BY FRANCIS DELOS SANTOS – THE MAYOR of Randwick City Council, Cr Noel D’Souza, stressed the strength of multiculturalism in present Australia and the positive contributions of Filipino Australians to the community especially the dedication and strong work ethic of Filipino nurses in hospitals throughout Sydney, during the Christmas Dinner gathering of the Filipino Australian Community Association, Eastern Sydney (FACAES).
It was the first time the Randwick Mayor attended a FACAES gathering.
Cr. D’Souza said the wonderful Filipino upbringing and enormous love of families and their fellow human beings are admirable He hopes that Filipino-Australians will take advantage of government help available and seek support to enable them to continue to build a stronger Australia.
Cr. D;Souza asked Filipino Australians to share their thoughts and ideas to help foster friendship, camaraderie and harmony in the community and eventually influence other multicultural groups.
As Mayor Cr D’Souza suggested that Randwick Council might be able to help FACAES with future events and celebrations such as the use of Town Hall and other Council facilities.
FACAES held their function last Saturday, 05 December 2015 at the Masonic Centre, Kensington, NSW. Aside from Cr. D’Souza special guests included Consul Marford Angeles of the Philippine Consulate General in Sydney.
FACAES President Mrs. Precy Santos and her fellow officers warmly welcomed the two special guests and FACAES members and their families, for their continued help and support to the annual Christmas event for Filipino-Australian residents in the Randwick-Maroubra area.
In his speech, Consul Angeles extended warm Christmas greetings from the Philippine Consulate General in Sydney headed by Consul General Anne Jalando-on Louis. Consul Angeles noted that the FACAES event highlights Filipino values such as the importance of family, as well as religiosity.
Having attended several FACAES events, Consul Marford thanked the association for considering him as part of FACAES family and highlighted the significance of association events not only to the Eastern Suburbs and Australia but also to the Filipino population back in the Philippines.
Consul Angeles reiterated his call to all registered Overseas Voters to participate in the May 2016 Philippine elections. He explained that those who already registered for the Absentee Voting would receive official voters ballot form from Comelec thru mail and once the form is filled up, they should send it to the Philippine Consulate in Sydney either by person or by mail.
The Christmas celebration featured popular Filipino food including home-made desserts served to the delight of guests and attendees, such as Kare-Kare, Lechon, Chicken Apritada, Pork Menudo, Sisig and many more.
As expected, several well-known Sydney Filipino entertainers performed for the crowd. Mr Jay Gaerlan, Mr Christopher Booth and Ms Annie Marquez spearheaded the entertainment with selected love songs and Christmas carols.
Among the performers were the duo of little sisters Chelsea and Casey Soriano, the FACAES Family Dancers (Formerly Randwick Dancers) comprising of Mrs. Precy Santos, Ms. Karla Padolina, Mr. Rogelio Santos and Ronald Rala.
A tribute special dance was performed in honour of now deceased colleague Mr. Jojo Padolina, former FACAES officer and one of the original members the group Randwick Boys .
The fun-filled Christmas celebration provided fun for both adult and children including family parlor games, and reward of prizes, surprised Christmas gifts and give-away items for the children.
FACAES also recognized the loyalties and faithfulness of members who had been with the association during the last 8 years. Recipients of the awards this year were Mr. Rod Soriano, Miss Desa Santos, Mr. Jay Gaerlan, Ms Annie Marquez, Mr. Christopher Booth, Mr. Rogelio Santos, Mr. Ronald Rala, Ms Karla Padolina and Chelsea and Casey Soriano. Report by Francis delos Santos