Seniors group 'Bayanihan in Melbourne' ushers in PH Independence Day with event highlighting childhood games

Bayanihan in Melbourne Inc. celebrated Philippine Independence last June 8 at the Janefield Community Centre in Bundoora, VIC.

Filipino games such as sungka, trumpo, tirador and jackstones were featured in the group's Philippine Independence Day celebration. Source: SBS

Key Points

• The event was entitled 'Noong Bata Pa Ako'.
• Childhood games and Filipino snacks were the focus of the celebration.
• According to the group's president, Versie Tamblyn, a seniors group not only helps alleviate isolation and loneliness, it helps people better engage with community and self.

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'Noong bata pa ako': Pinoy senior citizens, pinangunahan ang paggunita sa Araw ng Kalayaan sa Melbourne

SBS Filipino

10/06/202404:14

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Last June 8, Bayanihan in Melbourne, Inc., a seniors group based in the northern suburbs of Melbourne, celebrated Philippine Independence Day early with their event entitled 'Noong Bata Pa Ako.'

The said event, hosted by motivational speaker Lee Montajes, was held in the Janefield Community Centre in Bundoora.

Bayanihan in Melbourne Inc.'s 'Noong Bata Pa Ako' event. Source: SBS

Aside from celebrating Philippine Independence Day, the event's highlights included the presentation and demonstration of beloved Filipino games such as jackstones, tumbang preso, trumpo, sipa, tirador, sungka and yoyo. 

Jackstones Source: SBS

The award-winning former Head Chef of Nobu Melbourne and now-Executive Sous Chef at Marvel Stadium, Chef Princess Uy, also presented a video cooking demo of her grandmother's maja blanca and a live demo of palitaw.

Chef Princess Uy presented a video cooking demonstration of her grandmother's maja blanca and a live cooking demo of palitaw. Source: SBS

Speeches were given by special guests Melbourne Consul Jan Sherwin Wenceslao, family-abuse-victim advocate Melba Marginson, and renowned Patisserie chef and 'Dirty Ice Cream' entrepreneur Ricci Carmona.

When asked about the importance of seniors engaging with community, the group's president, Versie Tamblyn, shared "We're not an island as people. It's important to have that constant connection.

There are two reasons why it's important for seniors to engage with community: isolation and loneliness. Those are things we battle and to have a specific group is important to maintain your sanity.

Versie Tamblyn, President of Bayanihan in Melbourne Inc.

"I come from the Philippines, from that part of the world. That's where I got my character, my mannerism. Everything is rooted there.

"We're not an island as people. It's important to have that constant connection." Source: SBS

"It's important for us to teach younger Filipino-Australians our values, our culture and our stories."