by Richard James Ford
The newly formed Alliance of Philippine Community Organisations, Inc (APCO) is fully booked for its 500-seat inaugural Freedom Ball to be held on 12 June at Maxims Reception Centre, 11 Cross St. Bankstown 2200 from 7.30pm onwards. Dr Cen Amores, APCO’s founding president reported that the Freedom Ball will be graced by federal, state and local government officials from the three major political parties.
Also represented are 23 Filipino Australian community organisations including those that withdrew membership from the Philippine Community Council during the elections for 2010 members of the PCC Board. Organisation members from all over Greater Sydney Basin including Illawarra and Newcastle regions will be attending to show their support for this very inclusive community development-orientated peak.
Organised with the theme: “Iwagayway ang kalayaan at hustisya!” (Uphold freedom and justice!) the Filipiniana-motif dinner and dance will feature new and proven outstanding talents like singers Marcus Rivera, Linda Trinidad, the Carreon Family Quartet, Dana Nicole and Hannah Jover, Marilyn Mendes (cast member of “Her Son, Rizal”) and outstanding young fashion designer, Valerie Tolosa. Outstanding magazine journalist and Sandigan Bayan Radio broadcaster, Michelle Baltazar will emcee the program, backed by the Vocalise Band who will provide the music and HDV Productions will cover the proceedings.
A full-coloured souvenir magazine will be given free on the night and APCO’s high-definition corporate video will be launched. Another much anticipated part of the celebration is the awarding of the best Filipiniana gowns and barongs while the climax is the Sayaw ng Kalayaan choreographed by Albert Dimarucut of FLAGCOM and Friends.
The following founding officers of APCO will also be sworn into office: President: Dr Cen Amores (Kapit-bahayan Co-operative Ltd), Senior VP: Jhun Salazar (Visayan Association of Australia), Junior VP: Mariam McCauley (Club Filipino Illawarra), Secretary: Raquel Pellero (Filipino Business and Workers Club of Australia, Treasurer: Violy Miguel (Plaza Filipino), Auditor: Emylee Tuzon (Mindanao Association of Australia), and PRO: Richard Ford (Fil-Oz Liverpool and Districts).
Board members are: Vivian Brewington (representing North Shore community) Lee Meekan (Abra Association of Australia) Nick Meissner (Filipino Business and Workers Club of Australia) Gloria Papaioannou (Global Ilocanos) Ruben Pasion(Australia Philippines Entertainment Network) Rudy Reyes (Maharlika), Linda Trinidad (Isabela Association of Australia) and Lourdes Wilman (Illawarra Filipino and Multicultural Women’s Group)
APCO has organisational and individual members (those not actively attached to organisations). Among APCO’s affiliates (as of May) are: Kapit-bahayan Cooperative Ltd, Association of Filipino Teachers and Academics, Filipino Business and Workers Club of Australia, Global Ilocanos, Illawarra Filipino and Multicultural Women’s Group, Club Filipino Illawarra, Visayan Association of Australia, Fil-Oz Liverpool and Districts, Plaza Filipino, Minto Prayer Group, Abra Association of Australia, Ex-DBP Employees, Australia-Philippine Entertainment Network, MPC Cumbancheros, Isabela Association of Australia, Mindanao Association of Australia, UST Alumni Association, Cagayanos and Friends, Calapenos and Friends, Professional Association of Australia, United Pangasinan, Warrawong Fatima Group, Macquarie Fields Tennis, Association of Australia, etc. Many more groups are expected to join APCO in the coming months.
