‘Piko, Luksong Tinik:’ Fil-Aussie kids learn and play traditional Pinoy games at Children’s Day event

The Philippine Consulate General in Melbourne collaborates with community organisations to engage Filipino-Australian children.

Philippine Consulate General in Melbourne Celebrates Children’s Day Credit: Philippine Consulate General in Melbourne

With its diverse population, Australia is home to a vibrant community of Filipinos. More than 20% of this population falls within the age group of 0-14, according to the 2021 Census.

Among them are children born and raised on Australian soil, while others have migrated young, but still enmeshed in Filipino culture.

In commemoration of Children’s Week in the Philippines celebrated every fourth week of January, the Philippine Consulate General in Melbourne, in collaboration with the Philippine Language School of Victoria (PSLVI) and the Filipino-Australian Student Council of Victoria (FASTCO), hosted a Children’s Day celebration on the 20th of January.

With the goal of raising awareness and promoting the rights and welfare of children, the event aimed to enable Filipino-Australian children to embrace their roots and to create a unique cultural identity.

Philippine Consulate General in Melbourne Celebrates Children’s Day Credit: Philippine Consulate General in Melbourne

The event was held at the Consulate General premises and featured Filipino storytelling, songs, and traditional games, engaging over 30 children aged 1 to 13, as well as their parents and guardians.

‘Si Pagong at Si Matsing,’ presented by Story House, immersed the children in tales that traversed generations.

A key highlight of the celebration was the active participation of children in traditional Filipino games.

From piko to luksong tinik, traditional games bridged the divide between older and younger generations.

One of the attendees, Mommy YouTuber Rosa Almencion, said her son had a wonderful time at the event because it provided entertainment and served as a learning experience, allowing the kids to engage in various traditional Filipino games.

When we got home, the kids continued playing piko and luksong tinik.

Mommy Youtuber Rosa Almencion

Ms. Perla Luetic, President and Principal of PSLVI, spoke on the essence of Children’s Day and introduced a special performance by students of the PSLVI.

Ang importante ay sama-sama tayo lahat para matuto ang ating mga kabataan na magsalita ng Filipino.

Ms. Perla Luetic, President and Principal of PSLVI

(“The important thing is that we all come together to teach our youth to speak Filipino.”)

Philippine Consul General in Melbourne Ma. Lourdes Salcedo Credit: Philippine Consul General in Melbourne

Consul-General Maria Lourdes Salcedo opened the event with remarks highlighting the significance of children and the Philippines' commitment to child rights, while Consul Jan Sherwin Wenceslao concluded the event with a message urging adults to commemorate Children’s Week at home and encouraging children to embrace their imagination and creativity.