NARRA Tribute to Mothers & Fathers 2017

Message
The Alliance of Philippine Community Organizations, (APCO)
Inc. NSW conveys its heartfelt congratulations to NARRA Coop.
Ltd. and Plaza Filipino for their yearly observance of Tribute to
Mothers and Fathers.
In a value-oriented family, looking back at what our responsible
mothers and fathers have imbibed in us or reared us up - with all
the good virtues and skills that equip us in life and to be worthy
members of society; it is just right to give them reverence and respect
in this time of reflection – the Tribute to Mothers and Fathers.
We, in APCO, commend this gesture you give our forebears and wish you more
success in the years to come.
Mabuhay!
(Sgd) Pet Storey
APCO President
Message
Inspiring the next generation
This year I celebrate my 14 years of community volunteering for various fundraisers and activities. Fourteen
years is a long time and on reflection, I feel blessed at the opportunities opened up to me to help our
community here in Australia and overseas.
At the same time, it has also made me reflect on the community volunteering efforts of other individuals
around me, not least of them my fellow members and officers at Plaza Filipino; the founding members
and supporters of the association; as well as the founding members, officers and supporters of NARRA
Co-op.
Many of them have devoted even more years than I have, some counting decades in community leadership.
I would like to think that, together, we have helped pave a brighter future for Filipinos in the Philippines
who have benefited from our various fundraising efforts; and in Australia, assisted our own community and
the broader society through our various community-building, arts and culture, and support programs.
The question then is, where to next? On behalf of my fellow members, officers and other Plaza Filipino stakeholders, the
next chapter in the development of our community here in Australia is to build a lasting legacy. This time, it’s a legacy fit for the next
generation – the construction and development of a Cultural Centre that we can all be proud of.
The Philippine-Australian Arts, Culture & Innovation (ACI) Central is just the first step. Through ACI Central and the various
workshops and activities we hosted since the start of the year, we hope that more Filipino-Australians can see our vision. To build a
multi-million dollar cultural centre is going to be challenging, but achievable. It is through fundraising activities, such as this year’s
Tribute to Mothers and Fathers, that we get one step closer to that dream.
I’d like to thank everyone who is here to join us on this special occasion and fundraising event. Your continued support energises all of
us at Plaza Filipino to keep our sights set on our goals.
United in our vision, nothing is impossible.
(Sgd) Michelle Baltazar
President, Plaza Filipino Inc