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PCC Had A Ball With Bayanihan Splendour

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Two Events Celebration
Two Events Celebration

The 2016 Philippine National Day Ball organised by the Philippine Community Council of NSW (PCC) in conjunction with the Philippine Consulate was held on June 11,2016 at Rosehill Gardens.

The event adopted the theme for this year’s commemoration of the 118th Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence which is “Kalayaan 2016: Pagkakaisa, Pag-aambagan, Pagsulong” [Unity, Hwlping each other and Moving forward].

Kate Roc Andres
Kate Roc Andres

PCC NSW President Kate Roc Andres welcomed and thanked everyone for their attendance at the event. She expressed the organisation’s continued celebration of the significance of the historic event of the declaration of the Philippine independence. She highlighted : “”PCC-NSW has organised this national day event since 1999 to commemorate the legendary courage and determination of the Filipino patriots in their fight for freedom and democracy, to remind Filipino-Australians of their roots and to promote the rich Filipino heritage and culture”.

The gala event was graced by a number of government officials including Members of Parliament Kevin Connolly (Riverstone) representing Premier Mike Baird, Julie Owens (Parramatta) representing the Federal Leader of Opposition and Prue Car (Londonderry) representing the State Leader of Opposition, Michelle Rowland MP for Greenway, Deputy Mayors Jackie Donaldson of Blacktown and Yvonne Keane of Hills Shire and Councillor, Jess DIaz of Blacktown; as well as the Philippine Government officials Consul-General Anne Jalando-on Louis, Tourism Attaché Norjamin de Los Reyes and Consul Marford Angeles

ConGen Anne Jalando-on Louis
ConGen Anne Jalando-on Louis

Consul General Jalando-on Louis highlighted that, aside from commemorating the 118th Anniversary of the Proclamation of the Philippine Independence, the event was also celebrating the 70th Anniversary of the Establishment of Philippine-Australia diplomatic relations.

Consul General expressed in her message the significance of the event. She said, “Philippine heroes shed blood during the revolution in the late 1800’s so that we could live our lives free and so we can govern a nation that is free. As a country and as people, we face challenges. And as we continue to face challenges today, including a threat to our territorial integrity and to our maritime security, in the face of this threat may we all stand as one.

Magkaisa po sana tayong lahat, unahin natin ang problema at posisyon ng Pilipinas ukol sa paksang ito. Sana tayo’y magtulungan at manindigan para sa ating karapatan bilang isang bansa. Standing together in unity is also important in migrant Filipino community as I’ve always emphasised: more to be done, more to be achieved. If we all work together mindful of the collective good and the common interest of the community.”

“Since the establishment of formal relations between the Philippines and Australia in 1946, our domestic ties have been nurtured and further enriched by the interactions between our two peoples. Through exchanges at the official as well as informal levels, bridges of friendship between our two countries have been formed. The migrant Filipino community in the state and the whole of Australia have also played a vital role in deepening the ties between our two countries. There is much to celebrate and much to look forward to as we all work together to bring our partnership with New South Wales and with Australia, into even greater heights.”, she added.

The event wouldn’t be complete without the display of our Filipino talents. The audience heard the impressive group performance of the popular song “Ako any Pilipino” led by Lillian de Los Reyes, Marcus Rivera, Jersay Delaney and Albert Prias. The much celebrated 2014 X-Factor winner Marlisa Punzalan also enthralled the crowd with her rendition of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and “Stand By You”.

Albie Prias & Jersay Delaney Marcus Rivera Lillian de los Reyes Marlisa Punzalan

And just when we thought the night can’t get anymore colourful with the display of beautiful Filipiniana dresses, Barong Tagalog, Baro at Saya and matching “blings” from the guests; Consul Marford introduced the world renowned and multi-awarded “Bayanihan”, the National folkdance company of the Philippines. It was indeed the highlight of the night where the amazing talents showcased old favourite songs such as “Bahay Kubo” mesmerising us with their bright-coloured costumes using “bakya”, “bao”, castanets, “tinikling kawayan” and more. The guests were pleasantly surprised by their delightful choral rendition of “Waltzing Matilda”. The Bayanihan group wrapped up their performance by asking the audience to participate in showing their timing and foot skills dancing the “Tinikling”.

Bayanihan Dance Company 1 Bayanihan Dance Company 2 Bayanihan Dance Company 3

Alric Bulseco, PCC NSW’s Vice President [External] called out representatives of affiliate organisations to be acknowledged and presented to the audience, while Vice President [Internal] Lillian de los Reyes made the closing remarks and expression of appreciation to various individuals and groups involved in the event. Rod Dingle as the event’s Master of Ceremonies kept the program flowing smoothly.

PCC NSW Presidents Lillian de los Reyes closing remarks Rod Dingle
Guests on dance floor
Guests on dance floor

The night ended the celebration on the dance floor filled with smiles and enthusiasm anticipating next year’s annual event.

Photos by Bob Reyes.


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