By Richard J Ford, APCO PRO and Vice-President External
The Fil-Oz Liverpool and Districts held their yearly Christmas in July on 22 July 2017 at All Saints Liverpool Church Hall.
The event’s main theme focused on Christmas Carols for the children.
The event was graced by three special guests — representatives from the Philippine Consulate — Ms. Linda Albay (Visa Officer/Assistance to National Officer), Ms. Rachel Calisin (Cultural Officer and Assistant to the Consul General) and Mr. Raido Ibanez (Consular Assistant). Also present was the Elizabeth Grillo, a long revered workmate of Fil-Oz Liverpool Inc President Cora Bojarski.
The Consul-General Anne Jalando-on Louis couldn’t make it to our event and sent her apology, so the message from our Consul-General was read out by Ms. Linda Albay to the members of the Fil-Oz of Liverpool and Districts and to all our Philippine Community.
The Emcee for the night was Cora Bojarski assisted by Treasurer Cora Paras, who also gave a brief history on why we have Christmas in July in Australia.
Entertainment being provided by Angel Villalobos, singer and celebrity from the Philippines and worked at the ABS-CBN network.
Zabriel Oriensa, our youngest performer who is just eight years old, sang a wonderful rendition of “O Holy Night”.
The LBL 4 dancers, a young group of dancers were led by the ever talented Sharlene Gamo. The Fil-Oz dance group also performed line dancing for the visitors.
Even our Director Terry Spencer surprised everyone by singing and dressing up as Marilyn Monroe.
Everyone sang and danced to the Philippine Christmas songs Ang Pasko ay Sumapit, Pasko Na Naman and Jingle Bells with our Assistant Treasurer Alma being involved with the visitors in singing the Christmas Carols.
Cora Bojarski brought along some maracas and tambourines that was played by the Philippine Representatives while singing and dancing to Christmas Carols.
The event was a happy and joyful moment just reminiscing on how the Philippine Christmas celebrations are shared especially with family and friends.
The music on the night was provided by Frank and Andrew Bojarski.
Everyone enjoyed the food that was provided for it was truly delicious and in abundance. While the visitors were eating, slides were shown of all the past Christmas in July celebrations and also the Santacruzan celebrations. All of the photos were compiled by Cora Bojarski.
The presence of Santa giving of gifts and lolly bags to the children was the highlight of the evening. A big thank you to Mr. Ron Storey for being our Santa Claus for the night. Everyone had fun taking photos with family and especially with the children.
Lots of prizes were donated by the Toy Shop in Petersham for giveaways and for the raffles. Many people donated raffle prizes and we cannot thank them enough for their generosity and kindness.
A thank you also to the APCO Inc. President Pet Storey for her full support to our Fil-Oz organisation and what a lovely message about Christmas celebration.
All proceeds goes to our 23rd Santacruzan event next year, the most watched and exciting event in our Philippine history here at Liverpool, NSW.
Thank you to our Fil-Oz team of loyal members and guests, family and friends. It has been a great evening indeed.
