Community group pays tribute to (L-R) Daisy Cummings, Josie Pilao, Rosalina Garcia and Rosa Santos Urqueza. [Photo: Gerri Musa] - /Click to zoom in

A multi-faceted post-Mother’s Day event, the Tribute to Mama and Nana 2013, was held last Sunday, May 19 at the Blacktown Workers Club.

“The occasion aimed firstly to recognise the great contributions of all the mothers, give them a night of inspirational experience and great entertainment, and help raise funds towards the library project in the Bicol region,” said event organiser Josie Musa.

Highlight of the program was the announcement and recognition of all who were nominated for the Mother’s and Grandmother’s awards.

The nominees for Mother’s awards were Lita Alido, Cora Bojarski, , Daisy Cummings, Eleanor Lago, Cora Perez, Josie Pilao, Totaide and Maria Wason. The finalists were Lita Alido, Cora Bojarski, Daisy Cummings, Cora Perez and Josie Pilao.

For the Grandmother’s awards, the nominees were Edith Chung, Mary Duado, Rosalina Garcia, Leonila Palad, Isabel Crame-Pimentel, Edna Sote and Rosa Santos Urqueza. The finalists were Edith Chung, Rosalina Garcia and Rosa Santos Urqueza.

The winners were selected based on the submission of those who nominated them outlining in no more than 150 words on why the nominee was a special mother/grandmother.

Four winners were selected, two from each category. The winners were Josie Pilao (Mother of the Year), Daisy Cummings (Outstanding Mother), Rosa Santos Urqueza (Grandmother of the Year), and Rosalina Garcia (Outstanding Grandmother).

Organiser Josie Musa who also spearheaded the library project opened the event with a warm welcome message highlighting that everyone’s attendance was in itself their contribution to the project, and at the same time paying tribute to the mothers and grandmothers.

Special guests Blacktown City Councillor Jess Diaz representing the Mayor of Blacktown and Councillor Jacquieline Donaldson both shared their thoughts on the great role that mothers do for the family and society.

Atty Lolita Farmer, OAM was the Inspiration speaker. Others who gave a short talk on the importance of mothers and grandmothers included Alliance of Philippine Community Organisations president Jhun Salazar and Philippine Community Council-NSW president Elsa Collado, and Gawad Kalinga Young Ambassador for 2009 Reianne Urqueza.

FLAGCOM’s Albert Prias was in charge of the overall direction and managing of the entertainment side of the event. Michelle Baltazar and Charles Chan were emcees who put to good use their broadcasting talent and wit to the delight of the audience, especially when there were technical glitches and lapses.

The winners with the organising and production team members (L-R): Maria Reyes, Nilda Carpo, Marile Bomediano, Charles Chan, Ramon Carpo, Albert Prias, Rudy Reyes, Michelle Baltazar, and Josie Musa. Gerri Musa not in picture. [Photo: Gerri Musa] /Click to zoom in

Sharing their talents for the success of the event were (in order of appearance) Linda Trinidad and Brian Lorenz [duets and solo numbers], Jicko Manoloto and James [duet], Rica Sey [interpretative dancing], Isla Pacifica Dance Troupe, Maharlika Dancers, Gilda Pagaduan, Mindanao Ethnic Dance Group [Emma Braceros, Emylee Tuzon, Diane Ford, Mely Connelly and Victor Valdez, who also did a song]; Aurelio Tagnipez (considered by many as the Filipino community’s “Elvis Presley”), and Sabrina Andales, a St George Hall of Fame ballet winner, with her jazz ballet performance.

After the close of the program of entertainment, people took to the floor and enjoyed dancing for the rest of the evening. They also enjoyed sharing a beautiful three-layered Mother’s Day pink cake.

The event was produced and hosted by Radio Adhika Filipino Program’s Josie and Gerri Musa in collaboration with Radio Dalisay’s Nilda and Mon Carpo, Radio Agila’s Marili Bomediano and Eric Maliwat, Maharlika Inc, and FLAGCOM & Friends.

Ernest Aaron and brother Andrew in Auburn Colours Festival.

Ernest Aaron, a young Filipino Australian artist of Quakers Hill, has recently mounted his new paintings at the Peacock Gallery inside the Auburn Botanic Gardens.

Together with Elena Redaelli, a visiting Italian artist in residence at the Auburn Arts Studio, their joint exhibition is on display May 4 – 26.

Both artists will also feature in the Auburn Colours Festival this coming weekend, May 25-26.

Ernest’s paintings are mostly in black and white patterns that create optical fields. Some mimic contrasty photographic pictures. The works explore the dynamics of visual perceptions hence Ernest called this exhibition “Perceptual Fields”.

The works of Elena Redaelli, on the other hand, demonstrate the artist’s dexterity in using scissors, paste and paper to create realistic looking plants, flowers and animals. She also used handlooms to weave various styles of hammock, webbings and nets that make up her garden fantasy.

On Saturday, May 25, Elena will lead a web weaving art activity at the Peacock Gallery. The following day – the last day of the festival – Ernest and his brother, Andrew, will stage a sound performance also at the Peacock Gallery.

In addition to Elena and Ernest, this year’s Auburn Colours Festival will also feature other artists including Nadir Ali on Dambura (traditional instrument from Afghanistan), the Oriental Dance Troupe, the Auburn and Newington Community Choirs, the Australian Turkish Music Ensemble, El Duende Flamenco Dance Group, and Duck River Band.

Ernest with Cen Amores and parents, Ernesto and Aurora Aaron

The Auburn City Council has described the gardens, located at the corner of Chisholm and Chiswick roads in Auburn, as “the jewel of the west, a hidden treasure, secretly lying in the backstreets of suburban Auburn.”

The festival’s annual attraction, the Japanese cherry blossom trees, will be in full bloom about the time of the festival. A FREE shuttle bus will run in a loop from Auburn Station, Lidcombe station and the Auburn Botanic Gardens from 10.30-4pm. / With reporting and photos by Ruben F. Amores & TFA News.

Salming Cup Oceania Club champions Sydney Uni HC

Sydney Uni Handball Club this afternoon consolidated its wins against Auckland Region Handball to retain the Oceania Club champions title and represent – for the second time – the region in the 2013 IHC Super Globe tournament in Qatar this August/September.

This afternoon’s match was almost a repeat of yesterday’s game – with 5 goals difference, 26-21. Yesterday’s result was 25-20 giving Sydney 10 goals margin in the two-day two-game series.

Sydney Uni led 12-7 at half-time.

Sydney Uni Handball Club: Martin Petersen, Pascal Winkler, Thomas Gertstch, Stephane Blaise, Sagi Libermann, Konstantin Seemann, Silvio Alvim, Krisztian Fodor, Jonathan Lennstrom, Arnaud Delhon-Bugard, Tomasz Szklarski, Diego Llorente, Christophe Landreau, Sebastien Traverso, Michael Thomas, Richard Thevenot, and Philipp Enders (Coach).

Auckland Region Handball: Alexander Wefers, Yoshihito Watanabe, James Nixon, Gaston Fuso, Neto Cazuma, Jim Hunter, Oliver Swarovsky, Rene Olmos, Predrag Mijatovic, Christoph Scholl, Bernhard Klintworth, Sophorl Lam, Nicholas Potter, Norbert Hanauer, Gasto Fuso (Coach), Pedrag Mijatovic (Asst Coach), and Alexander Wefers (Manager).

*** Photos: The Filipino Australian

Game One of 2013 Super Globe qualifier, Sports Hall - Sydney Olympic Park

Game One in yesterday’s series for the Oceania Club champion title and the qualifier for the 2013 Super Globe saw Sydney University HC winning over Auckland RH by 5 points.

Game Two will be played at 12.30pm today. Entry is free. This is an opportunity to watch high level handball without having to go overseas.

The result of Game One in yesterday’s qualifier -

Half Time – Sydney University HC 10 : Auckland RH 9
Full Time – Sydney University HC 25 : Auckland RH 20

Sydney University HC currently holds the Oceania Club champions title.

The winner be determined by on goal difference. Auckland RK has to win today’s game with at least six points margin to overhaul yesterday’s loss and win the series.

The 2013 IHF Super Globe championships will be held in Qatar at the end of August.

A scene in Aawitan Kita which was staged in Sydney few years ago with Armida Siguion-Reyna who popularised Aawitan Kita (a Philippine TV program) with traditional Filipino songs, kundiman. [TFA photo]

Dubbed “Back 2 Our Roots“, the exhibition will feature free cooking demonstrations of Filipino dishes, folk dancing workshops, music performances, film clips, Tagalog sessions and various cultural and historical exhibits. Like in any Filipino gathering, food will be served ~ courtesy of Filipino hospitality, another trademark of Filipino culture.

The cultural exhibition will be held on Saturday, June 22 at Blacktown Civic Centre’s Bowman Hall.

The event, hosted by the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church of Christ), is a celebration of the Filipino culture. It promises to provide fun and informative experiences to the community for free, most especially to the Filipino youth who have grown up in Australia.

Filipino rice cakes (puto, kutsinta, biko) in a Filipino gathering. [TFA]

Back 2 Our Roots coordinator Glenn David explains, “Growing up away from the Philippines, I know that it’s easy to lose touch or forget where you come from.

“We want to remind our young guests how amazing the Filipino culture truly is. Hopefully by the end of the event they would have learned a great deal about their heritage and of course, have had a lot of fun at the same time.”

As soon as they arrive, guests can expect to feel as though they have been transported to the streets of the Philippines, with street peddlers of Filipino treats roaming the exhibition area and certain exhibits designed to look like traditional nipa huts.

Back 2 Our Roots is part of the Kabayan Ko, Kapatid Ko Project (translated as ‘My Countrymen, My Brethren’), a global initiative launched by Iglesia members as a means of reaching out their compatriots living within their community.

Back 2 Our Roots is being staged in conjunction with the church group’s INC Giving Project’s Winter Clothing Drive.

Donations for distribution by ClothesLine Inc to disadvantaged Australians...

Castle Hill-based not-for-profit organisation Clothesline Incorporated will again co-host the clothing drive with INC Giving Project.

On June 23 last year, Clothesline and INC Project distributed winter clothes to hundreds of homeless and disadvantaged Australians.

During the Back 2 Our Roots day on June 22, Clothesline’s donation boxes will be positioned in tne entrance of Bowman Hall to receive the donation.

The combined Back 2 Our Roots and Winter clothes drive next month is the second major community service project of the Iglesia Ni Cristo in Australia.

Last February 17, over 1,000 members of the local church groups joined the Iglesia’s International Aid for Humanity, and travelled to Bundaberg in Queensland to distribute goodwill relief bags to flood victims and help in the area’s clean up activities.

The Iglesia Ni Cristo, with head office in the Philippines, was established 99 years ago and counts its membership in more than 100 countries. In Australia and Oceania, it has congregations and worship services in major capital cities including community areas. /Reporting by Riza Afenir & TFA News.

Gunned down in Quezon City...

Mr Lapuz was gunned down on May 5 at a compound he was known to own in Novaliches, Quezon City in the Philippines.

Having obtained his dual citizenship about three years ago, Mr Lapuz invested in a business in the Philippines which required him to spend some of his time in the Philippines to attend to his investment.

FMCC member Norma Hennessy, also a colleague of the deceased, informed the consultative committee members that Mr Lapuz was alleged to be still alive after he sustained two gunshot wounds, but he was rejected in three hospitals where he was brought to by someone whose identity was not given.

Relatives of Mr Lapuz in Adelaide also told Ms Hennessy that there was no reliable witness to the murder.

“There seems to be no promise of investigation into his death that was being done in Manila. His violent death seems to have been swept under the rug. His family who flew from Adelaide to Manila to attend his funeral service were encouraged to get his body cremated”, Ms Hennessy said.

Upon learning of the incident, FMCC members had informed the Philippine Consulate in South Australia, the Philippine Embassy in Canberra, the Adelaide office of Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Philippine Secretary of Justice Leila de Lima, and Australian Embassy in Manila.

FMCC members are concerned about the alleged lack of Police report of the incident.

There was no investigation into the killing, according to the deceased’s wife Vicky Lapuz, who sought the help of FMCC.

Mrs Lapuz sent Ms Hennessy a text message on the mobile phone: “Can you please assist me to report his death to the [Australian] embassy and to facilitate possible investigation of the case for me to seek justice?”

“FMCC members want the Australian Government to intervene and prevail upon the Philippine Government to protect a Filipino-Australian who has a dual citizenship,” Ms Hennessy said.

“FMCC members also ask: ‘Do we cease to be entitled to our human rights under our Australian citizenship when we are in the territory where we are dual citizens?’”

Oceania 2012 Club Champion Sydney Uni HC. [Photo: Sydney Uni Handball]

Here is your chance to watch a high level handball tournament this weekend.

The handball team to represent Oceania in the 2013 IHF Super Globe Tournament will be contested this Saturday and Sunday in a qualifier.

The IHF Super Globe qualifier will consist of two matches between Sydney Uni HC and Auckland Regional Handball to be played at the Sports Halls at Sydney Olympic Park.

The first match will be held at 6:30PM on Saturday, May 18 and the second match at 12:30PM on the following day.

Entry to the games is free.

After being the first Australian club side to represent the Oceania region at the 2012 IHF Super Globe in Doha, Qatar, Sydney Uni HC is set to host the defense of its Oceania Club Champion title. The team will host New Zealand club, Auckland Region Handball, with the winning side to take the Oceania position at the 2013 IHF Super Globe tournament in August/September this year.

Sydney Uni HC is one of Australia’s leading handball clubs. Its men’s and women’s teams consist of numerous Australian national team members as well as international students and European expats. They are currently competing in the NSW Handball League.

Contact Paul Winkler (+61 404 089 957) for more details.

L-R: Oliver Gadista, Brooke Dempsey, Ian Pearce, Rotary President Bobby Redman, Stephen Pak, Jennifer and Paul Leone, and Chris Rehn. (Front) Trent Burnett and Yanik Fernando.

In recognising Gadista, the local Rotary cited his contributions for “writing and recording music to raise monies to fund support for a wide range of disaster situations including the typhoon in the Philippines and floods in Queensland.”

The Filipino-Australian awardee and his Sweetmojo band toured Southern Luzon in 2009 to provide entertainment to Typhoon Ondoy victims. Last year, he composed songs for recording into a music CD called “One”, the proceeds of which were donated to Typhoon Washi/Sendong.

Local Rotary president Bobby Redman, Oliver Gadista, and Rotary past president Alan Jones.

There were six awards presented during the Annual Awards night, three for Community Service and three for Pride of Workmanship.

The two other awardees for Community service were Paul and Jennifer Leone who last year opened up their beautiful garden at Castle Hill to the public to assist the local Rotary to raise over $20,000 for the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children (RIDBC).

The three awardees for Pride of Workmanship were Trent Burnett, a horticulturalist at Dunrath; Brooke Dempsey, a hairdresser’s apprenticeship graduate; and local dentist Dr Stephen Pak.

Special guests during the awards presentation included District Governor John Dodd, local member for Baulkham Hills David Elliott, The Hills Shire Mayor Michelle Byrnes, and RIDBC official Chris Rehn.

Ballots being counted last night at the Philippine Consulate General. [TFA photo]

Hong Kong which has the largest overseas voters population had 28,260 voters who turned up between April 13 and yesterday at the Bayanihan Centre polling place to feed their ballot to the precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machines. Hong Kong has 83,147 registered voters.

Yesterday’s turnout was 34% compared with 41% turnout (39,419 out of 95,355 registered voters) in the 2010 presidential election.

Overseas posts with smaller voter population would most likely report a similar lower turnout.

Based on unofficial returns, Agana (Guam) had 541 ballots or 20% out of 2,744 registered voters. Sydney had 591 ballots or 20% out of 2,946 registered voters. In 2010, voter turnout in Agana and Sydney, both using postal voting, was 35% percent and 44%, respectively.

Votes counting and tallying. [TFA photo]

Overall voter turnout in 2010 was 26% from 589,830 registered voters.

For yesterday’s poll, the Comelec has reported 975,263 registered overseas voters including the over 238,000 voters who were re-enfranchised last March.

The low voter turnout was attributed to yesterday’s poll being a midterm election. Comelec officials last month however were reported to have projected a 60% turnout for overseas voting.

Ballot envelopes not being received by voters was also highlighted as another reason for the low turnout.

In Sydney, 409 ballot envelopes remained undelivered due to incomplete address. Or, voters changing their postal address without notifying the Comelec or the consulate.

If you are struggling with the correct spelling of this event which is observed every second Sunday of May, Wikipedia can help – at least as to the word’s origin.

Here is an excerpt:

In 1912, Anna Jarvis trademarked the phrases “second Sunday in May” and “Mother’s Day”, and created the Mother’s Day International Association. She specifically noted that “Mother’s” should “be a singular possessive, for each family to honour their mother, not a plural possessive commemorating all mothers in the world.” This is also the spelling used by U.S. President Woodrow Wilson in the law making official the holiday in the United States, by the U.S. Congress in relevant bills, and by various U.S. presidents in their proclamations concerning Mother’s Day.

However, Wikipedia also noted that “Mothers’ Day” (plural possessive) or “Mothers Day” (plural non-possessive) are also sometimes seen – without really saying that these two terms are incorrect.

So, it looks like it is left to the user to decide.

To us, like in other word-spelling situations, our fundamental usage rule is consistency.