By MILA CICHELLO
What a busy month September has been!
Salaginto in action: “Reach out to others, give from the heart”
Salaginto (Filipino Senior Citizens Caring Group) held their annual Charity Dinner Dance on 18 September 2010 at Princess Court Receptions (Mulgrave). This amazing group of seniors continues to impress the community with their tightly organised events, classic entertainment and great dancing music. This year the Guest Speaker was Mr Sam Afra (Chairperson of Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria), a much loved figure in Victorian ethnic communities because of his commitment to multiculturalism and outstanding support for senior citizens. The performers on the night included violinist Eliza Quirit, young entertainer Bradley Marshall, Hiyas Dance Troupe and ballroom dancers Connie, Rey, Megan and Hiram. The Master of Ceremonies was Dina Delfino and DJ Al Noveloso had everyone grooving on the dance floor all night! Mrs Ching Chavarria (Salaginto Chairperson) thanks everyone for their generous support of the annual event, the proceeds of which will go to Golden Acres Elderly Home in Manila and to other projects in the Philippines.
Rural FAFA (Northern Victoria) celebrates 28 years of community service
The Filipino Australian Friends Association (Northern Victoria) Inc, otherwise known as FAFA, held its 28th Anniversary Celebrations on 18 September 2010 at the Italian Bocce Club in Shepparton. Formed in 1982 by Filipinos and Australian families in Northern Victoria, the association has contributed significantly to the area through their dance troupe, their own Filipino Language School, regional cultural events and their role in maintaining the Filipino International House and Museum located in Shepparton. Over 150 people from all over Goulburn Valley and Northern Victoria attended the anniversary night and danced away to the music of the popular band Musical Grove with Filipina singer Dina doing the vocals.
Rural FAFAG (Geelong) celebrates 29 years of community service
The Filipino Australian Friendship Association of Geelong Inc (FAFAG) celebrated its 29th Anniversary on 25 September 2010 at their FAFAG Clubhouse in Geelong. Founded in 1981 by a group of Filipino and Australian families in the regional city of Geelong, the organisation is widely credited with providing social activities for migrant Filipinos and their families and non-Filipino friends, actively promoting Filipino culture and values, fostering multicultural harmony and working with mainstream agencies to provide support to isolated elderly Filipinos and newly-arrived migrants to the region. With continuing increase in families joining the association, the Club’s hardworking FAFAG Committee welcomed the large crowd of children, teenagers, baby boomers and young-at-heart who danced the night away to favourite music from the popular entertainer Peter Perez.
