'I have never seen so many Filipinos in my life'

A THRIVING culture in the Warwick community is about to have its day in the limelight, as 800 Filipinos roll into town for a very special occasion.

SPIKE IN NUMBERS: Jeanette Seutin and daughter Connie are two proud Filipinos who will represent Warwick in the Filipino Independence Day volleyball and basketball carnival at WIRAC this weekend. Picture: Marian Faa

GROWING up in the Philippines, Jeanette Seutin is no stranger to the concept of "bayanihan”.

It's a phrase that means everyone, no matter your status, is welcome and works together for a common good.

But after 16 years in Australia, it was only over the last two months that Mrs Seutin discovered the spirit of "bayanihan” is alive and well in the country town she now calls home.

The announcement that Warwick would host Queensland's 120th Philippines Independence Day celebration this Saturday opened Mrs Seutin's eyes to a huge community she didn't know existed.

"I never even knew there was so many Filipinos in Warwick,” Mrs Seutin said.

READY, SET: The Warwick women's volleyball team is ready to strut their stuff in the competition to celebrate the 120th Philippine Independence Day in Warwick. Picture: Jeanette Seutin

The celebration will bring around 800 members of the Filipino community to Warwick from all around the state including Bundaberg, Toowoomba and Brisbane.

So many are coming, the hotels in town are completely booked out and families are opening their homes to visitors.

It's hallmark gestures of generosity like this that Mrs Seutin is proud to share with her family and the wider Warwick community.

"It's great to have this chance to introduce my daughter and husband to Filipino culture,” she said.

"It is a great honour for me and a great joy.”

READY, SET: The Warwick women's volleyball team is ready to strut their stuff in the competition to celebrate the 120th Philippine Independence Day in Warwick. Picture: Jeanette Seutin

Everyone is welcome to attend the celebrations, which will begin with an opening parade outside Warwick State High School at 8am and include singing, dancing, food and stalls.

The day's activities will centre around a basketball and volleyball tournament at WIRAC and Warwick State High School, with all-Filipino teams representing different parts of the state.

Southern Downs mayor Tracy Dobie said she had a soft spot for the Phillipines after working there for a number of years.

"They are the most beautiful and loving people in the world,” the mayor said.

Cr Dobie said the population of Filipinos in Warwick was growing.

FULL PROGRAMME

8:00 am WIRAC (29 Palmerin St)

Assemble and Registration Competing teams

9:30 am Warwick State High School gate to Hall

Parade Competing teams and other participants from different towns

10:30 am Warwick State High School Stage

Welcome, presentations, Lupang Hinirang, food stalls, dancing, music and fun.

Basketball - WIRAC

Volleyball - Warwick High School

9:00 am Sunday 17th June 2018

Game Proper (Semi-final & Finals) Basketball - WIRAC

Volleyball - Warwick High School

Awarding of Winners

Closing Remarks Jonathan Cruda, Warwick Team Leader　　

Master of Ceremony: Ms Fiori Cruz, CMC JP(Qual)

Hosted by: Clifton Filipino Association Inc. (CLIFFA)