by Violet Li
Running in a white sack, moving forward in a coconut shell slipper tied with bamboo stilts, jumping ropes, hopscotch, and other traditional Philippine street games came to Wilson Botanic Park in Berwick on Saturday 16 December, as parts of the first Pinoy Olympics.
Run by Pinoy Casey Community Inc (PCCI), a newly established not-for-profit, volunteer-run organisation, this alternative Olympics flowed with laughter, excitement, challenges, nostalgia, and sprouting bonds.
“It brought us back to the 80s in the Philippines, when we did not have any internet and we got out to the street sports,” president Alfie Tilan said.
“We played everything on the street, and the drivers would wait for us to finish every round before they shouted us away.
“In Australia, you obviously cannot do it on the street, but we thought we could still do it because there’s so much open space here.”
Mr Tilan said members brought their families and especially kids had a good time.
“It’s such a fantastic way for us to at least give the new generations a glimpse of what we have done before at home,” he said.
“Some family already asked me: Can you please Invite us again next time?
“It was the first time we did this. We’ll do it every year now, so next year it will be way bigger with more games.”
South Eastern Metropolitan MP Lee Tarlamis and Philippines Consul Jan Sherwin Wenceslao were among the guests at the event.
Officially launched on 11 November at Cranbourne West Community Hub, PCCI aims to foster camaraderie, promote Filipino culture, focus on family bonding, provide sports and social activities, and inspire the younger generation among the Filipino-Australian community in Casey area.
Next year, PCCI will bring more cultural extravaganza and community projects, including a celebration of Philippine arts and dances in January and February, and a youth leadership program.
PCCI currently has 10 members, and new members are welcome to join and volunteer.
For more information, contact: PinoyCaseyCommunity@gmail.com
