A Night to Remember: Celebrating Culture and Community with Roland

Celebrating Culture and Community with Roland

At the heart of what we do lies a deep commitment to creating meaningful experiences for the people we support and recently, we had the absolute joy of sharing a truly magical night with Roland, one of our participants, as he reconnected with his Filipino heritage in a powerful and emotional way.

Roland joined us for the 127th Philippine Independence Day celebration, hosted by the Australian Philippine Association (APA) in Wollongong. This vibrant event brought together the local Filipino community for an evening of traditional music, dancing, food, and cultural pride and for Roland, it was so much more than just a celebration. It was a rare opportunity to feel deeply connected to his roots and to share that joy with others who understand and celebrate the same traditions.

From the moment we arrived, Roland’s excitement was infectious. Dressed in traditional attire (Barong Filipino) and beaming with pride, he greeted fellow attendees with warmth and curiosity. He joined in with the festivities, sang along to familiar songs, and savored every bite of delicious Filipino cuisine. Throughout the night, his sense of belonging was palpable.

For someone who doesn't often get the chance to attend cultural events like this, the evening was profoundly meaningful. As the night came to a close, Roland shared that he had cried tears of joy, overwhelmed with gratitude and emotion. “I felt like I was home,” he told us, smiling through happy tears. “I’m so thankful I got to be here tonight.”

Supporting Roland in moments like this reminds us why we do what we do. His enthusiasm, gratitude, and genuine joy are daily reminders of how vital inclusion, connection, and cultural expression are for everyone, especially for those who may face barriers in accessing such experiences.

We are incredibly proud to have been part of this special evening and to witness firsthand the impact that community, culture, and support can have on someone's life. Roland’s journey continues to inspire us, and we’re honored to walk alongside him as he explores the rich tapestry of his heritage.

To Roland, thank you for letting us share this moment with you. Here’s to many more magical nights of connection, celebration, and joy.