Wilfredo Obien was chosen to lead the new management committee of the Dulaang Bayan Melbourne Inc (DBMI) after an election held last 17 October.
The following officers were elected to serve for a period of one year: President – Wilfredo Obien; Vice-President – Regina Taylor; Secretary – Catherine Pilapil; Treasurer – Albert ‘Niki’ Garing, and P.R.O. – Lynda Magpayo. Six ordinary members will serve as committee members: Reynaldo ‘Boy’ Amedo, George Gregorio, Adrian Prophet, Josephine Elano, Susan Rodriguez, and Nena Marcelo.
DBMI founder Manny G Asuncion congratulated the new officers and representatives and thanked the members and outgoing officers. “Your hardship is well appreciated. Let’s keep the spirit of DBMI alive and burning,” said Asuncion.
On his part, outgoing president George Gregorio thanked everyone for giving him and his team the chance to serve DBMI. He expressed desire to continue assisting the club in his capacity as an ordinary member.
In his annual report, Gregorio enumerated the DBMI actvities and accomplishments for the year ending 30 June that included: two fundraising events, the production of Manny G Asuncion’s three-act play, “Ang Ikalawang Tag-Sibol ni Mang Florante”, networking with FCCVI and Philippine Fiesta, induction and get-together party, the launch of Tagpuan mobile theatre, performance level reading of “Bayan Mo, Bayan Ko”, performance at the Lord Jesus Church’s second anniversary, nomination to the FILCCA community service award, revision of the constitution, creation of website, planning for short play “Miting Sa Makiling”, and approval to purchase professional lapel microphones.
Treasurer Susan Rodriguez reported the club’s annual financial condition. Josephine Elano took the minutes while Adrian Prophet presided over the Elections.
The Annual General Meeting and Elections lasted for two hours. The atmosphere was happy and members expressed optimism over the future direction of the 23-year old Filipino community theatre group based in Melbourne.
