BY RICHARD FORD – Sydney-based Alliance of Philippine Community organisations (APCO) celebrated the 119th Anniversary of Philippine Independence Day at Marconi’s Club in Bossley Park,NSW last 10th June 2017 with its Freedom Charity Ball including a spectacular display of Filipino talent and colourful costumes.
APCO President Mrs Pet Storey said “APCO believes that to live harmoniously in diversity and to respect each individual’s strength and frailties can lead to a progressive, noble and dignified multiculturalism. APCO’s theme for the event was Harmony and Respect for Multicultural Society.
The night was ushered with a traditional Parade of Colours for Philippines and Australia, and later with a three-course cuisine meal at the middle of the program.
The evening was inspiring to the special VIP’s who were treated to a show about diversity in the Filipino Culture with a song and dance number and a fashion competition highlighting traditional Filipiniana and Philippine national costume competition.
Special VIPs who came were Vince Foti, President of Club Marconi; Guy Zangari, MP for Fairfield; Peter Doukis, Chairperson of ECC NSW; NSW Member for Prospect Dr Hugh McDermott,representing NSW Oppostion Leader Luke Foley; Kevin Conolly, MP for Riverstone representing NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Philippine Consul Marford Angeles, representing Consulate General Sydney NSW.Â
NSW Member for Prospect Dr Hugh McDermott said, “I love Western Sydney because everyone is part of the culture that has made Sydney such an accessible and diverse people in NSW. NSW Member for Riverstone Kevin Conolly MP said, The people in Western Sydney have a ˜passion’ and ˜commitment” in what they do.
All speakers spoke also of how much that the Filipino’s contributed to Australia on the whole with their rich culture and special characteristics and ideals of family. The emcees were Khris Albano and Julijana Nikolis.
Entertainment was provided by the Filipinas Dancers choreographed by Emma Braceros, Soprano Linda Trinidad, Jinky Trijo Marsh and Jacqui Jersayâ Torres the Soul Singer, and Jay Gaerlan, and Ballina Gee as the Multicultural Performer. The music was provided by Pedro Inc. (Oliver Gadista and Co.) and the Regroove Band.
The results for the winners of the Filipiniana and Barong Competition and their costume no. 1). Best in Modern Barong – Jimmy Lopez 2). Best in Traditional Barong – Nap Guines (2) 3). Best in Traditional Filipiniana -Francine Baltazar (1)4). Best in Modern Filipiniana – Apple Ramos (6)5). Best in Multicultural Outfit Male / Female – Cleo Baltazar6). Best Dress overall Male / Female – Serrina Rivera, Miss Mardi Gras International 2017 First Runner up.
The judges for the competition were, Valerie Tolosa of Eponymous label, Alexis Tan, Miss Mardi Gras International Queen 2017, Vince Foti, Club Marconi President and Consul Marford Angeles.
Reigning beauty pageant champions in the community attended the night including: Cora Bojarski- Ms. Classic Global United International Lifetime Queen and Ms. Classic Australia Lifetime Queen, Sue Turner- Mrs. Earth Air 2017 and Mrs. Global United International Finalist 2017, Emilie Hardes- Mrs. Galaxy Australia 2017, Robbie Canner- Ms. Classic Global United International 2016 and Regal Majesty Finalist 2017, Rachel Nikolovski- Miss Teen Queen Australia 2017, Faiel Valenciano- Miss Mardi Gras Rainbow Princess 2017, Alexis Tan-Miss Mardi Gras International Queen 2017, Serrina Rivera, Miss Mardi Gras International 2017 First Runner up, Chantelle Torres- Miss Philippines-Australia Charity Princess 2016, and Neri Soothill- Senior Global United International Finalist 2018.
Credits for organizing the program go to Flagcom association particularly Mr Albert Prias and Charles Chan and the APCO Inc. Board. Community entertainers Mr Brian Lorenz and Mr Marcus Rivera surprised  the night with their superb numbers.BY RICHARD FORD.