Residents of a Dorset dementia care home enjoyed a taste of Filipino culture at a vibrant community fiesta.
A party from Colten Care’s Fernhill in Longham near Bournemouth travelled to the town’s King’s Park to join in the fun.
Accompanied by care team members, they sampled Asian street food, watched dance performances and took in a sense of the music, traditions, cuisine and costumes of the Philippines.
The Filipino Barrio Fiesta, organised by members of the Asian country’s ex-patriot community, is designed as a neighbourhood celebration similar to those held back home.
A series of fiestas has been staged in towns and cities across the UK this summer marking the 126th anniversary of the Philippines’ declaration of independence from Spain in 1898.
Thanking care staff for organising the trip, Kiki Tormey, one of three Fernhill residents who went along to say ‘Mabuhay’, translated as ‘Hello’ in English, said: “It was wonderful, everything was so vivid. I felt real energy surrounding me. I had a marvellous time.”
The visit was an opportunity for Colten Care team members who come from the Philippines to share something of their culture.
Fernhill Companionship Team member Miezy Reynolds joined friends and fellow performers to demonstrate a traditional Sinulog dance from her native province of Cebu.
The Fernhill party had a picnic at the celebration with staff members from Colten Care’s Poole homes Canford Chase, The Aldbury and Bourne View, and the Ferndown home Amberwood House.
Miezy’s Fernhill colleague Evie P. Thorburn said: “They included nurses and clinical staff, Companionship Team leaders, care workers and domestic staff. Some of them were Filipino, others from different countries. We gathered together for our picnic and enjoyed each other’s company.”
Evie added: “It was a joy to enable our residents to appreciate cultural diversity, witness the beautiful costumes of the Filipino community and enjoy the wonderful aromas from the surrounding food stalls. All our senses were awakened.
“As well as trying some Asian street food, our residents were tapping their feet and hands to the music. June Welford was brave enough to dance by the stage with companion Miezy, and she was fantastic! We already knew that June loves to dance.
“As companions we feel proud and privileged to have given our residents this happy experience.”
