By Dr Alexis Leones
The Philippine Language and Cultural Association of Australia (PLCAA )has found itself embracing positive and encouraging messages from the different events the organisation has participated. t is well known that PLCAA upholds the value of using the Filipino Language as it promotes increased awareness of Philippine cultural heritage. This is achieved through the operations of the Penrith Community Filipino School (PCFS), a Saturday Language School in St. Marys and through the musical performances of the PLCAA Glee Club , both managed by the PLCAA .
The Philippine Language and Cultural Association of Australia (PLCAA )has found itself embracing positive and encouraging messages from the different events the organisation has participated. t is well known that PLCAA upholds the value of using the Filipino Language as it promotes increased awareness of Philippine cultural heritage. This is achieved through the operations of the Penrith Community Filipino School (PCFS), a Saturday Language School in St. Marys and through the musical performances of the PLCAA Glee Club , both managed by the PLCAA .
On the 5th of September 2009, PCFS Principal Marie Bandayrel and PLCAA President Dr. Alexis Leones attended for the first time the Annual Dinner of the NSW Federation of Community Language School (NSWFCLS) at Club Marconi, Bossley Park as a gesture of showing its commitment in the delivery of language education. The event was attended by a great number of dedicated community language teachers who shared their experiences with each other. This significant occasion was graced by the presence of the Consul-General of different countries including our very own Vice Consul Anthony Reyes. The highlights of the program included the dance performances of students from the Hindi, Indian and Vietnamese community language schools with the awarding of prizes to student -winners of different competitions . “Next year, our PCFS students will showcase our popular Philippine dances in this prestigious gathering”, Principal Bandayrel said with much enthusiasm and with the combined agreement of Vice Consul Reyes and Dr. Leones.
On the 19th of September 2009, the PLCAA Glee Club performed at the Feast of Our Lady Of Penafrancia, an annual event organised by the Australian Devotees of Our Lady of Penafrancia (ADOLP) at the Tench Reserve, Jamisontown along Nepean River. The PLCAA Glee Club with their song performances of ” Hahabol- Habol” and “ Manila” triggered happy feelings of festive cultural celebration which spiced the Philippine hospitality shown by the host organisation. Once again, the Glee Club performers contributed to ADOLP’s commitment to hold this traditional sacred feast. PLCAA Vice President Evelyn Esguerra commented that “ this is a feast that PLCAA is happy to participate every year not simply because it is a feast but a religious tradition of the Philippines. The host was accommodating with plenty of free food and drinks catered to everyone. A good weather contributed to a well celebrated feast”. Choir Master Maya Ibarra expressed agreement and said “we will always be there for Mama Mary”.
On the 10th of October 2009, Marie Bandayrel and Dr. Leones participated at the NSWFCLS Annual Conference at Epping Boys High School with workshops that covered a large range of topics for teachers and school administrators. About thirty community language schools were represented and created an environment of fellowship among the 400 participants. All ethnic schools were asked to sing the Birthday Song in their own languages for Federation’s President Mr. Albert Vella who was celebrating his birthday on this day. Joined by the teachers of the Waratah Filipino School, Marie Bandayrel took this opportunity to teach the participants to sing in Filipino. It was of much delight seeing the assembly sing in Filipino especially the Greek and Samoan teachers . Mr. Vella showed much joy in his special day being with people who shared the same passion for language education through community schools. “The conference made us realised that a community language school such as PCFS is the key site where cultural, linguistic and identity issues should be sorted out for all generations. Our children deserves not only a good curriculum for better education and future employment opportunities but to have the experiences in the celebration of their cultural heritage”, Dr. Leones said.
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