Joey Marquez with Aguman Pres. Marivic Manalo

Aguman Capampangan Australia celebrated its 25th Anniversary at Fairfield RSL last 29 August 2015 with a splash of colours and the pulsating rhythm of the Sinukwan Festival.

It was a razzle-dazzle night of nights and the Capampangans’ event spared no expense, lavishing their celebration complete with hot air balloon decor and a “sorbetero” (ice cream cart), which was a definite crowd-drawer.

Mamang Sorbetero

For the Capampangans, it was not only a matter of celebrating their milestone event.

“We wanted to share with the community the best of Pampanga and Tarlac,” said President, Marivic Manalo.  Their well chosen theme was helping promote the tourist attractions of their region – the Hot Air balloon festival in January and the Sinukwan Festival in December.  Their video presentation showed the best of their history, places, people and food.

Special guests were Consul General Anne Jalondo-on Louis and Consul Marford Angeles.  One of  Pampanga’s favorite sons and pride, Joey Marquez flew all the way from the Philippines to grace the event.  Despite being jet lagged, Joey Marquez charmed the audience and was ever so obliging, patiently doing the photo rounds, with a hug and a kiss, here and there.

Aguman Capampangan Australia was established in 1990 for the purpose of keeping the links to their region and to keep the Capampangan traditions alive.  It’s been thriving for years under the leadership of the unitiring, Marivic Manalo.  Over the 25 years, the group boasts of their scholarship program which has produced 19 graduates and other acts of charity for their Cabalen.

Also present at the event were founder, Cesar de Vega along with former Presidents Lou-lou Moonen, Dads Morales and Espie Bables.

Awardee, Danny Garcia in Sinukwan costume.

Special honours were given to Danny Garcia, one of the founders, for his unflinching dedication to the group and his service to the community.

“We hope that we were able to share with the community the Capampangan spirit and show that we do have some of the best things, Filipinos can be proud of, ” said Manalo.

Photos courtesy of Jade Cadeliña.

(For more photos, check out their site – www.aguman.com.au)