The Japanese may have invented karaoke, another word for sing-along, but Filipinos have whole-heartedly adopted it into their lives.

In Melbourne, Filipino migrants have extended the sing-along beyond the four walls of their homes.

Thanks to restaurateur Oliver Macasero, Filipinos have made Centro Karaoke Bar & Bistro in Footscray the place to go for sing-along nights.

Filipino-style karaoke is sing-along with a twist. Definitely, food and drinks should be available and of course, a floor for people to dance while they sing.

Centro, however, has another attraction.

“...ours is different because with us we have the stage itself where the performer is going to perform on the stage and we have a little bit space for the dancing,” said Macasero.
 
Filipinos love to sing in front of a crowd and one karaoke aficionado who has been frequenting Centro since its inception in November of 2006 is Willie Obien.

“Nalilibang ako. Just to have a break after working five days a week. Para medyo malibangan tayo. Well sa bahay ako lang nakakarinig sa sarili ko dito at least may audience,” Obien said. Carmela Sison, ABS-CBN Australia News Bureau