BY RICHARD FORD – It was definitely a blessed day at Black Muscat Park, Homestead Avenue in Chipping Norton a suburb of Sydney last 15th December 2018.
As the morning sun shines through the green fields, after the heavy downpour the night before, the pearly dewdrops started to melt away and the wet grass became dry’It was time for the members of Alliance of Philippine Community organisation (APCO) Marilou and Dian Ford who came early in the park and reserve a spot to start organising the tables and chairs ready for the joint Christmas party.
The party was organised by the Visayan Association of Australia (VAA) Inc under the auspices of APCO Inc joined with Fil-Oz Liverpool and Praise Family Apostolate.
APCO Inc. members along with members of Fil-Oz Liverpool, Visayan Association (VAA) and Praise Family Apostolate held their joint end of 2018 meeting with a Christmas celebration at the Park.
There was a surprising start, the clouds gave way to reveal the beautiful sunshine that shone through out the events scheduled for the day. Part of the expected crowd came with others fearing the bad weather will persist on to the day. As everybody arrived from both organisations, preparations were in place to decorate and provide food for the festive occasion.
Various degree of merriments with jokes and past thoughts of the year were told and enjoyed by everyone. Leaflets of Christmas Carols provided by by yours truly, who along with the President of Visayan Association and Junior Vice-President of APCO Jhun Salazar prompted others to join in community singing and make the day the more jovial and enjoyable. Everyone sings joyfully every line and give the celebration a feeling of camaraderie as one whole big happy family.
We celebrate Christmas to remember and pay homage to the day God came to earth as a little baby, named Jesus, the “Emmanuel”, that is “God with us”.
We believe he is the one who gave up his life on the cross to die for our sins.
APCO official Mr Ron Storey came as Santa Claus giving gifts to children and old as he has done in previous Christmas celebrations .especially to families, relatives and friends at this time of year. Big thanks to Mr and Mrs Moises and Lucy Millena who also gave everyone a present during the day.
President of APCO, Cora Paras was thankful for the support and presence of the team, Wow, it was a wonderful Christmas celebration. BY RICHARD FORD
