2013 APCO Freddom Day

Programme Freedom
Ball 2013 • 10 June 2013

APCO Freedom Ball 2013

APCO Freedom Ball 2013

APCO Freedom Ball 2013

APCO Freedom Ball 2013

Maharlika, Inc.
Jonas Jost
Rudy & Maria Reyes
Marcus Rivera
Angelo Refuerzo
Sydney Perez
Bernoulli Effect Quartet
Brian Lorenz Babon
Rica & Sabrina
Melanie Balagtas
Mindanao Ethnic
Dance Group
MCs Charles Chan & Katrina Yu
APCO Freedom Ball 2013

Invitation Committee
Seated, from left: Violy Miguel,
Dr. Cen Amores (chair),
Delia Purisima, Sunshine
Batongbakal, Prima West and
Mita Batongbakal.
Reception Committee
Seated from left: Noemi
Ognilla, Emylee Tuzon (chair),
Sarah Salazar and Mariam
McCauley. Standing from left:
Nhu Tran, Dian Ford, Emma
Braceros, Elsie Saguin and
Vivian Brewington. (Not in
photo: Ferlin Babac)
Ticketing & Seating
Seated, from left: Josephine
delos Reyes, Daisy Cumming
(chair), Amor Ramos. Standing,
from left: Jhun Salazar and
Gerry Musa.

Finance Committee
Seated from left: Glorina
Papaioannou, Cleo Baltazar,
Josephine delos Reyes (chair)
and Violetta Escultura.(Not in
photo: Dr. Jimmy Lopez)
Souvenir Committee
From left: Jhun Salazar, Nards
Purisima, Nhu Tran and Ruben
Amores (chair).(Not in photo:
Dr. Cen and Raphael Amores)
Logistics & Security
From left: Marx Canoy, Mick
Miguel, Roberto Sacilloto,
Brillo Amores, Ron Storey and
Richard Ford (chair). (Not in
photo: Joe Caballero)
APCO Freedom Ball 2013

Valerie Tolosa JUDGE
Valerie trained under a scholarship at the KvB Institute of design in 1998. She launched her
label at Mercedes Australian Fashion Week in 2002. Her collections combined feminine,
vintage aesthetic with Valerie’s own modern style. It is old world elegance, with a new edge
and individuality.
With Miranda Kerr, Paris Hilton, Kate Hudson, Nicole Richie, Fergie all keen to wear
Valerie Tolosa designs, the label has its fair share of high profile fans.
Featuring in just about every glossy magazine on the stands in Australia, the response
to the media attention speaks volumes. In Summer 2006,
Valerie’s celebrated Ashley Frill Dress received a full-page editorial, which
resulted in hundreds of calls to stockists nationally.
Valerie’s showing at Rosemount Australia Fashion Week in 2007,
demonstrated her ability to stand out from the pack. Girly but grown
up, Valerie has since diversified her range to include must-have everyday dresses
and separates, complimenting her glamorous silk printed dresses. Now stocked in
over 50 boutiques nationally, more than 100 internationally and a flagship store in
Paddington Sydney, Valerie has already well and truly made her mark in Australian
fashion.
Joanna Cubelo JUDGE
Joanna Cubelo, 25 years of age is the
Miss Philippines-Australia 2012 of the
Philippine-Australia Sports and Culture
Inc. A graduate from the University of
Sydney with a Bachelor in Oral Health,
Joanna is working full-time as a dental
hygienist. Her interests include martial
arts, fitness, fashion and modelling.
From left: Charles Chan, Daisy
Cumming, Amor Ramos (chair) and
Mariam McCauley.
Claudio Javellana Lisao CHAIRPERSON
Claudio, a couturier, is a founding member of the Fashion Designers’ Association
of the Philippines (FDAP). Claudio had extensive involvement in set and costume
design for stage plays many performance venues including the Cultural Centre of
the Philippines (CCP).
Claudio studied costume construction under the guidance of Salvador Bernal of
the CCP and at the London College of Fashion. He has held fashion parades in
Washington DC and Maryland USA. Specializing in bridal and evening wear, Claudio
now trades under the name Claudio’s Couture in Sydney.
Filipiniana Contest Committee
Ads & Prize Solicitation
From left: Noemi Ognilla, Josie
Musa, Mariam McCauley,
Glorina Papaioannou (chair),
Pet Storey. (Not in photo: Dr.
Cen Amores)

Volunteers for the Com
Members of the Freedom Ball preparatory committees and some arti
Program Management Committee
Seated, from left: Emma Braceros (choreographer), Ruben Amores (décor), Charles Chan (asst.
director) and Linda Trinidad (musical director). Standing, from left: Daisy Cumming (quality
control), Victor Valdez, choreographer, Rudy Reyes (décor and choreographer) and Albert Prias
(overall program director).

OFFICE BEARERS &
DIRECTORS 2013
munity
sts and other performers.
BELOW: Seated from left: Cora
Perez (director), Lee Meekan
(director), Emylee Tuzon (auditor),
Amor Ramos (PRO), Jhun Salazar
(president), Josephine delos Reyes
(treasurer), Mariam McCauley (Sr
VP) and Violy Miguel (director).
Standing: Mars Cavestany
(secretary), Dr. Jimmy Lopez
(adviser), Ruben Amores (adviser),
Emma Braceros (director), Marx
Canoy (director), Pet Storey (acting
secretary), Gerry Musa (Jr VP), Dr.
Cen Amores (adviser & founding
president), Rudy Reyes (director),
Linda Trinidad (director) and
Gloria Papaioannou (director).

APCO’s Accomplishments, Activities and Projects
For the period 01 June 2012 – 03 June 2013
Introduction
Three years ago, some leaders of several community organisations decided
to organise the Alliance of Philippine Community Organisations Inc
(APCO). These are leaders of the more active and dynamic organisations
who sided with some organisations who were disenfranchised from
voting in a rigged AGM of another community federation. The shameful
event of 2010 led to the polarisation of the community groups and
individuals who advocated social justice and fairness.
In so short a period, APCO has convincingly demonstrated that it has
moved on to greater heights and has provided effective leadership that
adheres to democratic principles, operates with greater transparency, promotes social inclusion and leads by example.
The following are its activities and accomplishments for the last 12 months:
A. Advocacy:
1. Served as guest speaker advocating for more state government allocations to housing cooperatives at
the celebration of ‘International Year of Cooperatives’ organised by
Common Equity NSW
(FECCA)
4. Represented the community at the Malacanang Press
interview
5. Promoted the housing cooperative sector in an SBS feature
story
6. Participated as singers at the ‘Christmas is on the Air’
project of Filipino Press of Sydney
7. Participated at ‘Sydney’s Second Airport’ information
seminar organised by Western Sydney
Community Forum and Greater Western
Sydney Chamber of Commerce
8. Attended the film showing of ‘Migrante’
aimed to raise awareness of the problems faced
by Filipinos working as overseas contract
workers
9. Attended the ‘Refugee Symposium’
2. Served as resource speaker at ‘More Affordable Housing’ public
forum held at Auburn Centre for Community
3. Represented the community in the Sydney Focus Group for
‘Promoting CALD Women Participation on Boards and in Decision-
Making Positions’
project of Federation of
Ethnic Communities
Council of Australia
APCO Freedom Ball 2013

organised by Fairfield Immigrant
Women’s Health Service, Inc
10. Attended the roundtable meeting
with Federal Minister Bill Shorten
on ‘Employment issues’ affecting our
community
B. Engagement with Culturally and
Linguistically Diverse Communities:
1. Represented APCO at the Ethnic
Communities Council-NSW, Inc’
Executive Committee meeting as guests, introducing
APCO’s Objectives, projects and activities
2. Coordinated the cultural presentation, emceed,
performed traditional dances and songs and prepared
Filipino cuisine at the annual ‘Flavours of Auburn’ of
Sydney International Food Festival
3. Supported the Tamil Senior Citizens Association at
their ‘Thanksgiving Multicultural ‘ event by attending
and performing traditional Filipino Dances
4. Attended ‘Stakeholders Engagement’ meeting for
Auburn Small Community Organisation Network
(ASCON) with the Red Cross
5. Represented the community at the ‘Health Expo’
attended by CALD and mainstream Australian
communities at Auburn Centre for Community
6. Supported the Italian Community’s function
where Mindanao Ethnic Dance Group of APCO
performed 2 traditional Filipino dances
7. Represented APCO, ASCON and Kapit-bahayan
Cooperative Ltd at the ‘Volunteer Week’ celebration
at Regents Park Community Hub
C. Capacity Building:
1. Conducted Public Consultation for Community
Development at Centre for Community, Auburn.
2. Attended seminar on ‘Community Development at Merrylands
3. Represented the community at the ‘Multicultural Media
at a Crossroads’ Conference at the
Parliament House, Sydney
4. Organised community
information/consultation
session on Bajo de Masinloc
(Scarborough Shoal) at All
Saints Parish Hall, Liverpool
D. Support to Government
Initiatives, Functions and Programs:

1. In her capacity as
People of Australia
Ambassador, Dr Cen
Amores attended a
meeting with Senator
Matt Thistlethwaite,
Parliamentary
Secretary for
Multicultural
Affairs and was
asked how to
further strengthen
the People of Australia Ambassador Program
2. Represented the community by organising the biggest delegation to the Premier’s Harmony Dinner, Doltone
House, Darling Island Wharf, Sydney
3. Represented the community at AFC Asian Football Cup Conference held at the Lowy Institute Headquarters,
Sydney
4. Represented the community at the Ministerial Consultative Committee’s ‘Spring
Symposium’ at Parliament House, Sydney
5. Represented the community at the CRC’s
National Multicultural Marketing Awards at
Westin, Sydney
6. Represented the community at ‘Premier’s
Multicultural Media Awards at Le Montage,
Lilyfield
7. Attended ‘Harmony Day Morning Tea’ for
People of Australia Ambassadors with Minister
Kate Lundy at the Parliament House, Canberra
8. Participated as a presenter at the ‘Harmony
Day’ video promotion of the federal government
with a group of primary school students and international author Tom Keneally as the main speaker
9. Attended ‘Breakfast with Auburn Mayor Ned Attie’ as a pre-Health Expo Week activity
10. Participated at the Community Consultation on Auburn Ageing Strategy
11. Represented the community at various LGA’s consultative meetings
E. Humanitarian, Emergency and Livelihood (HEAL) Program
1. Provided financial and relief goods assistance to victims of calamities in Mindanao, Philippines
2. Provided financial assistance for the
repair of a badly damaged Christian
School at Compostela Valley, Mindanao,
Philippines
3. Supported the joint fund raising of the
Visayan Association of Australia, Fil-Oz
Liverpool and Districts and Praise Family
Apostolate
4. Assisted a poor parish in Bolinao,
Pangasinan, Philippines by providing
them books for their Library and financial
assistance for the pavement of their church
frontage
APCO Freedom Ball 2013

F. Support to APCO Affiliates, Other Community Groups and
Individuals
1. Three APCO officers were appointed as Members of the Board of
Management, Treasurer and Ex-Officio member of the Philippine
Australian Community Foundation
2. Attended and performed traditional Filipino dances at Club
Filipino Illawarra’s anniversary celebration
3. Supported the ‘Tulong Po Kabayan’ Disco Fundraising jointly
organised by Visayan Association of Australia and Fil-Oz Liverpool and Districts proceeds of which were
donated to the victims of typhoon in the Philippines
4. Attended and performed at the
‘Mardigras Queen of the Night’
event of Flagcom and Friends at
Petersham RSL
5. Attended ‘Christmas in July’
organised by Fil-Oz Liverpool and
Districts at Liverpool
6. Attended the joint Christmas
Party of Plaza Filipino and Leon
Aguila
7. Attended the Filipino Press
Christmas Party and Launch of
‘Christmas is on the Air’ CD
Some of tonight's performers
Seated, from left: Edna Voros, Judith Broad, Rica Sey, Mellie
C. Valdez, Emylee Tuzon, Linda Trinidad and Cleo Baltazar.
Standing, from left: Glorina Papaioannou, Cora Bojarski,
Emma Braceros, Dian Ford, Ligaya Zappala, Recy Ago, Vivian
Brewington, Liza Jaminal, Lucy Ortiz-La Grassa, Nora Howell
and Emma Frydman. Men, from left: Charles Chan, Victor
Valdez, Joven Estigoy and Rudy Reyes.

8. Organised the ‘Thank You’ Lunch Party and Program
to celebrate Kapit-bahayan Cooperative Ltd’s ‘Global
Bayaning Pilipino Award for 2012’
9. Attended the ‘Broadway Show’ of Maharlika, Inc at
Petersham RSL
10. Attended PASSCI’s 27th anniversary program at
Merrylands
11. Attended Fluvial Parade of Our Lady of Penafrancia
of ADOLP at Penrith
12. Attended a Special Meeting with the PACF Board
regarding an Overview of the Centre’s planned activities
13. Supported the Philippine Australian Community
Foundation’s Fundraising Concert
14. Supported Adhika by preparing framed news articles
published at various Filipino print and digital media
displayed at their fund raising event
15. Attended Dinner with Philippine President Noynoy
Aquino at Parliament House, Canberra
16. Attended the Community Meeting with
President Aquino at Rosemeadow
17. Attended a meeting with Philippine Ambassador
to Australia, Belen Anota and Consul General Anne
Jalando-on Louis aimed to disseminate information on
the initiatives of the Philippine government, Philippines
foreign relations program and updates on the Status of
the west Philippine sea issue
18. Attended Consul General Anne Jalando-on Louis’
Independence Day Reception at Grace Hotel
19. Attended the ‘Paskuhan sa Centre and Blessing of the
Grotto’ at PACF, Schofield
20. Attended a ‘Moment in Time’ Christmas Get-together
of all APCO affiliates at All Saints Parish Hall, Liverpool
21. Attended the Club Filipino Illawarra’s Christmas Party Buffet Dinner at Albion Park Memorial RSL Club
22. Inducted the officers of Sedgwick Housing Cooperative
23. Attended the Culinary Book Launch of James Mussak at the SMC Sydney Masonic Conference and Function
centre
24. Attended Plaza Filipino’s Anniversary
celebration at Castle Hill
25. Attended, delivered an inspirational
talk and the Mindanao Ethnic Dance
Group of APCO performed traditional
APCO Freedom Ball 2013
PHOTOGRAPHS WERE CHOSEN RANDOMLY AND ARE SHOWN IN NO
PARTICULAR CHRONOLOGY OR SIGNIFICANCE. THESE ARE MERELY
REPRESENTATIVE OF THE MANY ACTIVITIES OVER THE PAST YEAR.

dances at the Santacruzan/Flores de Mayo Festival of Fi-
Oz Liverpool and Districts
26. Attended as the Guest Speaker at the Australian
Devotees of Our Lady of Penafrancia’s Fundraising
function at Club 55, Mt Druitt
27. Attended the Art Exhibition Opening of Filipino
Artist, Ernest Aaron and Italian Artist, Elena Redaelli at
Auburn Peacock Gallery, Auburn Botanical Garden
28. Attended the Disciples of Sacred Heart of Jesus
Christmas Party
29. Participated in a telephone interview with Sophie
Morris of the Financial Review regarding issues affecting the Filipino
community in Australia
G. Awards and Government Designations Received:
1. APCO Founding President, Dr Cen
Amores was appointed as Member of the NSW
Multicultural March Advisory Committee
2. APCO Founding President, Dr Cen
Amores was awarded as ZEST ‘Outstanding
Community Leader on a Voluntary Capacity’
for Greater Western Sydney by the Minister
for Western Sydney, NSW Government
3. APCO Founding President, Dr Cen
Amores was awarded ‘Building Partnerships
– Multiculturalism’ by Common Equity New
South Wales
4. APCO Adviser, Ruben Amores was
appointed as a Member of the Federal
Ministerial Consultative Committee
5. APCO Adviser, Ruben Amores was awarded
‘Building Partnerships – Management’ by
Common Equity New South Wales

Acknowledgement:
The Officers and members of APCO Inc, gratefully appreciate the
donations, advertisements, assistance and support of the community, media and business sector
for Freedom Ball 2013. The proceeds of this year’s celebration will be mostly used for the
humanitarian, emergency and livelihood projects to help the needy in the Philippines.
Thank you also to our guests led by the NSW Premier and other state, federal and local
government officials, members of the multicultural community and our Filipino-Australian
community. It is a great honour and joy to be graced with your presence and support.
MABUHAY!
About the theme:
Ibahagi ang mga Biyaya ng Kalayaan!
(Share the Blessings of Freedom!)
One hundred and fifteen years after President Emilio
Aguinaldo declared that the Philippines is free and
independent, so many Filipinos still live in abject
poverty because the oppressive and monopolistic
vestiges of colonialism and feudalism still persist in
the Philippines. APCO’s theme to commemorate the
declaration of Philippine Independence is therefore
a call for every Filipino to aspire and act for a
more pluralistic and egalitarian society by having a
truly national social development. The declaration
of Independence should be followed by the total
elimination of all elements that subvert human dignity
and the building of social infrastructures that give
every citizen unfettered opportunity to seek their full
potentials. We should share this ultimate goal of real
freedom with the rest of the world!
APCO Freedom Ball Souvenir
magazine credits
Like other APCO projects, this Freedom
Ball souvenir magazine is a product of
an effective collaborative team effort of
the following members:
Editor/Coordinator: Ruben
Amores
Copy Writer: Dr Cen Amores
Lay-out Artist: Doddie Tayag
Batac
Photographers: Nards
Purisima, Noemi Ognilla
and Bobit Reyes
APCO AFFILIATES
Abra Association of Australia • Agoenians Association • Alliance of Humanitarian Aid Association • Australia
Philippines Network Inc • Australian Filipino Business & Workers Club Inc • Association of Filipino Australian
Accountants • Association of Filipino Teachers and Academics • Baguio Colleges Foundation Alumni Association •
Bulakenos and Friends • Cagayanos Association • Calapenos and Friends • Charismatic Prayer Group • Club Filipino
Illawara Inc • Concerned Citizen for over 50’s • Ex DBP Employees Association of Australia • Filipinas-Petals • Pilipino and Friends
Association, Inc • Fil-Oz Liverpool & District Inc • Flagcom and Friends • Global Ilocanos Australia Inc • Global Ilonggo Australia •
Harvest Mission • Illawara Fatima Devotion Group • Illawara Filipino & Multicultural Women’s Group • Jovens Rondalla and Friends •
Kalingawa Cultural Dance Group • Kapitbahayan Cooperative Ltd • Leon Aguila Association • Maharlika Inc • Mindanao Association
of Australia • Mindanao Ethnic Dance Group • Minto Prayer Group • MPC Cumbacheros • Newcastle Prayer Group • Nueva Viscaya
Ethnic Association • Philippine Australian Society For Senior Citizens, Inc • Philippine Talent Society • Plaza Filipino Inc • Pilipino
Club of Australia • Praise Family Apostolate • Professional Association of Filipino Australians • Radio Agila • Radio Kawayan • Radio
Mabuhay • Radio Rizal • Radio Tamaraw • Rhythm in Partners • Sedgwick Housing Cooperative Ltd • Sizzling Filo • St Declans Parish
Choir • Studio 7 Fine Arts International • Sunday Harmony Dance • Surigaonon and Friends • The Filipino Australian Consumer • The
Isabela Association of NSW • The Philippine-Australian Friendship Association, Inc • United Pangasinan Association • UST Alumni
Association • Visayan Association of Australia Inc • Wattlegrove Prayer Group • Hundreds of Individual Members