NARRA Co-operative Ltd, in collaboration with Plaza Filipino Inc., held the Pamana Ball and Recognition Night Ambassador for Culture and the Arts 2026 on 1 February at the Liverpool Catholic Club in Prestons, NSW.
The annual fundraising event brought together Filipino-Australian community leaders, organisations and families to recognise individuals supporting arts, culture and community initiatives.
Among the guests were Philippine Consul General Charmaine Rowena Aviquivil, Consular Staff George Prudente, Consul Sheila Tario, Vice Consul Diana Jimenez-Leomo, Hon Julia Finn MP, Member for Granville, and Liverpool City Councillor Fiona Macnaught representing Mayor Ned Mannoun.
Philippine Ambassador to Australia Antonio Morales attended as keynote speaker and joined Consul General Aviquivil in presenting awards to the 2026 honourees.
Following the invocation led by Josephine Tada, immediate past president of Plaza Filipino, NARRA President Marcus Rivera delivered his welcome address.
“Pamana means legacy in Filipino, and tonight is legacy in motion. It’s what we inherit, what we live, and what we choose to build together for the next generation of Filipino Australians.
“We thank you for being here because your presence tonight isn’t just attendance. It’s support, it’s belief, and it’s bayanihan,” he said.
In his keynote address, Ambassador Morales highlighted the significance of 2026.
“The year 2026 is a milestone, marking the 80th anniversary of Philippines-Australia relations. At the heart of our strategic partnership lies our people-to-people connections. These are connections that you, through your dedication and leadership, continue to deepen and sustain,” he said.
“Congratulations to all the awardees, and may this evening inspire continued support for Filipino culture and the arts.”
The program featured cultural performances by past ambassadors and community performers including Annabelle Regalado Borja, Zaebriel Orayenza, Christopher Booth, Carmenchu Gresham, Juliet Vella, Jhoey Brown and members of the Australian Mindanao Dancers. Other performers included 2026 honourees Joan Paula Conducto, Asia Cook, Joshua Santos and Nigel Guarin.
Borja, who was unable to receive her award last year, was formally presented her plaque during the evening.
Recognition was given to the following 2026 award recipients:
- Ambassador of Culture and the Arts Champion — Bernadette Maureen Oalin-Lubina
- Ambassador of Culture and the Arts Luminary — Joan Paula Conducto
- Charity Champion — Bernadette Maureen Oalin-Lubina
- Charity Luminary — Joan Paula Conducto
- 1st Runner-Up Ambassador Fundraiser — Joshua Santos
- 2nd Runner-Up Ambassador Fundraiser — Grenessil Histon
- 3rd Runner-Up — Asia Cook
- 4th Runner-Up Ambassador Fundraiser — Frances Helena
- Most Achieved Ambassador — Erlinda Geronimo Santos
- Most Popular Ambassador — Nigel Guarin
- Community Role Model Ambassador — Neria Soliman
- Community Role Model Youth Ambassador — Rene Bella Dela Cruz
- Leader Ambassador — Frances Helena
- Youth Leader Ambassador — Joshua Santos
- Best Filipiniana — Daisy Mundy
- Best Barong — Jun Capili
Fundraising activities included two raffle categories. The $25 tickets were entered into two draws, with cash prizes totalling $10,000 and additional consolation prizes. The $2 tickets were drawn in a tiambolo format, with major prizes totalling $1,000. Winning numbers were later published on NARRA’s Facebook page.
The evening also highlighted NARRA Co-operative’s long-term initiative under Project 500, which aims to establish a Filipino-Australian Cultural Home by 2032. Updates on the ACI Central Program Calendar for 2026 were also presented.
Plaza Filipino’s newly elected president, Manny Roux, delivered the closing remarks before the program concluded with community dancing.
NARRA announced that its next fundraising event, Tribute to Fathers & Mothers 2026, will be held on Sunday, 30 August. Nomination forms and guidelines will be available on the NARRA Facebook page.
