February 6 at the elegantly decorated Grand on Princes Reception Centre in Mulgrave was a full house, with the Friendship Club of Melbourne Inc. (FCMI) attracting around 250 guests while celebrating three years of community service through volunteer dance performances.
FCMI President Rosemarie Ferran Castillo looked back to July 2022 when a group of women — including founder Liza Aquino di Blasio — who share a passion for dancing decided to use dance to unite communities and enrich connections.
Recently recognised by the Filipino Community Council of Victoria (FCCVI) for their work, this was reiterated on the night by FCCVI CEO Rox Sarthou. The FCMI has continuously supported many Filipino community organisations in Victoria by providing volunteer traditional, cultural and modern fusion dance performances at community events.
FCMI Assistant PRO Nelia Arino Ciar also shared how the group raises funds for legitimate purposes such as paying entrance tickets when dancers attend community events, buying costumes and props for performances, covering transportation and other expenses to reach different venues, and in emergency cases, providing relief aid and other support during calamities in the Philippines. Last year alone, the FCMI performed over 30 times.
Against the backdrop of an FCMI video montage shown on a wide screen, President Castillo welcomed guests and presented plaques to major sponsors, including My Travel Solution’s Chris Centeno, who donated a return Philippine Airlines ticket later won by Grace Hugo.
Community supporters — including The Philippine Times Publisher Alice Nicolas and Editor-in-Chief Jason Cordi — and volunteers Gina Tuazon, Liza di Blasio, Lolit Thomas, Josephine Quintero and Melissa Rawlinson were also recognised.
FCMI PRO and emcee Joey Anin introduced the different segments of the program, with FCMI dancers officially opening the dance floor. The Diamond Divas entertained the guests, as did the energetic Dancing Doctors, Dr Lorie de Leon and her husband, Dr Willy Reyes.
Elegant gowns donated by FCMI Assistant Treasurer Eva Rudge, Vice President Juliet Manalac Orquia and Theresa Marcos raised over $1,000, while a Richard Manning painting valued at over $2,000 was auctioned to the highest bidder, Chris Centeno of My Travel Solution.
Other raffle prizes included household appliances, beddings, designer bags donated by Gina Tuazon and Amy Ongoco, a couch chair from Lora Collins, perfume hampers from Diana Lee, a food party voucher from Maria Regala, and cash prizes from the FCMI.
The event featured food, entertainment and endless dancing courtesy of DJ Rich’s music, along with the crowning of Best Dressed Male (Caio Souza), Best Dressed Female (Irene Tonog) and Darling of the Night (Josephine Moreno). Judges included Mila Cathery, Lorie de Leon, Lulu Lorenzo and Chris Centeno.
Photographers Angelito Valdez Jr, Gary Haywood and FCMI President’s supportive son, Robby Castillo, captured the memorable moments, while the photo booth added smiles throughout the evening.
Overall, the third-year anniversary dinner dance strengthened both old and new friendships, with the FCMI expressing gratitude for another year of volunteering and dancing with a purpose “to bring joy, culture and connection to our community,” President Castillo said.
