What an incredible afternoon on Saturday 30th August with the Filipino community of Marlborough! For the very first time, they came together to proudly celebrate their languages, stories, and vibrant culture with us all at the Marlborough District Library.

The room was buzzing with laughter, learning, and joy, from history and storytime to fun quizzes, awesome prizes, and, of course, the highlight everyone loved… the food! Over 60 people joined this unforgettable celebration.

One of the organisers, Rangel B. Intong, Early Childhood Teacher who has been in Blenheim for 1 year and 3 months, said:

“This year marked a very special moment for our community as we celebrated Buwan ng Wika 2025 for the first time here in Blenheim. This is inspired with the heartfelt desire of me and Indy to share with our community the beauty of the Filipino culture and language, and through the support of Ate Didith, that dream became a reality.”

Didith (Matilde Figuracion), MMC Chairperson and leader of the Filipino Community in Marlborough, welcomed everyone and helped with the organisation of the event. She brought amazing food and, as usual, dressed beautifully.

Rangel added: “The event showcased the richness of our traditions, language, and cultural symbols, creating a space for unity and connection. It was heartwarming to see people of many different backgrounds come together to celebrate, learn, and leave with a deeper appreciation of the Philippines and its vibrant heritage. Truly, this celebration was a step toward building stronger cultural connections in our community.”

Mabuhay ang Bansang Pilipinas! Mabuhay tayong mga Pilipino!

View all photos of celebration here!