The first ever Philippine community association in the Randwick-Maroubra area, the Filipino-Australian Community Association, Eastern Sydney (FACAES) recently held its Annual General Membership Meeting and Election last 18 May 2014 at Masonic Temple in Kensington, NSW.
Newly elected officers to serve for the 2014-2016 term of office were Mrs. Eufrosina (Precy) Santos, President, Mr. Rhoederic (Rod) Soriano, Vice President, Mr. Francis (Boy) de los Santos, Secretary, Ms. Diane Orosco, Treasurer, Mr. Edison Tomas, Auditor, Mr. Rogelio (Ogie) Santos, Ms. Charmaine Tomas, Mr. Ferdinand (Bong) Fernandez, Business Managers, Ms. Nikki Garcia, Mr. Jojo Padolina, Mr. Adriane Salva, PRO, Ms. Dolly Borbe, Ms. Lillian de los Reyes, Ms Lee Meekan advisers. Appointed officers also included Ms. Lani Manansala as Events Coordinator and Mr. Roque Molavin as Group Security Coordinator.
This annual event coincided with the post Mother’s Day Celebration of FACAES honouring and paying tribute not only to Filipino mothers who were present during the occasion but also to all mothers around the world.
A special award and recognition was presented to the ‘Mother of the Night’ selected by FACAES designated judges. Adjudged winners was Mrs. Moisesa Bardetta,/ Ms. Lani Manansala, former FACAES Business Manager and Mr. Boy de los Santos, and Bhing Fernandez, former FACAES Treasurer, personally handed the bouquet of flowers to Mrs Bardetta, who was excited and beaming with pride.
Newly elected FACAES President, Mrs. Precy Santos vowed to continue the association’s advocacy to promote Filipino custom, tradition, culture and most of all, the Bayanihan Spirit among the community in general not only in the Randwick-Maroubra area but also around Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs.
She promised to lead her team to hold and undertake worthwhile projects and special events specifically fund raising events to help victims of natural calamities in the Philippines.
Special guest and speaker of the night is Consul Marford Angeles, accompanied by his lovely wife Joanne. Consul Angeles thanked everyone as this was his 2nd time to speak in a FACAES event in 3 years.
Consul Angeles reminded the community that the Absentee Voting for the 2016 Presidential Election is ongoing.
Consul Marford said the office of the Philippine Consulate in Sydney is available to offer consular services whilst the Consulate website (philippineconsulate.com.au) already carries information about the Absentee Voting guidelines including other consular services. – By Francis delos Santos, FACAES