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| Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion |
It was a fun-filled evening when the visiting group of 65 graduating Australian high school students of Swan Christian College, Southern Hills Christian College and Ellenbrook Christian College from Perth, Australia, were entertained with a “MassKara Night” by former congressman John Orola in his sprawling backyard garden at Casa Orola, Bacolod recently.
The students and around 27 teachers from the three schools arrived in Bacolod a week ago as part of their schools' project to render community service and to foster a lasting cultural exchange between the young people of Neg. Occ. and Perth.
While here, they traveled in two big buses to Sagay, Isabela, Cabacungan, Tabao, Valladolid, etc. They painted an orphanage building, learned how to dry fish, cook Filipino food, wash their clothes in the river, harvest sugarcane and so many more activities which was a new and novel experience for them. They also distributed goods to the people in the community who deeply appreciated the kindness of the young people from Australia. Aside from these activities, the group enjoyed their outing at the fabulous Paradiso Resort where the huge swimming pool was so cool and refreshing under the hot sun.
After they got back to Bacolod, the girls had a beauty treatment at Ysabella's Salon in time for the party at Orola's place. It was a first time experience for some of the guests to taste the Filipino delicacy “lechon” (roasted pig), which they ate with rice, pancit and other goodies on the buffet.
Then it was party time when the Zen Band began playing. This is the band that represented the Philippines in the Asia Music Festival, and who wowed the audience with their music. This time, they wowed the young Aussies who rushed to the dance floor and rocked, jumped and gyrated to their hearts' content as they cheered the band on. The mood was electric and, pretty soon, everyone was dancing (even John's 94-year-old mom was grooving like a teenager!)
Wotta night! Mabuhay to the young Aussies from Perth!*
