With Sydney’s winter cold weather, the Visayan Association of Australia Inc. (VAA Inc.) had thought of celebrating its Eleventh Foundation Day with a unique Payjama Costume Party which turned out to be a showcase for the display of fashionable sleepwears and the chick “onesies” as good excuses for many selfies and “funsies.”
Held at the Al Saints Liverpool Catholic Church community hall last 23 August, the event was also geared to muster support for VAA’s endorsed candidate to the coming Miss Philippines Australia beauty pageant in the coming Philippine Grand Fiesta Kultura on 6th October at Fairfield Showground in Fairfield, NSW.
Celebration was very relaxed and began with a scrumptious meal provided by members. Part of the fund raising proceeds will augment funds for the Visayas Mindanao Tertiary Education Assistance or VISTMTEA. This project sponsors selected poor students from the Visayas and some parts of Mindanao who are in need of assistance to complete a tertiary education.
In hs address, Alliance of Philippine Community Organisations (APCO) president Mr Ruben Amores, spoke highly of VAA’ community contribution to APCO activities. He congratulated VAA officers and members for its eleven successful years of existence, actively helping Filipino kababayans.
The night was filled with fabulous entertainment provided by the energetic Annie Marquez, the popular beautiful Stephanie Bernardo, the Visayan Dance Group showcasing traditional Filipino dance and the all-time favourite Hawaiian dance. A surprise guest artist was Maggie Cordova, singing the moving hymn “Ave Maria”. Maggie is the daughter of Judith Broad, Secretary of VAA Inc. who also joined in the Dance Group presentations.
A roll of personalities were honoured for their contributions from 2009, including Vivian Brewington, Annie Marquez, Elizabeth Gamo, Mellie Connelly, and the reigning Mrs Visayas- Australia and VAA’s Charity Queen Mrs Brenda dela Salla.
Audience were delighted with the parade of payjama attired participants on a virtual fashion cat walk, including those by “game” male participants Charles Chan, Richrd Ford, Jhun Salazar, and Junjun Salazar. Menwhile Mr Danny Garcia helped as dance instructor during the enjoyable line dancing portion.
Emcee was Alisah Buaya, co-presenter of Liverpool area’s community radio program Radio Tamaraw. . President Jhun Salazar thanked everyone for their attendance most especially the performers, donors, guests, and all members who have actively contributed to the success of the event. By Richard Ford.