by Marilie Bomediano
Boholanos and Friends Australia (BAFA) celebrated their 35th Anniversary in a fiesta type atmosphere last 3 May, 2025 at Pabico Club 55 in Mt Druitt. The vibrant gathering brought together over 150 attendees, including Boholanos, community leaders from various community organisations.
Jesil Cajes, BAFA President
BAFA President Sydney, Atty. Jesil Cajes, welcomed Boholanos and guests in her native dialect and thanked all the volunteers who supported the event. A video of BAFA’s 35 years in Australia, left the Audience nostalgic and emotional.
More than just a much awaited get together, this year’s celebration served to fundraise for the BAFA Scholarship Program. Reviving the scholarship program would help supporting education in the province of Bohol. BAFA will sponsor six students in Bohol.
The Bohol Fiesta served as a celebration of Bohol’s rich cultural tapestry, infused with the influences of indigenous traditions, Spanish colonization, and contemporary Filipino culture. The fiesta also commemorates the patron saints of the respective towns, blending religious customs with folk traditions.
There was much singing, dancing, karaoke plus a sumptuous buffet dinner was served by Pabico Club 55.
The evening was full of Pinoy fanfare with dance numbers from the super-energetic Shez Solomon and friends, who led the way for KPop public disco dancing. The young talents – Ester Arador, Isabel Rucat and Zaebriel Orayenza delighted the crowd. There were also games and raffles with great prizes from generous sponsors.
Other notable attendees were Ronna Guzman, President of Philippine Australian Multicultural Association Inc (PAMAI); Rose Lay, Director of Miss/Mrs/Mr Glamour of Australia 2024;and Grace Liston, President of PCC-NSW who extended the invitation for the Philippine National Day Ball on June 15 at Abbotsbury.
The event was hosted by emcees Bella OZisera and Bo Ti.
Photos by Marilie Bomediano
