The Australian Visayan Association of Victoria Inc. (AVAVI) held the “Parents Night” for the Miss Teen Philippines Victoria Quest 2012 last 19 May 2012 at the Sacred Heart Hall, Oakleigh.
This year’s teen candidates are: Stephanie Turzi, Hannah Bolo Taylor, and Julie Laoit. Except for Julie who was not around but was represented by her cousin, both Stephanie and Hannah presented their respective parents with a bouquet of flowers. The parents are Steve and Virginia Turzi and Cherry and Vince Taylor. Julie’s mum, Malou Laoit was also presented a flower bouquet.
Despite poor attendance, the celebration did not dampen the spirits of attendees and organisers. The attendance was affected by a similar event in Sunshine and the forthcoming event organised by a new Cebuano group.
AVAVI President Dr. Ed Lagrito refused to delve on the issue but he said the Calendar of Events of the Filipino community should be fixed to avoid duplication of activities on the same day. Putting up new organisations, he said, is unnecessary if it would mean dividing the members and the Filipino community in general. “Eventually, it will destroy all of us,” he told The Philippine Times.
AVAVI has been in existence for 28 years now with Dr. Lagrito heading the group since it started. The Association has been holding fundraising events to assist street children in Cebu and Baguio City, fund the schooling of some economically-disadvantaged school children in the Philippines through scholarships, and provide money to victims of floods and earthquakes in the Philippines.
DJs of the night were Gary and Aldwin Cajili.
