Pista sa Nayon 2018

Cora Paras
SENIOR VICE-PRESIDENT
Linda Price
SECRETARY
Carmen Fraser
ASST SECRETARY
Ralph Improgo
PRO
Cora Bojarski
Fe Hayward
Mick Miguel
Albert Prias
Violeta Escultura
PRESIDENT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Charles Chan
JUNIOR VICE-PRESIDENT
Rita Agostino
TREASURER
Jimmy Lopez
ASST TREASURER
Richard Ford
AUDITOR
Emma Braceros
Alma Middlebrook
Glorina Papaiannou
Linda Trinidad
Ruben Amores
Jhun Salazar
ADVISERS
Cen Amores
Jimmy Lopez
Pet Storey

Pasuguan ng Pilipinas Embassy of the Philippines
Canberra
Consulate General of the Republic of the Philippines
Sydney
MESSAGE
I am pleased to extend my warmest greetings and
best wishes to the officers and members the Alliance
of the Philippines Community Organizations, Inc.
(APCO) and all the guests of “Pista Sa Nayon,” in
commemoration of the 120 th Anniversary of the
Declaration of the Philippine Independence on 16
June 2018.
Our theme for this year’s celebration, “Kalayaan
2018: Pagbabagong Ipinaglaban, Alay sa
Masaganang Kinabukasan,” encourages us to do
our part for the development and progress of the
Filipino nation as we remember the sacrifices of
our heroes who fought for our Independence.
Pista sa Nayon celebrates Filipino culture and
heritage and the contributions of Filipinos to
Australia’s thriving and vibrant multicultural society.
My hope is that today’s festivities strengthen the
long-standing friendship between the Philippines
and Australia through mutual understanding and
greater appreciation of our cultures.
I wish you all an enjoyable day and a successful
celebration!
Mabuhay!
MESSAGE
I wish to extend my warmest greetings to the
Alliance of Philippine Community Organizations,
Inc (APCO) for organizing a Filipino fiesta entitled,
“Pista sa Nayon - the Philippines among the
Community of Nations”, in commemoration of the
120 th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine
Independence.
As we join our countrymen at home and all over
the world in commemorating this historic event,
let us keep in mind the legacy of solidarity and
love of country exemplified by our national heroes
and the brave men and women of the Philippine
Revolution.
May you, and the younger generations of Filipino-
Australians, feel inspired and guided by the spirit
of patriotism of our forebears and remain proud of
your Filipino heritage. Let us continue to live by the
spirit of bayanihan that Filipinos are traditionally
known for. It is through our collective strength as a
united community that we can fulfil our potential
as a people and move towards the future. I wish
you even more success in your future endeavors.
Maligayang pagdiriwang ng Kalayaan!
Mabuhay!
MINDA CALAGUIAN-CRUZ
Ambassador
MELANIE RITA B. DIANO
Acting Head of Post
16 June 2018

PISTA SA NAYON 2018
PHILIPPINE VILLAGE FESTIVAL
It is my pleasure to send my warmest wishes to the
Alliance of Philippine Community Organisations
as you celebrate the 120th Anniversary of the
declaration of Philippine independence.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the
Alliance of Philippine Community Organisations
for the charitable work and numerous community
development projects that you undertake for
the benefit of Filipino Australians and the wider
community.
The contribution of Australia’s Filipino community
cannot be underestimated. Your community has
helped transform Australia into a welcoming
and prosperous nation and paved the way for
our country to be seen as the true example of a
successful multicultural nation.
I look forward to spending time with everyone
involved at this year’s festival; I encourage you
to enjoy this spectacular community event as we
showcase the rich diversity of Filipino culture.
Yours sincerely
MESSAGE
It is wonderful to commemorate the 120th
anniversary of the declaration of Philippine
Independence. The commemoration of Philippine
Independence is a celebration of war and love,
and of the strong Filipino culture. The Filipino
community plays an integral role in the Macarthur
region with and help make is the colourful,
multicultural community that it is.
It is representation of the importance of family to
the Filipino community that the day with spent
bonding with friends and relatives.
It is very fitting that the theme of this year’s
celebrations is “The Philippines among the
Community of Nations” Australia’s multicultural
landscape allows us to celebrate our diversity
which is essential in uniting us all to live in harmony
and continue to enjoy our cultural heritage and
background.
I would like to congratulate the Alliance of Philippine
Community Organisations on putting on what will
be a fantastic celebration that remembers that
sacrifices of those who fought for Independence
and celebrates the long traditions of the Filipino
people.
Luke Foley MP
NSW Leader of the Opposition
Dr. Mike Freelander
Federal Member for Macarthur

MAYORAL MESSAGE
Today’s Philippines Independence Day celebration,
organised by the Alliance of Philippine Community
Organisations, provides us with a wonderful opportunity
to celebrate the Filipino culture, heritage and the many
great things the Filipino community has contributed to
the wider Australian community.
Campbelltown has a thriving Filipino community that
grew between 2011 and 2016, to 5692 people, making
it one of the predominant cultural groups in our city.
Campbelltown’s cultural and linguistic diversity is what
makes our city so special – and Campbelltown City
Council is proud to support our residents of all different
backgrounds, and values our strong relationship with
the Filipino community.
The Philippines is known around the world for its
natural beauty, including beaches, mountains and
rainforests. You are extremely fortunate to have links
to such a beautiful homeland.
I’d like to congratulate the organisers of today’s
celebration for bringing together the members of the
Australian Filipino community to celebrate this historic
occasion – the 120th anniversary of your beautiful
homeland’s independence. The Filipino people are
famous for their warm hospitality and magnificent
food. I’m sure that today’s celebration will abound with
both.
On behalf of Campbelltown City Council I wish you
every success for this important celebration.
MESSAGE FROM THE APCO FOUNDER
I congratulate the officers and members of APCO
for organising this Pista sa Nayon to celebrate
Philippine Independence Day with the general
public of Australia. A village fete in the motherland
is normally the best way for everyone to know the
heart and soul of the Filipino, the richness of its
cuisine and culture, the hospitality and friendliness
of its people and the talents and organisational
savvy of the neighbourhood.
Organising such an event where the public can
participate freely is in keeping with APCO’s strong
commitment to promote social inclusion, break
down barriers to community participation and
may be the best way of sharing the significance of
being an independent nation to the world.
I hope that you will maintain this kind of celebration
instead of the costly elitist and exclusive dinner
and ball which is hardly affordable and accessible
to the people of the community let alone non-
Filipinos.
Dr Cen Amores
APCO Founding President
CR GEORGE BRTICEVIC
MAYOR OF CAMPBELLTOWN
CAMPBELLTOWN CITY COUNCIL

CEO’s MESSAGE
I am honoured to send my best wishes to the
Alliance of Philippine Community Organisations
Inc. in the celebration of the 120 th year of Philippine
Independence.
This is a very significant day amongst the Philippine
community in Australia and around the world, as
we commemorate and pay tribute to the sacrifices
of the country’s courageous heroes in their quest
for liberty.
The Property Investors Alliance (PIA) is firmly
committed to setting a new benchmark in the
Sydney Real Estate industry for conducting business
with the highest integrity and compassion, and
creating opportunities for everyday Australians to
access, own or invest in property.
With the growth and development of our
organization, we are fortunate enough to be in a
position to support community organisations such
as the APCO, who offer services to Australians of
all different ethnic backgrounds, including those
who are culturally and linguistically disadvantaged,
and to their countrymen in the Philippines.
On behalf of PIA, I wish the Alliance of Philippine
Community Organisations, Inc., its officers and
members a successful celebration of the Philippine
Independence Day.
Congratulations to everyone for a festive Pista sa
Nayon 2018 Independence Day celebration
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
On this memorable occasion, it is my honour to welcome
all our guests, patrons, supporters, affiliates, families and
friends to join us in celebrating the 120th anniversary of the
declaration of our Philippine Independence. It is a day to
remember those who made significant contributions to our
country’s liberty and a day to acknowledge the sacrifices of
all our heroes. Let us reflect, recognize and be grateful for
their courage and determination gain freedom.
Our Independence Day theme “The Philippines Among the
Community of Nations” signifies our integration into the
multicultural make up of our society and the innumerable
contributions Filipinos shared with the Australian community.
Let us continue to be part of the many nations that love
freedom by living harmoniously with the citizens of this land
and with each other. The value of love for peace and giving
respect to our adopted country and its people is a legacy we
will hand in to the next generation.
APCO is committed to strengthen its role in the community
and will continue to integrate with different sectors of society.
APCO and its affiliate organisations will get involved with
projects that would enhance its goal of providing assistance
to those who are disadvantaged and provide support to build
stronger ties with the culturally and linguistically diverse
communities. This organisation will also be promoting the
significance of cooperation and the value of appreciation
for culture and the arts. APCO is committed in projects such
as assisting affordable housing for the elderly, continuing
education, and helping the less privileged communities in
the Philippines and Australia.
This special event will not come to reality without the
commitment, hard work and love shared by the members
of various committees who gave their time and effort
unconditionally and to our patrons and donors for making
Pista sa Nayon 2018 a great success.
My sincere thanks and gratitude to all of you.
Maraming Salamat Po at Mabuhay!
Justin Wang
CEO
Violeta Galang Escultura
President

APCO’s Accomplishments, Projects and Activities for 2017-2018
A.) Community Development and Capacity Building:
APCO Supported/Participated in the following
community initiatives:
• APCO and Auburn Small Community Organisation
Network organised a Public Information Forum on
Housing for the Elderly in Guilford, NSW.
• The Official Statement of the two state peak bodies,
Alliance of Philippine Community Organisations Inc
and Philippine Community Council of NSW Inc was
formulated in a meeting presided by Consul Marford
Angeles on 16 January, 2018. It stated the two groups’
commitment to remain as two separate bodies, carry
out their respective projects and mandates and work
with the Philippine Consulate in harmonising their own
respective programs to maximise efficiency, resources
and output to serve the Filipino community at large.
• Partnered with Cumberland Council in managing
the ‘Balik Tanaw’project held at Peacock Gallery of
Auburn
• Managed the ‘Family Day’, part of Balik-Tanaw at
the Auburn Peacock Gallery.
• Sought the support of Club Marconi for the use of
its Conference Room for its Regular Monthly Meetings
and APCO’s free use for its functions and events. In
return, APCO awarded a Plaque of Appreciation to Club
Marconi Board of Directors and Management.
B.) Advocacy: APCO Participated/Advocated for the
following:
• Advocacy for isolated seniors by actively participating
in the ‘Growing Young Seniors Multicultural Exchange
Festival 2018’ organised by ASCON
APCO officers meet with the Philippine Ambassador Minda Calaguian-
Cruz at the Philippine Consulate in Sydney re Philippine recent events in
South China Seas.
• Supported Sydney Alliance ‘Affordable Housing’
forum where the APCO Founding president was one of
the presenters
• Forum held at the Phil. Consulate Sydney advocating
for strict compliance of Philippine Labor Laws and
Regulations regarding Recruitment of Filipino Workers
to work overseas
• Get-Together with Ambassador Minda Calaguian
Cruz and supported the ASEAN Summit Conference’
objectives to bring in more business investments to the
Philippines and promote Tourism
C.) Promotion of Philippine Culture: APCO supported
and participated in the following events:
• Philippine Tourism campaigns: ‘Bring Home a
Friend’ and ‘It’s More Fun in the Philippines
• Philippine Spring Festival that showcased Philippine
traditional costumes, food, games, songs, dances and the
Dr Cen Amores explaining about the new Aged Care Facilities being offered
in Guildford at Berala Community Centre 2017.
Dancers from the Filipinas Dance Group of APCO performed at the Auburn
Community Centre for the Seniors Week in co-operation with ASCON 2018.

Bayanihan Hopping Spirit House at the Auburn Botanic
Gardens.
• Filipino Arts and Crafts Workshops at NSW
National Gallery of Arts, ‘Hablon of Ilonggo’ and the
‘Balikbayan’project at Blacktown Arts Centre in 2017
D.) Humanitarian, Emergency and Livelihood
Program: APCO provided financial and in-kind
assistance for the following causes:
• Marawi Rehabilitation Appeal through Water,
Agroforestry, Natural Disaster (WAND) Development
Projects. Children composed letters and designed
creative and colourful postcards with messages to the
Marawi Filipino soldiers
• By putting roof on the church of Our Lady of
Lourdes in San Sebastian, Ramon Isabela, Philippines
• Donate proceeds from the fundraising hosted by
Fil-Oz, and Global United Beauty Queens to the Cancer
Council of NSW
• Some sick APCO members confined in hospital were
provided moral and spiritual support. In coordination
with Fr. Bong, the Filipino Chaplain of Westmead
Hospital a mass was offered for their speedy recovery
• Assisted an APCO member in preparing supporting
documents for his application for residency
• Offered prayers, masses, floral offerings and extended
condolences to the bereaved families of deceased friends
and community leaders.
E.) Support to APCO Affiliates and Other
Organisations: APCO supported and participated in the
following events:
• APCO and ECC NSW partly subsidised members
who attended the ‘Premier’s Harmony Dinner’ held at
Rosehill Gardens, James Ruse Drive, Parramatta
• Performed at Young and Districts Multicultural
Association Inc’s End of the Year Multicultural Festival
• The Filipinas Dance Group of APCO performed
at the Lambing Flats Chinese Festival hosted by Young
Hilltop Council that provided hotel accommodation and
Group of fellow APCO and Vaa members pose with former Consul Marford
Angeles and his wife Joan at the 73rd Leyte Landing Celebrations 2017.
The new President of APCO Violetta Escultura on Left with APCO members
of Dance Group at the Young and District Association Chinese Celebrations
in Young 2018.
APCO takes part in the Walk for Respect Campaign held in Lakemba
involving all Multicultural groups in 2017.
petrol costs for the performers.
• The 19th Sydney Children’s Festival at Paul Keating
Park, Bankstown and at its 20th Anniversary at First Fleet
Park, The Rocks, Sydney, NSW. The children joined in
the parade and provided a dance and song performance
• PACF Regular Board Meetings
• Visayan Association of Australia’s 73rd
Commemoration of Leyte Landing, Mother’s Day
and 14th Anniversary, Feast of Our Lady of the Rule,
supported VAA candidate to the Fiesta Kultura’s Beauty
Contest, the Mrs Visayas Beauty Contest and Radio
Tamaraw’s Fund-raising event
• Held a Joint Christmas Party with Fil-Oz and VAA
• Celebrations of Fil-Oz Liverpool and Districts’
events namely: the Santa Cruzan, Christmas in July and
Relay for Life.
• “Tribute to Mothers and Fathers’ by Sedgwick
and NARRA at Burwood RSL where APCO President
delivered her message
• FLAGCOM’s Quest for the Mardi Gras International
Queen.
• Illawarra Filipino Multicultural Womens Group’s
32nd Anniversary
• Waray-Waray Dinner and Dance fund raising
• 6thYear Celebration of Sedgwick Housing
Cooperative, Leumeah
• ZEST Awards Ceremonies organised by Western

In 2017 APCO at the request of the Young Multicultural Association in
Young paid a visit during their Christmas celebration in 2017.
APCO officers attend the ASEAN Summit information night held at the
Philippine Consulate 2018.
Sydney Community Forum
• ‘Flavours of Auburn’ featuring a wide range of
multicultural food and entertainment.
• ‘Unity in Diversity’ Forum held at Leichardt Town
Hall.
F.) Support to Australian Government and the
Philippine Consulate Initiatives and Events: APCO
attended/supported the following events:
• Community consultations on the Strategic Plan for
Cumberland Council
• Cumberland Community Volunteers Networking
Forum
• ASEAN Lecture on “What the ASEAN Economic
Community Means to the Philippines” held at the
Philippine Consulate, Sydney
• Phil. Senator Rissa Hontiveros and Hinderson talk
about ‘Fight Against Domestic Violence hosted by the
Phil. Consulate, Sydney
• Flag Raising Ceremony and Breakfast at the
Philippine Consulate, Sydney in commemoration of
Philippine Independence Day.
• Annual and Bi-Annual meeting conducted by the
Philippine Consulate, Sydney
• Meeting with Philippine Labor Attache, Atty.
Rodolfo Sabulao at the Philippine Consulate Sydney
where he provided updates on Labor Laws Regulations
on Hiring Filipino Workers to work overseas and the
recently created Labor body named ‘idole’
• A Get-Together with Ambassador Minda Cruz to
inform the Filipino Community of the ASEAN Summit
Conference in Sydney from 16-18 March, 2017.
• Hosted a Farewell Dinner for Consul Marford
Angeles at the Sydney Tower Revolving Restaurant and
handed him a Plaque of Appreciation for his support to
APCO
• Invited Consul Marford Angeles and wife Joan for a
‘Leisure Day Out’ cruising on the Manly Ferries, visiting
places of interest and having lunch with them
G.) Awards and Designations Received:
• Ambassador’s Award from Federal Member of
Parliament, The Hon Tony Burke for actively participating
in the ‘Walk for Respect’ campaign
• Certificate of Appreciation awarded to APCO for
Volunteering, given by Cumberland Council
• Community Service Award conferred to APCO by
the Hon Jason Clare, Federal Member for Blaxland
• Dr Cen Amores, Founding President of APCO was
awarded the 2018 Local Woman of the Year (for Auburn)
by the NSW Government
H.) Future Plans:
• Continue to campaign for more APCO membership
APCO officers and members meet socially at Cbra Vale Diggers to have a
Rondalla demonstration and Practice with Jovet Estigoy 2018.
APCO farewell trip to Manly for outgoing Consul Marford Angeles and his
wife Joan having lunch in Manly 2017.

The farewell night held by APCO for outgoing Conul General Anne Jalondon-
Louis at Marconi Club Chinese Restaurant 2017.
The 119th Freedeom Ball with all APCO officers singing the Philippine
National Anthem 2017.
APCO Anniversary Photo with all Past Presidents and Officers and members
celebrating 7 years of APCO service to the community.
• Initiate health, wellness and being by launching
APCO’s Leisure, Entertainment, Games and Sports
(LEGS) Program
• Organise the APCO Choir involving the young
generation
• Recruit more Banduria players to join the APCO
Rondalla
• Collaborate with community groups and affiliates
on projects, events and activities.
• Review the APCO Constitution and amend some
clauses, if necessary.
APCO Past President Pet Story with fellow APCO and VAA member seen
at the 14th Anniversary combined with the Thank You for the Freedom Ball
celebration in 2017.
• Reach out to regional Filipino-Australian community
groups in NSW, engage with them and determine their
needs for APCO to respond appropriately
• Continue on-going projects of APCO and follow-up
their progress.
• Conduct fundraising activities for APCO’s
Humanitarian Emergency and Livelihood (HEAL)
Program.
Pet Storey
APCO President 2017-2018
Freedom Ball Photoshoot held outside the Marconi Club 2017 for
photos for the Souvenir Program.

A Community Fiesta for All Australians
By: Dr Cen Amores, APCO Founding President
The Sonata Singers Choir belted out romantic Kundiman
and patriotic Pilipino songs
Pista sa Nayon is an example of the annual Village Festivals in the Philippines. Every rural
barrio or urban poor celebrates a fixed-dated yearly fete usually in honour of the patron
saint, foundation day or the hero or former landowner or developer that the place is named
after. This usually takes place within the Philippines months-long Christmas season or after the
main harvest period.
The Pista or Fiesta, is the single occasion where the raw Filipino character, irrespective of
demographics, is most abundantly displayed: the religiousity, hospitality, talents, arts, industry,
zest for life and uniqueness.
The community feast day or two usually starts with an early village church service where mass,
baptisms or weddings may be held, followed by a procession through the village main streets
of the patron saint, a brass band and festival princesses festooned with flowers. Lunch is then
held in every home where visitors - invited or not, is pulled into the heavily-laden buffet tables
by overly-generous locals to partake food from the year’s harvest and home-fatted animals in
various concoctions.
The official reception where politicians and priests get satiated is held at the home of the
hermano mayor, the fiesta’s principal host. Various traditional games for all ages and free cultural
performances are then held at the village plaza where local budding talents are discovered. The
public “Grand Ball” is then held - if not in the evening before, includes the coronation of the
charity princesses, performances by hired movie stars and fireworks. On the sidelines are lots
of merriments, drinking, networking, making new friendships, business deals and employment
opportunities are made. Otherwise, an evening of sarsuela or komedya traditional stage plays
cap the fiesta.
Today, the Alliance of Philippine Community Organisations Inc (APCO), organised Pista sa Nayon
to celebrate Philippine Independence Day with the wider Australian society to promote inclusion
and remove barriers to diverse communities’ participation. Instead of the exclusive and costly Ball
and Dinner, APCO successfully piloted this free-to-the-public celebration in 2016.
A community leader, Bobby Lastica said,“Guests are all relaxed with a no-frills entertainment
and display of Philippine culture and artefacts. Plenty of Filipino dishes and children are seen
playing the games we love to play back home. Very evident is the hands-on approach of the APCO
leadership in recreating Filipino indigenous arts and crafts display from different regions and the
care-free ways of incorporating them in the program. Much work and positive coordination from
different groups made the Pista sa Nayon not just a success but such a great delight to both guests
and visitors in appreciating what it means to be a Filipino. The Bayanihan spirit of cooperation
lives on to animate APCO’s events and activities”.
Local journalist, Bless Salonga said, “The first Pista sa Nayon organised by APCO was a success!
I love the welcoming atmosphere, people were warm towards each other and organisers were
not just focused on the event, but most of all, the guests. Congratulations, everyone!” Retired
photographer and now a dancing enthusiast, Dante Amores opined, “the best Araw ng Kalayaan
in Sydney. Let’s have more!”
A bigger Pista sa Nayon 2018 is back this year! APCO’s festive commemoration is open to the
public, admission-free, family and people friendly, affordable and accessible (centrally located,
just 3-minute walk from Olympic Park train station) For the first time, artists from diverse
communities are participating as performers!
Motivated by their corporate social responsibility to support non-profit community organisations
who are voluntarily serving their community, the management of Property Investment Alliance
has generously offered the free use of its facilities.
A colourful community parade
opened the celebration
Philippine arts and crafts exhibition
Kids from diverse backgrounds enjoyed playing a
traditional Filipino game, March to Jerusalem
Philippine airs were provided
by the Carreon Quartet
The youth showed their skills in dancing Tinikling