The Ilonggo Association of Victoria Inc (IAVI) will hold its annual Mother’s Day Dinner Dance on 10 May 2014 at the Grand Star Receptions in Altona North. “We encourage anyone who are interested to join and enjoy the fun,” Dominic “Sandy” Lobriza, IAVI’s Vice President- East, said.
“The event is a celebration of the value and importance of mothers in our lives as well as a fundraising event to support the various projects of the IAVI,” Sandy told The Philippine Times.
Sandy promises those attending that the night will be full of fun with lots of dancing, great food and good performers like Alyssa Limbo and Stephanie Chung and some surprise floor show numbers. It is also a good opportunity for everyone get to know IAVI more and its past and ongoing projects here and in the Philippines. There will also be a special auction of authentic Manny Pacquaio boxing gloves.
The highlight of the night is the awarding of the Ilonggo Mother of the Year award. All mothers who meet the following criteria are invited to join: must be an Ilonggo or supporter of IAVI activities and projects; must be a mother for at least 30 years, and the children are of good standing and responsible individuals.
For years now, the Ilonggo Association has been actively working with various organisations in Australia and in the Philippines such as the Gawad Kalinga, Rotary Club of Brimbank Central, orphanages and local governments to assist in the recovery and livelihood and education of the youth. In 2010, it donated $18,000 to build a Sibol school in Barangay Sooc in Iloilo City. In 2012, it donated $20,000 to build a multi-purpose hall in Negros Occidental.
IAVI also has an ongoing scholarship program to assist poor but deserving students of the Central Philippine University. Last year, nearly 40 received financial grants with one college graduate finishing cum laude. It also helped the elderly of the Saint Vincent de Paul Home for the Aged in Bacolod City and those affected by the different calamities in the Philippines.
IAVI is one Filipino organisation in Victoria worth emulating by other groups for its transparency and projects. It is a financially sound organisation with strong ongoing involvement in many projects both here and in the Philippines.
The officers of the Ilonggo Association for 2014- 2016 are: President – Melvin Espiga; Vice President for West – Patsy Gutierrez; Vice President for East – Dominic Lobriza; Secretary – Wynn Fontanos; Treasurer – Elaine Soriano; Auditor – Arlene Romerona; Business Manager -Susan Garsulao, and Information Officer – Rubin Alfaro. Adviser is previous President, Neds Sarcepuedes.
For tickets, please contact Melvin on 8361-8606, 0434232824, Elaine on 0410746646, Patsy on 0412889134, Neds on 0409430040 or Susan on 0401096152.
