112th Philippine Independence Day

Canberra Corner
Volet Carolan

After more than three months of late night meetings by the Filipino Community Council of the ACT, the special night of nights finally arrived. I am referring to none other than the most awaited event of the Filipino community in Canberra – the Philippine Independence Day Ball – this year it was attended by 300 guests. For the first time this year we have the pleasure of Filipiniana music performed by Rondanihan who welcomed the guests as they arrived at the Hellenic Club garbed in their Filipino national dress or gowns and black tie. I think they knew we were awarding trophies to Belles and couple of the Ball.

The singing of the National Anthems were led by Julie Ann Manlulu and Allen Samson. Our FCCACT President Perlita Swinbank welcomed everyone and challenged us to do all we can to help alleviate the lives of our under privileged kababayans back home. The Philippine Ambassador to the Philippines His Excellency Ernesto H de Leon said that this year’s theme ‘Kalayaan 2010: Tagumpay ng Bayan’ reflects our (Filipinos) resounding pride as a people in our continuing efforts to ensure the democracy in our country remains vibrant and flourishing. He applauded the FCCACT in their endeavours by helping improve the lives and communities of many of our kababayans back home. We were also honoured by the presence of Senator Gary Humphries, Members of the Legislative Assembly Alistair Coe and Steven Doszpot.

The cultural performance ‘Sulyap’ was performed by ACTFA-SCA (led by its President Rebecca Coggan) and music provided by Rondanihan (led by its President Ian Bull). The song numbers were performed by Julie Ann Manlulu, Allen Samson and Kim Rockell (a New Zealand who sang Anak). The surprise performance of the FCCACT committee this year was ‘Cabaret’ – in their glittery costumes and the men in their black and whites, bow ties, top hat and canes. The Committee did not intend to have a performance this year but we finally decided to have one because everyone asked if we were performing otherwise they would not buy tickets. We thank all our sponsors, advertisers and raffle prize donors for making the night a success, enjoyed by everyone. Our highly experienced emcees were Cecilia Flores and Paul Ashcroft. See you all next year. We also invite everyone to the forthcoming 11th FILCCA National Convention to be held 17-19 September 2010 in Canberra.