PASKOMBALONG!

Talk about power up! From last week's first-ever Barrio Fiesta in Randwick, the Fil-Com drops a gigantic party right in the heart of Sydney!  The "Philippine Pasko Festival" at Tumbalong Park is just in its second year of existence, yet may already be the biggest and most bongga of such gatherings. My Barriometrics might not be able to keep up. Might.

(just like some of the pictures here might be stolen from FerGer's facebook page)

If it were an Australian basketball player it would be: Ben Simmons (technically just a sophomore, needs work on the all-around game, but whoa-nelly what talent and potential)

Size Matters?

In terms of land area, the only bigger fiesta I've seen has been in Apps Court outside of London.  But unlike Apps Court - which was in remote farmlands not readily accessible by public transport and far from any town or city - the Pasko Festival at Tumbalong was right in the middle of everything, with the huge stage and public marquees surrounded by the Central Business District, the International Convention Center, and the famous Darling Harbour.  Fil-com and foreigners alike could easily find the place, feel the vibe, and join the party. 

like Glastonbury, without the mud or hipsters

SOTBi (Shrimp on the Barbie index)

Off the charts! Lots of Pinoy food stalls augmented by food trucks selling crowd-pleasing creations like sisig fries, tapa burgers and halo-halo pops. Ang puso ko!

no, seriously, someone check my blood pressure

Bring the Kids

There's a big playground at Tumbalong Park, and there are various entertainment options all around the area. (btw, Tumbalong is traditional language for "place where seafood is found") But really, all those could be overlooked with the fun the kids could have onstage -- from free dancing, to singing contests, to face-painting, to parol-making, to traditional Pinoy children's games.

so successful, Santa was seen at the Philippine Department of Tourism booth planning his vacation itinerary 

Fabuloos

No need for porta-potties! The area surrounding Tumbalong is very touristy and abundant with clean public facilities. Now some of you out there may still long for the rugged appeal of an awesomely named pop-up festival loo, but let me assure you: once you go permanent bathroom fixture, you never go back

what with all those sisig fries and halo-halos

Fringe Benefits

As the name says, this was a Philippine and Pasko festival. So all the Aussies around were exposed to not just Pinoy culture and colors, but to our Christmas season that began well before November! 

you're welcome Summer Aussie Santa, you're welcome

Star Grazing

The organizers made the conscious decision to not import any celebrity or performer from back home to serve as a crowd drawer. Instead, they recruited exclusively from the local Fil-Com. Who's to say that wasn't the right way to go? There was more than enough talent to go around and there was never any shortage of entertainment available.

and you can never discover enough versions of "Dahil Sa 'Yo"