Independence Ball caps Canberra’s Kalayaan celebration
|
23 June 2011
Philippine Embassy Charge d’ Affaires Mary Anne A. Padua and other officers and staff of the Philippine Embassy joined the annual Independence Day Ball organised by the Filipino Community Council of ACT (FCCACT) last Saturday, June 18 at the Corrina Ballroom of the Southern Cross Club in Woden.
In her message, Ms Padua said that the “sacrifices of our national heroes have allowed subsequent generations to pursue their dreams” and laud the “substantial achievements of Filipino communities abroad echoing that of our forefathers”.
Guests who attended the annual Ball were welcomed by the Rondanihan rondalla group led by its Musical Director Camille Tagaza. The program started with the singing of both the Australian and Philippine national anthems played on the piano by Hildegarde Palafox-Mendoza.
FCCACT President Perlita Swinbank welcomed more than 350 guests who attended the Ball and thanked the Executive Committee and their families for supporting the 6th Philippine Independence Day Ball.
Mr Steve Doszpot, Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Member of Legislative Assembly Canberra, delivered his message on behalf of the Australian government and hailed the Filipino community for their contribution to Australian society. He also supported FCCACT’s objective to “foster cooperation, friendship, and unity”.
Guests were entertained with traditional Filipino muslim and tinikling dance presentations. Youth and Project Beats displayed their hiphop dancing prowess. Singers Marilyn Mendez, Marilyn Escamis and Dianne Emalay delighted the audience with popular tunes.
The winner of the Best Stall at 7th Pasko sa Canberra and Mutya ng Kalayaan 2011 Patricia Ryan, daughter of Philip and Judy Ryan, were presented. Emcees Hannah Albarece and Hardy Vargas also announced the winners of the President’s Belle of the Ball, Best in National Costume and Best in Contemporary Gown. Raffle prizes were also drawn.
This year’s Philippine Independence Day Ball was organised by FCCACT’s board of directors which includes Ian Bull, vice president internal of Rondanihan; Cecilia Flores, vice-president external of Sampaguita Ladies; Elizabeth Garrett, secretary and public officer of the ACT Filipino Association; Modesto Umali, assistant secretary of the Filcom Sports Club; Norman Kalagayan, treasurer and from the Filipino Christian Fellowship; Dina Ivakovic, youth director of the FilOz Youth; Sorin Clenci, director of the Pinoy Football Aid; Ariel Pattugalan, immediate past president of Filcom Sports Club; and Volet Carolan, internal auditor and associate member.
Filipino Communities Council of Australia president Marisa Vedar in her message urged Filipinos in Australia to unite and show that they are “significant contributors both to the Filipino community and mainstream Australia”.