General News
20 March, 2026
A taste of the Philippines
WARRNAMBOOL’S inaugural Filipino Fiesta proved a hit among locals and visitors to town last weekend.
The Filipino community proudly brought its rich heritage, vibrant flavours and the warm spirit of bayanihan (unity) to the Civic Green last Saturday.
With traditional Filipino cuisine, colourful cultural performances, live music and family-friendly activities, the day drew a large crowd.
Organiser Florida Bridgman said her committee had worked hard to ensure the day offered something for everyone.
“We wanted this fiesta to not only have something for the adults and for our community, but also for children,” she said.
“A highlight for the children was the Pabitin (a Filipino game similar to a pinata), as well as the traditional sack rates and tug-of-war games.
“Being our very first fiesta in Warrnambool we didn’t really know what to expect in terms of crowds but I believe we had maybe in excess of 500 people there which was just wonderful.”
Florida said her committee, and the event, was well supported by the Warrnambool City Council and she is now hoping this will become an annual event in the town.
“The Civic Green was the ideal location, it has power, water and everything we need – and the assistance I received from the council in the lead up to the day was wonderful,” she said.
“It was very rewarding to see so many people there and I would have no hesitation in holding this event again each year.”
Along with a barbecue, fiesta visitors were kept well fed with a traditional pig on the spit.
The fiesta also showcased a cultural fashion parade which celebrated the beauty and diversity of traditional attire from different nationalities.
The fiesta was one of 22 events to receive funding through Warrnambool City Council’s Festivals and Events Fund for 2025/26.
