On Saturday 27th June, 2015, the PLCAA celebrated
Philippine Independence Day, for the first time at the St Marys Senior
Citizen’s Centre. The official theme was Kalayaan which means freedom.
As PLCAA members and guests arrived it was clear that this
year’s celebration was going to be colourful: a virtual rainbow of costumes and
talents. Philippine Consul General Hon Anne Jalando -on Louis spoke
of the numerous PID celebrations in New South Wales that she had attended, the
first being at Bathurst on 6th June 2015. It was uplifting to hear that Filipino spirit
and pride is alive and well in various parts of the state.
Mayor Clr Ross Fowler OAM re-affirmed the significance of
the Filipino community in the local area. Other special guests present were St Nicholas
Parish Priest Fr Mathew Antony, State Member for Londonderry Prue Car, Emeritus
Mayor Mr Pat Sheehy AM, Ms Lesley Smith, SBC Foods Directors Art & Paula
Sta Barbara, AICL Chief Marketing Director Arts Ortanez & Miss Australia-
United Nations Melanie Balagtas.
The recognition awards highlighted the contributions of the
Filipino community in Australia. These awards were presented to individuals and
organisations for their achievements and valuable contributions to the
community in the areas of education,
entertainment, business and commerce, and sport. The award winners included: Arturo Sta Barbara
of the SBC Companies Pty Ltd, Aris Ortanez of the Australian Institute of
Commerce and Language, Miss Australia-United Nations Melanie
Balagtas, Loy Tagudin of Sydney Sonata Singers, Elvira Gacis, Letty
Cunanan, Giselle Galam, Aminah Angkaya, Rivir Candelario, Sydney Australian
Filipino Seniors Inc., Aguman Capampangan Australia, Philippine Tamaraws, Dr
Alexis Leones and PLCAA.
Clarissa Bock’s performance of Hero was a moving tribute
to these award winners. I’m sure many in the audience were proud to see
Clarissa (an ex-student of the PCFS) showcasing her remarkable talent.
Highlighting the celebration was the raising of the flags on the busy corner of
Mamre Road and the Great Western Highway. As the PLCAA Glee Club sang the Australian
Anthem, Mayor Ross Fowler raised the Australian National Flag. This was followed by the raising of the
Philippine National Flag by Consul General Hon.Anne Jalando-on Louis while the
PLCAA Glee Club was singing the Pambansang
Awit. Passing motorists would have
been easily distracted by the amazing costumes and pageantry on display.
Back in the hall a rainbow of sound followed. Performances
by the Sydney Sonata Singers (led by Tita Loy Tagudin) and the PLCAA Glee Club
(led by Rie Manaloto) followed. No
matter how many times these groups perform, they always come up with amazing
new arrangements. Their hard work and hours of practice do not go unnoticed.
Two dancing performances were also given to entertain the
crowd. The PLCAA Cultural Dancers performed Bulaklakan,
followed by the visiting Bathurst Filipiniana & Friends Dance Group’s
Muslim Dance. Throughout the event, an
informative and entertaining slideshow, prepared by Nene Del Rosario
accompanied the awards, speeches and performances.
As the performances drew to a close, another rainbow
appeared, in the form of afternoon tea. Colourful dishes magically appeared for
PLCAA members and guests to enjoy. A team effort was required to prepare and
organise this most important aspect of the event and guests were not
disappointed.
Congratulations go to PLCAA President, Dr Alexis Leones, and
the PLCAA organising committee, for planning this event. It certainly was an
event to remember. We look forward to the 118th celebration next
year.
By:
Lee Candelario and Angie Rebosa
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