Victoria Park was alive with music, food and culture this afternoon as hundreds turned out to a festival celebrating the 126th anniversary of independence for the Philippines.

Ryan De Jesus, the president of the Association of Filipinos in Bermuda, said that vendors ran out of some food within an hour of the festival opening and had to go out and bring more to the event.

Halfway through the festival which ran from midday to 6pm, he said up to 1,200 had come through the park to enjoy the festivities.

Owen Darrell, the culture minister, and Jarion Richardson, the Leader of the Opposition, gave inspirational messages celebrating the Filipino community.

Mr De Jesus said: “Bermudians and Filipinos really share the same attitude, being family-oriented.

“We have a raffle and a Filipino fair like we have in the Philippines.

“We have been selling tickets for a game we call the colour game that is a bit like Crown and Anchor. Filipinos love rice so the first prize for that game was a sack of rice. We purchased 25 sacks of rice and now there are only two left.

“We invited Teaffany’s, which sells Filipino dishes and some western food, and we have Bone Fish and Bella Vista who also cook Filipino food.

“They cooked a big slab of pork belly and after an hour it was gone.

“It’s not just Filipinos here, there is a good mix of Bermudians and others.”

The theme of the event was “Pyestang Pinoy”, which translates to “Filipino Feast”.

Preparations began in March for the festival which showcased the culture of the Philippines including song and dance performances, accompanied by Original Pilipino Music.

OPM refers to Philippine pop songs, particularly ballads, which are usually sung in the Filipino native languages, most often Tagalog but with Western music conventions and style.

Some groups performed different cultural dances that are famous in different parts of the Philippines.

Part of the proceeds from the event will go towards The Salvation Army.

Sophia Hernandez, a young Filipino living in Bermuda, said: “I enjoyed the food and activities.

“The people were really cool. They are really joyful and respectful and come together to celebrate the culture.”

Joann Adams, a Bermudian with Filipino family on the island, said: “It has been a wonderful day. I have seen a lot of my Filipino friends. My sister-in-law is Filipino.

“Unfortunately, we didn’t get any of the food because the lines were so long but they had bands and it’s been a good day.”

RoseAnn Edwards, another Bermudian with Filipino family, said: “I just came back from the Philippines. My brother’s wife is Filipino so we all went together. It was wonderful.

“I am enjoying it today, seeing everyone come together as one.”

Crisa Sousa, a Filipino with Bermudian family, said: “It has been really amazing how many people came here. I have enjoyed the music, the colours and dance.

“My daughter is half-Portuguese and half-Filipino.”

Grace Sousa added: “I think culture is important and we have lots of different nationalities here. We all need to understand each other.”

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