Filipinos aim to celebrate Halloween in traditional way

IPSWICH Filipinos and their guests are aiming to celebrate Halloween in their own traditional way, by dressing up and dancing.

Ipswich Filipino-Australian Association president Eden Rolfs said the celebration was a family tradition where food was shared, like at Christmas.

"At Halloween in the Philippines, we go to the cemetery, light candles and clean the grave," Mrs Rolfs said.

In Ipswich on November 3, the association invites families to "dazzle up", wear masks and dance through the night at a masquerade

The $10 entry fee will be used to send a poor but deserving student to a vocational or technical college for one to two years in the Philippines.

"It will be a great way to express our concern to those in need, particularly for students from less fortunate families," Mrs Rolfs said.

"I was a high school teacher in the Philippines. There's no help from the government.

"We're going to educate one child, which is a start.

"We are also going to donate for children with cancer in Australia."

Children are welcome to attend the masquerade at the Uniting Church Hall (on the corner Glebe Rd and Green St, Booval).

A costume competition offers cash prizes.

For bookings, phone Mrs Rolfs on 3201 5840.