Front row L-R: Jerry Ibarra, Divina Ibarra, Danny Rosales, Malu Roldan, Gloria Malicdem, Cora Barretto, Marie Bandayrel,Tony Malicdem back row L-R: Dr. Alexis Leones, Maya Ibarra, Chiqui Desphy
By Dr. Alexis Leones
Tears of joy, faces smiling, tapping feet and clapping hands were inspiring momentsfor the Philippine Language and Cultural Association of Australia (PLCAA) who kept the Carols on Wheels rolling this Christmas season.
Carols on Wheel, with the able leadership of Maya Ibarra, became a PLCAA tradition aimed to bring cheers, peace and joy to the residents of nursing homes and to the isolated elderly in their private homes. It brings an atmosphere of sharing the joy of Christmas in a spirit of festive celebration through songs and dances.
By Dr. Alexis Leones
Tears of joy, faces smiling, tapping feet and clapping hands were inspiring momentsfor the Philippine Language and Cultural Association of Australia (PLCAA) who kept the Carols on Wheels rolling this Christmas season.
Carols on Wheel, with the able leadership of Maya Ibarra, became a PLCAA tradition aimed to bring cheers, peace and joy to the residents of nursing homes and to the isolated elderly in their private homes. It brings an atmosphere of sharing the joy of Christmas in a spirit of festive celebration through songs and dances.
The PLCAA Glee Club in 2008 has provided an applauded entertainment and fellowship to the Kingswood Court Aged Care Facility (KCACF) in Kingswood, NSW.
The group did not only sing Christmas carols but overwhelmed the residents with their dancing skills which included a popular Hawaiin dance, line dancing and the Filipino “Papaya” dance. To our surprise, the elderly residents started to dance while seated . Those who can manage to come forward threw some popular dance steps like cha-cha and waltz with the glee club performers. Some residents even took the microphone and sang their favourite pieces.
There was a great audience participation till the end of the program followed by a sumptuous refreshment. It was a moment of joy for the PLCAA Glee Club to experience and witness how much delight they have delivered to the hearts of these aged residents.
They did not hesitate to return in 2009 despite their hectic schedules and even extended this yuletide service to the residents of the Mountainview Aged Care Facility ( MACF) in Penrith.Combined with the warm and caring assistance of the nursing staff of these aged care facilities, Carols on Wheels has always been a memorable activity by the PLCAA Glee Club.
Eldely frail individuals who are kept home and unable to attend social functions were added in the list of beneficiaries of this wonderful community service for the Christmas season. The awesome performances and audience participation were valued by the beneficiaries of this wonderful Christmas gathering.
The PLCAA Glee Club gave special thanks to the KCACF Director of Nursing Frances Smith and KCACF Deputy Director of Nursing Maurene Brown who have recognised the eagerness of PLCAA in delivering Christmas cheers to their aged residents. Special thankswent to MACF Michael Heckenberg Facility Manager Michael Heckenberg and MACF Recreational Therapy Manager Daryl Neal who also appreciated the efforts of the PLCAA Glee Club in sharing the joy of the Christmas season.
Carols on Wheels will keep on rolling fuelled by the joy it brings to the elderly. Here we come again this 2010. Merry Christmas to all and a Happy New Year.
PLCAA Glee Club member Beth Alcantara and Imee Summerfield taking care of the refreshment for the Carols on Wheels event
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