Filipinos in Sydney: 7 events to connect with your community

G’day mates! Life as a Filipino in Australia is an exciting journey, where koalas and vegemite rule supreme.

Exploring uncharted territories as a foreigner can be a thrilling experience, but we also understand how lonely it can be at times. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of exciting activities and events lined up just for you, Filipino Australians in Sydney! 

From cultural celebrations to mouthwatering food festivals, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So come on out and meet your fellow kababayans.

Trust us, there’s no better way to combat homesickness than to immerse yourself in a warm and welcoming community. Get ready for an unforgettable experience!

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Philippine Independence Day Celebration

Date: 12^th June 2023

Location: Tumbalong Park in Darling Harbour, Sydney NSW

You absolutely cannot miss this special day in June that holds immense significance for all Filipinos. It’s none other than the Independence Day of the Philippines, and boy, do they know how to celebrate it in style!

From the exciting public holiday notice to the joyous absence of classes, every Filipino knows that June 12^th is THE day to mark in their calendars. And guess what? Every year, people in Sydney go all out to organise the most amazing celebrations for this memorable occasion.

For instance, in 2023, Filipinos all over Australia united to celebrate this event throughout the entire month of June. Can you imagine the sheer enthusiasm? There were spectacular flag-raising ceremonies, enthralling cultural presentations, and mouthwatering meals that truly showcased the vibrant Filipino heritage.

Young or old, everyone had their fair share of fun with an array of activities specially planned for this electrifying month. And let us tell you, it’s worth every cent! Some activities may cost between AUD 90 to AUD 100 per person, while others might charge AUD 150, but trust us, it’s an investment you won’t regret.

Festival of Philippine Songs & Dances

Date: 25 June

Time: 11:00 am – 05:00 pm

Location: Bowman Hall 35 Campbell St Blacktown NSW 2148

The heart and soul of the Philippines’ vibrant traditions lies in its enchanting folk songs and dances, captured in the Festival of Philippine Songs & Dances. This year, the festival presented an extraordinary treat as local artists teamed up to create an unforgettable event that proudly displayed the sheer talent of fellow Filipinos!

But wait, there’s more to this celebration than meets the eye! It breaks boundaries and strengthens bonds with other ethnic groups as they join in on the fun and festivities. This is a time when the camaraderie between Filipinos and the Australian communities reaches new heights! The next time you check out the festival, you’re sure to be transported into a world of pure joy and fiesta spirit as it showcases the mesmerising Philippine folk songs and dances. These performances will leave you spellbound and brimming with love for the rich heritage.

And of course, what’s a festival without tantalising treats? Brace yourselves for an explosion of flavours as food stalls offer a mouthwatering spread of cuisines from various Filipino ethnic groups. Your taste buds are in for an adventure they won’t soon forget!

Best part? All this awesomeness is just an AUD 25 ticket away! So grab your friends, family, and even the neighbour’s cat, because you won’t want to miss out on this fun and meaningful event that celebrates the heart and soul of the Philippines.

Filipino Expo

Date: 29 Jul 2023

Time: 10:00 am – 3:45 pm

Location: The Property Investors Alliance 2 Australia Avenue Sydney Olympic Park, NSW 2127 Australia

Attention all aspiring Filipino entrepreneurs! Brace yourself for the ultimate opportunity to shine! The Filipino Expo is calling your name, and it’s the absolute best place for you to unleash your entrepreneurial spirit and take it to soaring heights!

Get ready to be blown away as this spectacular event showcases a plethora of Filipino-owned businesses, all geared towards promoting entrepreneurship within the community. It’s a chance for you to witness the incredible talent and innovation that fellow Filipinos have to offer!

And hold on tight because the excitement doesn’t stop there! Brace yourself for an abundance of knowledge and inspiration, with riveting talks and workshops on essential business know-how. We’re talking about everything from business essentials to risk and insurance, and even wealth creation and retirement strategies! This is your chance to learn from the best and fuel your entrepreneurial dreams!

But wait, there’s more! Prepare to be entertained like never before with thrilling music and dance performances that’ll have you grooving to the beat. And hey, looking to up your game in the professional world? You’ll also have the chance to get top-notch hair and makeup done for a stunning headshot photo that’ll leave you feeling like a million bucks!

Oh, and let’s not forget the mouthwatering highlight of the event: food stalls bursting with an array of delectable Filipino dishes! Your taste buds are in for an unforgettable treat!

The catch is you will have to be 16 years old and above to join in on the fun. And here’s the cherry on top—guess what? You don’t have to spend a single penny to participate in this event. It’s a golden chance you simply cannot afford to miss! Keep your eyes peeled for the next edition of the Filipino Expo.

The thrill, the talent, and the flavours await you!

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Sydney Grand Fiesta Kultura

Date: 1 October 2023

Time: 9 am – 10 pm

Location: Fairfield Showground 443 Smithfield Road Prairiewood, NSW 2176 Australia

Hold onto your hats, Sydney! Get ready to be swept off your feet by the dazzling and exhilarating Sydney Grand Fiesta Kultura. This day is an explosion of culture, entertainment, and mouthwatering delights that’ll have you on cloud nine!

Imagine a day filled with non-stop cultural shows that’ll transport you to the heart of the Philippines! From breathtaking traditional dances to mesmerising singing performances, it’s a showcase of talent like you’ve never seen before. And that’s not all – get ready to move and groove to the electrifying variety shows that’ll leave you wanting more.

Oh, but wait, there’s something extra special that’ll have your heart racing – the Miss Philippine Australia and Charity Queen Beauty pageants! Witness beauty, grace, and charisma like never before as these remarkable ladies take the stage.

Trust us; this is an experience you won’t be able to stop talking about. Celebrate your heritage in style, because this day is all about Filipinos, by Filipinos, and for Filipinos!

Book Fair Australia 2023

Date: 14 – 15 October 2023

Location: Exhibition Hall 5 1 Showground Road Sydney Olympic Park, NSW 2127 Australia

Calling all book lovers and adventurers of every kind – get ready to embark on an epic journey at this extraordinary Book Fair – an event that’s not exclusively for Filipinos but comes highly recommended by our very own! This is your chance to discover a whole new world of literary wonders and connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion.

Imagine a paradise for bookworms, where all genres come together to create a magical atmosphere that’ll leave you spellbound. Dive into the pages of fantastic tales, meet incredible Australian authors, and dive deep into the creative minds behind these masterpieces. It’s a literary celebration like no other!

Brace yourself for captivating workshops that’ll unleash your inner creativity and ignite your imagination to new heights. And hey, who doesn’t love a chance to win some fabulous lucky draw prizes? It’s like an adventure with every turn of the page!

Don’t forget to prepare yourself for an epic cosplay extravaganza. Dress up as your favourite characters from a beloved book series and let your imagination run wild! It’s a chance to embrace your inner hero, villain, or anything in between – the choice is yours.

The best part of it all – this grand experience is absolutely free for everyone, regardless of age! So gather your friends, family, and fellow book enthusiasts and head to the Book Fair for an unforgettable literary fiesta.

Philippine Christmas Festival

Date: 22 – 23 October 2023

Time: 9 am to 9 pm

Location: Darling Harbour, Sydney NSW 2000

It’s no secret that Filipinos are Christmas enthusiasts – so crazy about this festive season that they’ll start spreading the holiday cheer as early as September! Talk about being in the Christmas spirit all year round.

But wait, it gets even better. Get ready to immerse yourself in a yuletide extravaganza like no other! Picture yourself surrounded by twinkling lights, singing heartwarming carols with fellow Filipinos from all over Australia. It’s a harmonious celebration that’ll warm your soul.

But the real magic lies in the camaraderie and the joy of meeting new friends. This event is a celebration of unity, and everyone is welcome to join in on the festivities. It’s a free-for-all fiesta that’ll leave you with lasting memories.

So gather your loved ones, don your brightest smiles, and get ready to revel in the joyous spirit of Christmas with your fellow Filipinos in Sydney.

Simbang Gabi Masses

Date: 16 – 24 December 2023

Time:  Starts at 4 am

Location: Dependent on the Church

It’s not just an activity or an event; it’s a heartfelt series of nine dawn masses leading up to the grand celebration of Christmas!

Joining Simbang Gabi means connecting with fellow Filipinos who share the same unwavering Faith and devotion. The air is filled with excitement and anticipation as Filipino Australians come together to celebrate this beautiful religious custom.

These nine dawn masses are not just ordinary gatherings; they’re a time of spiritual reflection, unity, and a deep sense of community. It’s a wonderful opportunity to strengthen your bonds with your faith and with each other.

So, get ready to rise with the dawn, feel the serenity of the early morning, and immerse yourself in the spiritual journey that is Simbang Gabi!

It’s completely understandable when all the festivals and events just don’t fill the void…

Feeling homesick is a natural response.

During these moments of longing for your family and loved ones, we’re here to remind you that there are ways to help ease the ache in your heart.

Apart from your balikbayan boxes, another meaningful way to find comfort is to send money back to your family. Not only does this support them in their daily lives, but it also creates a precious connection that reminds them of the warmth of home.

Enter Instarem.

With Instarem, sending money to the Philippines from Australia, Singapore, United States, Hong Kong, and more is made simple and straightforward.

You can count on Instarem’s low fees and great exchange rates, making it the perfect choice for sending love (and money) back home.

*rates are for display purposes only.

Feel free to download the app or sign up here!

Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only. All details are accurate at the time of publishing. Instarem has no affiliation or relationship with products or vendors mentioned.