Four Filipinos proudly led the graduating class of Carnegie Mellon University-Australia. Peter Francisco, Darwin Soneja, Merika de la Pena, and Marikris Garcia all completed their programs with Highest Distinction.
Franciso received the Excellence Award for the Master of Science in Information Technology Program and Soneja, the Excellence Award for the Master of Science in Public Policy and Management Program.
De la Pena, an Australian Awards scholar, was one of the three students who delivered a message on behalf of the graduating class.
South Australian Filipino Achievers Awards
Alongside the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Australia, the Filipino Settlement Coordinating Council of SA (FSCCSA) held its annual Philippine Independence Day Dinner Dance at the Thebarton Community Centre. Commemorating 123 years of independence, this year also saw the biennial South Australian Filipino Achievers Awards make a comeback after being cancelled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The FSCCSA Awards Panel announced the 2021 FSCCSA Achiever awardees:
- Overall Achiever: Rose Cossid Howland
- Career Achiever: Dr Emil Bolongaita
- Honourable Mention: Juan Paolo Legaspi and Recel Tayor
- Community Achiever: Daniel Buberis
- Honourable Mention: Josefina Bauer and Rowena Rattus
- Sports Achiever: Leonard Baines
- Honourable Mention: Armani Marsters
- Arts Achiever: Lourdes Duenas-Blinco
- Senior Achiever: Rose Howland
- Honourable Mention: Cynthia Vallejo
- Youth Achiever: Shanelle Hancl
The formal dinner and awards were supported by the Department of the Premier and Cabinet through the office of Multicultural Affairs and the City of West Torrens. Guests were treated to live patriotic song numbers from talented local performers James Sace, Sonnette Cortes and Sharon Cloma with best-dressed couple awards going to Malou and Louie Trocio.
Upcoming event in SA
Fil-Adelaide DDS 5th Anniversary Dinner and Dance. 9 October. 6 pm till late. Tickets $45.
Contact Oscar 0421 311 950.
