2019 Tribute to Mothers and Fathers [as published]

MESSAGE
I highly commend and congratulate NARRA Co-operative Ltd.,
Plaza Filipino Inc., and the Global Ilocanos Australia (GIA) for
continually honouring parents who successfully raised families in
the Filipino Australian community Fathers and Mothers are the
pillars of a happy home environment and the family is the key to a
harmonious happy society. Parents play a tremendous vital role in
rearing children they can be proud of.
This annual event of awarding Tributes to Fathers and Mothers
initiated by NARRA, Plaza Filipino and GIA serves as inspiration to our children and a legacy
that they can emulate and continue. My sincere congratulations to the officers and members
of these three big Filipino Australian organisations for the contributions and honour they
offer to the Australian society. I also give my commendations to fathers and mothers who will
be awarded recognition in this meaningful event.
Salamat at Mabuhay!
Violeta Galang Escultura
President
Alliance of Philippine Community Organisations, Inc.
MESSAGE
My late mother was so “bungangera” as we say in Tagalog. She always had got something
to say on anything.
She freaked out immediately even on simple issues. She was very meticulous and
detailed. She made sure everything was always in order in the house. Every morning, she
goes to the market to buy fresh meat and vegetables that she cooks for us for lunch and
dinner. While she was in the market, she expects us to have the house cleaned before she
comes home otherwise you will hear her screaming at us. In return, if we had done our
chores, she rewarded us with new toys or sweets when she gets home.
I guess I got my flair in art and good interior design from my mother. She made our
curtains, table covers, cushions on our sofa and bed sheets from the hand loomed fabric
done by my Auntie. At a young age, I understood and appreciated good Interiors.
When I finished High School and went to College, I chose to study Interior Design at the University of Santo Tomas. At that
time, the course belongs to rich people only as it was a very expensive course to take. Although we were not rich, my mother
and my older sister made sure that I get my degree and so I did with flying colours finishing Cum Laude and a recipient of the
Manuel L Quezon Leadership Award given by the University.
This tribute is not only for my mother and my sister who helped me become what I am today but to all the mothers and the
sisters who did a lot of sacrifices for their sons, daughters and brothers to raise them as good members of the society.
I also give tribute to my father and to all fathers who worked day and night to become good bread winners. My mother did
not work all throughout her life, she was just a simple home maker but my father was there to support her and the family
financially.
Lucky are those who still have their fathers and mothers. We might have found love from our friends and partners but
nothing can top up the love that our parents have given to us.
My congratulations to the parents whom we are giving tribute today. Mabuhay!
(Sgd.) Alberto Prias
President, Narra Co-op Ltd