By Violet Li
Local community organisation Pinoy Casey Community Inc (PCCI) held its second Pinoy Olympics at the Old Cheese Factory in Berwick on Sunday 1 December
The Olympics feature 14 traditional Philippine games, including Patintero, Piko, Luksong Lubid, Sipa, Sungka, Eroplanong Papel, Luksong Tinik, Tyakad, tug-of-war, and Luksong Sako.
The day had a turnout of more than 100 participants, and special guests included Bruce MP Julian Hill, South Eastern Metropolitan MP Lee Tarlamis, and community liaison officer from the Department of Home Affairs Al Noveloso.
PCCI president Alfie Tilan said everyone wanted to play the games and enjoyed themselves.
“There was one participant. He’s 13 years old. He wasn’t able to join last year, and he came this year. Then he’s already asking his mum, when is the next one?” he recalled.
“He’s a Filipino born here in Australia. He didn’t get to all these experiences here, but he’s been hearing something from his friends.
“When he experienced that, he said, when is the next Olympics?”
Mr Tilan said he was really thankful that these Filipino games were being exposed and moved to the new generation here.
“Some volunteers also want to take that opportunity to experience the games and make sure that their kids are watching,” he said.
Mr Tilan said the most grateful blessing was the beautiful weather.
He had been checking the weather for several weeks. The weather forecast showed a 50 per cent chance of rain in the morning days before the event, but the night before the rain shifted to the afternoon.
“Literally after we packed up and headed out into the road, the shower started to pour,” he said.
