A sunny Melbourne morning added to the fervent desire of hundreds of Filipinos who attended the flag-raising ceremony at Federation Square on June 12 to commemorate the 127th Philippine Independence Day, led by the Philippine Consulate General, Melbourne.
With prayers led by Filipino Chaplain Reverend Joselito ‘Litoy’ Asis, the ceremony brought immense national pride and joy to everyone present, featuring messages from the Philippine President and his First Lady, the Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs, and the newly appointed Philippine Ambassador to Australia, His Excellency Antonio A. Morales.
Various community leaders/organisations in attendance, the SPAG Ati-Atihan Group vibrantly entertained, the Kiko Choir passionately sang Lupang Hinirang and PCGM Acting Head of Post, Consul Ralph Abarquez, was encouraging when he welcomed dual citizen applicants who took an oath to re-acquire their Filipino citizenship: “you don’t have to choose being Australian and being Filipino, you can be both”.
AFCS flag-raising Philippine Independence Day ceremony, the very first in the City of Casey
Endorsed by the Philippine Consulate General in Melbourne in collaboration with the City of Casey, the Australian-Filipino Community Services (AFCS) hosted a historic first flag-raising ceremony at Bunjil Place, City of Casey, attended by around 200 from as far as Gippsland.
City of Casey Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen (wearing a Barong Tagalog), Casey (Tooradin Ward) Councillor Jennifer Dizon, Casey (Casuarina Ward) Councillor Kim Ross and AFCS CEO Corina Dutlow attended with community leaders and members of various organisations including the Council on the Ageing (COTA) and Better Health Network providing elderly transport.
While commemorating the proclamation of Philippine Independence from Spain 127 years ago, the event also promotes community services accessibility, particularly for seniors and those with health issues residing in Casey and the surrounding localities. Purple was the colour of the day to promote the prevention of elderly abuse and domestic violence.
Performances included Tinikling Kids dancing, community singing led by AFCS Volunteer Coordinator Gabby Ocampo and the Klaypel painting demonstration by the Young Generation Filipino Senior Citizens of the Southeast (popularly known as YG), especially invited to exhibit the artworks curated by YG Spiritual/Art Director Pastor Eric Maliwat.
YG President Maria Norma Patrizi described the historic flag-raising ceremony as highly emotional and proud that the public enjoyed and supported the YG Klaypel exhibit. Patrizi was also thankful of young artist participants like herself, Officers Evelyn Unwin and Virgie Wright. The event finished up with AFCS serving hot drinks with Filipino bread pandesal
FCCVI celebrates Philippine Independence with cultural display and awards
On June 13, the Filipino Community Council of Victoria Inc. (FCCVI) also held a vibrant Independence Day celebration at the Happy Receptions in Totenham, Victoria, an event CEO Roxanne Sarthou was delighted about considering the overwhelming community support.
There were performances from the Maharlika Dance Group, Friendship Club of Victoria, Damayan North Golden Dance Group, Fil-Aus Seniors and Isabella Frivaldo-Mercado. There were community awards given, a mouth-watering lunch and messages inspiring community and cultural connection reflecting national pride.
Distinguished guests included The Honourable Daniel Mulino MP, Consul Ralph Abarquez, Brimbank City Mayor Thuy Dang, Deputy Mayor Cr Victoria Borg and Cr Kim Thien Truong, Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria (ECCV) CEO Farah Farouque and Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) Chairperson Viv Nguyen. VMC Chair reiterated that the Philippine Independence Day celebration … importantly demonstrates the Filipino community wanting to take part in Victoria’s multicultural society “to share, to give, to embrace, adding to our harmony and respect”.
Bayanihan in Melbourne Inc. recognises present-day heroes
On June 7, the Bayanihan in Melbourne Inc. commemorated the 127th Philippine Independence Day with the theme: Greatness of the Past, Strength of the Present: Celebrating our Heroes” (Kadakilaan ng Nakaraan, Lakas ng Kasalukuyan: Pagdiriwang ng Ating mga Bayani).
The event at St Peter’s Anglican Church Hall in East Melbourne (attended by around 150 including leaders/members from various organisations throughout Victoria) was remarkable as it recognised outstanding “present-day heroes”, visionary leaders, educators and front-liners inspired by the sacrifices and bravery of our heroes from the past and continue to honour and strengthen their contribution to Australia’s multicultural society.
Awardees included First Filipino Policewoman in Victoria Constable Roma Concepcion (presented “Breaking Barriers in Law Enforcement”), ICU Nurse Educator Jofel Peralta (presented “Compassion and Excellence: The Filipino in Healthcare”) and Businesswoman/Autism Awareness Advocate Minette Macaroyo Sales.
President Versie Tamblyn welcomed guest PCGM Consul Jan Sherwin Wenceslao, Casey Councillor and Lawyer Jennifer Dizon (presenting Leadership in Service: The Filipino Voice in Governance”), VMC Commissioner Mohideen, and great grandniece of our national hero, Dr Jose Rizal, KRI (Kababaihang Rizalista Inc.) Founder Josephine Quintero, who spoke about the legacy of Dr Rizal and how it reflects/influences the values of the modern Filipino.
Outstanding performers included Mary Ann Van Der Horst singing “Ako ay Filipino” and the Hiyas Dance Group with their Fan Dance choreographed by Cultural Dance Teacher Ludy de Llamas. Emcee Lee Montajes kept the momentum while Leigh’s Kitchen & Catering, Mrs Market, Happy Hut, Princess Anne, Janelle Cespon and Zenaida Potter provided delicious treats.
