By Richard Ford. The Alliance of Philippine Community Organsations or APCO honoured a number of community achievers during its thanksgiving party held at Kapitbahayan Cooperative Ltd. headquarter in Canley Vale, which was primarily organised to publicly acknowledge the support of all who contributed to the success of the 2014 Freedom Luncheon and Ball celebrations.
In spite of the cold and wind, all the guests were definitely warmth by the abundant positive attitude, winning ways and hospitality of the members. More than a hundred feasted on a variety of sumptuous home-cooked Filipino food generously donated by the APCO Board, Advisers and Kapitbahayan Cooperative Ltd.
Among the special guests were a highly regarded community elder Dr Gabriel Carreon ; Senior Patrolman and Case Manager of PCYC Belmore Chris Ambat who has been transforming the lives of the youth through his revolutionary programs in crime prevention, life skills and humanitarian partnership project with APCO; Filipino Australian Bantamweight Champion Roberto Lerio; proponent of medical mission to Solana and Tuguegarao, Cagayan in the Philippines Kim Vo and art exhibition curator and painter Daisy Cummings.
Ms. Maria Maguire who represented Sydney Alliance in receiving a Certificate of Appreciation for its active support to APCO’s Typhoon Haiyan’s Relief Appeal, talked about three important issues of transport, affordable housing and start of work.
Those who received certificates of appreciation for their input during the last APCO Freedom Ball were event managers Albert Prias and Charles Chan; cultural performers: The Carreon Quartet, Mindanao Ethnic Dance Group, VAA Dancers, VSD Dancers, Linda Trinidad Emerson Tuazon, Brian Lorenz Babon and Joven Estigoy;
Emcees Kris Albano and Darlene Macabulos and the four judges for the Filipiniana and Barong Competition: Valerie Tolosa, Leah Prieto, Mahalia Golebiowski and Melanie.
During the thanksgiving party, the audience were entertained by coloratura soprano, Linda Trinidad, Annie Marquez, VSD Dancers and Nick Meissner. A complimentary raffle of prizes donated by the APCO Board and advisers wrapped up the event at closing time. By Richard Ford.