Philippine Australian Ambassador for Culture and the Arts Recognition Night 2016

Philippine Australia Ambassador of Culture Night
I have had a number of opportunities to attend the joint efforts of
Plaza Filipino Inc and NARRA Co-operative Ltd. The two groups
are genuinely, philanthropic endeavours to construct a much desired
community centre.
It is indisputable that such an outcome would be very useful for the
community. It would provide invaluable meeting space, storage facilities,
coordination, possible preservation of cultural and historical and
a sports venue.
It is not surprising that in the Filipino community the fundraising process involves song and dance,
plus recognition of peoples’ efforts and successes. Have a great night.
Best Wishes
Laurie Ferguson MP
Federal Member for Werriwa
I wish to convey my warmest greetings to the officers and members of
the Plaza Filipino Inc. and NARRA Co-operative Ltd. For successfully
organizing the Philippine Australia Ambassador for Culture and the
Arts Recognition Night.
May your commitment to public service be an inspiration to our kababayans,
and help strengthen the bonds of historic and steadfast friendship
between the Philippines and Australia.
May the Plaza Filipino Inc. and NARRA Co-operative Ltd. continue to
support the Philippine Government in safeguarding the welfare of the
Filipino people and contributing to progress and prosperity for all our
kababayans.
Mabuhay po kayong lahat!
NINA P. CAINGLET
Chargé d’Affaires, a.i.
15 December 2015
Canberra, Australia

As the Federal Member for Fowler, one of the most multicultural electorates
in Australia, I have had the great privilege to see the vibrance
and talent this community has to offer.
Plaza Filipino Inc. and NARRA Co-operative Ltd have worked together
to provide the community with amenities for social functions and
cultural events, such as hosting the Philippine Australia Ambassador
for Culture and the Arts Recognition Night, to promote Filipino –
Australian Culture and Arts.
Events like these allow us to truly appreciate the rich cultural diversity
and to showcase the many talented members in our community.
I congratulate the Plaza Filipino Inc. and NARRA Co-operative Ltd for their continued commitment
to enriching the community with access to Filipino culture.
Yours sincerely
Chris Hayes MP
Federal Member for Fowler
Chief Opposition Whip
My warmest New Year greetings and best wishes to the officers, members
and supporters of the Plaza Filipino Inc. and the Narra Cooperative Ltd. on
the occasion of the New Year as well as on their holding of the Philippine
Australia Ambassador for Culture and the Arts Recognition Night on 07
February 2016.
This initiative of the Plaza Filipino Inc. and the Narra Cooperative Ltd. aims
to recognize members of the Filipino-Australian community who have
excelled in their respective professions and who are committed to contribute
to the promotion of Philippine culture and the arts.
I have often talked about migrant Filipinos being ambassadors for the Philippines,
as they present an image of our country and people overseas. In
this regard, they are resource persons and best examples of the Filipinos’ rich heritage and culture.
I express the hope that the members of the Plaza Filipino Inc. and the Narra Cooperative Ltd. would remain
steadfast in their objectives and work together even harder to showcase Filipino culture in the local community,
including, to our young generation of Filipino-Australians. I wish you success in your joint endeavours.
Mabuhay!
ANNE JALANDO-ON LOUIS
Consul General

MESSAGE FOR PHILIPPINE AUSTRALIA AMBASSADOR FOR
CULTURE AND THE ARTS RECOGNITION NIGHT
I am honoured to write this message for the Plaza Filipino Inc. and
NARRA Co-operative Ltd Recognition Night for the Philippine Australia
Ambassador for Culture and the Arts.
This event is a wonderful celebration of the Filipino community in our
region and indeed all over the world, and an acknowledgement of the
wonderful arts and culture of the Philippines.
The Macarthur region is blessed with one of the most diverse, multicultural
communities in all of Australia, and the local Filipino community are an important contributor
to the wonderful diversity that makes Campbelltown such a great place to live and raise a
family.
I would like to thank Plaza Filipino Inc. and NARRA Co-operative Ltd for organising this event and
for their ongoing contribution to our local community.
Greg Warren MP
Member for Campbelltown
Message for Philippine Australia Ambassador for Culture
and the Arts Recognition Night
Congratulations to Plaza Filipino Inc and NARRA Cooperative Ltd for hosting the
Philippine Australia Ambassador for Culture and the Arts Recognition Night.
This event is another example of the wonderful contributions the Filipino community
make to Australian society through arts and culture. The Filipino community
has a long history in Australia and enhances our country’s rich diversity. Community
celebrations such as this are wonderful opportunities to showcase your vibrant
culture and promote greater cultural understanding by sharing in food, fashion,
music and art.
The Macquarie Fields electorate is fortunate to have many Filipinos who are committed
to supporting their local community. The Filipino community is to be commended for being active and passionate
advocates for the region and I am honoured to know many of them as close friends.
The Filipino community has demonstrated that through hard work, kinship and pride a lot can be achieved, and I wish
you every success for the future.
Best wishes,
Anoulack Chanthivong MP
Member for Macquarie Fields

MAYORAL MESSAGE FOR THE PHILIPPINE AUSTRALIA AMBASSADOR FOR
CULTURE AND THE ARTS RECOGNITION NIGHT
It is with great pleasure that I write to acknowledge the collaborative efforts of Plaza
Filipino Inc and NARRA Cooperative Ltd in hosting this wonderful event – celebrating
culture and the arts, and recognising the 2016 Ambassador Honorees.
I congratulate all of those involved in the coordination of the event, and commend the
ongoing commitment to raising funds for the much-anticipated Community Centre.
The Filipino community of Australia is renowned for their friendship, hospitality and
cordiality, and I have no doubt that the Community Centre project will extend beyond
the dream of a place to meet, share and celebrate, and grow to become a social hub that
provides an opportunity for the wider community to share in the rich culture and heritage
of our Filipino friends. The project – from planning through to fruition – is proving a wonderful opportunity to build
relationships between communities of all backgrounds and cultures.
I’ve been humbled to be invited to share in the many celebrations of our local Filipino community, and have witnessed
first-hand the devotion to maintaining ties to the Philippines, while embracing the freedom, opportunity and hospitality of
Australia. I look forward to seeing this continue into the future, both within Campbelltown and beyond.
I wish you every success for this celebration, and in reaching your fundraising goal in the near future.
Cr Paul Hawker
Mayor
Once again it is a privilege to write and send this message to you and at the same
time to congratulate the Plaza Filipino Inc.and the NARRA Co-operative Ltd for
organising the Philippine Australian Ambassador for Culture and the Arts Recognition
Night.
Firstly I take this opportunity to extend my best wishes and hope that you all enjoyed
a Holy and a Happy Christmas and that you all celebrated the New Year for
2016 with love and hope asking for good health and success for all.
Supporting your own Filipino Community is a must and it is very heartening to see
you all in big numbers attending tonight.
We must congratulate the committee for organising the entertainment “Up Close
and Personal” for this evening.
World class Artists Roanne Monte and Dexter Villa will certainly make this a very
special night to remember.
I take this opportunity to congratulate all the award winners and participants for this evening.
My heartfelt thanks to President Michelle Baltazar and President Jimmy Lopez and their committees. I am very inspired
by their commitment and hard work and sacrifice they give to promote and bring together the Filipino Community
in Australia.
As a Campbelltown Councillor I make this commitment to them that I will always be there for them and to give them
any help to promote the Filipino Community whenever I can.
(Sgd) Fred Borg
Councillor. Campbelltown City Council

Warm greetings to all!
It is with great pleasure and honour to welcome you all to the Recognition of Ambassadors
for Culture and the Arts for 2016 and the Upclose & Personal Concert featuring our very
own Roanne Monte (Miss Saigon London) and Dexter Villa (Jesus Christ Superstar)
We had the Ambassador for Culture and the Arts in February 2015 and Tribute to Fathers
and Mothers in September 2015 which generated a significant number of supporters to our
‘Legacy Program’. The events did not only give NARRA Co-op Ltd a good exposure but also
made the Co-op financially viable. As of 31 January 2016, we have $70,000 Cash in Bank,
and $110,000 Subscribed Capital Stock.
Our ‘Savings and Loan’ friendly concept as a way of helping our members in times of need
was implemented and well accepted by our members.
Our application to Australian Charities and Not-for-Profit Commission was approved.
This is in addition to our Charitable Fundraising Authority Number CFN23092 which was
renewed for another 5 years by the Office of Liquor and Gaming.
Special thank you to Dennis Monte and Daisy Ann Cumming for the Feeding Programs we had in the Philippines and the Shoe
Box Toys for Children Project.
Our sincere appreciation to the Ambassador for Culture and the Arts Honourees especially to Dr Raul Amor and Carmenchu
Gresham for their valuable time. This Recognition Night is a very successful and memorable event because of their efforts and
participation.
We have achieved so much in a very short time and gained a lot of support too.
Let me finish by thanking you all and I look forward to honouring the next batch of Ambassadors next year.
(Sgd) Jimmy R Lopez, PhD, CPA
President, NARRA Co-operative Limited.
Best-selling author Malcolm Gladwell once wrote, “Cultural legacies are powerful forces. They
have deep roots and long lives … they play such a role in directing attitudes and behaviour that
we cannot make sense of our world without them.”
What a great way to explain why it is important to preserve our rich Filipino culture even as we
call Australia home.
Supporting and appreciating Philippine art, music or even cuisine is not just an exercise in
nostalgia, it is a powerful expression of who we are as Filipino-Australians: migrants with worldclass
artistic talents, exceptional work ethic and, not least, a strong sense of civic duty.
I see these very same traits in this year’s roll-call of Ambassadors for Culture and the Arts,
individuals who have done so much through their contribution to the community and excellence
in their respective fields of endeavour. A recognition night is the least we can do to show
our thanks and gratitude. You only have to turn the pages to the brief description on each and
everyone of them to say, “I’m proud to call myself a Filipino-Australian!”
From the ambassadors to the event’s organisers, I would like to acknowledge the officers and
members of Plaza Filipino, Inc. and NARRA Co-operative Ltd for making tonight’s festivities possible. Yes, I think it is only fitting to call
it a ‘fiesta’ given that there will be much celebration, with the added privilege of witnessing the talents of our very own world-class artists,
Roanne Monte and Dexter Villa.
I also would like to acknowledge the associations’ supporters: Plaza Filipino only exists through its members, volunteers and fundraisers.
A special mention goes to Daisy Ann Cumming, Jimmy Lopez and all of the founding members and Past Presidents. On behalf of this
year’s Board of Directors, we are humbled to be following your footsteps and hope to continue your tireless work with the same verve and
focus.
To paraphrase Gladwell, we can only make sense of our future by honouring our past. To that end, a hearty congratulations to our 2016
Ambassadors for Culture and the Arts. May your lives continue to be enriching, empowering and inspiring.
(Sgd) Michelle Baltazar
President, Plaza Filipino Inc

Linda Rose Bishop
Ambassador for Culture and the Arts in the field of Education
librarian, teacher, choreographer and dancer, Linda has a master’s degree in
A Information and Library Management and Master in Education Teacher
Librarianship from Charles Sturt University Wagga Wagga Australia. At present she
is high school librarian and dance teacher at St. Spyridon College, South East Sydney.
Linda was the Folkloric Convenor of the Filipino Australian Association in Canberra
from 1981-1986. She is the Choreographer Director of the Philippine Dance
Ensemble. Her troupe is involved in many charitable concerts in the Filipino
and Australian community and performs in various community functions
such as PCC National Day Ball, Banag Banag Annual Ball, Lions Club, Bicol
Inc. and FAME.
She has always been proud of being crowned Mrs Philippines Australia.
Her biography had been listed in international publications such as “Who’s
Who in the World”, Who’s Who in Asia and Pacific Nations, Outstanding
People of the 20th century, Outstanding Intellectuals of the 20th Century,
International Dictionary of Biography and Who’s Who of Australian
Women.
Linda is affiliated with different organisations, national and
international, such as International Association of School Librarians,
American Library Associations, Australian School Library Association,
and Australian Women Mentoring Network. She is now the Secretary of
FAACES (Filipino Australian Arts Cultural Endeavour Society).
Fredisinda Padilla Buchlak
Ambassador for Culture and the Arts in the field of Community Service
Manila-born, Precy finished her Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering at
the University of the East, Manila. She is a licensed civil engineer. Married to
Charles Buchlak, they are blessed with three daughters.
She migrated to Australia in 1989 and was employed as administrative officer in the
Human Resources Department and later in the Leasing Department of Property
Corporate Real Estate of Australia Post. She is currently working with
Cushman and Wakefield, Property Management Agency. She holds
a Diploma in Real Estate Agency Property and is a registered real
estate agent.
As part of her interest in serving the local community, Precy
volunteered as English tutor of Sydney Mission, helping newly
arrived migrants settle and assimilate in a new environment. Precy
and her husband are members of Couples for Christ and she used
to be a team leader of Hand Maids of the Lord. She was also active
in the Legion of Mary. Her legacy to her children is to support
Plaza Filipino, Inc. and NARRA Co-operative, Inc. in their goal of
building a Philippine Australian Cultural Centre that will showcase
Philippine Australian arts and culture, serve as venue for Filipino
Australian social, cultural and sports events and inspire the future
generation in this symbol of Filipino unity and hard work.

Violi Calvert
Ambassador for Culture and the Arts in the field of Media
Violi is a Freelance Writer who has been contributing to some Fil-Aussie print and online publications
for several years now. She won the 2015 Multicultural & Indigenous Media Award - Coverage of
Community Affairs and was a Finalist at the 2013 NSW Premier’s Multicultural Media Award - Editorial
Reporting. She also received 2013 - Community Service Award - Parliament of Australia, House of
Representatives presented by Tony Burke for her role in promoting the Walk for Respect which was a
protest against the then proposed amendments of the Anti-Discrimination Act.
In addition to being a prolific writer, Violi was a co-producer and co-broadcaster for Radio Sandigan
at Radio 2rdj 81.1FM for five years, and then joined in 2015 Radio Tagumpay, a two-hour live radio
show at Triple H 100.1FM [Fridays, 2-4pm].
Violi attributes her passion for ‘story telling’ to her teachers at the Philippine College of Commerce
High School. She completed Bachelor Elementary Education [Cum Laude] and Master of Arts in
Education from the University of the East. She was a recipient of the Distinguished Achievement
Award at UE’s Diamond Jubilee celebration in 2006. She undertook additional studies when
got to Australia, which included Bachelor Business from UTS and Graduate Study on Public
Sector Management from Flinders University and certificate courses on Media and Freelance
Journalism.
Violi co-founded the North Shore Filipino-Australian Association in the 90’s and is an active
community volunteer supporting initiatives by the Philippine Consulate General and other
organisations. She is also one of a number of Fil-Aussie volunteers at St Mary Mackillop
place in North Sydney.
She and husband John are blessed with two sons, Timothy who works in IT and Bevan
who plays handball in Germany.
Marilyn Andres Chun
Ambassador for Culture and the Arts in the field of Education
Malyn hails from Lallo ,Cagayan. She graduated from the University
of the Philippines (UP) with a Bachelor of Science degree in
Education (BSE) Biology Major. She taught at Jose Rizal College for 5
years before migrating to Australia in 1973. She has been with the New
South Wales Department of Education for 43 years as a high school science
teacher and on several occasions as acting Science Head Teacher. She was a
Science Examiner for the HSC for Biology.
Malyn is a very active community leader, having founded the Ilocano
Association of Australia (IAA) where she served as President for 12
years. She was also elected president of the Philippine Community
Council of New South Wales (PCC-NSW) in 2002 and president
of the Filipino Communities Council of Australia (FILCCA) in
2007. She was also past president of Filipino Co-operative Ltd.
Malyn is now semi-retired but her passion of teaching
has not dwindled. She still does casual teaching in several
state schools in the city. In her free time she volunteers in the
main stream community and was awarded the “Most Spirited
Volunteer” by Bicycle NSW in 2014.

Carmenchu Montilla Gresham
Ambassador for Culture and the Arts in the field of Fashion
Carmen comes from the beautiful City of Butuan. She finished her
Bachelor of Science in Commerce, major in management at Father
Saturnino Urios University, Butuan City. She was a member of the San
Carlos University Dance Troupe. She is happy to be blessed with three
beautiful children and two handsome grandsons.
A business woman in the field of fashion since 1992 until she
migrated to Australia, Carmen continued her entrepreneurship
in dressmaking and fashion design as owner of Carmenchu
Montilla G Fashion. She was the winner of the Best Costume
in the 2014 and 2015 anniversary celebrations of Banag Banag
and the Banag Banag Island Hopping anniversary where she
wore her own creation of an authentic Igorot Costume.
Carmen is an active member of Banag Banag Association,
Inc. NARRA Co-operative Ltd. is also proud to have her as
a Bronze Legacy member.
Carmen states that “she is happy exploring God given talent in
dressmaking and fashion design and aiming for the zenith in the
world of fashion.”
Josephine Montemayor Henry
Ambassador for Culture and the Arts in the field of Community Service
Pin Montemayor grew up in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, earned
a Bachelor of Nursing degree from Colegio de San Agustin Bacolod,
and is a registered nurse. Prior to migrating to Australia Pin worked as a
Sales Manager for Quadtech Entertainment in Bacolod and was also the
youngest Agency Manager in Philam Plans in the Visayan Region. Since
2015 Pin has been with the Department of Community Services. She is a
real estate broker for Megaworld properties in he Philippines.
A proud single mom to two kids, Pin is an active member of the
Filipress in Sydney, Radio co-producer in Radio Tagumpay Triple
H 100.1 FM Hornsby Kuringai area, writer, actress, community
leader and events producer. She is a member of the Lions Club
International Blacktown area.
With her experience in the field of community service, Pin is
passionate to offer her assistance to those in need of help. “Together
we stand, divided we fall” is her motto, and she is here to inspire and
encourage our fellow Filipinos accomplish many things by believing
in oneself and having faith in God.

Serna Gregorio Ladia
Ambassador for Culture and the Arts in the field of Accounting
Serna was born in Maitum, South Cotabato but her parents (Leon and
Carolina Gregorio) are natives of Agno, Pangasinan. She is a Certified
Public Accountant and holds a master’s degree in Business Administration
from the University of the Philippines. She worked as an Auditor of the
Commission on Audit for 4 years and a Bank Examiner in the Central Bank
of the Philippines for 11 years. In Australia, she was the Financial
Accountant of Best and Less for 15 years.
Serna is happily married to Ismael and blessed with five children.
A very active community leader, Serna was the President of
Maharlika, Inc. for 5 years and very proud to say that during her
term Maharlika was able to represent the Philippines, out of 17
countries, in the World Youth Day.
Currently, Serna is the Public Officer of Philippine Community
Council of New South Wales, Inc (PCC-NSW), the Treasurer
of Filipino Communities Council of Australia, Inc. (FILCCA),
and the Chairperson of Australia Mindanao Multicultural
Community Inc (AUSMIN). She is a member of the Institute
of Public Accountants in Australia and the NSW Justice of the
Peace.
Violeta Nones Miguel
Ambassador for Culture and the Arts in the fields of Education and Creative Writing
Violeta is the recipient of the Filipino Australian Achiever Award in 2006 for her
outstanding international contribution and achievement to poetry. The award
was endorsed to the Filipino Communities Council of Australia (FILCCA) by the
Philippine Community Council of NSW.
Violy comes from San Fernando, La Union and is married to Mick Miguel with four
children. An outstanding student during her high school and college days, she graduated
from Don Mariano Marcos State University with the degree of Bachelor of Science in
Industrial Education. While teaching, she was granted scholarship
for her master’s degree in Home Economics. In 1985 her family
migrated to Australia
She is a distinguished member of The International Society of
Poets (ISP), a Founding Laureate Member with Distinction of
ISP and recipient of illustrious awards in poetry. Her poems are
included in books such as The Best Poems and Poets of 2002–
2005; The International Who’s Who in Poetry 2004-2005, and
Labour of Love by Noble House.
An active Filipino community leader, Violy was officer of different
organizations such as Alliance of Philippine Community
Organization (APCO), Ilocano Association of Australia, Global
Ilocanos Australia, Timek Iti La Union Association and Plaza
Filipino Inc.

Josephine Guevarra Weatherly
Ambassador for Culture and the Arts in the field of Community Service
“I
’m very privileged and blessed;” these are words from Josephine
Weatherly, a mother of two lovely daughters, a handsome son
and two gorgeous granddaughters. She is very proud of her family.
Jo, as she is fondly called by friends comes from Manila and has
been in Australia for 30 years. She has done volunteer work for
community organisations like the Australian Philippine Association
Inc. (APAI), Club Filipino Australia (CFI) and the Illawarra
Filipino & Multicultural Women’s Group, Inc. (IFMWGI),
where she is the Assistant Secretary. In all her activities
with these organizations, she considers accomplishing
and achieving goals for the good of the community vital
elements of success.
She enjoys cooking, dancing, traveling and fine dining as
well as the company of close friends. She has a terrific sense
of humour and she treasures friends. She is passionate
about making a difference in whatever she does but
participating in this year’s NARRA’s Ambassadors for
culture and the Arts event is what really matters!
Evelyn Zaragoza
Ambassador for Culture and the Arts in the field of Media and Community Service
Evelyn Zaragoza has a degree of Bachelor of Science in Commerce-Advertising Major (1969) from
the Philippine College of Commerce now known as the Polytechnic University of the Philippines.
She migrated to Australia in 1975; received awards from Jaycees, Int’l-Hunter Valley Region-
Outstanding Member and Philippine Australian Sports Club - Winner, Women’s Chess Competition.
Her involvement with community publication goes back in the 1980’s. She has been publisher of
The Philippine Community Herald Newspaper since 1994; is co-founder of the Multicultural
Community Radio Association – Filipino Program (‘Pinoy Radyo’-Coordinator/Broadcaster);
Filipino Women’s Association (FWA) Radio Program Coordinator/Broadcaster at 89.3 FM
2GLF Radio Station.
Evelyn was in the steering committee at the founding of the Philippine Community
Council of NSW, Inc., 1990 and public relations officer in 2000-2001. She joined arts
exhibitions sponsored by Arts Alive, FWA, Fiesta Kultura 2014 where she displayed
her paintings. She coordinated an arts exhibition of women from multicultural
communities and different field of arts at Fairfield Arts School. She produces concerts
of performing artists in the Filipino-Australian community. She produced the Filipino-
Australian Talent Quest for 16 years that became a stepping stone for many talents in
the community. She co-produced the “Battle of the Gay Queen” in 2002.
She founded the Filipino-Australian Artistic & Cultural Endeavour Society, Inc.
(FAACES, Inc.) in 2010 and as founding president, in 2011, FAACES, Inc. recognized
Filipino-Australian artists in different fields of arts in our community. She was the
executive producer of FAACES, Inc.’s production of “Fusion 2014” (Music & Fashion).
She is a Director of ASK Foundation, Inc. which helps underprivileged children in the
Philippines. Evelyn is a NAATI accredited translator, interpreter and voice talent in
radio drama and commercials.

Dr Raul Amor
Ambassador for Culture and the Arts in the field of Medicine
Dr. Raul Amor finished his Doctor of Medicine at Cebu Doctors College
of Medicine and is a medical practitioner in Australia during the past 26
years. A cardiologist at Nepean Public and Private Hospitals, Blue Mountains
ANZAC Memorial Hospital (BMDAMH) and Norwest Private Hospital, Raul
is also a Fellow of the Royal Australian College of Physicians (FRACP) and the
Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand (FCSANZ). He holds a Diploma in
Diagnostic Ultrasound (DDU), a Level B Cardiac CT specialist and a Diplomate of
the Certification Board of Cardiac CT (CBCCT - USA). His major interests
include heart failure, Cardiac CT scan and echocardiography. He is a
Director of Physician Education at the Royal Australian College of
Physician (RACP) at BMDAMH and a Clinical Lecturer in Cardiology at
Sydney Medical School – Nepean Campus of the University of Sydney.
He was president of the Philippine Australian Medical Association
(PAMA) and is currently Chairman of the Filipino Doctors Association
of Australia (FDAA).
He has assisted overseas medical practitioners in their preparation
for recognition here in Australia. He is involved in charitable,
humanitarian and outreach projects here in Australia and overseas.
He was instrumental in establishing the first outpatient cardiac
catheter laboratory in the Philippines. His main advocacy is quality
affordable health care for all.
Marcelo Cabillo
Ambassador for Culture and the Arts in the field of Community Service
Marcelo comes from Calamba, Laguna and finished a technical
course. He now works with Monrow Springs Australia as
machinist. A skilful machine operator, his job includes setting up
machine and equipment, load testing of production units based on given
specifications, labelling, packing, and quality control. He is also a forklift
driver and is highly dependable for support to other sections of the company
in machine operation.
Marcelo is quite motivated, enthusiastic and a friendly individual
who is committed to professional excellence. For over 15 years with
varied work experience as a cleaner, kitchen hand and waiter, he
has shown exceptional work attitude.
Playing golf is his passion since he was a teenager and had joined
professional golf clubs in the Philippines. In Australia, he still
plays golf and had won trophies in a number of golf tournaments.
A Bronze Legacy member of NARRA, Inc., Marcelo can always
be counted on for support for charity and other projects
beneficial to the community.

Marx Canoy
Ambassador for Culture and the Arts in the field of Culinary Arts
Marx is a native of Sagay City, Negros Occidental. He is an exceptionally talented
chef and is currently the Executive Chef at Travelodge, Newcastle. He manages
the entire operation of food production in the hotel, creating menu engineering and
managing kitchen staff. His cooking styles include Contemporary Australian, Filipino,
Italian, Traditional & Modern French, Asian, and Mediterranean Cuisine.
Marx finished his Certificate III and IV in Commercial Cookery at TAFE and Certificate II
in Hospitality (Kitchen). He holds Australian Trade both in Eastern Cookery and Western
Cookery. He authored two cookbooks namely, “World Class Cookbook for the Super
fit”, a winner of Living Now Book Award 2015, and “Marx Canoy’s Food Feast”,
a winner of Living Now Book Award 2013.
Having cooked for Australia’s local celebrities and politicians, Marx’s
dishes have also been served to world famous actors, artists and even
royalty.
He took charge of the Free Kitchen for the victims of typhoon Hayan in
Tacloban sponsored by APCO. He has also been active in showcasing
Filipino cuisine in many Filipino-Australian community functions.
For Marx, “working in a stimulating environment and continually
searching for new challenges provides him opportunities for
his professional advancement and contributes to his career
to be part of the highly competitive international hotel and
restaurant business”.
Dr Edgar Escultura
Ambassador for Culture and the Arts in the fields of Science and Mathematics.
Ed Escultura comes from Gubat, Sorsogon and migrated to Australia in 1994 with his
wife Violeta and five children after early retirement as professor at the University of the
Philippines.
Quite early in life he posed this question: How does one maneuver his way from a rural birthplace
to the top of the World in some endeavor? Ed Escultura did it through hard work, scholarships,
some jobs as student, sound judgment and a loving family. That was how he earned his Ph.D. at
the University of Wisconsin, a ticket to greater achievements. He taught at universities in the US
and became professor of mathematics and physics at the University of the Philippines and GVP-
Lakshmikantham Institute for Advanced Studies, Nehru Technical University, India; science
editor and columnist, The Manila Times; and nominee for the Nobel Prize for Physics, 2005.
He published 65 scientific papers and books and delivered several keynote speeches at
International Conferences on subjects that range from physics, atmospheric and geological
sciences through astronomy, cosmology, psychology, medicine, engineering and creative
mathematics-science education. One paper resolved in 1998 the 360-year-old problem in
mathematics known as Fermat’s last theorem and another solved in 1997 the 200-yearold
gravitational n-body problem in physics. He is in the organizing committee of the
International Conference on Material Science and Engineering, September 12 – 15, 2016.
These are Ed Escultura’s main contributions to Culture that place the Philippines at the
Center of the Global Stage in Science and Mathematics. In the Philippine-Australian
community he does press releases and features and helps write project proposals for
Sedgwick Housing Cooperative Ltd of which he is the Vice President. He is also a
bronze legacy member of NARRA.

Oliver Gadista
Ambassador for Culture and the Arts in the field of Music
Driven by curiosity at a very young age, Oliver’s journey started when he
discovered his song writing skills back in 1990. His talent recognized, he
accepted an invitation to record his original songs at SBS studio including “Eroplano”
which received considerable airplay. In a quest to improve his knowledge he completed
Diploma in Contemporary Arts and was rewarded “Outstanding Achievement Award”
and “Guitarist of the Year” at the Nirimba Sydney Institute of Technology along the way.
Originally from Sta. Cruz Laguna, Oliver is a member of the Filpress Sydney and
ran a couple of community radio programs which catered for local artists.
In 2012, he produced an all original 15 track album composed of
unsigned artists in Sydney and together with the Filpress Sydney,
raised $15,000 for the survivor of the Typhoon Washi (Sendong)
in the Philippines.
In 2013 Oliver received a Community Service Award from
the Rotary Club of the Hills-Kellyville. Also in the same year
Oliver with his group Pagong Ako Kuyang Sydney Pond
produced an all Freemasons Christmas album which raised
$10,000 for the Down Syndrome NSW.
An active member of the Freemasons and the Filpress
Sydney, he continues to support the community here and
in the Philippines through his music.
Claudio Lisao
Ambassador for Culture and the Arts in the field of Fashion Design
A
well-loved fashion designer from the Philippines, Claudio Lisao is
one of the founding members of the Fashion Designers Association
of the Philippines. Claudio specialises in ladies’ evening gowns and bridal
wear.
Having held numerous fashion parades, his name has become synonymous
with Manila’s fashion and the catwalk. He has had extensive involvement with
set and costume design for stage plays and for performances including those
staged at the Cultural Centre of the Philippines (CCP).
He studied costume construction under the guidance of Salvador
Bernal of CCP. In London he took further studies in bone bodice
design in The London College of Fashion. He has since held fashion
parades in Washington DC and Maryland USA.
Back in Sydney, Claudio continues to delight customers’ with his
intricate hand crafted pieces, often with extensive beadings. He
is also supplying exclusive gowns and dresses to a L’Elegante
Boutique in Double Bay, NSW. He also produces fashion shows
where he showcases his range of beautiful creations.

Manny Medel
Ambassador for Culture and the Arts in the field of Community Service
Manny is a businessman and entrepreneur, being the Principal/LREA of Property
Out Real Estate; Property Investment Consultant of Metropolitan Assets; and
International Sales Director of Sta. Lucia Land International. He had an electronics
business in Olongapo City and worked with the US Navy in Subic Bay for 10 years.
His family migrated to Australia in 1990, got employed with Randwick City Council
NSW for 20 years. He took up Mechanical Engineering & Engineering Management at
Sydney Institute of Technology; Diploma in Property at Randwick TAFE; and Frontline
Management at Australian College of Commerce & Management.
He and his wife Jean are blessed with 3 children and 4 grandchildren with another
3 grandchildren expected this year. A choir leader, Manny is very much involved
with the community and parishes. Manny is a member of Knights of
Columbus, Olongapo City; became Vice-President of FILCOS Parramatta
1990-1995; leader of Couples for Christ since 1994; chartered Parish
council member and acolyte of Padre Poi Parish, Glenmore Park NSW;
and presently the Coordinator of the Filipino Chaplaincy, Diocese of
Parramatta – Nepean/Blue Mountains Deanery. He was member of the
management committee of Gawad Kalinga, an organization building
houses and providing scholarships for the poor in the Philippines.
Manny has been active in raising funds for the Operation Christmas
Hamper 2015, for the poor families of Jolo, Tabacuhan, Olongapo City
in cooperation with the Couples for Christ Olongapo City chapter.
Armando Reyes
Ambassador for Culture and the Arts in the field of Theatre Arts
Armando or RC among friends comes from Bulacan and has 3 children and
3 grandchildren. He was a scholar of Pamantasan Ng Lungsod Ng Maynila
where he graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Mass Communication. He was
a recipient of film scholarships in the 1990’s: the Mowel Fund Film Scholarship
and the Lily Monteverde Scholarship in Production Design in Film under the
mentorship of Maestro Peque Gallaga.
RC was an entertainment journalist in Manila for 10 years prior to migrating
to Australia in 1995. Since his arrival 20 years ago, he has shifted his focus
to the culinary arts but his love and passion for the arts has not waned.
Armando is the Stage Director of “Her Son, Dr Jose Rizal” (a
Theatre Piece by Leonor Orosa Goquingco) produced by Filipino
Community Co-operative Limited. This is a production debut of
Fine Artists Collaboration, a community theatre group composed
of a handful of dedicated Filipino-Australian artists with an
unflinching passion for the arts. A brainchild of Armando
Reyes and Albert Dimarucut, this is a collaboration of artistic
and creative minds bonding together with the primary aim of
preserving and promoting the Filipino heritage and culture.

Bob Reyes
Ambassador of Culture and the Arts in the field of Visual Arts
Bob Reyes is an accomplished graphic design artist and business
owner with more than 25 years of experience providing graphic
design, desktop publishing and multimedia services to the government,
private companies and non-profit organisations. His Sydney-based
business, Alkei Type & Graphics Pty Ltd, is one of the leading graphic
design and multimedia services provider (photography and video) in
NSW, for various Ethnic-Australian community associations.
Prior to moving to Australia in the late 1980s, Bob worked as a graphic
designer in the Middle East (Iran and Bahrain) and ran a graphic
design business in the Central Business District of Makati in
Manila, Philippines. Having carved a successful career in graphic
design, he is also a much sought-after professional multimedia
editor, photographer and videographer using only the latest
software technologies, and video production equipment.
Bob studied Advertising Arts at the prestigious University of
Santo Tomas (UST) College of Architecture & Fine Arts in
the Philippines as well as Television and Video Production at
Tehran Technical College in Iran.
George Torres
Ambassador for Culture and the Arts in the fields of Public Safety and Security
George was born in Singalong, Manila, Philippines, came to Australia in
1979 and became an Australian Citizen in 1980. A martial arts instructor
in Australia since 1980, George joined the Australian NSW Police Force in
1990. In 1993 he received a Bravery Award Medal from the Police Higher
Commissioner and became the NSW Police Weapons Instructor in 1995. He
introduced the Knife Defence Technique for the NSW Police Force in 1993. This
method is still being used today. During his active duty with the NSW Police
Force he became Senior Special Constable at the Security Management
Unit which is associated with the Counter Terrorism Unit and
Special Tactics. George is a member of the Board of Directors of
the Philippine Australian Sport and Culture Incorporated and
is the Chief Security of the Philippine Australian Cultural
Fiestas in Sydney held every year. This yearly event supports
various Philippine organizations in their fund raising and
charity projects.
George stated that as the Ambassador for Culture and the
Arts in the Fields of Safety and Security, “I will continue to
support our community and all organizations for the safety
and well-being of the Australian society.”

GOLD LEGACY
SILVER LEGACY
Jimmy, Myrma and Jeff Lopez
Daisy and Robert Cumming, Ester Arador
BRONZE LEGACY Catalina Bautista, Rosalinda Bishop, Emma Braceros, Pedro Cesar Cendana, Leo Ceniza, Elizabeth Fernandez, Reynaldo
Morcilla, Manuel Roux, Josephine delos Reyes, Edgar Escultura, Albert Prias, John Reyes, Rudy Reyes, Global Ilocanos Australia Inc, Sedgwick Housing
Co-operative Limited, Nenita Abuel, Ester Arador, Zenaida Aruta, Carlina Benitez, Maria Bock, Neptali Bondoc, Delia Caballero, Joe Caballero, Marcelo
Cabillo, Marrisa Collins, Luzviminda Creary, Brenda de la Sala, Robert de la Sala, Robert Brendan de la Sala, Violeta Escultura, Fredisinda Buchlak,
Carmenchu Gresham, Fe Hayward, Ed la Sala, Elsa Limhoc, Remedios Masian, Adorcion Meissner, Miklos Meissner, Lilibeth McAndrew, Virgie Nicholls,
Gemma Origenes, Aristotle Ortanez, Otto Pirko, Teresa Pacubas, Danny Peralta, James Quinto, Joventino Remotigue, Bob Reyes, John Reyes, Marcus
Rivera, Fe Isabel Sarenas-Cavanna, Nenita Still, Teresita Sunga, Josephne Tada, Victor Valdez, Manny Villon, Josephine Weatherly, FLAGCOM
KAPIT-BISIG LEGACY Nenita Abuel, Gwendolyn Apalisok, Manuel Apalisok, Brian Lopez Babon, Cleo Baltazar, Michelle Baltazar, Catalina
Bautista, Marx Canoy, Rose Canoy, Carlina Benitez, Remigio Biala, Nita Blando, Maria Bock, Josefina Bonto, Emma Braceros, Christina Cabanilla,
Evita Cabanilla, Marcelo Cabillo, Daryll Carbonell, Francia Carbonell, Christie Ceniza, Leo Ceniza, Florina Chadler, Charles Chan, Marissa Collins,
Daisy Ann Cumming, Danny Peralta, Tina Pineda, Marcus Rivera, Jhun Salazar, Sarah Salazar, Robert Cumming, Brenda de la Sala, Robert del la Sala,
Robert Brendan de la Sala, Josephine de los Reyes, Emma de Vera, Pitz Dorninger, Elizabeth Escandor, Edgar Escultura, Violeta Escultura, Florenda
Ford, Dida Garin, Luisita Gillman, Heide Green, Carmenchu Grisham, Edward Gomez, Ma Elma Gomez, Renato Gomez, Fe Hayward, Juliet Horrel,
Marissa Houston, Elizabeth Fernandez, Emily Rudd, Liza Knight, Eduardo La Sala, Helen Lava, Rose Lay, Leticia Lomo, Jimmy Lopez, Leonides Lopez,
Myrma Lopez, Veronica Lopez, Remi Macina, Marissa McCarthy, Estrella McKinnon, Remedios Masian, Lee Meekan, Adoracion Meissner, Mick Miguel,
Violeta Miguel, Francisco Dennis Monte, Triza Monte, Reynaldo Morcilla, Shirley Morcilla, Guia Narvaez, Virgie Narvasa, Corazon Navarro, Graham
Nicholls, Virgie Nicholls, Rebecca Noriega, Flordelina Obille, Gemma Origenes, Pirko Otto, Teresa Pacubas, Manuel Padilla, Maria Eleanor Padilla,
Cora Paras, Ronald Patawaran, Penelope Perfecto, Sylvia Petterson, Yolanda Piercy, Albert Prias, Venus Priest, James Quinto, Aristotle Ortañez, Amor
Ramos, Joventino Remotigue, John Reyes, Maria Reyes, Rudy Reyes, Teresita Sunga, Nenita Still, Julieta Teodoro, Carmencita Thompson, Rise Roux,
Josephine Tada, Jo Weatherly, Victor Valdez, Mansueto Villon, Ligaya Zapalla, Ingrid Acosta, Max Acosta, Ryan Paul Agcaoili, Ester Arador, Tom Baena,
Neptali Bondoc, Emelita Brown, Luzviminda Creary, Ric de Vera, Manny Diel, Jessie Icao, Elsa Limhoc, Analiza Lucas, Ruben Lucero, Bernadette
Malvizo, Raquel Pellero, Bob Reyes, Helen Rogaris, Roberto Sacilotto, Ariel Satorre, Millie Valdez, Marie Zawadka
Abra Association of Australia, Association of Filipino Australian Accountants, Australian Pacific Settlement and Marketing Services, Baguio Colleges
Foundation Alumni Association, Becol Holdings Pty Ltd, Cleo’s Unisex Hair and Beauty Saloon, Design 43, Flagcom, Global Ilocanos Australia Inc,
Leon Aguila Association, Leysam and Friends, Macquarie Fields Prayer Group, Maharlika Inc, Meekan Realty Valuations, Mindanao Ethnic Dance
Group, Minto Prayer Group, Plaza Filipino Inc, Sedgwick Housing Co-operative Limited, Studio 7 International Fine Arts, Wattlegrove Prayer Group,
Australian Filipino Business Workers Club Inc
President - Jimmy Lopez
Vice President - Daisy Ann Cumming
Secretary - Josephine Tada
Asst Secretary - Fe Hayward
Treasurer - Josephine de los Reyes
Asst Treasurer - Virgie Nicholls
Directors - Rose Lay Aristotle Ortanez, Marcus Rivera Internal Auditor - Leo Ceniza
Public Relations Officer - Manny Diel
Public Officer - Emma Braceros
Committee Chairs - Albert Prias, Ester Arador, Fredisinda Buchlak, Myrma Lopez, Remi Masian, Rey Morcilla,
Manny Roux, Maria Bock, Marcelo Cabillo and Teresa Pacubas

PLAZA FILIPINO INC 2016 OFFICERS
President - Michelle Baltazar
Vice President - Grays O’Brien
Secretary - Precy Buchlak
Treasurer - Jimmy Lopez
Internal Auditor - Josephine delos Reyes
Director/PRO - Albert Prias
Directors - Charles Chan & Bob Reyes
Committee Chair - Marcus Rivera
Advisers- Manny Roux, Violy Miguel, Rey Morcilla
Daisy Cumming, Rise Roux & Elizabeth Escandor

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Ambassador for Culture and the Arts 2016 and Upclose & Personal Concert, 7 Feb 2016
PRODUCERS :: Plaza Filipino Inc & NARRA Co-operative Ltd
DIRECTOR :: Daisy Cumming | PRODUCTION MANAGER :: Albert Prias
STAGE MANAGERS :: Charles Chan & the FLAGCOM Staff
TICKETING AND SEATING ARRANGEMENTS :: Jimmy Lopez, Daisy Cumming
SOUVENIR PROGRAM :: Jimmy Lopez, Violeta Escultura, Ed Escultura
GRAPHIC DESIGNS :: Doddie Batac, Bob Reyes, Albert Prias & Dennis Monte
PHOTOGRAPHY :: Bob Reyes, Triza Monte
VIDEO PRODUCTION :: Bob Reyes
COMPÈRE :: Michelle Baltazar, Marcus Rivera
DEPORTMENT :: Triza Monte, Myrma Lopez
CHOREOGRAPHY :: Albert Prias, Emma Braceros
GUEST PERFORMERS :: Linda Trinidad, Cleo Baltazar, Marcus Rivera, Tina
Bangel, Jasmine Montemayor, Andrew Mark Baris, Jericho Villareal, Re-Groove
Band, VSD, Filipinas Dancers, Philippine Dance Ensemble
TWO GREAT ARTISTS IN ONE BIG SHOW
Roanne Monte (Miss Saigon London) & Dexter Villa (Jesus Christ Superstar)