The picnic is being organised by the Campbelltown’s Rizal Park Movement in conjunction with the Philippine Consulate General in Sydney.

The event is also an occasion for those who will attend to help in a fund-raising campaign for the victims of Typhoon Washi (Sendong) that severely hit Cagayan de Oro and Iligan City days before Christmas last month.

The picnic is the start of the Consulate’s activities with the community for the new year, said Consul-General Anne Jalando-on Louis.

“The Consulate plans to work even more closely with the Filipino Community in New South Wales this year on activities that will highligh the richness of Philippine history, culture and traditions as well as our strengths as a country and people,” Consul-General Louis added.

The day’s activities will begin with a eucharistic celebration to be held at the Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church located at 80 Demetrius Road, Rosemeadow, Campbelltown at 10am.

This will be followed by blessing of the Rizal Park grounds and a brief program at 11:30am, then lunch and traditional Filipino games.

The Campbelltown Rizal Park is a two-minute walk from the church.

Improvements in the Campbelltown Rizal Park had been undertaken by the Campbelltown City Council in coordination with the Rizal Park Movement.

A 5-metre Rizal statue donated by reknowned Filipino sculptor-artist Eduardo Castrillo will be installed at the conclusion of the national hero’s sesquicentennial birth anniversary in June this year.

Blacktown City Mayor, Cr. Alan Pendleton accepts the Australia Philippines Services League citation from Lucas Cayanan Jr, Chris Pilao and Dorothy del Villar, auditor, supreme commander and treasurer/operations officer of APSL, respectively.

APSL Supreme Commander Chris Pilao, treasurer Dorothy del Villar and auditor Lucas Cayanan Jr presented a plaque of appreciation to Blacktown City Mayor, Cr Alan Pendleton, who accepted the citation on behalf of the Council.

Blacktown City hosts a large number of residents from a Filipino background.

The APSL hosts the traditional Philippine Independence Day flag raising ceremony at Blacktown each June with the support of Blacktown City Council.

In 2012, the flag ceremony, program and socials will take place at Bowman Hall, Campbell Street Blacktown 10am Saturday 16 June.

Mindanao Ethnic Group members danced Katalana and Danza while Visayan Association members danced Bulaklakan. Representatives of the Filipino senior citizens led by Linda Alvarez also performed their own version of line dancing.

Left photo: Mindanao Ethnic Dance Group members posed with APCO president Cen Amores and Global Filipinos Australia chair Lolita Farmer. Seated (L-R): Emma Braceros (president and choreographer of Mindanao Ethnic Dance group, Amores, and Emylee Tuzon. Standing (L-r): Farmer, Juliet Vella, Ethel Singzon and Dian Ford.

Left photo: Visayan group dancing Bulaklakan. L-R: Juliet Vella, Judith Broad, Vivian Brewington, Dian Ford and Edna Voros, president of Visayan Association.

Left photo: Mindanao Ethnic group dancing Katalana, a lively dance performed during a barrio fiesta accessorised by the native salakot. L-R (front) Emma Braceros and Emylee Tuzon. At the back row: Dian Ford, Ethel Singzon and Juliet Vella

The groups’ participation in the festival was at the invitation of Lolita Farmer, an active parishioner of Parramatta. Other community leaders in attendance were Ruben Amores, President of Kapit-bahayan Co-operative Ltd and Cris Pilao, President of Australia Philippines Services League.

Sent by Richard J Ford JP APCO PRO

Members of ASCON’s ' Flavours of Auburn' steering committee discuss preparations for this annual event.: L to R: Fatma Mohamad of the Somali Women’s Association; Dr Cen Amores of the Alliance of Philippine Community Organisations; Bala Balendra of the Tamil Society; Jay and Srini of the Sri Om Foundation and Adama Kamara, Community Development Worker of Auburn City Council. Not in photo: Photographer Ruben Amores of Kapit-bahayan Co-operative Ltd.

Filipino food will again be among the various ethnic and traditional food from the many cultural communities to be presented for tasting at the yearly ‘Flavours of Auburn’ food festival that is part of the month-long Sydney International Food Festival in October.

The Flavours of Auburn will be held at the Auburn Town Hall, 1 Susan Street, Auburn on Saturday, 29 October from 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm.

In the recent Steering Committee meeting for the ‘Flavours of Auburn’ organised by the Auburn Small Community Organisation Network held at the Auburn Centre for Community, Alliance of Philippine Communtiy Organisations and Kapit-bahayan Cooperative Ltd both representing the Filipino-Australian community in ASCON are in charge of the Cultural Program.

Dr Cen Amores, APCO president will emcee the program and the Mindanao Ethnic Dance Group, the alliance’s cultural arm, will present two authentic Filipino folk dances, Subli and Binoyugan. Filipino Australian singer and dancer extraordinaire Brian Lorenz Babon will participate as a guest performer.

ASCON is a network of about 20 small and emerging community organisations operating within the Auburn LGA. It was established in September 2007 with the aim of providing a vehicle for member organisations’ growth, development and a sense of belonging. It also acts as a forum for peer support for community leaders and volunteers to provide services to their respective communities. Ruben Amores of Kapit-bahayan Coop was the founding chair.

The ‘Flavours of Auburn’ is an initiative of ASCON held annually as a part of the Sydney Food Festival. It showcases authentic cuisines from various countries that are not always available in commercial eateries and restaurants. It also features a variety of cultural presentations meant to entertain the guests while they are sampling unique dishes. This project of ASCON highlights how collaboration among voluntary organisations can
contribute to a socially cohesive and harmonious multicultural community.

Sent by: Richard J Ford JP APCO PRO

Knights Cup Golf champion, Obet Bolina (2nd from right) after receiving his trophies and cash prize from Sir Philip Ranoso (far left) Knight Commander, Sir Ralph Posadas, (2nd from left) Pursuivant and golf tournament chairman, whilst Sir Ric de Vera (far right) Regional Commander for ANZO looks on.

Obet Bolina of Oakhurst took the overall championship title of the 13th Knights Cup golf day held at Fairfield Golf Course on Sunday, July 31, coordinated by the Order of the Knights of Rizal, Sydney Chapter.

Obet scored stunning 49 stableford points using his Fil-Oz handicap of 23 and ran away with $300 plus monumental trophy and the right to engrave his name in the perpetual trophy. “It was just one of those unpredictable days that everything went the right way” said the very happy Obet.

Division winners were Karl Fifita (A Div) for his 45 points, Mannix Gonzales (B Div) for his 48 points and Gert Ebing (C Div) for his 43 points.

Knights Cup Golf Division champions (L-R holding trophies) Gert Ebbing (C Div), Mannix Gonzales (B Div) and Karl Fifita (A Div) after receiving their trophies and cash prizes from Sir Philip Ranoso (far left) Knight Commander. Looking on are Sir Max Encomienda, Sir Boy delos Santos and Sir Ralph Posadas (3rd, 2nd and far right) Committee members.

All division winners received $100 each in cash and trophy. Division runners-up were Carlos Perez for “A” Div (44 points), Chris Sitchon for “B” Div (46 points) and Alex Cruz for “C” Div (42 points). All runners up received $75 each for their 2nd best rank in their respective divisions.

Best lady golfer with score of 40 points using her 13 AGU handicap was Prescila Keogh of Avondale Golf Club. She received $75 and a trophy as her prize. Runner up was Laura Marquinez who scored 37 points using her 36 handicap from Pogi golf.

Feature winners were also given cash prizes of $25 each. These were the nearest the pins on hole no. 1 (Rey Saballa), hole no. 9 (Mark Webb) and hole no. 12 (Mannix Gonzales). Drive & pitch on hole no. 13 was taken by Chris Sitchon and longest drive on hole no. 11 was won by James Fatu.

For the first time, a record number of 62 golfers participated and battled for the cash prizes while enjoying the perfect weather.

Participants were given bottled water and sandwiches at midway courtesy of Francis delos Santos. After the tournament, a sumptuous BBQ lunch of angus beef with various gourmet sausages, buttered rolls, vegetable salads, desserts and soft drinks was served.

During the awards presentation, the golfers were warmly welcomed and sponsors were thanked by Chapter Commander Sir Philip Ranoso.

With Federal Member for Chifley Ed Husic, fourth from left, at the Long Tan dinner were T. Oliva, R. Opilas, Chris & Josie Pilao, D. del Villar, N. Oliva and E. Opilas. Photo: APSL photo

The Australia Philippines Services League (APSL) joined Rooty Hill RSL August 20 to mark key events in Australia’s military history, confirming its role of engaging with mainstream activities.

Rooty Hill RSL, with which APSL is affiliated, observed three milestones, namely, 45 years since the Battle of Long Tan, 35 years since the foundation of Rooty Hill & District Naval Association of Australia (NAA), and 100 years since the birth of the Australian Royal Navy.

APSL Supreme Commander Col Chris Pilao said that ‘attending these commemorative events establishes our presence and shows respect to important highlights in Australia’s military history’.

“Our participation reinforces the Rooty Hill RSL motto of ‘Each for All, All for Each’,” he added.

The Battle of Long Tan, one of the fiercest encounters that left 18 Australians dead and 25 wounded, took place August 18, 1966 in a rubber plantation near the 1st Australian Task Force (1ATF) base located at Nui Dat in Vietnam.

About 100 Australian troops, fighting in torrential rain and low visibility and aided by communications technology available then, repelled over 2,000 enemy fighters who planned to attack and destroy the base.

2011 also marks 100 years since King George V approved on July 10, 1911 Australia’s request to have the ‘Royal’ prefix attached to the Navy’s title to reflect its responsibility of defending Australia’s maritime interests and contributing to regional defence.

Ray Charles sings “Georgia On My Mind”, but MPC plays on my mind.

MPC is the ‘multi purpose centre’, intended to be a place that members of the Filipino-Australian community in Sydney can call their own.

But how long has it been now since the project started? Twenty years? And in those years, it has been on my mind, especially when I see Filipino MPCs in my overseas trips. And I keep on asking, perhaps like many in the community, what’s happening to the project?

From what I have gathered in the past, the project was an initiative spearheaded by the Filipino Catholic Organisations (FILCOS) oversighted by Fr Renato Paras. A 2400 sq.m block of land was purchased in Abrahams Street, Rooty Hill in 1990. I remember the great excitement in the Filipino-Australian community when the property was bought.

Organisations and individuals were happy to participate in providing financial support to have the planned facility completed. There were one-off donations as well as pledges of monthly donations. My organisation, North Shore Filipino-Australian Association for one, made its small contribution.

Over the years, activities arranged by the MPC Board, such as masses, Carols by Candlelight, Lent season ceremonies, flag raising and others, were held in the Rooty Hill premises. But the envisioned building remained incomplete, and a vision to be realised – with not enough finances to pull it through.

Move to new location

In 2007 the MPC Board opted to sell the Rooty Hill property and buy a large tract of land. So after selling the Rooty Hill property and the completion of settlement of the new purchase, the MPC “moved home” to Grange Avenue, Schofields in 2008. The move was also coupled with a name change to “Philippine-Australian Cultural Centre”. I am sure this decision would not have been taken lightly, but I am not sure though if the community has been fully informed of the reason behind this move.

Since the move to Schofields, I have received invitations to attend events in the new location. Unfortunately, the dates either clashed with prior commitments or I was away on a trip.

Recently, I finally accepted an invitation from Luz Tiqui, Board member and appointed CEO, to visit the new centre. I have also asked members of the Filipino Press group of Sydney to visit with me, if they are able to do so.

Prior to my visit, Luz sent me a backgrounder, a copy of an old issue of PACC’s newsletter.

“The Cultural Centre will be built on premises situated on a 5.5 acre (22,258 sq.metres) lot. When the block was acquired on 28 March 2008 for $1.15M, it included a three-bedroom house, garage, utility and cool rooms and shed.

“Since then, the bedrooms had been converted into offices, the garage into a meeting room, and the kitchen and bathroom tidied up. The dilapidated shed and cool room were demolished and the block cleared of overgrown grass and shrubbery. Members of the community were generous with their time and help in the clean-up project.”

Last Saturday August 13, a very sunny day, my 92-year old mother and I went on an ‘excursion’ and drove to Schofields. I was glad that Romy Cayabyab was there.

Impressions and informal discussions

I must admit that the “vastness” of the ground area is quite impressive, especially when comparing it with the previous property. Although of course at the moment, there is only a modest house-turned ‘interim’ PACC on it. I also noted that right across the PACC is a sprawling Seventh Day Adventist Reform Movement place of worship.

The more than 2 hectare Schofields property

The Seventh Day Adventist Reform Movement building in front of the PACC property

Anyway, after sharing a cuppa and bicho-bicho and group prayer, we had an informal chat about the PACC. With Luz were Ed Yunon (Legal Officer), Larry Muldong (Honorary Board member) and Vince Flores (Maintenance Section).

I wish to share my notes of the responses of Luz and company to Romy’s and my queries during the discussion. The discussion was no means exhaustive. More information may even come out in an upcoming presscon which I understand is being organised by the PACC Board.

* Project is taking a long time to complete as the financial support from the community did not reach the level hoped for;

* One of the requirements of the bank loan for the initial purchase was to have a permanent governance for the project, hence a permanent board was formed;

* There is a total of $700,000 debt ($400,000 mortgage with a finance company, $200,000 and $100,000 separate loans to two individuals). To rely mainly on pledges as a source of funds will take a long time to pay off the debt, hence other fund raising initiatives will need to be undertaken. One of these is a concert scheduled in two months time. With the area being rezoned by Council, the option of selling part of the land could also be considered;

* PACC invites all organisations to be involved; the Philippine Community Council (PCC) was made part of the Board at the instigation of Mrs Zenaida Angara Collinson, previous Consul General in Sydney, who helped raised funds for the MPC. PACC maintains its ‘open door’ policy and has also welcomed the involvement of the Alliance of Philippine Community Organisations (APCO) which has actively participated in recent events;

* Filipino-Australian community organisations are welcome to use the premises, subject to availability; free of charge, with donations being welcomed. A more formal booking system with appropriate charges will be established for the planned building;

* With regard to the risks associated with the area being flood-prone, it was explained that the only time that the road was submerged in water was in 1978. This was not caused by heavy rainfall but with water being released from Warragamba Dam at an incorrect level and without warning to residents. Meetings with the technical people in the Council assured the PACC Board that it would be alright to erect the type of building they have in mind;

* The State has included Schofields as part of the Sydney Growth Area; the area is earmarked for 9,000 proposed homes; improvement of the train station and the link of nearby road to M7; also a golf course is being proposed by other parties in the area.

PACC temporary offices and community hall

Moving forward

I remember that when I was new in Sydney in mid 70′s a family friend’s home was located in Penrith. The family suffered friendly jibes about them being out in the sticks and in Sydney’s “Timbuktu”. Nowadays Penrith is a vibrant and progressive region which boasts of modern shopping centres and facilities for the community, not to forget being one of the 2000 Olympic venues.

So I can’t help but feel some excitement over what the PACC could be when it is finished. For this to happen there is obviously a lot of work to be tackled.

First and foremost, the PACC Board members must re-earn the community’s trust and confidence to partner them to realise this common dream. The Board can also look into expanding PACC’s base so that no sector in the Filipino Australian community will feel “marginalised”. It must also clear doubts and reinforce the Board’s transparency, be happy to account for past actions, and should support their goals with sustainable, realistic and time-lined action plans.

On the same token, the community must do its part too. It is important to acknowledge that the PACC Board members are unpaid volunteers who take time out from being with their families and friends to perform their roles. And on this note, we certainly appreciate the time Luz, Ed, Larry and Vince have shared with us, when they could have been enjoying the lovely Saturday morning doing other things.

L-R: Vince Flores, Ed Yunon, Larry Muldong, Violi Calvert, and Luz Tiqui

Together in the true bayanihan spirit, the Filipino-Australian community and the PACC Board could make a common dream come true, to have a hub of Fiipino community events. When that time comes, we could happily play Ray Charles’ song “Let the Good Times Roll”! *** Report prepared in collaboration with Romy Cayabyab

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Violi Calvert is a free lance writer; Media & PR of the Australian Handball Federation (www.handballaustralia.org.au); Media & PR of the Nenad Bach Music (Australia & Asia – www.nenadbachband.com)

Marilag dancers in one of their performances

Preparations for the Filipino Night at the Austrian Club show August 13 are in full swing, the organising Ilocano Association of Australia announced today.

The show will feature two Filipino Australian community popular entertainers, Lillian delos Reyes and Albert Prias, and the special participation of the Marilag and Company dancers.

Lillian delos Reyes (third from right) with PCC officers /Photo: TFA

The Marilag dancers have performed in various multicultural community celebrations in Sydney including the Eurofest in the past three years.

“The dance ensemble will portray in songs, dances and music the visions of every Filipino and the legacy of their colonizers – from the pre-Spanish and non-Christian Philippine cultures including the legend of the first Filipino man and woman Malakas at Maganda (Strong and Beautiful), and the many native traditions derived from the Malay Polynesian people and Philippine indigenous cultures such as those of the Cordilleras,” the IAA announcement added.

Albert Prias (white pants) in his FLAGCOM performance last Feb 26 /Photo: Violi Calvert

“The show will also showcase the influence of four centuries of Spanish colonization on Philippine folk and traditional music and dances in the Spanish jota (waltz) and Manton de Manila, a dance woven around the Manton (shawl), an adornment for Filipino women that were brought to Spain in the 19th century as a result of the galleon trade.

“Other influences from the first Chinese traders who sailed to the Philippines aeons ago and the Japanese who occupied the country in the 1940s, now gleaned in popular Asian cuisine, market, and trading products, will also be interpreted by the Marilags in a special dance number accompanied by Filipino music.

“The elegant and energetic Lillian delos Reyes and dynamic Albert Prias will then portray the segment of Philippine culture when American reigned in the Philippines from 1898 until 1946. This is the part of Philippine history when English became a second language and US pop culture dominated the Philippine way of life from fast-food to music, and from fashion to electronic media.”

Members and friends of the Ilocano Association are all looking forward to the Filipino Night at the Austrian Club show as the evening is also the association’s way of celebrating its 21st anniversary.

Bookings and information: Hilde on 9399-3554 / Liz on 9975-3172 / Cita 9981-4424. Admission fee: $18 for members, and $20 for non-members.

Jose Rizal painting by Daisy Ann Cumming now hanging inside Bulwagang Rizal at the Sydney Philippine Consulate

The Philippine Consulate General Sydney played host last Sunday afternoon (June 19) to a symposium organised by the Order of the Knights of Rizal Sydney Chapter to commemorate the sesquicentennial birth anniversary of the Philippine national hero, Dr Jose Rizal.

The symposium held fittingly at the Consulate’s Bulwagang Rizal had “Rizal: Haligi ng Bayan” (Rizal: Pillar of the Nation) as its main topic. Consul General Anne Jalando-on Louis was the principal symposium speaker.

In her talk, Consul General Louis admonished everyone to heed Rizal’s message to all Filipinos that “we should be proud of our identity. He exemplified virtues of honesty, integrity, patriotism and peace. It is up to us to continue his aspirations and legacies.”

Prior to the symposium, the Order of the Knights of Rizal also conducted a dubbing ceremony to admit to the Order two new members, Romeo Cayabyab and Adrian Santos, and elevating to the next rank five other current members.

The occasion also witnessed the turn-over of two historical items and a painting for the Consulate’s Rizaliana repository.

* Ms Lolita Farmer OAM turned over to Mr Philip Ranoso, Commander of the Order of the Knights of Rizal Sydney Chapter, a plaque presented by the Order in 1982 to Mr Doug Sutherland, honorary member of the Order of the Knights of Rizal, then Lord Mayor of the City of Sydney. The plaque was given to Ms Farmer for safekeeping when the City Council building was renovated a few years ago. In last Sunday’s ceremony, Mr Ranoso, on behalf of the Order, in turn handed over the Sutherland plaque to the Philippine Consulate to form part of the Rizaliana memorabilia;

* Mr Ric de Vera, Regional Commander of the Order of the Knights of Rizal – Australia and Oceania, turned over his personal collection of a 1902 Tagalog translation of “Noli Me Tangere”.

* Ms Daisy Ann Cumming, artist-painter, handed over her oil painting of Jose Rizal.

“The turn-over was also very symbolic,” said Mr de Vera, adding that the turn-over also reflects the Order’s motto ‘Non Omnis Moriar’ or ‘Not all of me will die’.

The Order of the Knights of Rizal is a civic, patriotic and cultural, non-sectarian, non-partisan, and non-racial organisation chartered under Philippine Republic Act 646.

More symposium photos…

Filipino community in Australia's capital capped celebration with an Independence Ball

Philippine Embassy Charge d’ Affaires Mary Anne A. Padua and other officers and staff of the Philippine Embassy joined the annual Independence Day Ball organised by the Filipino Community Council of ACT (FCCACT) last Saturday, June 18 at the Corrina Ballroom of the Southern Cross Club in Woden.

In her message, Ms Padua said that the “sacrifices of our national heroes have allowed subsequent generations to pursue their dreams” and laud the “substantial achievements of Filipino communities abroad echoing that of our forefathers”.

Guests who attended the annual Ball were welcomed by the Rondanihan rondalla group led by its Musical Director Camille Tagaza. The program started with the singing of both the Australian and Philippine national anthems played on the piano by Hildegarde Palafox-Mendoza.

FCCACT President Perlita Swinbank welcomed more than 350 guests who attended the Ball and thanked the Executive Committee and their families for supporting the 6th Philippine Independence Day Ball.

Mr Steve Doszpot, Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Member of Legislative Assembly Canberra, delivered his message on behalf of the Australian government and hailed the Filipino community for their contribution to Australian society. He also supported FCCACT’s objective to “foster cooperation, friendship, and unity”.

Guests were entertained with traditional Filipino muslim and tinikling dance presentations. Youth and Project Beats displayed their hiphop dancing prowess. Singers Marilyn Mendez, Marilyn Escamis and Dianne Emalay delighted the audience with popular tunes.

The winner of the Best Stall at 7th Pasko sa Canberra and Mutya ng Kalayaan 2011 Patricia Ryan, daughter of Philip and Judy Ryan, were presented. Emcees Hannah Albarece and Hardy Vargas also announced the winners of the President’s Belle of the Ball, Best in National Costume and Best in Contemporary Gown. Raffle prizes were also drawn.

This year’s Philippine Independence Day Ball was organised by FCCACT’s board of directors which includes Ian Bull, vice president internal of Rondanihan; Cecilia Flores, vice-president external of Sampaguita Ladies; Elizabeth Garrett, secretary and public officer of the ACT Filipino Association; Modesto Umali, assistant secretary of the Filcom Sports Club; Norman Kalagayan, treasurer and from the Filipino Christian Fellowship; Dina Ivakovic, youth director of the FilOz Youth; Sorin Clenci, director of the Pinoy Football Aid; Ariel Pattugalan, immediate past president of Filcom Sports Club; and Volet Carolan, internal auditor and associate member.

Filipino Communities Council of Australia president Marisa Vedar in her message urged Filipinos in Australia to unite and show that they are “significant contributors both to the Filipino community and mainstream Australia”.