Philippine Independence Day brought colour, culture, and community spirit to our centre. Through dance, shared food, traditional clothing, and bayanihan-inspired activities, our tamariki and kaiako celebrated Filipino heritage while deepening cultural understanding and unity.
We recently celebrated Philippine Independence Day at our centre, a joyful event that highlighted the beauty of Filipino culture and a strong sense of community spirit.
The tamariki and kaiako looked wonderful in their traditional Filipiniana dresses, barong tagalog, and baro’t saya, proudly representing the colours, elegance, and grace of the Philippines.
The centre was filled with excitement as everyone enjoyed puto, a soft and sweet steamed rice cake that is a well-loved Filipino treat often shared with family and friends during special occasions.
A special part of the celebration was when everyone worked together to carry the bahay kubo. This small bamboo hut symbolises bayanihan, the Filipino value of helping one another, working together, and supporting the community. Seeing tamariki, kaiako, and whānau unite in this activity was a meaningful reflection of cooperation and shared joy.
We also had a lively Bulaklakan dance performance, where the children held colourful garlands shaped like flowers and moved gracefully in rhythm. This traditional dance celebrates beauty, nature, and festivity, perfectly capturing the cheerful spirit of the Philippines.
The entire celebration was a beautiful reminder of unity, pride, and cultural appreciation, strengthening our understanding of diversity within our learning community.