BY RICHARD FORD – The Visayan Association of Australia Inc. (VAA Inc.) based in Liverpool NSW, held its first Post Covid-19 Charity Event last 20 February at Pabico Club 55 in Mount Druitt to raise money for its Overseas Outreach Programs left dormant in 2020 due to the start of the Covid-19 Pandemic.
VAA led by present president Mr Jhun Salazar and VAA event organizer Ms Chit Serra who is a qualified Covid-19 Supervisor ensured the Social Distancing Rules were followed.
Congratulations to Mrs Malu Green who won lots of raffle prizes.
VAA member Annie Marquez celebrated her 49th birthday with a ceremonial cutting of the cake and a happy birthday song.
Guest singers featured talented female duo, Lilli Mejica and Filomena Boniba, performers Jenina Cotelo, Annie Marquez, Mirasol Loyaga and Maria and Niel.
Former Blacktown Councillor Mr Allan Green dubbed the singing councilor took the stage and performed a solo/
Miss Philippine Australia 2014 Glyssa Perez who was also Miss Visayan for 2014, attemded the event . She is back in Australia for family visit her family but presently resides in the Philippines. Glyssa is one of the Board of Trustees of the Kapuso Foundation aka The Philippine Foundation for Breast Cancer Inc. and is its spokesperson. She had other plums such Miss World Philippines Tourism 2019 and Miss World Philippines Beauty with a Purpose 2019. She had won over 10 titles and also the very first candidate to win five titles in one year from Bohol.
The insatiable desire to get-together was evident by the turn out of attendees. The easing of Covid-19 restrictions has made it possible to give everyone a chance to get out from their homes and support the event.
VAA President Jhun Salazar, presented in a slide show the numerous outreach program in the Philippines before Covid -19 pandemic.
Mr and Mrs Julius and Jenina Cotelo won the title of Mr and Mrs Valentine and the evening finishes with the traditional Curacha Dance.
Not to be missed was the award given to long-time community worker, Ms Milagros Diones, now aged 90 for her services to the Filipino Community.
It was an event full of fun and the next VAA event will be the “My Pledge of Love” charity event on 24th April 2021 to help fund VAA’s charitable causes and act of kindness.