As the month of December and the year 2025 end, we look back with great feeling at all the celebrations for Christmas that we have attended.  The stand out community event for me was the Christmas party organised by the Philippine Australian Multicultural Association (PAMAI) and held jointly with (in alpha order): Boholoanos and Friends Australia (BAFA); Filipino Lesbians and Gay Community (FLAGCOM) and friends; Kababaihang Rizalista Inc (KRI); and the National Alliance of Respectable & Responsible Associations (NARRA) and participated by the Philippine Australian Senior Social Club (PASSOC) and St Louis University Alumni Australia (SLUAA).  This was held on December 14 at the Filo fave venue, Pabico Club in Mount Druitt.
There was a festive and happy atmosphere as the attendees dressed in their Christmas attire excitedly greeted and hugged each other.    They also showed great appreciation that the Consulate officials led by Consul General Charmaine Rowena C. Aviquivil and Sir George, and Consular Officer Rowena Garcia joined in the celebration, with Brian Laul of Rainbow Crossing also in attendance.
After enjoying the sumptuous buffet lunch, the program commenced with the invocation by  Saria Arias.  Then PAMAI President Ronna Guzman gave the welcome address thanking the special guests and all the members of the various organisations. 
She commented: “I am deeply grateful for the memories we are creating together. These moments are more than celebrations; they are reminders of why we come together and why our work matters in uniting communities. Our joint Christmas celebration is a powerful reflection of this spirit. It brings together multiple Filipino-Australian organisations, representing different regions of our homeland and various advocacies, united in the spirit of collaboration, cultural pride and connection.”
Consul General Charmain Aviquivil, who has recently been appointed as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Arab Republic of Egypt, congratulated PAMAI organising the get together and all the groups participating in the celebration.  As she will be leaving Sydney to take up her new appointment when all the arrangements are finalised, she also thanked everyone for the support they gave her and the Consulate during the three years of office. She wished all a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
The highlight of the celebration was the Christmas carol singing competition.  It was lovely to see the participants joined in, eager to contribute to the spirit of the celebration as well as to have fun.  Congratulations to all the participants and the winners! 
The panel of judges comprised of Marcus Rivera, Rowena Garcia, Daisy Cumming and Saira Arias.
The contestants for the solo division mentioned they were not feeling 100% but they still participated in the spirit of the occasion.  The fantastic solo winners were:

1st Place – Chloe Lofthouse

2nd Place – Macey Hall

3rd Place – Seeyan Violata

The heartfelt singing of the participants for the group division was also enjoyed very much and won the hearts of all present. 

1st Place – SLU AAA

2nd Place – Oz Fashionista

3rd Place (Tie)

* PASSOC Seniors Club

* BAFA


There were a number of performances which added to the festive atmosphere and the enjoyment of the attendees.   The artists who shared their talents were Annie Marquez, Bernadette Harrison, duet Josuah and Nicole, Rita Agostino, OzFil Dancers; PASSA Dancers, PASSOC Dancers and Eyman Recio and friends.
The celebration also raised funds for PAMAI projects.  Three major prizes were generously donated by Atty Jesil Cajes – the preparation of Will document.  Atty Cajes drew the winning numbers and presented the certificates for claiming of the prize. The lucky winners were Leigh Dearden, Beth Lofthouse and Juliet Navarro,  Other sponsors who provided prizes for the raffles were Remitly (courtesy of Paola Llorando) and ticket to watch Joey Albert concert donated by BISA Education.  There were several other prizes donated by PAMAI officers.  
Lively dance music provided by the Mayoras Project Band got people burn the dance floor for the rest of the afternoon.  The program director was Albie Prias.  The emceeing task was superbly shared by Albie Prias, Marcus Rivera and Violi Calvert.  Other notable presence and participants in the event were community leaders and members of the Fil-Aus media: Annalyn Violata, of SBS, whose son Seeyan also participated in the solo and group singing competition; Edinel Magtibay Dearden, also of SBS, whose lucky husband Leigh won three raffle prizes – the Will from Jesil Cajes, tshirt and another consolation prize; Michelle Baltazar of The Australian Filipina and of KRI; President of Filipino Australian Community in Eastern Sydney (FACAES), Precy Santos; Marilie Bomediano of Radio Sandigan and Radio Rizal Connect; Violi Calvert also representing Radyo Bayanihan, and Jade Cadelina, photographer.
PAMAI Vice President (Senior) Violi Calvert gave the closing remarks.  She expressed her thanks to the special guests, all the attendees from the various organisations involved, the sponsors and the working committee. 
It was truly an event not only enjoyed by all but also bonded them, with many expressing their wish to be part of the next joint get together to celebrate the spirit and meaning of Christmas.
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*Photos by Brian Laul of Rainbow Crossing. More photos are posted on PAMAI FB page.