One experience with Pnoy I will never forget

By MARISA VEDAR

State Lunch hosted by the Gov Gen Quintin Bryce

It was a very beautiful setting. The dining area overlooking the Lake.  We were individually presented to the Governor General and the President with a Junior Military Officer announcing our names and positions. This is my up-close and personal moment with the President. He thanked me for serving the community and asked how I cope with the issues of 200,000 Filipinos in Australia.  The Gov Gen and Pnoy exchanged welcome and delivered thank-you speeches. The ambiance was very friendly and pleasant.  I sat between PAGCOR Chief Bong Naguiat and Secretary for Agriculture Prosy Alcala.  It was a very unique and extraordinary experience.

State Dinner hosted by PM Julia Gillard

Because there was no Parliament sitting, we were hosted in a small function room.  It was a bit cramped.  The President was not feeling well so it was announced that Gillard and Pnoy would do their speeches and leave.  Pnoy did not bother looking at his prepared speech.  He spoke freely and from the heart how Australian friends had played a very important role in his family’s departure from Marcos’ dictatorship and flew to the US. He spoke about how Aussies and Filipinos have fought side by side during the war and have a history of strong friendship and ties. Julia Gillard announced bilateral agreements reached.  After their speeches, both leaders left without eating.

Business Forum

So many businessmen came to listen to the President.  He was still not feeling well so he only spent 30 minutes in the forum.  He focused on how strong our economy is growing; how our credit standing has been given a raise eight times.  He emphasized the government’s commitment to good governance, transparency and fighting corruption and red tape to assist business and investments in the Philippines.

Meeting with the Filipino community at John Therry Catholic High School

This is the President’s most comfortable and at ease moment perhaps because he felt home with us Filipinos. I delivered the speech in behalf of the Filipino community which was applauded five times. The President acknowledged me in his speech as an “energetic and dedicated community worker”.  It was a shining moment for me, one experience I will never forget.