The Philippine Language and Cultural Association of Australia (PLCAA) held its annual “Pasko na Naman” (PNN) on 26 November 2011 by inviting the community to join a Filipino Christmas celebration through music and dance. Rain did not dampen the spirit of Filipinos who delivered their gift to the community despite bad weather.Crowds gathered for a joyful celebration at the familiar St. Mary’s Senior Citizens Center (SMSCC) after a last minute change of venue from Coachman’s Park in Queen Street. Children arriving with their exchange gifts and wondering where Santa Claus was spurred on the setting up of the hall and stage. The SMSCC was transformed to create an atmosphere of gift-giving, joy, peace and love. The creativity of stage artist Lionel Laserna assisted by the witty logistics team of Dodee Leones, Alan Candelario and Larry Capco delighted PNN Master of Ceremonies Maya Ibarra and Program Chairperson Danny Rosales who were both ready to start a program of great performances.
Philippine Consul Marford Angeles graced the event together with wife Joanne, Federal Member David Bradbury MP with his two children, Councillors of the Penrith City Council – Councillors Jackie Greenow, Kevin Crameri, Kathryn Presdee and John Thain, community leaders Jules Sanchez of Sydney Australian Filipino Seniors Inc and Jun Relunia of Philippine Australian Seniors of Sydney Inc . PLCAA ‘s very own performers: PLCAA Glee Club, PLCAA Cultural Dancers, PLCAA Line Dancers , Filipino Cultural Heritage Youth Camp ( FCHYC) Dancers and the Penrith Community Filipino School (PCFS) students were joined by talented Filipino-Australians: Rie Manaloto, Clarissa Bock, Genesis Cerezo, Bobby Harrison, Malou Lambert, Faye Laserna, Isabelle Montillano, Princess and Alana de Leon, rappers Jamel & Chriz, Olivia & Bridget Bosworth and the awarded Sydney Sonata Singers.
The unsolicited throwing of gold coins “Paagaw” by Des Belangue was a big surprise. Everybody, young and old, scrambled down on the floor to grab those rolling coins. One girl repeatedly shouted “Merry Christmas” while showing a total of $5 coins she got for nothing. Afterwards, Santa Claus appeared on the stage with his gifts and the crowd hurried to get their own reindeer horns. It felt like one big family celebrating in the real spirit of Christmas. “Pasko Na Naman” has made itself the “family of the community” for Christmas celebrations.After the hectic preparation and execution of PNN, the PLCAA still had the energy to carry out “Carols on Wheels”. The PLCAA Glee Club, joined by the private group known as the Golden Girls, visited Mountainview Nursing Homes in Penrith and Kingswood Aged Care Facility on 10 December 2011 to give cheers and joy through their music and dancing. Listening to Christmas Carols gave great delight not only to the residents but also to the staff many of whom could not resist joining in by singing or humming. It triggered a feeling of togetherness and gladness in the celebration of Christmas. A cultural dance performance has always been a welcome feature at Christmas presentations in nursing homes. The PLCAA Cultural Dancers performed Pandanggo sa Ilaw. The Golden Girls uplifted the mood with their modern dancing that led to the entire Carols on Wheels crew ending the presentation with line dancing and community carol singing. PLCAA will always heed to the call to celebrate Christmas and share joy, peace and love in the spirit of the season.
On behalf of PLCAA, may I thank all those sponsors , supporters and volunteers who made it possible for PLCAA to continue its projects and activities in 2011. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year .
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