbourne, Ballarat, Bendigo and beyond — thank you for making the journey to Geelong to celebrate this historic milestone with us. Your presence demonstrated the wonderful friendship and connection that exists across our Filipino-Australian and multicultural communities.

And, of course, our deepest thanks go to our FAFAG members, committee, volunteers, performers, supporters, families and friends who made the evening possible and who continue to keep our organisation strong.

For 45 years, generations of volunteers have given their time, passion and hearts to FAFAG — preserving and celebrating Filipino culture while building friendships and creating a welcoming community here in Geelong.

To our founders and those who came before us, and to everyone continuing their legacy today — this 45th Anniversary belongs to all of you.

45 years. Many generations. Many stories. One community. ❤️

🇵🇭🇦🇺 From many lands, one family.

Happy 45th Anniversary, FAFAG! 🎉🥂

06/09/2026

🇵🇭 FAFAG NEWLY ELECTED COMMITTEE 🇦🇺

The Filipino Australian Friendship Association of Geelong (FAFAG) is pleased to announce our newly elected Executive Committee and Committee Members.

Following today’s Annual General Meeting, our members have elected the team who will help lead and serve our association into its next chapter.

Executive Committee

🇵🇭 President: Mila Cichello
🇵🇭 Vice President: Fritzie Punsalang
🇵🇭 Secretary: Brad Marasigan
🇵🇭 Assistant Secretary: Adam Punsalang
🇵🇭 Treasurer: Teresa Eadie
🇵🇭 Assistant Treasurer: Sharon Miguel-Cranston

Committee Members

• John Mckinnin
• Lilia MacLean
• Alan Henderson
• Jordan Punsalang
• Judith Miguel
• Peter Cichello

Congratulations to everyone elected, and thank you for volunteering your time, experience and passion to serve our members and the wider Filipino-Australian community of Geelong. ❤️💙💛

As one of Victoria’s longest-standing Filipino community organisations, FAFAG continues to be built on friendship, culture, community and service.

We also extend our sincere thanks to all members who attended today’s AGM and participated in the election process.

Here’s to another exciting chapter for FAFAG and to continuing the work of those who have built and supported our association over the past 45 years.

Mabuhay ang FAFAG! 🇵🇭🇦🇺

05/09/2026

📣 REMINDER TO ALL FAFAG MEMBERS – AGM TOMORROW

Our FAFAG Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held:

📅 Sunday, 6 September 2026
⏰ 10:30 AM
🍽️ Lunch will follow the AGM

FAFAG Hall - 28 The Boulevard, Norlane 3214

This is an important AGM for our association, with all Executive Committee positions open for election for the next three-year term.

We already have more than 70 members confirmed to attend, and we encourage all members to come along, have your voice heard and help shape the future direction of FAFAG.

If you are attending and have not yet confirmed, please message our Membership Officer, Nin Martinez, on 0400 811 727.

We look forward to seeing all members tomorrow and coming together as a community. 🇵🇭🇦🇺

01/09/2026

🇵🇭 PASKO SA GEELONG 2026 — VENDOR & PERFORMER APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN! 🎄✨

Applications are officially OPEN for Pasko Sa Geelong 2026 — Christmas in Our Hearts!

Now celebrating its 4th year, Pasko Sa Geelong has grown to become regional Victoria’s largest Filipino festival, attracting more than 7,000 people last year.

📅 Sunday, 29 November 2026

⏰ 10:00am – 5:00pm

📍 Geelong Racing Club, Breakwater

With thousands of people coming together for Filipino food, culture, entertainment and Christmas celebrations, this is one festival your business does not want to miss!

Whether you’re serving incredible food, selling products, showcasing your organisation, performing on stage or looking to connect your brand with one of Victoria’s fastest-growing Filipino communities — we want to hear from you.

🎪 Vendor Applications:

📧 [email protected]

🎤 Performer Applications:

📧 [email protected]

🤝 Sponsorship & Media Enquiries:

📧 [email protected]

Come and be part of a celebration that brings together Filipino culture, the wider multicultural community and thousands of families from across Geelong and Victoria.

7,000+ attendees last year. Even bigger in 2026.

🇵🇭🎄 Pasko Sa Geelong — Christmas in Our Hearts. ❤️

01/07/2026

Celebrating the Life of Virginia

It is with deep sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Virginia, a much-loved and respected member of Geelong’s Filipino community.

Virginia touched the lives of so many through her kindness, strength and spirit. She was a cherished mother, grandmother, friend and community member whose warmth and generosity left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

On behalf of the Filipino Australian Friendship Association of Geelong (FAFAG), we extend our heartfelt condolences to the entire family during this difficult time. Please know that our thoughts, prayers and love are with you.

We invite our community to join the family in celebrating Virginia’s life and paying their respects.

Funeral Service
Tuesday, 7 July

St Bernard’s Parish
74 Fryers Road, Highton

1:30 pm – Rosary & Viewing
2:00 pm – Funeral Mass
3:30 pm – Burial at Barrabool Hills Cemetery, Highton

Light refreshments will follow at St Bernard’s Parish.

Virginia’s legacy of love, resilience and family will continue to live on through those whose lives she touched.

May she rest in eternal peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones.

20/06/2026

❄️💃🕺 FAFAG WINTER DANCE 2026 🕺💃❄️

Get ready for a night of music, dancing, friendship and community as we come together for the FAFAG Winter Dance!

📅 Date: Saturday 18 July 2026
🕕 Time: 6:00pm – 11:30pm
📍 FAFAG Clubhouse
28 The Boulevard, Norlane 3214
(Behind Bunnings North Geelong)

🎟 Entry:
Adults – $10
Children – $5

☕ Complimentary Coffee & Tea
🍻 BYO Drinks
🍢 Delicious Pulutan available to purchase by Mang Ray and Brad
🎁 Raffles & Door Prizes
🎶 Music • Dancing • Fun

Whether you’re coming with friends, family, your dancing partner, or just looking to meet new people, everyone is welcome for an evening of laughter, great food, and fantastic company.

✨ Dress to Impress and bring your dancing shoes!

🎫 Reserve your tickets today:

📞 Lilia McLean – 0433 309 907
📞 Judith Miguel – 0417 523 546

“From many lands, one family.”

18/06/2026

🇵🇭 Preserving Culture, Honouring Tradition 🇵🇭

FAFAG is proud to be bringing to Geelong a traditional Gangsa from Mankayan, Benguet, handcrafted by a local blacksmith using techniques passed down through generations.

The Gangsa is more than a musical instrument—it is a symbol of the rich cultural heritage of the Indigenous peoples of the Cordillera region in the Philippines. For centuries, its powerful rhythms have accompanied celebrations, ceremonies, storytelling, and community gatherings.

By bringing these authentic instruments to Australia, FAFAG continues its commitment to preserving and sharing Filipino culture with future generations. We hope to incorporate the Gangsa into future cultural performances, educational activities, and community events, allowing people of all backgrounds to experience and appreciate this important tradition.

A heartfelt thank you to the skilled artisans of Mankayan who continue to keep this craft alive. Through their work, the sounds, stories, and traditions of the Cordilleras can continue to resonate across the world.

Keeping culture alive. Building connections. Sharing traditions. ❤️💙💛