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.

IAVI Projects presentation AGM Nov2013

First concert in Melbourne on 25 May 2014
Filipina caregiver Rose “Osang” Fostanes, who won the inaugural season of X-Factor Israel in January 2014 will have a series of shows in Australia. After bagging the X-Factor grand prize, Rose transformed from an anonymous singing caregiver to an Israeli reality TV star. She became the darling of the judges and Israel audience after stand-out performances from her audition song, Shirley Bassey’s “This is my Life” to Frank Sinatra’s signature song, “My Way”.

On 25 May 2014, she will hold her first concert in Melbourne at 2 pm at at the Thornbury Theatre, 859 High Street, Thornbury.

Osang’s concert will also feature Melbourne talent, Jerson Trinidad, winner of Bert Newton’s “New Faces” in Channel 10, and Sydney performer, Lillian delos Reyes, winner of Tim Webster’s “You’re a Star in Channel 10.

Filipinos around the world followed her on YouTube and FaceBook. Her Cinderella story is reminiscent of Susan Boyle’s feat in Britain’s Got Talent in 2009. Susan sang Les Miserables’ “I Dreamed the Dream” that made her a star overnight. Rose won X-Factor at 47 and so did Susan who won Britain’s Got Talent at 47. Rose remarked after winning the X-Factor Israel, “Everybody in the world will know that Filipinos, even those working as cleaners can be part of a big event like this.” She worked as a part- time singer in a Tel’Aviv and a full-time caregiver and cleaner.

Event tickets for Melbourne are at $50 and $35 and available online www.thornburytheatre.oztix.com.au or call Gloria on 0412 166 097, Ed 0419 209 738; Lito 0425 832 309 and Rollie 0404 946 079.

Two amazing talents together in Sydney
Dami Im, another X-Factor winner who elicited standing ovations from the judges, contestants and audience, will perform back-to-back with Osang on 1 June 2014, 1pm at the Sydney Town Hall in Sydney CBD.

To back her up in this Sydney concert are Filipino-Australian winners of TV and club competitions, Lilian de los Reyes; Brian Lorenz in RSL’s singing competitions and Kookies n Kream in Australia’s Got Talent.

Dami rose to fame after winning the 2013 X-Factor Australia and now referred to as the first Asian-Australian Pop star. Her single, “Alive” topped the Aria singles chart on release in October 2013. Aged 25, Dami worked as a gospel singer in Seoul and taught piano and voice privately in Brisbane. She and her mother migrated to Australia when she was 9 years old but her father had to stay in Korea to work and support them. She has a quiet demeanor and a unique mix of talent and style which make her different from other singing idols.

This Sydney Town Hall concert is a 30th anniversary presentation for a cause by the Filipino Community Cooperative Ltd which was established and incorporated on 23 May 1983. “Putting these two amazing talents together on one stage is an ambitious project,” the Cooperative’s chairperson Kate Andres remarked.
“They have inspiring Cinderalla stories to share and they are living proofs of dreams coming true no matter what or who you are and where you come from,” she added.
For tickets, please call 9823 5425.

Part of the proceeds of the Melbourne and Sydney concerts will be donated to World Vision Australia for the Help after Haiyan projects.

Osang poster_VIC