2019 APCO Freedom Ball

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ALLIANCE of PHILIPPINE COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS
OFFICERS and BOARD MEMBERS 2019
Violeta Escultura
PRESIDENT
Mariam McCauley
Senior Vice President
Charles Chan
Junior Vice President
Carmen Fraser
Secretary
Dr Jimmy Lopez
Treasurer
Ralph Improgo
PRO
Marrisa Houston
Auditor
Cora Bojarski
DIRECTOR
Emma Braceros
DIRECTOR
Agapita Dorninger
DIRECTOR
Rose Lay
DIRECTOR
Glorina Papaiannou
DIRECTOR
Azucena Piosik
DIRECTOR
Albert Prias
DIRECTOR
George Torres
DIRECTOR
Dr Cen Amores
ADVISER
Ruben Amores
ADVISER
Dr Jimmy Lopez
ADVISER

Message
It is a great pleasure to offer my congratulations to members of the
Alliance of Philippine Community Organisations who are celebrating
the 121st anniversary of Philippine independence with a Freedom
Day dinner.
This is an important occasion, which allows people to come together
to celebrate pride in your traditions and culture.
I would firstly like to thank the Filipino community for the great contributions
they have made to New South Wales. I have been impressed by the warmth of
your hospitality and your willingness to share traditions with the wider community.
I would also like to extend my thanks to those who have volunteered for the Alliance of
Philippine Community Organisations, I thank you for your hard work and for sharing your
culture and traditions with us.
Happy Independence Day!
Gladys Berejiklian MP
Premier of NSW
Message
I am delighted to pass on my best wishes to all members of the
Filipino community as you celebrate the 121th anniversary of Filipino
independence at this year’s Freedom Day Dinner and Dance.
This dates marks the return of the Philippines from Spanish colonial
rule 121 years ago and is celebrated by Filipino people around the
world, including the 70,000 plus Filipino Australians that have made
New South Wales their new home.
I would also like to recognize the Alliance of Philippine Community Organisations Inc
(APCO) for all their work for the Filipino community in our great state and their efforts on
behalf of multiculturalism and racial harmony.
On behalf of NSW Labor, I extend my best wishes to all attendees at this wonderful
celebration of culture and liberty.
Yours sincerely
The Hon. Penny Sharpe MLC
NSW Labor Leader

Message
I join all our kababayan in the different parts of Australia as you commemorate the 121st anniversary
of the declaration of Independence of the Philippines.
The theme for this year’s Independence Day celebration is Kalayaan 2019: Tapang ng Bayan,
Malasakit sa Mamamayan (Courage of the Nation, Compassion for the People). The heroes
of the Philippine revolution fought with their blood and sacrificed a great deal so that we as
Filipinos, will live as a people, sovereign and dignified. Once again, our country is calling on us
to take courage and stand to uphold the values and principles of democracy that define us as a
people.
The Philippines recently held national elections and I laud all Filipino citizens in Australia who
exercised their right and duty to vote. Suffrage is a hallmark of a free and vibrant society and by faithfully participating in
our elections, you honor the sacrifices of our heroes, help advance our democratic institutions and in a very concrete way,
manifest your continued compassion for many of your countrymen. Elections give us the opportunity to demonstrate our
courage as we stand for the people whom we believe will prioritize the welfare of the most disadvantaged and who will lead
our country with the future in mind.
At 300,000 strong, the Filipino-Australian community is a source of pride for the Philippines. Your success speaks of the excellence
and resilience of the global Filipino. I urge you to continue being engaged in the developments in the Philippines and
be actively involved in the political and socio-economic affairs of Australia.
I take this opportunity to thank all Filipinos in Australia for organizing activities that celebrate the Philippines and your being
Filipinos. As we approach the 75 th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations of the Philippines and Australia
in 2021, it is my hope that the unity and camaraderie of the Filipino community will give rise to more meaningful and high
impact initiatives.
Mabuhay ang pambansang kasarinlan! Mabuhay ang Filipinas!
MA. HELLEN B. DE LA VEGA Ambassador
Message
I would like to join with the Philippine community in passing on
my support during the celebration of the 121st Anniversary of
Philippine Independence. This is a very special celebration and I
congratulate the Alliance of Philippine Community Organisations
for their hard work and representation of over 40 Philippine
community organisations.
The Auburn electorate embodies everything that is great about multiculturalism in
Australia and it is great to see Sydney’s vibrant Philippine community meet tonight in
our area to celebrate their history, their independence and their future. I hope everyone
has a delightful evening.
Yours sincerely
Lynda Voltz MP
Member for Auburn
Shadow Minister for Sport
Shadow Minister for Veteran’s Affairs

Message
I congratulate Alliance of Philippine Community Organizations Inc (APCO)
for celebrating the 121st Philippine Independence Day to commemorate
the struggles and sacrifices of our forebears to bring forth the country’s
freedom and democracy.
Your celebration of this important part of our history and promotion of our
rich cultural heritage in New South Wales proves that our concern for our
motherland and bayanihan spirit are alive and well.
The national theme for this year’s celebration, “Kalayaan 2019: Tapang ng Bayan, Malasakit sa
Mamamayan,” highlights the Philippine Development Plan’s goal that by 2040, the Philippines is a
prosperous middle-class society where no one is poor; people live long and healthy lives and are
smart and innovative; and where we live in a vibrant, culturally diverse and resilient communities.
Let us continue to work together to contribute to the achievement of this goal for the benefit of
our Kababayans in the Philippines. As part of the Global Filipino, I commend APCO for being our
powerful partners in strengthening our comprehensive relations with Australia.
Mabuhay!
MARIA TERESA L. TAGUIANG
Consul-General
Message
In my capacity as the Founding President of the Alliance of Philippine Community
Organisations Inc (APCO), I warmly welcome all our guests for joining us as we
commemorate the 121st Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence.
Today, we pay special tribute to our countrymen and women for their heroic acts
to be freed from the shackles of foreign domination. It is our duty to safeguard
and value that hard fought national independence and share its benefits to all.
In keeping with this year’s theme, Linking Cultures Towards Peace and Harmony,
the Alliance of Philippine Community Organisations Inc aims to bring together people from diverse communities
and multi-faith groups to enjoy the Filipino people’s hospitality, sincere commitment to actively
participate, engage, collaborate and partner with government, private and business entities to have better
lives for all Australians.
We are indeed fortunate that the Australian multicultural landscape allows us to celebrate with our diversity
and share our unique and rich cultural heritage to all people. I hope that we continue to promote a culture
of welcome, mutual respect and understanding as we build a better society now and for the future generations.
Let us all enjoy the evening as one big family of nations! MABUHAY PO TAYONG LAHAT!
Dr Cen Amores
APCO Founding President

Message
It is with great honour and pleasure to welcome our guests, patrons, supporters,
members and friends in tonight’s 121st commemoration of Philippine
Independence Day.
This event is one of the many ways we show our respect to our heroes who
courageously fought for our freedom. We solemnly recall the great determination
and sacrifices our great forefathers had endured for our independence
from foreign colonisers.
APCO’s Independence Day theme “Linking Cultures Through Peace and Harmony” is a fitting tribute
to all Filipinos in Australia who love and respect the cultural diversity in our midst and continually
support each other in our community. May these attributes inspire us to shape a better Australian
society for our children and future generations, a legacy that we can be proud of.
I would like to extend my congratulations to our APCO team, the officers, affiliate organisations and
members for their hard work to make tonight’s event a success.
Thank you for celebrating with us our National Day and enjoy the evening.
Mabuhay!
Violeta Galang Escultura
President
Alliance of Philippine Community Organisations Inc. (APCO)
Message

APCO’s Achievements, Projects and Events for 2018-2019
Introduction
Now on its 9th year since its foundation, the Alliance
of Philippine Community Organisations Inc (APCO) has
demonstrated its strong commitment to serve the community
and provide strong and effective leadership as manifested by
the various projects and activities it successfully delivered.
The legitimate and duly elected set of officers continued
their voluntary involvement in providing service to the
community, supported its affiliates in their projects and
actively partnered with other diverse organisations to tackle
common issues of concern. The following are the activities
and accomplishments from March 2018 to April 2019:
Advocacy
Attended/Supported the following:
• Sydney Alliance Town Hall Assembly 2019 participated
in by 5,000 people to lobby the government for affordable
housing, low cost and renewable energy. At the roll call, Dr
Cen Amores presented the Filipino community’s demand for
the government to provide affordable housing and renewable
and cheaper cost of power
• Dr. Edgar Escultura was the keynote speaker on
“Innovative Material Science and Engineering Conference”
in Valencia, Spain from July 2 to 10, 2018
• APCO president Violeta Escultura was a speaker
and one of the panelists in the International Women’s Day
celebration organised by APCO affiliates NARRA and Plaza
Filipino held at PIA
• Dr Edgar Escultura was the Resource person of
Migrante NSW regarding human rights violations in the
Philippines
• Forum on Violence Against Women organised by the
Philippine Consulate and PACSI on Social Injustice in the
Philippines
• First Cumberland Volunteer Community Sector
Networking Forum for 2018 organised by Cumberland
Council. Dr Cen Amores was a panelist
• Forum on Social Injustice in the Philippines organized
by NSW Migrante.
• Dr Cen Amores and Ruben Amores represented APCO
at the Community consultation on the New Auburn South
Community and Recreation Centre hosted by Cumberland
Council
• Dr. Jimmy Lopez and Dr. Aida Morden organised and
served as speakers in the Affordable Housing Forum
• Action Plan Workshop organised by Sydney Alliance
to lobby the government for affordable energy
• ECCNSW Members’Forum’s “Stand Together in
Support of Harmony and Peace” in New Zealand”. Dr Cen
Amores expressed our community’s condemnation of the
Christchurch, terror attack
Pista sa Nayon with NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, MP Ray Williams and PIA CEO Justin Wang

APCO supports International Women’s Day 2018 with Mayor Lani Cayetano
• “Light a Candle for Harmony” organised by the
Iraqi Renaissance to express solidarity and pay tribute to
the victims of the terror attack in Christchurch NZ. Dr
Cen Amores received a Certificate of Appreciation for her
outstanding work in promoting peace and harmony among
diverse communities in Cumberland
• Supported NARRA, Plaza Filipino and Adhika in
celebration of International Women’s Day 2019 in Dooleys,
Lidcombe
Filipinos at Affordable Housing and Renewable Energy Assembly
• ASCON’s “Grow Young Seniors Multicultural
Exchange 2018”funded by the NSW government and
Multicultural Seniors Festival 2019
• Sydney Alliance Town Hall Assembly 2019 debriefing
meeting hosted by Kapit-bahayan Cooperative Ltd
Community Development and Capacity Building
Attended the following:
• Forum on “Building Cultural Capacities: Diversity,
Equity, Inclusion and Rights – Youth, Seniors and People
with Disabilities organised by Cumberland Council
• Launch of “Communities of Change Report”, organised
ASCON President Dr. Cen Amores meets with members and organisers. Cen
and myself had participated in about 5 community consultation of this nature
whereby the Council or a government agency ask the stakeholders or citisens
of their opinions and suggestions on how to make a proposed project or service
better. Grassroot democracy in action indeed!
by Western Sydney Community Forum
• Conference Briefing on Affordable and Renewable
Power, organised by Sydney Alliance
• Supported past and on-going projects and activities of
Auburn Small Community Organisation Network (ASCON)
Inc such as the 2019 Seniors Multicultural Festival (event
management, cultural performance and providing Filipino
food) , Connect to Work and Flavours of Auburn Food Tour
• Filipinas Dance Group of APCO provided an
interactive activity (Demonstrating How to Dance Tinikling)
and shared Filipino food during the Refugee Camp in My
Neighbourhood jointly organised by Cumberland Council
and ASCON
• Conducted APCO Information session on issues of
concern within APCO held at Webber Library, Blacktown
• Provided to the Office of Minister Ray Williams the
names of 10 Filipino young professionals who attended the
“Young Professional Business Networking” event at NSW
Parliament
• A free accredited Food Safety Supervisor’s training
provided by Cumberland Council
Promotion of Philippine Arts and Culture
Attended/Supported the following:
• APCO organised the Freedom Day Pista sa Nayon
2018 that showcased Philippine arts and craft, traditional
Tuloy po Kayo 2018 with Event Sponsor Moises and Lucy Millena of
Macarthur Memorial Plan
Tuloy Po Kayo Independence Day in cooperation with NARRA
and Philippine Consulate Sydney

Saint Pedro Calungsod
Humanitarian Emergency and Livelihood Program
• Provided relief goods and cash donations to the victims
of landslide of Itogon, Benguet and other affected areas in
the Philippine Cordillera Region
• Supported the fundraising project of the Filipino
Women Support Group of Macarthur for the Cancer Therapy
Centre Unit of Campbelltown Hospital
Supported Noli me Tangere with ConGen Ma. Teresa Taguiang, Dr. Aida
Morden and Dr. Ed Escultura
games, costumes and local Filipino talents, attended by NSW
Premier Gladys Berejklian & Minister for Multiculturalism
Ray Williams, Consul General Maria Teresa Taguiang,
Leader of the Opposition MP Luke Foley, leaders of
multicultural groups, APCO members and affiliate members
from Illawarra and Young
• APCO was commissioned by the Philippine Consulate
to exhibit the paintings of Kublai Milan from Davao during
the Pista sa Nayon 2018 and successfully sold 2 paintings
for $11,000 to be donated to the Hospital for Children With
Cancer in Eastern Hospital.
• The first Tuloy Po Kayo project of the Philippine
Consulate and NARRA, Plaza Filipino and Adhika featuring
a fashion show of ethnic clothes and materials, arts and crafts
• Inauguration of Sentro Rizal, Bulwagang Rizal at
Philippine Consulate General Sydney
• The Noli Me Tangere, A New Musical held in Riverside
Theatre
• NARRA, Plaza Filipino and Adhika’s Ambassadors
and Young Ambassadors for Culture and Arts
• Philippine Cultural Dance workshop at Arts, Culture
and Innovation Central conducted by Lyle Villahermosa a
member of the Obusan Dance Company, Cultural Center of
the Philippines
• APCO Filipinas Dance Group presented Philippine
Folk Dances in Auburn Festival, YADMA’s Lambing Festival
and Harmony Day; FLAGCOM’s Quest for Mardi Gras
Queens, and Mardi Gras Parade, Anniversary & Recognition
Night of the Filipino Women Support Group, the Feast of
FWSG supports Campbelltown Cancer Therapy Unit with cash donation of
$1.000.00 for research and personal care.
• Donated books and financial assistance to the Parish
of Father Raul del Prado’s project for the reading room in his
parish hall in the Philippines
• Supported Samareno Association of NSW Charity
Dinner and Fundraising event
Assistance to Affiliates and Other Organisations
Attended/Supported the following:
• Filipino Women Support Group’s Anniversary,
Recognition Night and a fundraising event
• ZEST Awards to provide support to FLAGCOM and
NARRA for their ZEST Award nominations
• APCO’s Filipinas Dance Group performed for ASCON,
NARRA, Plaza Filipino, YADMA, FWSG, and the San Pedro
Calungsod Association on various events
• Fil-Oz and District’s participation in the Children’s
Festival in Bankstown and Sydney; Santacruzan and
Christmas Party
• Global Ilocanos Australia Induction in Dapto, Illawarra
• E. Braceros choreographed 2 dance numbers)for the
Illawarra Filipino and Multicultural Women’s Group Inc. on
their Induction and Anniversary program
• NARRA and Plaza Filipino in their search for
Ambassadors for Culture and the Arts Recognition Night
• Kapit-bahayan Housing Cooperative and Sedgwick
Housing Cooperative in their programs and activities
Tribute to Fathers & Mothers 2018
APCO members attended Flag raising ceremony at the Philippine Consulate Sydney

• Joined PAFA in wreath laying ceremony at Rizal Park
Campbelltown
• Joined Campbelltown City’s Fishers Ghost Parade
• Independence Day and Flag Raising events in the
Philippine Consulate, Banag-Banag Association- Parramatta
City Council and Club Filipino Illawarra Inc
• Young and Districts Multicultural Association’s
Harmony Day 2019 where Filipinas Dance Group of APCO
performed two traditional Filipino dances
• Gala Night organised by the Knights of Rizal
• Sydney Sonata Ensemble’s Concert in Bowman Hall,
Blacktown
NARRA & ACI dancing lesson project with dane instructor Brian Lorenz
APCO President & FWSG President Rose Lay supported FWSG Secretary &
APCO member Doris Ponferrada in Melbourne Charity Queen Quest.
• 34th anniversary of the Philippine Australian Society
for Senior Citizens, Inc. Franchising Seminar organized by
NARRA at ACI
• Bicol Communities League 12th Anniversary
celebration and Recognition. Dr. Edgar Escultura was
awarded the Most Outstanding Bicolano in the fields of
Science and Mathematics.
• Africultures event held at Wyatt Park, Lidcombe
Support to Government Initiatives, Functions and
Programs
Attended the following:
• Reception for ASEAN Community and Business
Representatives hosted by the Governor General,
Government House Sydney
• Premier’s Harmony Dinner 2018 and 2019 at Rosehill
Gardens
Rise Up Concert Blacktown Workers’ Club 4 November 2018
• Water Safety Forum organized by the NSW
Government, Merrylands
• Consultation meeting on the Refugee Camp in My
Neighbourhood, project
• Forum on Violence Against Women organized by the
Philippine Consulate
• Neighbour Day Morning Tea organised by Cumberland
Council
• Presentation of a farewell gift to Ambassador Minda
Calaguian-Cruz
• Welcome program for the first visit at ACI of Her
Excellency, Ambassador Hellen De La Vega
Awards and Recognitions Received
• Plaque of Appreciation awarded to APCO President
Violeta Escultura as one of the speakers and panelists in
celebration of International Women’s Day
• Plaque of Appreciation to Dr. Edgar Escultura,
Research Professor, as keynote speaker in the International
Conference on Material Science and Nanotechnology held
in Valencia, Spain
FWSG and SHCL Christmas Party 2018
Kapitbahayan Co-operative 20th Anniversary

• Most Outstanding Bicolano Award in the field of
Mathematics and Science awarded by the Bicol Communities
League, Inc. to Dr. Edgar Escultura
• Plaque of Appreciation for Dr Cen Amores awarded
by Iraqi Renaissance for Outstanding Work in Promoting
Harmony among Diverse Communities in Cumberland
LGA
• Knighthood awarded to Sir Christoph Krause by the
Knights of Rizal Australia
• Certificates of Participation awarded to APCO
member-participants for completing the 4-week Workshop
on Folkloric dances organized by ACI
• Trophy for the Filipino Women Support Group
Macarthur for Supporting International Women’s Day
organised by NARRA, Plaza Filipino and Adhika
• Filipino Lesbian and Gay Community (FLAGCOM)
and NARRA were nominated for 2019 ZEST Award
• Dr. Jimmy Lopez was nominated as one of the
Outstanding Volunteer Community Leaders at the Zest
Awards of Western Sydney Community Forum in February
2018 alongside with The Filipinas Dance Group headed
by Emma Braceros as Outstanding Voluntary Group in
recognition of their contribution to Greater Western Sydney.
Lastly, I am very proud to announce that APCO Inc has
been chosen to receive Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000)
government funding for Volunteer Grant for 2019.
SIPA game with kids
Violeta G Escultura
APCO President 2018-2019
APCO members with Consul General Maria Teresa Taguiang at Bicol Last Inc.
Anniversary and Recognition Night. Dr. Escultura was outstanding Bicolano in
the fields of physics and mathematics.
Wreath laying in Rizal Park with Cleo Baltazar, Rose Lay and Violeta Escultura
APCO general membership and board meeting 13 October 2018 at ACI Central, Campbelltown NSW 2560

PLANNING AND PRODUCTION
Chair - Albert Prias
Members - Charles Chan, Dr Cen Amores,
Violeta Escultura
RECEPTION
Chair - Violeta Escultura
Members - Mir McCauley, Pitz Doringer, Dr
Cen Amores, Glorina Papaiannou
PROMOTION AND SOCIAL MEDIA
Chair - Charles Chan
Members Ralph Improgo, Dr Ed Escultura,
Ruben Amores
USHERING
Chair - Zeny Piosik
Members- Doris Ponferrada, Carmenchu
Gresham, Edna Crowe, Marilou Bautista,
Gemma Mark, Ging Kehagias, Daisy
Munday
DECORATIONS
Chair - Emma Braceros
Members - Ruben Amores, James Quinto
INVITATION
Chair - Dr Cen Amores
Members - Raphael Amores, Edna Crowe,
Glorina Papaiannou

SOLICITATIONS
Chair - George Torres
Members - Dr Cen Amores, Albert Prias,
Violeta Escultura
RAFFLE
Chair - Edna Crowe
Members - Marrisa Houston, Ging
Kehagias, Carmen Fraser
SOUVENIR PROGRAM
Chair - Dr Jimmy Lopez
Members - Dr Cen Amores, Dr Ed
Escultura
SECURITY
Chair - George Torres
Members - Barnard Luz, Willie Plan
FIRST AID
Chair - Cora Bojarski
Member - Christoph Krause
TICKETING
Chair - Jimmy Lopez
Members - Carmen Fraser, Guyliane
Bolesa
COSTUME COMPETITION
Chair – Albert Prias
Members – Jimmy Lopez, Marrisa
Houston, Emma Braceros

AFFILIATE ACTIVITIES
Senior’s Luncheon at Shellharbour Workers Club
Sedgwick Housing Co-op Ltd - Tribute to Mothers 2018
Fil-oz Association - Liverpool District in Bankstown
Filipinos at the Sydney Alliance Town Hall Assembly 2019
Fr Raul Parish - HEAL Project with Donated Books and financial help
Kapitbahayan at the Sydney AllianceTown Hall Assembly 2019
Plaza Filipino Tuloy Po Kayo Jun 2018
Narra Co-op Ltd - Fishers Ghost Festival 2018
Club Filipino Illawara 24th Anniversary and Sto Nino celebrations
Global Ilocanos Australia members at ACI

AFFILIATE ACTIVITIES
Filipinas Dance Group at San Pedro Calungsod Feast Day March 2019
Illawarra Filipino & Multicultural Women’s Group Inc. Masquerade Ball Feb 2019
Flagcom Mardigrass Feb 2019
Narra Co-op Pamana Ball Feb 2019
Filipinas Dance Group of APCO
APCO at Sydney Town Hall
Ambassador Ma Hellen Dela Vega visit at ACI Dec 2018
caption
Plaza Filipino Rise Up Concert Oct 2018
APCO members at Flagraising, Phil Consulate Sydney Jun 2018 Illawarra Filipino & Multicultural Women’s Group Inc. Anniversary 2018

AFFILIATE ACTIVITIES
YADMA dancers during Harmony day
Phil Aust Friendship Assoc Rizal birthday celebration
Club Filipino Illawara Christmas Party
UST Alumini Asso and Club Filipino Illawara
APCO Press Conference