PCC-NSW oathtaking February 24, 2011 at the Philippine Consulate Sydney. Shown also on photo are Board members Serna Ladia (4th from left), Arturo Sayas (3rd from right), and outgoing president Marivic Manalo (2nd from right) // Photo: TFA [click image to zoom in]

Two current Board members of the Philippine Community Council – NSW, Serna Ladia and Arturo Sayas, will contest the association’s top post in Saturday’s (February 11) elections.

The Filipino Australian last night contacted both candidates by email to issue their pre-election statements.

The candidates were asked what they each think is the present biggest challenge facing the Filipino Australian community in New South Wales and if elected, how they plan to address the challenge.

The elections will follow an Annual General Meeting to be held at 1.00pm tomorrow, February 11 at the Imperial Hall, Blacktown Showground along Richmond Road, Blacktown.

Community leader and PCC-NSW 2003 president Malyn Chun is the returning officer.

PCC-NSW is the peak body of 55 other affiliated community organisations spread across the state.

In her induction address last year, outgoing president Marivic Manalo committed to “strengthen and empower affiliates by involving them in PCC projects.”

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.

Consul General Louis (seated, second from left) and Education Sec. Armin Luistro (seated, fourth from left) with other education officials and some forum participants //Photo: Violi Calvert

The campaign’s mission translated in the Filipino language is: 10 piso, 10 buwan, 10 libong silid-aralan! The Forum was attended by more than 60 Filipino-Australian community leaders and members of the Filipino-Australian media.

The guest speakers at the Forum were the Secretary of Education Armin Luistro, Commission on Higher Education Chairperson Patricia Licuanan, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Deputy Director General Teodoro Pascua, Department of Education Assistant Secretary Jesus Mateo, and Ms. Lotus Postrado, Project Development Officer and Evaluation Division and Desk Officer – International Cooperation Office, Department of Education.

Consul-General Anne Jalando-on Louis welcomed and thanked everyone for attending the forum. She extended special welcome to the Philippine delegation and expressed her optimism that the Filipino-Australian community would give its support to the campaign which will benefit thousands of school children.

First to speak was Mr Pascua who set the scene for his message by referring to the Greek words “chronos” meaning time and “kyros” meaning now which can not be stopped. Mr Pascua emphasised the time for the change in the development in education and the time for Filipinos to be involved in effecting the change is now. He injected a good sense of humour in reinforcing his message. He spoke of the Filipinos being everywhere in the world; he does not consider them to be “in exile” rather they are a part of a ‘grand conspiracy’ – for Filipinos to take over the world.

Dr Patricia Licuanan highlighted the key results that CHED is working towards: the rationalisation of higher education by reviewing the existence of 110 universities and 400 nursing schools with the aim of making them to be more effective and efficient; improvement of the quality of education as while there are pockets of excellence, there exists mediocrity that needs to be addressed; expanding access to quality education by the poor; improving transparency in the system.

Secretary Luistro shared with the group that he was vocal against the past administration and now he has been given the opportunity to put into place initiatives which he believed should have been undertaken to benefit the young people. He explained his belief that education is about investing on the country’s real resource which is its people. He also emphasised that with the latest initiative, it is not the aim to engage the rich and famous, rather it is to sign up and engage 2 million Filipinos. He firmly believes that “as one, we can work together to achieve any goals”.

After the talks by the Philippine delegation, a Question and Answer session was held. The questions related to costing of the classrooms, transparency, role of Ayala Foundation and issues relating to public-private-partnership (PPP).

The delegation received pledges from the Filipino community associations present. The first to pledge was the Australian Philippine Association Illawarra Inc. The other pledges received that night were from the Philippine Community Council – NSW, Atoy and Tess Sayas, Nenita Weekes and Primitiva Cruz West. The representative of BPI, Rey Manoto, announced that the fee for telegraphic transfer to BPI account for the campaign will be waived.

Consul General Louis advised the group that a media release will be issued to detail the mechanism on how individuals and organisations based in Australia could make their donation which is set at $10 per month.

Sikat II team members in ritual dip // Photo by Lorenzo Mendoza

It was past 2pm Saturday, October 22 when the Philippines’ Sikat II of the World Solar Challenge made its way into the Victoria Square ceremonial finish line.

A contingent of Filipino community members in Adelaide and other supporters trooped to welcome the solar paneled Sikat II and the accompanying team as they approached the entrance from King William Street. An Official Philippine flag was held up high by two of the welcomers. Others waved flaglets.

“We made it!”

It was a statement caught in a euphoric moment. Everyone – arrivals and greeters – cheered.

The essence of having done the feat would not have been complete without the team members having taken the World Solar Challenge Ceremonial Finish Dip in the pool of water around the fountain.

The fountain is called ‘Fountain of Three Rivers’ and is located at the center of Victoria Square.

Following the lead of earlier finishers, the team members hurriedly emptied out their pockets of their wallets, gizmos and personal paraphernalia then jumped into the water. They took the Philippine flag and raised it over one of the fountain statues that has already been adorned with markers from earlier teams.

The World Solar Challenge is a showcase of an ongoing development of advanced automotive technology that promoted alternatives to conventional vehicle engines.

Solar car tests today probe the ultimate boundaries of energy efficiency and provide insights into everyday vehicle technology.

The World Solar Challenge was started in 1982 by solar pioneer Hans Tholstrup whose quest for solar energy saw him drive a home-built solar Quiet Achiever across Australia from North to South.

The solar panels utilised to draw out the most efficient electric vehicles possible are no more than six square meters.

Photos by Lorenzo Mendoza

Every two years teams from institutes all over the world come together to Australia to test and promote the “ultimate synergy of nature, motion and innovation”.

Sikat II was an ‘evolved’ version of Sinag I – the previous Philippine solar paneled vehicle to be in Australia’s biennial World Solar Panel Challenge.

In both vehicles, the driver was cocooned in that narrow – suffocating space around which the solar panel spread out to a wide span. There were three designated drivers to alternate.

The race kicked off from Darwin the other Sunday October 16 for a 3,021 kilometer race over Australia’s desert terrain. It is a race across the heart of Australia, referred by one Solar Panel Challenge team blog writer as a “hellish land where the only thing scarcer than water is a decent internet connection.”

But while other teams considered the race over the arid centre of Adelaide ‘gruelling’, the Pinoy team arrived at the Victoria Square from their obligatory stop at the Torrens Parade Grounds 500 meters down King William Road from the Park in high spirits.

A fair bit of drama during the second day held back the lead teams when bush fires raged in Tennant Creek and the Stuart Highway had to be closed to traffic.

Through the race, there were control points where a mandatory stop was part of the race rules.

In all these stops, the team was cheered, met and supported by a contingent of Filipino residents of the area.

Ramon Agustines, team manager and Philippine Solar Car Challenge Society’s delegate who drove the lead car for Sikat II was most impressed.

He spoke of his outback experience as a most amazing experience.

“It was very heart-warming to find very thoughtful support and all-out hospitality from Filipinos in the Australian outback. They did not only come to cheer, they came with home cooked meals and other things to make our stay comfortable and they even offered the use of their homes for accommodation and comfort.”

On Day 3 (October 18), a major glitch set back the team’s position in the race. The batteries of Sikat II caught fire and this caused the surrounding area to be cleared. When the fire brigade arrived, the batteries were removed safely from the car without incident.

In an interview with Jeremy Banks who was the designated provider of technical support for Sikat II, he spoke of his high regard for the team’s indomitable spirit that refused to be cowed by unexpected troubles through out the journey.

“They are a team that fill up your heart!” he said.

On Sunday, October 23, the Philippine Consulate General in Adelaide organized and hosted a luncheon for the team and its entourage.

Philippine Department of Education Secretary Brother Armin Luistro who swung by Adelaide from Melbourne to welcome the team on their arrival joined the luncheon. Event Filipino observer and Sydney resident Danilo Quisumbing also came to meet up with the team.

This year’s Veolia World Solar Challenge saw vehicles rely on just 3 sqm of gallium cells.

Veolia World Solar Challenge is run under the established regulations of the International Solarcar Federation.
To date, cost-wise, it may not yet be public-friendly in practicality and functionality.

In an email to The Filipino Australian, Global Filipino Nation reported that the Philippine Commission on Elections is targetting at least one million registered overseas voters by October 31 next year.

Logo: Comelec Overseas Absentee Voting website

The registration target, according to GFN, was disclosed in a Comelec forum held last October 5 with community leaders at the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco, California.

GFN also reported that during the forum, actions on how to attract more registrants had been brought forward and/or agreed including amendment of the Overseas Absentee Voting Law authorising Internet Voter Registration and Voting, and removal of the Affidavit to Return requirement.

In earlier news reports on this website, Comelec Commissioner Armando C. Velasco in a meeting with GFN convenors announced that ‘Comelec supports the goal of global Filipinos to deepen their participation’ in Philippine national election by initiating a “suffrage broadening program” which includes a range of initiatives to encourage more overseas absentee voters registration.

Below is the latest report of Global Filipino Nation:

The Commission on Elections aims to have at least one million registered overseas voters at the end of the current registration period slated to start on October 31, 2011 and end on October 31, 2012, reported Global Filipino Nation to this website via email.

Comelec disclosed this registration target in the first leg of its US voter registration push held on October 5, 2011 at the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco.

Consultative Forum

Commissioners Lucenito N. Tagle and Christian Robert Lim met with community leaders together with Consul- General Marciano A. Paynor, Jr. Comelec officials, responding to feedback from the community, also announced initiatives that would address the issues surrounding registration and voting, in the hope that suffrage participation will be enhanced.

Among the organizations represented in the Forum were: Global Filipino Nation (GFN), Philippine-American Press Club (PAPC) and US Pinoys for Good Governance (USP4GG). GFN and PAPC officials included:

Barrios, Aida (GFN Convenor & PAPC Director/Treasurer)
Barrios, Victor S. (GFN Convenor)
Chavez, Ester (GFN Convenor & PAPC President)
Chavez, Mandy (PAPC member)
Ignacio, Johannes (GFN Convenor)
Villegas, Antonio Jr. (GFN Convenor & PAPC Director)

Representing USP4GG was Rodel Rodis, President.

Issues and Suggested Comelec Action

The Consul-General and Comelec highlighted the different factors that tended to impede a steady and significant flow of registrants. Comelec outlined its action program to redress the impeding factors.

Community leaders focused on three major impeding elements that account for the relatively low turnout for registration and voting: 1) the extraordinary burden posed by the requirement of physical presence at the nearest Consulate; 2) the intimidating effect of requiring registrants to sign the Affidavit to Return within 3 years from registration; and 3) interruptions in the Continuing Voter Registration process.

Requiring the physical presence in the nearest Consulate entails heavy demands on the voter in terms of time and money – which many cannot afford. For example: it was pointed out that the San Francisco Consulate General covers 10 states, including Alaska. It takes the whole day to complete door-to-door air travel, similar time for the return flight and additional time to drive to and from the Consulate. The time lost plus the wages or vacation leave foregone constitute an unreasonable or insurmountable burden. This hurdle is replicated in many other areas where the nearest Consulate is a great distance from many OFWs, especially in Saudi Arabia with a 1.8 million Filipino population unofficially estimated by recruitment agencies.

Comelec officials expressed complete support to provisions imbedded in bills to amend the Overseas Absentee Voting Law authorizing Internet Voter Registration and Voting. In addition to addressing burdens imposed by physical presence at Consulates, it was recognized that the IT solution would also address other operational problems in administering the OAV Law, such as changes in address of registrants.

The Forum participants, including the Comelec officials, echoed the intimidating effect of immigrant voter registrants posed by the Affidavit to Return. It was pointed out that legislators concerned are unanimous in their intent to eliminate the Affidavit requirement. Senate Bill 3565 and House Bill 2301 provide for the deletion of the Affidavit requirement.

The USP4GG officer brought out the possibility that Comelec could, without waiting for legislative action, declare the affidavit requirement unconstitutional on the basis of the principle of equal protection under the Constitution. It was reasoned out that if dual citizens may register and vote without having to sign the Affidavit, immigrants have similar rights.

Comelec officials suggested to the USP4GG officer that a suit be filed against Comelec challenging the constitutionality of the Affidavit provision. That action would trigger a subsequent Supreme Court definitive action.

The Forum also brought out the legal opinion of Alberto C. Agra, former Secretary of Justice and Counsel of Global Filipino Nation, to the effect that Filipino immigrants abroad comply with the affidavit to return by demonstrating their intent to do so in a variety of acts, activities and utterances (see attached legal opinion). These ways include: signing the affidavit itself; ownership or lease of property; business operations; paying any form of tax; regular remittances to families; being a registered voter; statements in various documents; and others.

It was requested that the Comelec En banc act on the pending request of GFN to allow the availability of copies of the Agra Opinion at the voter registration places to address the possible hesitancy of immigrants from filing voter registration papers. The availability of the Agra Opinion does not imply an endorsement by the Comelec. The Comelec Commissioners at the Forum indicated that they would take up the suggestion with the Comelec En Banc.

Finally, the Forum participants requested for ongoing, uninterrupted Voter Registration as a means for further enlarging the list of overseas voters – even far more than the current target of one million. It was argued that genuinely Continued Voter Registration involves uninterrupted voter registration with Philippine Consulates abroad. There could still be a cut-off for determining eligibility to vote for a given national election. Those who miss the deadline for the cut-off date will be eligible to vote in the subsequent elections.

Section 7 of R.A. 9189 provides for Continued Voter Registration to optimize the use of existing resources. While Sec. 13 stipulates that the Certified List of Overseas Absentee Voters be prepared 120 days prior to every election, nowhere in the law is there an indication that the registration process should stop. Consulates already have the staff, equipment and willingness to handle uninterrupted voter registration. They have staff complement who regularly handles dual citizenship applications.

The Comelec Commissioners conveyed to the Forum participants that they found the proposal for ongoing voter registration sensible. The GFN Convenors indicated that there is a pending request for this arrangement with the Comelec En Banc.

Global Filipino Nation is an international organization of global Filipino leaders and organizations committed to “Building the Global Filipino Nation for Good Governance”.

A précis of my proposed RIZALIANA RADIO FESTIVAL is reprinted herewith minus the inconsequentials and leaving only the basic tenets and highlights for the readers to sink their teeth into. I call it VMOS Proposal following the latest trends in organizational management (VMOS, being an acronym for vision, mission, objectives and strategy.) I had conceived this collective undertaking principally to utilize the optimum potential and power of radio as the most dynamic yet inexpensive medium of galvanizing the entire Filipino community in NSW to imbibe the “Rizal spirit”.

Similarly I wish to demonstrate how we can harvest and synergize and pool resources both material and creative to mark a mammoth event such as the Rizal Sesquicentennial with a difference. Times have truly changed and values too have undergone total revolution. Yet, I still believe in the undying Filipino bayanihan spirit — that which can demolish the myth that we can’t achieve anything without money, transcend barriers, settle differences and heal wounds, relying purely on utak,(brain), galing (talent), pagkakaisa (unity) of the Filipino-Australian community broadcasters free-wheelingly known as the RADIO CELL. I want to show that we Radio Broadcasters can all make noise, create a tempest, or a veritable hot tea in a tea cup via the Rizaliana Radio Festival.

Needless to say, this is unremittingly a creative initiative, entirely different from and not in competition (audience wise or what not) with the only other known Rizal project being a private commercial undertaking led by one Armando Reyes of Fine Artists Collaboration who is ably and fortunately endorsed by the Philippine Consulate-Sydney with the unflagging assistance of PCC and blessed cast and staff engendered by Mr. Reyes’ passion and obsession. In point of fact, we co-exist, and augment each others’ efforts, spreading the news, so to speak, to larger, even remote target audiences which a legitimate theater production could not reach.

The world of a difference is, there’s no money involved in my Radio Festival and yet its impact, if done well with everyone’s unmitigated and unselfish oneness, could be massive, encompassing, and accessible to everyone at absolutely no cost. I am a theater artist, first and foremost, but a theater venture will never materialize these days without any seed money, which is why I have stopped producing/directing stage plays unless I am subsidized as I suppose I so deserve or some uncompromising producer comes along and puts money where his/her mouth is.

The medium of radio is basically voluntary and collaborative, which is and should be the same as community theater except that theater-making process and its intrinsic arts creation thanklessly require so much material time, energy, effort and yes, EXPENSES. With radio, we can still make wonders despite limited material, human, and technical resources as per prevailing realities and conditions in the community broadcast industry. This why I am merely tapping the individual talents and resources of the broadcasters/convenors themselves. For as long as WE broadcasters give of ourselves freely and voluntarily, share our facilities available to us with our fellow broadcasters and soldier on — there is absolutely no reason why this Rizaliana Festival can’t be done as a model for future similar dreams. Factor in the magic that comes out from this synergy and you have a complete package that will run for the whole month of November through to 30 December, which is the death anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal. The actual calendar of events is stipulated in the following proposal.

Expect not a panoply of flags or a military parade, or a pastiche of shows, ours are but dramatic evocations summoning the spirit of our national hero and imaginatively recreating his own works as well as selections from prominent Filipino pen pushers. Rizal’s genius shall be glimpsed, savored or distilled from dramatic renderings of his acerbic essays, mesmerizing poetry, and fantastic dramas written in his youth – all magnifying his greatness, heightened by the lilting tunes of kundimans (love songs) and patriotic arias. Profound insights of the Philippines under the cloak of our Spanish conquistadors likewise underpin his sarsuela (“Junto Al Pasig”) and another play that eulogizes his heroism and his martyrdom. (Parting at Calamba, written by a posthumous National Artist Awardee for Theater, Dr. Severino Montano).

Of all the media channels available to us nowadays, RADIO remains the most heart-rending missile that can bomb our entire Filipino community in NSW with the intrinsic message that we are trying our dandiest best to impart to one and all of Filipino background — both amongst those who know and still remember Rizal and the memories he has instilled in our lives, as well as those who do not know him so that they may discover his magnificence and discern why we go to such lengths in honoring him.

Lest we forget, to honor our national hero is honor ourselves, celebrate our cultural identity, and proclaim our Filipinoness to the whole world — “sa isip , sa salita, at sa gawa” (in mind, through words, and our deeds) as embossed and ingrained in our immortal “Panatang Makabayan” (Pledge for the Nation).

Now, here goes, the VMOS PROPOSAL FOR AN ALL-OUT RADIO RIZALIANA

VISION<: Towards a more patriotic, freedom-loving, and militant Filipino Australians via the celebration of our Philippine national hero’s greatness, heroism, and martyrdom as well as the values and virtues he symbolizes for all generation and for all times.

MISSION: To be one with our Mother country (the Philippines) and every Filipino community overseas towards the all-out celebration of RIZAL SESQUICENTENNIAL (150 Years Birth Anniversary)

OBJECTIVES:

1. To utilize the unique advantage, magnanimous benefit, and proven/tested powers of popular media, in this case, RADIO, as one of the most potent, inexpensive/cost-effective, and educative entertainment vehicles in bringing to target audiences ( most especially the younger generation) the messages surrounding the life and times of Rizal. Likewise, for the mature and senior citizens to be re-acquainted, re-awakened, and recharged by the heroism of our foremost Filipino intellectual.

2. To spread the golden nuggets of wisdom and other profound insights and messages ingrained in Rizal’s works as a springboard or point of departure for informed discussions on patriotism or love of country, heroism and martyrdom and the many lessons Filipinos have lived for as inspired by the paradigm and exemplary model — Rizal.

3. To kick-start a model project by the Radio Cell that can be sustained through the years and bring forth similar creative collective undertaking.

STRATEGY

Proponent: Philippine Educational Theatre Arts Guild Sydney, (PETALS) in cooperation with the RADIO CELL

Target Participants: All Existing Filipino Radio Programs Convened/Administered/Presented by Filipino-Australian Radio Broadcasters in NSW. The main station where the recording of the Radio Dramas will be care of SBS Filipino Language Program since they have the best recording facilities (to be taken up by Mr. Pimentel with Mr. Barcenilla.)

Target Dates: Syndicated Weekly Rizaliana Segments from November leading up to the major One Week Daily telecast in December 25 to 30, 2011

SUGGESTED CALENDAR OF EVENTS

A. November Weekly Lead Up

First Week
Radio Bandila, Tue Nov. 1, 2-4 PM, 2ccR fm @ 90.5
The Mob, Sun Nov 6, 7-9 PM 2RDJ @ 88.1 FM

Second Week
Radio Dalisay, Sun 13 Nov, 7-8 PM 99.3 FM

Third Week
Radio Tamaraw, Tue 15 Nov, 7-8 PM, 2GLF 89.3 FM

Fourth Week
Radio Sandigan, Fri 18 Nov, 9-10 PM 88.1 FM

Fifth Week
The MOB, Thu. 24, 8-9 PM SWR FM @ 99.9 FM

B. December Final Daily Lead Up

Sun 25 Dec.
* Radyo Dalisay , 7-8 PM, 99.3 FM
* The MOB, 7-9 PM, 2RDJ @ 88.1 FM

Mon 26 Dec.
* Pinoy Radio, 7-9 PM

Tue 27 Dec
* Radio Bandila, 2-4 PM, 90.5 2CCR FM
* Radio Tamaraw, 7-8 PM, 89.3 2GLF
* Pinoy Radio, 8-10 PM

Wed 28 Dec.
* SBS Filipino Radio Program

Thu 29 Dec.
* The MOB, 8-9 PM, SWR FM @ 99.9 FM

*** Fri 30 Dec.
*Radio Sandigan, 8-9 PM, 88.1 FM

Subject: Rediscovering Rizal thru a LEAD UP series of introductory talks, poetry readings, playing of original kundimans and patriotic hymns plus Filipino-Spanish songs consistent with and evocative of the theme, and finally Two (2) major radio drama productions pooling the individual resources and acting talents of the broadcasters themselves as coached and directed by the project proponent. The finished (recorded) materials shall then be fed and syndicated to all the 8 existing radio stations following the schedule suggested above.

Materials for Dramatic Reading/Recording to be syndicated amongst all Existing Radio Programs

1. Jose Rizal’s play “Junto al Pasig” translated in English as “Beside the Pasig” (These involves children aged 7-12 who can sing and act because the play is a “sarsuela” or musical theater.)

2. Dr. Severino Montano’s “Parting at Calamba” (Starring Mars Cavestany as Rizal, Violy Calvert as Donya Teodora; Nilda Carpo as Saturnina, Raquel Pellero as Soledad, and Bless Salonga as the youngest sister Choleng, Jhun Salazar as The Priest and special guest stars from Manila headed by Film stage and TV actress Miss VANGIE LABALAN

3. Major Tom Baena’s Dramatic Readings of Rizal Narrations and Dramatic Monologues inside the Prison cell in Leonor Orosa Goquinco’s “Her Son Jose”

4. Rizal’s, poetry, letters, and short essays

5. Filipino songs and compositions about Rizal and other relevant themes

6. Original compositions by Oliver Gadista and other Filipino composers

7. Declamations and oratory about Rizal

STRATEGY

A. In the absence of expertise in producing radio drama and the like, PETAL’s c/o Mars Cavestany shall:

1) Research. gather, collate and reproduce in radio script form various materials on Rizaliana ranging from Rizal’s very own writings (letters, his essays, poetry, play, and novels) as well as stories, poems and plays written about him by our greatest literary writers.

2) Cast, and coach actors/performers and readers who have the time and are wholeheartedly committed to rehearse and perform (by reading/voicing or radio acting) for the parts that will eventually be allocated to a cross section of a radio broadcasters themselves (as top priority) as well as others (including community leaders) expressing their volunteer efforts.

3) Invite as special guest stars and take advantage of the very timely family tour in Sydney of popular award winning character actress Miss Vangie Labalan (professional radio, stage, TV, film actress-radio producer from ABS-CBN and GMA) and her son Bambam and his two kids who, like the Mother/Granma, are radio talents in their own right.

B.) Plan B (should the request for SBS to host the recording of syndicated materials don’t materialize) is to have the Radio Broadcasters themselves individually avail of and work within the exigencies and limitations of their specific site/studio technical facilities for recording on a case by case basis.

* A calendar of activities can be jointly pooled amongst Broadcasters so as to create the need and build up via PROMOTION and sustained thru back-up print and onsite PUBLICITY campaign. Printing of an OMNIBUS POSTER announcing the same streamlining the weekly LEAD UP shows up to THE MAJOR EVENT on 30th DECEMBER. Finally, this proposal springs from a genuine commitment to share by sheer giving of one’s personal experience and expertise on an absolutely pro bono basis. Otherwise, the moment we are saddled with whose going to shoulder the costs and begin by raising funds, the concept of collective creation and synergy goes down the drain.

(Conclusion of Part II)

A précis of my proposed RIZALIANA RADIO FESTIVAL is reprinted herewith minus the inconsequentials and leaving only the basic tenets and highlights for the readers to sink their teeth into. I call it VMOS Proposal following the latest trends in organizational management (VMOS, being an acronym for vision, mission, objectives and strategy.) I had conceived this collective undertaking principally to utilize the optimum potential and power of radio as the most dynamic yet inexpensive medium of galvanizing the entire Filipino community in NSW to imbibe the “Rizal spirit”.

Similarly I wish to demonstrate how we can harvest and synergize and pool resources both material and creative to mark a mammoth event such as the Rizal Sesquicentennial with a difference. Times have truly changed and values too have undergone total revolution. Yet, I still believe in the undying Filipino bayanihan spirit — that which can demolish the myth that we can’t achieve anything without money, transcend barriers, settle differences and heal wounds, relying purely on utak,(brain), galing (talent), pagkakaisa (unity) of the Filipino-Australian community broadcasters free-wheelingly known as the RADIO CELL. I want to show that we Radio Broadcasters can all make noise, create a tempest, or a veritable hot tea in a tea cup via the Rizaliana Radio Festival.

Needless to say, this is unremittingly a creative initiative, entirely different from and not in competition (audience wise or what not) with the only other known Rizal project being a private commercial undertaking led by one Armando Reyes of Fine Artists Collaboration who is ably and fortunately endorsed by the Philippine Consulate-Sydney with the unflagging assistance of PCC and blessed cast and staff engendered by Mr. Reyes’ passion and obsession. In point of fact, we co-exist, and augment each others’ efforts, spreading the news, so to speak, to larger, even remote target audiences which a legitimate theater production could not reach.

The world of a difference is, there’s no money involved in my Radio Festival and yet its impact, if done well with everyone’s unmitigated and unselfish oneness, could be massive, encompassing, and accessible to everyone at absolutely no cost. I am a theater artist, first and foremost, but a theater venture will never materialize these days without any seed money, which is why I have stopped producing/directing stage plays unless I am subsidized as I suppose I so deserve or some uncompromising producer comes along and puts money where his/her mouth is.

The medium of radio is basically voluntary and collaborative, which is and should be the same as community theater except that theater-making process and its intrinsic arts creation thanklessly require so much material time, energy, effort and yes, EXPENSES. With radio, we can still make wonders despite limited material, human, and technical resources as per prevailing realities and conditions in the community broadcast industry. This why I am merely tapping the individual talents and resources of the broadcasters/convenors themselves. For as long as WE broadcasters give of ourselves freely and voluntarily, share our facilities available to us with our fellow broadcasters and soldier on — there is absolutely no reason why this Rizaliana Festival can’t be done as a model for future similar dreams. Factor in the magic that comes out from this synergy and you have a complete package that will run for the whole month of November through to 30 December, which is the death anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal. The actual calendar of events is stipulated in the following proposal.

Expect not a panoply of flags or a military parade, or a pastiche of shows, ours are but dramatic evocations summoning the spirit of our national hero and imaginatively recreating his own works as well as selections from prominent Filipino pen pushers. Rizal’s genius shall be glimpsed, savored or distilled from dramatic renderings of his acerbic essays, mesmerizing poetry, and fantastic dramas written in his youth – all magnifying his greatness, heightened by the lilting tunes of kundimans (love songs) and patriotic arias. Profound insights of the Philippines under the cloak of our Spanish conquistadors likewise underpin his sarsuela (“Junto Al Pasig”) and another play that eulogizes his heroism and his martyrdom. (Parting at Calamba, written by a posthumous National Artist Awardee for Theater, Dr. Severino Montano).

Of all the media channels available to us nowadays, RADIO remains the most heart-rending missile that can bomb our entire Filipino community in NSW with the intrinsic message that we are trying our dandiest best to impart to one and all of Filipino background — both amongst those who know and still remember Rizal and the memories he has instilled in our lives, as well as those who do not know him so that they may discover his magnificence and discern why we go to such lengths in honoring him.

Lest we forget, to honor our national hero is honor ourselves, celebrate our cultural identity, and proclaim our Filipinoness to the whole world — “sa isip , sa salita, at sa gawa” (in mind, through words, and our deeds) as embossed and ingrained in our immortal “Panatang Makabayan” (Pledge for the Nation).

Now, here goes, the VMOS PROPOSAL FOR AN ALL-OUT RADIO RIZALIANA

VISION<: Towards a more patriotic, freedom-loving, and militant Filipino Australians via the celebration of our Philippine national hero’s greatness, heroism, and martyrdom as well as the values and virtues he symbolizes for all generation and for all times.

MISSION: To be one with our Mother country (the Philippines) and every Filipino community overseas towards the all-out celebration of RIZAL SESQUICENTENNIAL (150 Years Birth Anniversary)

OBJECTIVES:

1. To utilize the unique advantage, magnanimous benefit, and proven/tested powers of popular media, in this case, RADIO, as one of the most potent, inexpensive/cost-effective, and educative entertainment vehicles in bringing to target audiences ( most especially the younger generation) the messages surrounding the life and times of Rizal. Likewise, for the mature and senior citizens to be re-acquainted, re-awakened, and recharged by the heroism of our foremost Filipino intellectual.

2. To spread the golden nuggets of wisdom and other profound insights and messages ingrained in Rizal’s works as a springboard or point of departure for informed discussions on patriotism or love of country, heroism and martyrdom and the many lessons Filipinos have lived for as inspired by the paradigm and exemplary model — Rizal.

3. To kick-start a model project by the Radio Cell that can be sustained through the years and bring forth similar creative collective undertaking.

STRATEGY

Proponent: Philippine Educational Theatre Arts Guild Sydney, (PETALS) in cooperation with the RADIO CELL

Target Participants: All Existing Filipino Radio Programs Convened/Administered/Presented by Filipino-Australian Radio Broadcasters in NSW. The main station where the recording of the Radio Dramas will be care of SBS Filipino Language Program since they have the best recording facilities (to be taken up by Mr. Pimentel with Mr. Barcenilla.)

Target Dates: Syndicated Weekly Rizaliana Segments from November leading up to the major One Week Daily telecast in December 25 to 30, 2011

SUGGESTED CALENDAR OF EVENTS

A. November Weekly Lead Up

First Week
Radio Bandila, Tue Nov. 1, 2-4 PM, 2ccR fm @ 90.5
The Mob, Sun Nov 6, 7-9 PM 2RDJ @ 88.1 FM

Second Week
Radio Dalisay, Sun 13 Nov, 7-8 PM 99.3 FM

Third Week
Radio Tamaraw, Tue 15 Nov, 7-8 PM, 2GLF 89.3 FM

Fourth Week
Radio Sandigan, Fri 18 Nov, 9-10 PM 88.1 FM

Fifth Week
The MOB, Thu. 24, 8-9 PM SWR FM @ 99.9 FM

B. December Final Daily Lead Up

Sun 25 Dec.
* Radyo Dalisay , 7-8 PM, 99.3 FM
* The MOB, 7-9 PM, 2RDJ @ 88.1 FM

Mon 26 Dec.
* Pinoy Radio, 7-9 PM

Tue 27 Dec
* Radio Bandila, 2-4 PM, 90.5 2CCR FM
* Radio Tamaraw, 7-8 PM, 89.3 2GLF
* Pinoy Radio, 8-10 PM

Wed 28 Dec.
* SBS Filipino Radio Program

Thu 29 Dec.
* The MOB, 8-9 PM, SWR FM @ 99.9 FM

*** Fri 30 Dec.
*Radio Sandigan, 8-9 PM, 88.1 FM

Subject: Rediscovering Rizal thru a LEAD UP series of introductory talks, poetry readings, playing of original kundimans and patriotic hymns plus Filipino-Spanish songs consistent with and evocative of the theme, and finally Two (2) major radio drama productions pooling the individual resources and acting talents of the broadcasters themselves as coached and directed by the project proponent. The finished (recorded) materials shall then be fed and syndicated to all the 8 existing radio stations following the schedule suggested above.

Materials for Dramatic Reading/Recording to be syndicated amongst all Existing Radio Programs

1. Jose Rizal’s play “Junto al Pasig” translated in English as “Beside the Pasig” (These involves children aged 7-12 who can sing and act because the play is a “sarsuela” or musical theater.)

2. Dr. Severino Montano’s “Parting at Calamba” (Starring Mars Cavestany as Rizal, Violy Calvert as Donya Teodora; Nilda Carpo as Saturnina, Raquel Pellero as Soledad, and Bless Salonga as the youngest sister Choleng, Jhun Salazar as The Priest and special guest stars from Manila headed by Film stage and TV actress Miss VANGIE LABALAN

3. Major Tom Baena’s Dramatic Readings of Rizal Narrations and Dramatic Monologues inside the Prison cell in Leonor Orosa Goquinco’s “Her Son Jose”

4. Rizal’s, poetry, letters, and short essays

5. Filipino songs and compositions about Rizal and other relevant themes

6. Original compositions by Oliver Gadista and other Filipino composers

7. Declamations and oratory about Rizal

STRATEGY

A. In the absence of expertise in producing radio drama and the like, PETAL’s c/o Mars Cavestany shall:

1) Research. gather, collate and reproduce in radio script form various materials on Rizaliana ranging from Rizal’s very own writings (letters, his essays, poetry, play, and novels) as well as stories, poems and plays written about him by our greatest literary writers.

2) Cast, and coach actors/performers and readers who have the time and are wholeheartedly committed to rehearse and perform (by reading/voicing or radio acting) for the parts that will eventually be allocated to a cross section of a radio broadcasters themselves (as top priority) as well as others (including community leaders) expressing their volunteer efforts.

3) Invite as special guest stars and take advantage of the very timely family tour in Sydney of popular award winning character actress Miss Vangie Labalan (professional radio, stage, TV, film actress-radio producer from ABS-CBN and GMA) and her son Bambam and his two kids who, like the Mother/Granma, are radio talents in their own right.

B.) Plan B (should the request for SBS to host the recording of syndicated materials don’t materialize) is to have the Radio Broadcasters themselves individually avail of and work within the exigencies and limitations of their specific site/studio technical facilities for recording on a case by case basis.

* A calendar of activities can be jointly pooled amongst Broadcasters so as to create the need and build up via PROMOTION and sustained thru back-up print and onsite PUBLICITY campaign. Printing of an OMNIBUS POSTER announcing the same streamlining the weekly LEAD UP shows up to THE MAJOR EVENT on 30th DECEMBER. Finally, this proposal springs from a genuine commitment to share by sheer giving of one’s personal experience and expertise on an absolutely pro bono basis. Otherwise, the moment we are saddled with whose going to shoulder the costs and begin by raising funds, the concept of collective creation and synergy goes down the drain.

(Conclusion of Part II)

Kate Andres as Dona Teodora and Gerard Louis as young Jose

Proudly supported by the Philippine Consulate and the Philippine Community Council of NSW, four performances (matinee at 4pm and evening at 8pm) shall be staged on November 17-18 at Parramatta Town Hall, Church Street, Parramatta.

Show tickets cost $45 each and part proceeds are earmarked for improvement of the Rizal Park in Campbelltown.

As seats are limited, early bookings are encouraged by calling mob 0402 254 853 and 0466 156 639.

The play is directed by Armando Reyes.

As of press time, RJ Rosales who performed the role of “Jose Rizal” last year has not confirmed his availability due to previous commitments overseas.

Director Reyes advised a new JR is on standby in the vent RJ cannot perform.

Doing a repeat performance of the female lead role as “Dona Teodora” is Kate Roc Andres.

Also performing the lead role are Isabel Delgado and Nilda Carpo.

New talents have joined the ensemble, among them are Rupert Demonteverde as “Father Lopez”, Rie Manaloto as “Paciano”, Marianne Cuasay as “Soledad”, Rochelle Mantua as “Choleng” and Gerard Louis (10 year-old son of Consul General Anne Jalando-on Louis) as young “Jose”.

Tom Baena will be “Rizal” narrating behind bars.

“A full list of the cast members shall be released in two weeks’ time,” Director Reyes said.

L-R: Mayor Paul Lake, Rizal Park Movement Founding President Lourdes Kaiser, Consul General Anne Jalando-on Louis, and Rizal Park Movement PRO and Founding Member Max Lopez during their recent site inspection visit.

Mayor of Campbelltown, Cr Paul Lake, said the redevelopment of Rizal Park in Campbelltown’s Anthony Drive, Rosemeadow is continuing and has now entered the next stage, the Campbelltown City Council reported in its website recently.

The city council also reported that the construction of electric barbecue facilities and landscaping had now been completed together with a new picnic shelter area, more than 500 plants and trees, and a new entrance sign with the words ‘Rizal Park’.

‘The latest works further reflect the passion and commitment of members of the Campbelltown and Region Filipino Community Council and the Rizal Park Movement of Campbelltown, who have worked tirelessly to bring this transformation to fruition, and I commend their efforts,’ Mayor Lake was quoted.

Rizal Park is a 2.6 hectare reserve off Anthony Drive, Rosemeadow within the Campbelltown district.

It was in 1987 when the park was named after the Philippine national hero, Dr Jose Rizal, after lobbying by the Philippine-Australian Friendship Association.

In 2009, the master plan to redevelop the park was finalised by the city council. The key features of the plan included a playground facility, a bust / statue of Philippine national hero Jose Rizal, shade structures, BBQ facilities, toilet facilities, an informal kickabout area, landscaped areas, and carpark with entry structure.

The plan also envisaged pathways and cycleways to connect the various elements of the park and “to reflect the structure of the original Rizal Park in Manila”.

Following the completion of the master plan, the first major redevelopment work delivered was a children’s playground.

In another reporting, The Filipino Australian learned that through the efforts of Rizal Park Movement and the Philippine Consulate General’s Office in Sydney, the Department of Foreign of Foreign Affairs through the initiative of Philippine Ambassador to Australia Belen Anota and DFA Assistant Secretary for Asia Pacific Affairs Maria Theresa Lazaro, was able to secure a donation of a statue from renowned Filipino Sculptor Eduardo Castrillo for installation in Rizal Park Campbelltown.

The statue will be about five metres tall, made of hollow bronze, and weigh about 500 kilograms.

Once completed, the statue will be donated by the artist to the Philippine Government for turn over to the City of Campbelltown.

The statue is scheduled for installation in June 2012 in time for the conclusion of the national hero’s sesquicentennial birth anniversary.

Consul General Anne Jalando-on Louis, Rizal Park Movement Founding President Lourdes Kaiser and PRO and Founding Member Max Lopez, along with the other founding members of RPM, are the Filipino community’s liaison with the Campbelltown City Council on the park enhancement program.

Consul General Louis announcing the start of the survey in last night's first biannual meeting

The survey, an initiative of the Consulate to establish comprehensive baseline data on Filipinos in NSW, aims to gather baseline data to help generate general information on the number and location of Filipino migrants in NSW and their profile like age, gender, occupation. It will run until 31 December 2011, and will be conducted every two years.

Consul General encouraged “All Filipinos, temporary or permanent residents in Australia, holders of work or spouse visas, Filipinos who have become naturalised Australians, and Australians of Filipino ancestry… to participate in the survey.”

Consul Reyes walking the audience through the survey form

The survey form is available online at the Consulate’s website. Hardcopies of the survey form are also available from Philippine-related community organisations in NSW which are also subject of a separate part in the survey.

Consul General Louis said that the survey implements a Department of Foreign Affairs global campaign for Philippine overseas missions to have “updated and accurate data on Filipinos overseas for use in its disaster and emergency prepareness program.”

The launch was attended by sixty-five Filipino Australian community leaders, ten media representatives of Philippine media in NSW and several guests.

Some members of the Filipino community and guests before the presentation

Only a minute or two to complete the survey

Meantime, we tested the online survey and noted that it is actually very brief as Consul Reyes assured us last night. It took us only a little more than one minute to enter and submit the required information.

To participate in the survey, please click here.

The entries “Get to Know the Australian Aged Care System” by the Western Sydney Multicultural Health Network / Health Reform Transition Office, and “Healthy Older Person’s Safety: Home Hazards – A Falls Prevention Tool” by the Liverpool/Fairfield Aged Care & Rehabilitation and Older Persons Mental Health Service won the awards in Booklet/Brochure and Audio Visual categories, respectively.

“Get to Know…” is a booklet designed to deliver information about services that are mainly aimed for older people and their carers to sustain the former’s independence. The booklet was submitted by Western Sydney Multicultural Health project officers Monika Latanik and Yvonne Sta. Lucia.

Getting to Know... Health project officers Yvonne Sta. Lucia and Monika Latanik

“Home Hazards…” is the first in a series of tools designed to assist health and community workers, who work with older people, and highlights the strategy on how falls can be prevented or at least mitigated. The audio visual was submitted by Melinda Dimarco, a senior occupational therapist of Liverpool/Fairfield Aged Care Service.

Nelly Tiga and Melinda Dimarco (second from right) with NSW Parliament Legislative Council President Don Harwin and NSW MCHS Director Peter Todaro

The Awards are held every two years by the Multicultural Health Communication Services of the NSW Health Department to recognise information providers in helping health professionals communicate with non English speaking communities throughout NSW.

The five categories in this year’s awards are Fact Sheets, Brochures/Booklets or Patient Information Resources, Posters, Website Resources, and Audio or Visual Resources.

The community resource tools are also available in other languages including Arabic, Assyrian, Italian, Polish, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Laotian and Spanish.

L-R: NSW MHCS Project Officer Jess Helaratne, Consul General Louis, NSW MHCS Director Peter Todaro, Consul Tony Reyes, and NSW MHCS Marketing / Communication Manager Michael Camit

Consul General Anne Jalando-on Louis, present in the awarding, expressed her appreciation that Filipinos are acknowledged as a major group in NSW multicultural settings.

“Although communication is not a major concern amongst Filipinos, the Awards highlight that Filipinos are considered one of the dominant cultural groups in New South Wales,” Consul General Louis said, adding that the Consulate acknowledges the contribution of Filipino health care workers and providers in NSW in the development of community resource tools.