For newly elected president, Joan Aydalla, this year’s preparations have been both demanding and rewarding as the community worked to bring together a performance celebrating the richness and diversity of Filipino culture.

Aydalla said preparations started later than expected as the community waited for the election of its new executive committee.

“We only officially began rehearsals on 4 July, leaving us with very limited time before our performance.”

With limited time available, children and adult performers committed themselves to rehearsals four nights a week before moving to daily practices during the final week.

“I couldn’t be prouder of our Filipino dancers – both our children and adults. Every one of them has shown incredible commitment and dedication,” Aydalla shared.

“After long hours at work or school, they still come to practice with smiles on their faces, even during the cold winter evenings in our open practice hall. Their passion and determination have truly inspired me.”

Preparing the performance also brought financial challenges, particularly when it came to costumes and props.

“As a new committee, we simply didn’t have enough funds to provide everything we needed. As president, I never wanted our dancers to carry that burden. They had already sacrificed so much of their time and energy for our community, and I wanted them to focus only on practice and enjoy the experience and giving their best in performance.”

Determined not to let those challenges affect the group, Aydalla sought support from the wider community.

“With faith and hope, I reached out to our Filipino community, friends here in the Cook Islands, and even friends and supporters in New Zealand. The response was beyond anything I could have imagined.”

Aydalla stated that the overwhelming financial and meal support from the community perfectly embodied the spirit of “bayanihan” (community unity), proving that anything is possible when people unite.

She said the experience reinforced the value of people working together.

“This journey has taught me that serving others becomes even more meaningful when people unite for a common purpose. I am deeply grateful to every person who believed in us, encouraged us, donated, sponsored meals, and stood beside us throughout this journey.

“This performance belongs not only to our dancers but to every member of our community who helped make it possible.”

Aydalla also acknowledged choreographers Marc Rebollos and Oswen for preparing the dancers within a short timeframe.

“Teaching a dance is never easy, especially when working with performers who are not professionals and with such a short preparation period. Their patience, passion, creativity, and dedication have been truly remarkable, and we are incredibly grateful for everything they have done for our team.”

The Filipino Community’s presentation at International Night will showcase both traditional and contemporary Filipino dance, highlighting the country’s diverse culture through music, movement and colourful costumes.

The performance will feature Pandanggo sa Ilaw, one of the Philippines’ best-known traditional folk dances, the energetic Sayaw sa Bangko (Bench Dance), a modern dance segment and a rhythmic ribbon performance inspired by artistic movement.

Rather than focusing on a single region or story, Aydalla said the group wanted to present the diversity of Filipino culture while celebrating the friendship between the Filipino community and the Cook Islands.

“We are honoured to once again represent the Filipino community at Te Maeva Nui. This celebration is not just about showcasing our culture – it is about celebrating the friendship, respect, and unity between the people of the Cook Islands and the many cultures that now call these beautiful islands home.”

Aydalla invited the public to support all participating groups during International Night.

“We hope you’ll enjoy our presentation, which we have prepared with all our hearts. We may not be professional dancers, but every step, every smile, and every movement reflect our love for our culture, our gratitude to the Cook Islands, and the incredible spirit of our Filipino community.”