Preparing for festival
THE second largest migrant group in Townsville is preparing to celebrate its culture and history in a two- day festival.
Thousands of people are expected at the Filipino Festival this weekend.
Loiba Pioc is the president of the Filipino Australian Affiliation of North Queensland and said guests could expect a weekend of colour, excitement and flavour.
“Every year we celebrate the culture and heritage of Filipinos,” she said.
“Here in Townsville Filipinos are the second largest group of migrants.
“The two day event focuses on the famous food we eat in the Philippines.”
Among the dishes will be adobo, a soy and garlic dish, pancit, a Filipino noodle dish and barbecued meat.
“There will also be performances of dance and song,” Ms Pioc said.
One of the highlights will be the crowning of Little Miss Philippines North Queensland and also Miss Philippines North Queensland.
Ms Pioc said Filipinos felt comfort- able in Townsville, with hundreds of students, nurses and mechanics calling the city home.
She hails from Manila, which is home to millions, and said Townsville was much more “laid back”.
“Now, when I go to Brisbane or Sydney, I miss Townsville, it’s much more relaxed.”
The free festival starts on Saturday at noon and Sunday at 10am at Raintree Grove, Riverway.