The Circulo Capizeno of Melbourne (CCM) was able to raise $5500 during its 11th Halloween Costume Ball 2014 held last 1 November 2014 at Freccia Azzurra Springvale Road in Keysborough.
Some kids and adults alike took extra effort to make their Halloween night worth remembering. Some came wearing hilarious, scary or ridiculous costumes all for the spirit of fun and belly laugh. While the Ebola suit costume party has sparked controversy in America, here the Ebola blood-stained costume of a young man received the judges’ nod for its unique and modern appeal. Kids were also awarded prizes for best costumes.
In her welcome address, CCM Adviser Terry Apines, thanked guests and sponsors for the support. Marisa Vedar of Gawad Kalinga Australia talked about GK and CCM’s partnership in helping Capizenos back home. Philippine-based singer Isabel Granada provided songs, while Lily Rose Fashion held a mini fashion show of its latest collections with Filipina models parading sexy outfits. There were more dancing and raffles with guests winning round-trip tickets courtesy of Philippine Tours and Western Travel.
It’s really for charity
Despite the eerie costumes and the swaying of hips and fancy feet on the dance floor, the night was really meant as a fundraising event for the disadvantaged Capizenos. Terry told The Philippine Times that this month she is scheduled to meet with Gawad Kalinga Capiz volunteers to discuss projects.
Reaching out to the needy kababayans
CCM has been assisting school children from various schools in Capiz such as Banica Elementary School, Balighot Elementary School, Bantuan Elementary School, Culasi Elementary School, Olotayan Elementary School, Quevedo Elementary School, Venancio Alba Elementary School, Pinamalatikan Elementary School and Bitoon Elementary School.
According to Terry, CCM is happy for the constant support it gets from the Filipino community here in Victoria. “Last year when the Yolanda Super typhoon hit Capiz by 85%, we called for help and people came and attended our lunch in Boronia. Some brought prizes we could raffle and Bob Clarke, a country singer who is very much involved in the Filipino community, donated his time and talent by providing songs to the guests. We charged for $15 per person,” she said.
In addition, the Espiritu Bunch from Keysborough was able to raise more than $5000 by organising a night out in the City, a barbeque and passing-the-hats at work. The total fund raised was $10000 which CCM personally managed the distribution of goods in Capiz. “We climbed mountains, walked through the rice fields. We rode by boats to reach those in the remote areas. We cannot helped but shed tears with them while they were telling us how they were able to survive,” Terry recalled about the experience of his group.
Involving the youth
Terry said the Circulo Capizenos recently formed a group of young Capizenos to do their bit to help in the rebuilding of Capiz. Lucky Sam Espiritu leads the youth group. Espiritu was among the 21 volunteers from Australia who did fundraising events for Save the Children Australia in Nepal. The group helped build a school in the mountains. He was also a volunteer English tutor to Vietnamese children taking up English language courses in Springvale. He also assisted in the Saint Joseph Parish Church’s St. Joey’s food van handing out food to the homeless in Dandenong.
Current CCM officers
CCM officers are: President -Alma de los Reyes; Vice President- Remy Frenila; Secretary -Janet Bishop; Treasurer – Cora Biclar; Busisness Managers – Nene Cooke and Lolit Bayuna; Public Officer – Cesar Vega and Board of Directors: Teresita Frenila, Stuart Knight, Benson Biclar, Stephen delos Reyes, Lillian Vega, Elaine Soriano, Marilyn Gubatanga, Janet Bishop and Romeo Apines. Previous President Terry Apines now acts as the Adviser.
During the Halloween Ball, Sandy Lobriza served as the emcee of the night, while DJ Melvin Diez provided lights and sounds.
Elmer Espiritu of Miasta Photobooth provided photobooth for souvenir photos.
For membership and donations, please contact Terry on 0413-844-146.
(Photos by Elmer Espiritu of Miasta Photobooth)
