Photos:  Rolly Ferrer and Cashmere Jen


June 9  was the Filipino Community Council of Victoria ‘s (FCCVI)  Philippine Independence Ball which was held at the Grand  Star Reception at Laverton, Victoria, Australia in commemoration of the 114^th celebration of the Philippine Independence Day.  

More than 300 guests attended this annual event graced by Honourable Virginia  Kalong, the Consul General , Philippine Consulate of Victoria and Mr Chin Tan, Chairperson, Victorian Multicultural Commission.
 
The event was organized by the Philippine Foundation Incorporated (PAFI), the financial arm of the FCCVI headed by its executive director, Ms Perla Luetic. Mr Jing Sosa, the current chairperson of the of FCCVI welcomed the attendees and the guests of honour for the evening, followed by a short DVD presentation of the FCCVI’s  age care services.

FCCVI awarded its  outgoing  officers and centre manager for their untiring and selfless dedication to the community. 


The program was opened by a parade of different Filipino-Australian community  organizations in Victoria,  represented by their respective members  and officers. 

Consul Kalong lauded the organizer and emphasized the patriotism of  the people who made the Philippine Independence possible. She also stressed  the  duties and responsibilities of every Filipino living in the Philippines and abroad.

Mr Chin Tan thanked the FCCVI and PAFI for their efforts in organizing the auspicious event. He also  congratulated FCCVI f or launching the book The Filipinos in Victoria which narrates the varied experiences of migrant Filipinos in Victoria.  

The guests were   entertained by a number of Filipino songs and dances.  The Harmonica  Choir, under its  conductor Mr.  Rolly Limun, rendered the rousing anthem of FCCVI and the heart warming Salamat Australia (a thanks giving song to Australia), both original lyrics and  compositions of the conductor.
 
Gintong Kultura, a Filipino Cultural dance troupe wowed the audience with  its two native  dances – the lively Tinikling and the energetic Sayaw sa Bangko.  LUZVIMINDA ( a Filipino Women’s organization and FEGTA  (an elderly association) offered colourful folk dances.







In the spirit of this festive and historical occasion, most Filipino-Australians  arrived in their native attire – men in their multi-coloured  barong and women dressed in their  fabulous Filipinana  made from delicate  jusi and pina (pineapple) fabric.   

 

 

Munting Nayon News Magazine