By RICHARD FORD Last 9 and 10 November weekend, a group of 30 individuals braved the night to “camp under the stars” at the Philippine-Australian Cultural Centre or PACC ( also referred by some as “Camp Bonifacio”) compound, at 80 Grange Road, Schofields, for a charitable fund raising appeal.
Despite the threat of a wet weather weekend, the group headed by Jhun Salazar, President of the Aliance of Philippine Community Organisations or APCO, Inc, camped in tents while the more timid members spent the night in the three bedroom building of the PACC.
The evening turned out to be a beautiful night full of stars in the sky while all enjoyed the fun activities, singing, dancing and storytelling. The group consisted of members from the Praise Family Apostolate, the Visayan Association of Australia and FilOz Liverpool and Districts which are affiliates of APCO Inc.
The event was held to raise funds for the Philippine-Australian Community Foundation (PACF) the enabling non-profit body of the PACC Schofield facility. PACF envisions the PACC land on Grange Road, Schofields to be a lasting multi-purpose facility for the overall Philippine community in Sydney.
Also, the camp is aimed to raise awareness amongst the Filipino community the importance of the Schofields site and its need for public support for its development. The PACC site can be used to hold festivals, concerts, sports events and camping activities.
Despite the inclement weather on Sunday morning, more people turned up to attend the special mass to celebrate the 150th Birth Anniversary of hero of the Philippine Revolution of 1896 Andres Bonifacio, founder of the revolutionary secret society Katipunan.
The Holy Mass was officiated by Father John Paul Escarlan of Parramatta Diocese and assisted by Father Vely Lapitan a visiting priest from Tarlac Diocese in the Philippines. In his homily Father Lapitan emphasised the need to be thankful at all times in every circumstances of our lives.
After the Holy Mass, everyone enjoyed a sumptuous breakfast at the campsite. Campers and visitors relished the occasion so much that they are already asking for another camping expedition in the near future.