At a glance, the logo of the Sydney-based Filipino Australian Movement for Empowerment (FAME) could be interpreted as Liza Minelli’s outstretched arm reaching for the stars.
But to one who has followed FAME’S high and low during the past five years, the logo encapsulates both the dream and the hard tasks the association had encountered to reach out to Filipinos living in Australia to be aware and participate in Australian political life.
FAME recently celebrated its 5th Anniversary at the Rooty Hill RSL Club in Rooty Hill, NSW not with he characteristic stage recognition of distinguished Filipino achievers during the past year but with a few speeches and the characteristic Filipino merry-making including a disco and retro fashion display.
Member for Chifley Mr Ed Husic (Labor), Blacktown Councillor Jackie Dolnaldson (Liberal) presenting Blacktown Mayor Robinson (Liberal) and Philippine Consul General Anne Jalando-on Louis attended and honoured FAME in leading the toast to the fifth anniversary of the association. Also present was Blacktown Councillor Jess Diaz,
During the past five years, FAME has declared support to the following candidates in one Federal election and two local government unit (LGU) elections: Blacktown councillor Jess Diaz in two LGU elections, Venus Priest, in 2010 Federal election for the seat of Chifley, Jayme Diaz, Ronaldo Villaver and Michael Santos (open choices) in 2010 Federal election for the seat of Greenway.
In the coming September 7 Federal election, there are two Filipino Australian candidates, namely, solicitor Mr Jayme Diaz (Liberal) for the seat of Greenway in New South Wales and Ms Carmen Garcia (Liberal), for the seat of Adelaide in South Australia. Diaz is running against incumbent member for Greenway Mrs Michele Rowland and Garcia, against incumbent Member for Adelaide Ms Kate Ellis.
A solicitor himself, Mr Jame Diaz is son of Blacktown Councillor and solicitor Jess Diaz and youth leader Ms Carmen Garcia, daughter of current president of Filipino Communities Council of Australia or FILCCA and Adelaide solicitor Mrs Aida Garcia.
Mr Cesar Bartolome, long serving FAME administrator said the association supported also a few other Fil-Australian candidates in LGU elections in New South Wales, disregarding party affiliation. Bartolome took exception that FAME only declares support and not endorse candidates as FAME is not political party.
In his message during FAME’s gala celebration at Rooty Hill RSL last 27 July, FAME Executive Director Mr Rod Dingle testified that FAME is one very different association to which he was drawn to five year ago.
“Simply,” he said, “it is a Movement that encourages and supports Filipinos in Australia to become active participants in Australian Community and with particular emphasis in Australian politics.”
Mr Dingle echoed the characteristic alienation experienced by many who have witnessed community leaders who have anecdotally closed their vision as soon as they stake a claim to leadership of a community organisation and consequently involve in parochial intramural struggles, but not in Australian mainstream politics.
At some point, FAME was not spared from leadership rivalries which necessitated the exit of some founding members who eventually established a club which seeks its own place under the sun
And there was the matter of alleged partiality of the organisation to some personalities and the club being reportedly established mainly to support one’s political ambition .
No matter what, FAME moved on and in 2013 has established the four FAME suburban councils of Woodcroft, Marayong Kings Park, Quakers Hill and Blacktown, all in Blacktown shire.
In the words of FAME administrator Cesar Bartolome, the club already had a journey that led it to encounter and achieve various milestones along the way.
FAME is not really a kingmaker of sorts right now, but it has somehow succeeded in waking up apolitical Filipino migrants towards consciousness for political empowerment.