2015 APCO Freedom Day Ball

Message from the
Australian Prime Minister
I am pleased to provide this message for the Freedom
Ball Gala Dinner and Dance.
On 12 June 1898, General Emilio Aguinaldo
proclaimed the independence of the Philippine
Islands, marking the end of 300 years of Spanish
rule.
The event saw the unfurling of the Filipino flag, the
performance of the national anthem, and the public
reading of the Declaration of Independence.
The Declaration stated that the Filipino people “are
and have the right to be free and independent,” and
that the nation from “this day commences to have a
life of its own”.
One hundred and seventeen years later, it remains a
powerful symbol of Philippine sovereignty and selfdetermination.
Tonight is an opportunity to celebrate this historic
event and to reflect on the contribution of the
Filipino-Australian community to our country.
The Filipino-Australian community has grown
significantly since the early 1900s when some 700
Philippines-born people were living in Australia.
Over 170,000 Philippines-born people now call
Australia home and they continue to greatly enrich
our nation.
Australia and the Philippines have an enduring
friendship, underpinned by our trade, education
and people-to-people links. In 2013-14 our two-way
trade was worth almost $4 billion and some 9,000
Filipino students were studying in Australia.
I pay tribute to the Alliance of Philippine Community
Organisations for your efforts raising funds for
people affected by Typhoon Haiyan. Australians
were proud to lend a hand and our cooperation
reflected the strong bonds between our peoples.
I wish you all an enjoyable evening.
Message from the
Philippine President
My warmest greetings to the Alliance of
Philippine Community Organisations as
you hold your Freedom Ball Gala Dinner
and Dance in commemoration of the 117th
Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine
Independence.
I am deeply heartened that you remain proud
of your Filipino heritage even if you are now
leading comfortable lives in your adoptive
home. May these activities bind you closer as
a community, promote a greater awareness
among the youth about the culture and
history of our people and foster a deeper
appreciation and understanding about our
country in mainstream Australian society. Let
this occasion also be an opportunity for you
to consider visiting the Philippines with your
friends and families, that you may not only
see the numerous attractions that our islands
have to offer, but also witness for yourselves
the profound transformation that our nation
has undergone in the last five years.
More than a century has passed since our
forefathers lifted the yoke of foreign rule and
founded the first democratic republic in Asia.
Yet the fight for freedom continues, this time
against the scourge of corruption, poverty
and ignorance. May the determination and
commitment demonstrated by our heroes
inspire us in our present struggle, that we may
bequeath to younger generations a future that
they rightly deserve.
May you have a happy and meaningful
celebration.
The Hon Tony Abbott MP
Prime Minister of Australia
BENIGNO S. AQUINO III
M A N I L A 13 June 2015

Message from the NSW Premiere
I am delighted to send my best wishes to
the Alliance of Philippine Community
Organisations on the occasion of its
Freedom Ball Gala Dinner and Dance in
celebration of the 117th anniversary of
the Declaration of Independence from
Spain.
I would like to take this opportunity to
commend the Alliance on its work over
many years supporting the Filipino
community of NSW.
I am proud to say that well over 70,000
people from the Philippines presently
call NSW home. Since its establishment,
the Filipino community has positively
contributed to NSW’s economic and
cultural life through its many festivals
and business endeavours.
NSW is one of the most culturally diverse
states in the world – I am proud of our
diversity and I welcome a peaceful and
harmonious multicultural society.
On behalf of the NSW Government, I
wish everyone celebrating this special
occasion a wonderful and memorable
experience.
Happy Independence Day!
Message from NSW
Opposition Leader Luke Foley
I send my best wishes to all attending
the Freedom Ball Gala Dinner and
Dance to commemorate the 117th
anniversary of Filipino independence.
Marking the return of the Philippines
from colonial rule 117 years ago is
a momentous occasion for Filipino
people around the world.
I congratulate the Alliance of Philippine
Community Organisations on
bringing together so many community
leaders to not only celebrate Filipino
independence but also to reaffirm a
commitment to promoting peace and
justice.
On behalf of NSW Labor, I extend
my warmest wishes to the Filipino
community as you mark this important
occasion and I hope you all enjoy the
evening.
Luke Foley
NSW Opposition Leader
MIKE BAIRD MP Premier

Message from the Consul General
Mapayapa at masayang pagdiriwang ng Kalayaan 2015 sa mga
kasapi ng Alliance of Philippine Community Organisations!
As we join Filipinos around the world in commemorating the
declaration of Philippine independence 117 years ago, let us
remember the heroic struggle forged by the men and women
of the Philippine Revolution which paved the way for the
freedom that all Filipinos enjoy today.
As a nation, the Philippines has gone through a long journey
and our history shows that we have triumphed over many
challenges through the collective efforts of the Filipino
people. The theme for this year’s celebration is, “Kalayaan
2015: Tagumpay sa Pagbabagong Nasimulan, Abot-Kamay
na ng Bayan,” or “Independence 2015: Triumphs through
reforms, within nation’s reach”. To this day, the Filipino people
provide the strength to initiate and to sustain large-scale
reforms which could bring our nation to even higher levels of
growth and development.
The members of the Filipino migrant community, including
those who have found a second home in New South Wales,
Australia, play a role in this effort. They are active partners of
the Philippine Government in the task of Philippine nationbuilding.
In this regard, I urge my kababayans in New South
Wales to continue to contribute to our efforts to protect the
gains of democracy.
It is in this spirit that I also call on the members of the Filipino
community in New South Wales to be active partners of the
Consulate in promoting the Philippines as a business and
tourism destination. Let us all work hand in hand in pursuing
inclusive growth, improving competitiveness, generating
employment, and addressing the problems of food security,
natural disasters, among others, to help ensure that each and
every Filipino, whether at home or abroad, would enjoy the
dividends of progress.
President Benigno S. Aquino III has spoken on many
occasions about his belief in the patriotism, the willpower,
and the wisdom of the Filipino people, which he attributes
as factors that have “rescued our country from its darkest
moments”. President Aquino has also stated, “In the true spirit
of Bayanihan, the Filipino people will progress together.”
It is my hope and prayer that this Bayanihan (cooperation)
spirit will enable members of the Filipino community in
New South Wales to full their potential by rising above their
differences to become a united community and in so doing,
achieve even more for the benefit of its members in the years
to come.
I wish you all a most meaningful and inspiring celebration
of the 117th anniversary of the proclamation of our nation’s
independence.
Mabuhay!
ANNE JALANDO-ON LOUIS
Consul General
Message from the APCO Founder
I am very pleased to welcome all our guests and
supporters to our Freedom Ball Gala Dinner and
Dance 2015.
Five years ago, the Alliance of Philippine
Community Organisations Inc (APCO) was
organised as an alternative state federation for
the more socially conscious and morally upright
members of the Filipino-Australian community.
Since then, APCO has been effectively presenting
the best in the community by effectively supporting
its organisational affiliates and individual members
as well as productively engaging with the Culturally
and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) and mainstream
communities. APCO’s active membership with
Ethnic Communities Council, Western Sydney
Community Forum, Auburn Small Community
Organisations Network Inc and others is a testament
to APCO’s strong commitment in promoting social
cohesion and harmony in Australia.
The strength of APCO rests on its highly
committed, multi-skilled, socially-conscious and
team-orientated membership. Let us build on our
strengths as we continue to respond effectively to the
common needs of our community and intensify our
partnership initiatives with the wider community.
Amidst all the uncertainties and challenges that
threaten world peace, we need to reflect on this year’s
theme, “Promote Peace Founded on Justice”. Let us
all continue to be instruments of peace by building a
culture of welcome, mutual respect, compassion and
justice for the thousands of people displaced by war,
poverty and calamities who are seeking refuge and
peace in Australia and other places.
As we celebrate the 117th anniversary of the
proclamation of Philippine independence, let us
continue to pursue the ultimate aim of independence:
equal rights and respect for all.
Mabuhay ang Inang Bayang Pilipinas! Mabuhay ang
Inampong Bayang Australya!
Dr Cen Amores
APCO Founding President
ZEST Ambassador

Message from the APCO President
Welcome to the Freedom Ball - celebrating the 117th year since the Philippines
declared itself as an Independent and a sovereign nation.
This annual gala dinner and dance is organised pro bono by community workers
and artists to raise funds for APCO’s many charitable activities and community
development projects.
The theme: “Promote Peace Founded on Justice”, was chosen because it touches
on the current realities of the world. The issues of peace are man-made and so is
the application of justice. There will never be a lasting peace without justice being
equally applied to all!
This Freedom Ball also marks 5 years since a group of socially conscious community leaders broke free from the old and
ineffective federation to courageously organise this new Alliance that builds, serves, represents and brings out the best in
the Filipino-Australian community. In such a short time, APCO has become a dominant state-wide organisation by putting
up relevant community development projects, effectively delivering social services, efficiently organising charitable aids and
actively collaborating with CALD communities and participating in mainstream affairs.
APCO’s social impact is demonstrated by the unprecedented number of very prestigious. highly competitive and performancebased
awards and meritorious designations that were bestowed to its affiliates and leaders by various government agencies
and peak organisations. Indeed, APCO has become synonymous to moral integrity, social conscience, team work and
consistent success.
Let me therefore thank all our members, friends and supporters who made APCO a showcase of a purely voluntary-run
organisation with high social conscience!
Thank You and Mabuhay Tayong Lahat!
Ruben Amores
APCO President
2015 NSW Premier’s Lifetime Service Medal
Seated on the ground from left to right - Marcus Rivera, Larry Perez, Emma Braceros, Cleo Baltazar, Jimmy Lopez, Richard Ford, Ted Cumming, Franco Baltazar, Ruben
Amores. Seated on chairs from left to right - Rose Lay, Cora Perez, Daisy Cumming, Cen Amores, Amor Ramos Women standing, from left to right -Elsa Gruber , Merlie
Edmunson, Edna Voros, Linda Brandstrotter, Sarah Salazar, Myrma Lopez, Violeta Escultura, Pet Storey, Noemi Ognilla, Mariam McCauley, Dian Ford, Juliet Vella,
Michelle Baltazar, Mellie Valdez, Sylvia Pettersen. Men standing from left to right - Ron Storey, Albert Prias, Charles Chan, Victor Valdez, Jhun Salazar and Martin Kear.

REPORT
APCO’s Accomplishments, Activities and
Projects (for the period 29 March 2014 to 5 June 2015)
Introduction:
In March 2014, members of the APCO Board of
Directors were elected for a two-year term. Some
changes of the composition of the Board membership
were made at the 2015 AGM to inject more dynamism
in the state-wide alliance. The Board pledged before
the membership to uphold the ideals and objectives
of APCO by initiating responsive community
development projects, supporting member affiliates,
advocating for the welfare of the Filipino-Australian
community and strengthening our resolve to
continue engaging and collaborating with the CALD
and mainstream Australian communities in order to
promote social inclusion and community harmony.
True to our promise, the following comprises
APCO’s accomplishments, activities, projects and
future plans.
Helping out for charity fund raising
Community Development and Advocacy:
1. Successfully granted $12,530 ClubGrant funding
from DOOLEYS Lidcombe Catholic Club to run a
“Fill in the Gap’ project – a pre-employment training/
workshop and one-on-one support to refugees and
newly arrived migrants not qualified to be serviced
by Job Services Australia. This training was launched
on 4 Feb 2015 and is still ongoing.
2. In partnership with Auburn Small Community
Organisation Network (ASCON) and Auburn City
Council, organised an “Addressing Employment
Needs of the Community” forum held at the
Exhibition Gallery of Auburn Library
3. Strongly opposed Atty General George Brandis’
Dr Cen Amores hands over APCO’s $1000 charity cash donation
to Tatay Oscar and his wife, witnessed by Club Filipino
Illawarra president, Mir McCauley
Community Leaders Consultation organised by APCO re Filipino Elderly Housing

REPORT
Engaging at Western Sydney Leaders Forum with Premier
Baird, some ministers, business, community, religious and
educational leaders
proposed amendment to the Racial Discrimination Act
Sec 18C, by coming up with a position paper signed by
members of our community and provided to 6 federal
MPs whose electorates have the highest concentration of
Filipinos. APCO also was strongly represented at the “Walk
for Respect” rally for the same purpose, held at Lakemba.
VSD Dancerz performed traditional Filipino dances at this
rally.
4. The APCO president was interviewed by Radio
Sandigan regarding APCO’s stand on the proposed
amendment to the Racial Discrimination Act.
5. Cen represented our community at the UNHCR
Refugee and Asylum Seeker Consultation held at Auburn
Town Hall
6. APCO was represented at the Auburn Community
Sector Networking Forum on “Best Practice in Community
Development” held at DOOLEYS Lidcombe Catholic Club.
7. Attended the Family Fun Day Fundraising at Lollipops
Playland, Parramatta for Childre with Down Syndrome
B. Capacity Building
1. Participated at a free training provided by Auburn
City Council on “Media & Advocacy for Community
Organisations”
Women of the West past and current winners are
being introduced by MP Chris Hayes
2. Participated at a free “Project Evaluation and Design”
workshop provided by Auburn City Council
3. Participated at a free “Mock Assessment Workshop”
provided by Auburn City Council
4. Participated at a free “Information session” on various
funding grants available for community organisations
provided by Auburn City Council
5. Participated at a free “Table Talk Experience and
Training” provided by Sydney Alliance
C. Humanitarian Emergency and Livelihood (HEAL)
Project
1. In partnership with PCYC Belmore headed by Senior
Constable Chris Ambat, provision of ongoing assistance to
Typhoon Haiyan Survivors by sending 10 balikbayan boxes
of assorted goods to Volunteer for the Visayans, Inc VFV has
acknowledged receipt of goods and will provide a detailed
report and photos taken during the goods distribution.
2. Another 2 boxes of assorted goods were sent to
Volunteer for the Visayans Inc specifically for the orphan
children in Tacloban. VFV has also acknowledged receipt of
goods and will provide a report.
3. Four boxes of assorted goods were sent to Palompon,
Leyte. Recipients acknowledged receipt of goods and
Valentines Ball in Wollonggong

distributed to 100 very poor families affected by Typhoon
Haiyan.
4. Six boxes of assorted clothes, food stuff and building
materials were sent to Albuera Elementary School and in
Merida, Leyte. APCO is still waiting for a detailed report.
5. APCO donated $1000 cash to assist Tatay Oscar
Espinosa’s medical expenses,. Tatay Oscar is a Typhoon
Haiyan survivor who was diagnosed with bowel cancer
while visiting his family in Wollongong.
6. Attended the fundraising organised by Mitchel Badelles
for a cancer-stricken Filipino journalist who needed
financial assistance to pay for his medical expenses
D. Support to APCO Affiliates and Other Organisations
1. Attended 5 functions of the Visayan Association of
Australia Inc such as: the Leyte Landing Commemoration,
Pajama Party, Feast of Our Lady of the Rule, Valentine’s
Party and Fundraising for Glyssa Perez’ Humanitarian
Project for the Typhoon Haiyan survivors
2. Attended the Sedgwick Coop, Plaza Filipino and
NARRA events such as: 2nd Anniversary of Sedgwick Coop
and Ambassador for the Arts awards night.
3. Attended 3 functions of Fil-Oz Liverpool and Districts
such as: Christmas in July, Santa Cruzan Flores de Mayo
20th Annual celebration and Dinner Dance for ‘Project
Pearls’
4. Attended the Masquerade Ball and Valentines Party
of Illawarra Filipino and Multicultural Women’s Group in
Wollongong
5. Attended Mardi Gras Queen event of Flagcom and
Friends
6. Attended Club Filipino Illawarra Inc’s 25th Anniversary
celebration in Wollongong
7. Attended the Praise Family Apostolate’s Masquerade
Ball
8. Attended the Filipino Fiesta at the Rizal Park,
Rosemeadow organised by Philippine-Australian
Friendship Foundation Inc
9. Supported Bicol Inc’s Dance Fever Fundraising
10. Supported Philippine Australian Medical Association’s
Fundraising event for Typhoon Haiyan Medical Mission in
2015
11. Attended the Get together party of Cagayanos Family
and Friends
12. Attended the Valentine’s Day Fiesta Fundraising of
Blacktown Lion’s Club and some APCO officers participated
as performers and emcees.
13. Attended the regular meetings of the Members Forum
of Ethnic Communities Council NSW Inc
14. Attended the Fiesta of St Joseph by the Parramatta
Parish in Blacktown
15. Attended the 2 concerts of Brian Lorenz Babon
16. Attended the Concert of Sydney Perez and Jay Gaerlan
17. Attended the Singing/Dancing competition
APCO at Sydney Alliance rally in Parramatta
Supporting special children’s Childcare services
Meeting with Dr Fred Galvez, Ilocano-American
scientist famous for Reliv products
NSW Lifetime Service medalist Ruben Amores
with medalists in other categories
REPORT

Visiting a Nursing Home for Spanish speakers
participated in by Jay Gaerlan and Fazika.
18. Attended NUSPAS Flores de Mayo Festival
REPORT
19. Attended the 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner and
Dance celebration of PACF. APCO leaders Jimmy Lopez
(Treasurer), Cen Amores, Jhun Salazar (Deputy CEO) and
the current APCO president are new members of the PACF
Board of Management.
20. Attended Bicol Inc’s Induction Dinner and Dance
21. Attended the Free Health seminar conducted by Dr
Alfredo Galvez, a renowned Ilocano-American scientist
whose remarkable discovery of Lunasin has been benefitting
people worldwide.
KCL’s volunteer tenants cleaning up
CRC Chair Dr Harry visiting the APCO booth
at the ASCON’s Flavours of Auburn festival
PACF 25th Anniversary with PACF Officers
and MP Laurie Ferguson
E. Support to Government Initiatives, Programs and
Events
1. APCO was represented at Premier’s Harmony Dinner
for 2014 and 2015. Ruben was awarded the NSW Premier’s
Lifetime Community Service Medal this year.
2. APCO was represented at the Real Story Forum
organised by the Office of Minister Victor Dominello held
at NSW Parliament House
3. APCO was represented at the Launch of CRC Report
on Advancing Multiculturalism in NSW held at NSW
Parliament
4. APCO was represented at the Metropolitan
Consultative Forum organised by Multicultural NSW held
at Burwood RSL.
5. APCO was represented at the Roundtable Discussion
on Multicultural Youth Unemployment organised by Reid
Federal MP Craig Laundy held at DOOLEYS Lidcombe
Catholic Club.
6. APCO was represented at the Multicultural NSW
Annual Symposium held at Novotel, Parramatta.
7. APCO was represented at Western Sydney Community
Forum’s ‘From Stories to Solutions – Inaugural Best Practice
Conference in Parramatta.
8. APCO was represented at the Auburn City Council’s
Health Expo and Employment Expo.
9. APCO was represented at the Organising Committee
for ECC NSW Inc’s 40th Anniversary celebration
10. APCO was represented at the Launch of Western
Sydney Leaders’ Dialogue held at ANZ Stadium.
11. APCO was represented at the University of
Western Sydney’s Women of the West Awards to celebrate
International Women’s Day.
12. APCO was represented, upon the invitation of
Auburn City Council, the following events: International
Women’s Day High Tea at Peacock Gallery, Launch Opening
of the Auburn Town Hall upgrade. Iftar Dinner, Launch
of Berala Community Centre Construction, Auburn
Community Sector Networking Forum and Auburn
Festival.
13. APCO was represented at the ZEST Awards where
Flagcom’s Mardi Gras Queen event and APCO’s Response to
Typhoon Haiyan were among the finalists. Dr Cen Amores,

REPORT
APCO delegates with MP Michelle Rowland at the ECC dinner
Community Consultation organising team
Flagcom and APCO were ZEST 2015
finalists in 2 project categories
Attendees of KCL’s October AGM 2014 in Canley Vale site
APCO’s founding president and ZEST’s Most Outstanding
Voluntary Community Leader of Greater Western Sydney
in 2013 is an inaugural ZEST Ambassador!
14. APCO was represented at the Breakfast Meeting
organised by Western Sydney Community Forum
15. Established partnership with NSW Multicultural
Health Services in Promoting Organ and Tissue Donation.
F. Support /Participation at CALD Communities’
Partnership Projects and Events
1. APCO took on a lead role at ASCON’s Flavours of
Auburn 2014 as members of the Steering Committee,
preparing and sharing a traditional Filipino Dish,
performing traditional Filipino dances, co-emceeing the
cultural program, manning the reception and ticketing
and setting up the venue and put-away.
2. Supported the Auburn Council’s multi-award
winning ‘The Refugee in My Neighbourhood project
3. Invited as a Guest Speaker for the ‘Transition to Work
Program’ of Fitted for Work, Parramatta for Migrants
from CALD communities who are looking for work.
4. Supported the Afghani community during its
EID Friendship Evening by providing a Filipino dance
performance
5. Supported the Italian community’s Maria SS Della
Strada Fiesta at Five Dock by providing dance and music
Independent members pledging to support APCO’s social objectives

performers.
6. Supported the Sydney Sacred Music Festival by
providing a dance performance by MEDG and VSD
Dancerz.
7. Nominated ASCON that eventually won the Jim
Samios Memorial Award for Multiculturalism awarded by
Ethnic Communities Council of NSW Inc.
8. Attended the Africultures event held at Auburn Park.
9. Attended the House of Welcome’s Community
Lunch and Program held fortnightly at Auburn Centre for
Community.
10. Attended and performed at the Ethnic Communities
Council of NSW Inc’s 40th Anniversary Celebration
11. Attended Afghan community festival in Auburn
Centre for the Community
G. Other Responsible Roles/Awards Received by APCO
Leaders
1. Dr Cen Amores was designated one of the inaugural
ZEST Ambassadors for her strong advocacy, capacity
building and leadership in Greater Western Sydney.
2. Dr Cen Amores was designated into the Members
Forum of Ethnic Communities Council of NSW
3. Dr Cen Amores was designated as a Steering
Committee Member for the Tour Guide and Cook Training
Projects provided by ASCON and supported by Auburn
City Council
4. For her untiring voluntary work, leadership, advocacy
and promotion of the benefits of multiculturalism, Cen was
featured at the Western Sydney Business Access Newspaper’s
Special Edition for the 2015 ZEST AWARDS
5. Following the incorporation of the Auburn Small
Community Organisation Network, Inc (ASCON) Ruben
Amores was elected as the inaugural President while Cen
was appointed as Public Officer.
REPORT
6. Ruben Amores was awarded the Lifetime Community
Service Medal by Premier of NSW during the Premier’s
Harmony Dinner for 2015.
7. To commemorate the 25th anniversary of ABS-CBN,
Ruben was featured at the Starlight magazine for embodying
outstanding Filipino traits. One of Ruben’s many community
initiatives, the multi-awarded Kapit-bahayan Cooperative
Ltd, is the sole awardee from Southern Hemisphere and
Oceana of the prestigious Global Bayaning Filipino (Hero)
award given by ABS-CBN and UGAT Social Institute!
H. Future Plans
1. To organise APCO’s low-interest credit facility for its
members
2. To source more funding for its community development
projects
3. To assist affiliates in preparing funding grants
applications
4. To intensify engagement and partnerships with local
councils and CALD communities for the delivery of more
public services
5. To encourage members to attend capacity building
trainings and recruit new leaders to continue the growth
and effectiveness of their organisations.
Mabuhay to all APCO organisational and independent
members and the broad Filipino-Australian community for
another year of outstanding partnership and collaboration!
Ruben Amores
APCO President
Presenting APCO at an Anglicare group in Cabramatta

APCO Inc. Office Bearers, Directors and
President
Ruben Florendo Amores
Senior Vice President
Daisy Ann Cumming
Junior Vice President
Corazon Yco Perez
Auditor
Josephine delos Reyes
Director
Cora Paras
Director
Emma Braceros
P. R. O.
Richard James Ford
Director
Zeny Piosik
Director
Amor Ramos

Advisers 2015
Secretary
Pet Storey
Treasurer
Edna Salazar Voros
Adviser
Dr Cen Amores
Adviser
Dr Jimmy Lopez
Director
Rose Lay
Director
Glorina Papaioannou
Director
Linda Trinidad
Director
Victor Valdez
Adviser
Jhun Salazar

APCO Inc. Freedom Ball 2015 Working Committees
FILIPINIANA COMPETITION
Amor Ramos (Chair) Sarah Salazar, Myrma Lopez & Remy
Harris
SOUVENIR PROGRAM
Jhun Salazar (Chair) Ruben Amores, Ralph Improgo, Dr Cen
Amores, Nards Purisima, Doddie Batac & Bobbit Reyes
ADS SOLICITATION
Cora Perez (Chair) Glorina Papaioannou, Larry Perez, Linda
Trinidad, Daisy Cumming & Franco Floro
RAFFLES Pet Storey and Edna Voros (Co-
Chairs) Cora Paras, Dennielle Gumabay, Violy Miguel, Linda
Trinidad, Rose Lay & Linda Brandstatter
STAGING & PROGRAM
Albert Prias (Chair) Charles Chan (Co-Chair) Emma Braceros
& Victor Valdez
TICKETTING & SEATING
Dr Jimmy Lopez (Chair) Violy Escultura & Myrma Lopez

OVERALL COORDINATION
Ruben Amores (Chair) and All Committee Chairs
MEDIA & PROMOTIONS
Richard Ford (Chair) Ruben Amores & Daisy Cumming
RECEPTION Emma Braceros (Chair), Cleo
Baltazar, Dian Ford, Fe Hayward, Noemi Ognilla & Merlie Edmonson
FINANCE
Edna Voros (Chair) Josephine de los Reyes (Co-Chair)
DECORATION & VENUE
Emma Braceros (Chair), Lina Bautista & Joe Caballero
INVITATIONS Dr Cen Amores (Chair),
Mariam McCauley, Elsa Gruber, Raphael & Brillo Amores

Melanie-cristine Balagtas graduated
with an Education Diploma, University
of Western Sydney. She was Miss
Philippine Australia Charity Queen of
2013 and runner-up Miss Philippines
Earth in 2014. She is the store manager
of Valley Girl.
Claudio Lisao
CHAIRMAN
Melanie-cristine
Balagtas
Valerie Tolosa
FILIPINIANA & BARONG COMPETITION JUDGES
Claudio Lisao was a founding member of
the Fashion Designers Association of the
Philippines. Claudio’s specialty is ladies evening
wear and bridal. A move to London led to
further studies in bone bodice design through
the London College of Fashion. Back in Sydney,
Claudio continues to delight customers with his
intricate hand crafted pieces, often with extensive
beading , as well as supplying exclusively to a
boutique in Double Bay, L’Elegante.
Emma Braceros Claudio Lisao
FASHION DIRECTORS
Roanne Monte was one of the youngest on
principals on London’s West End who played
the lead role in the hit musical, Miss Saigon.
She also played the role of “Tuptim” in the
Rogers and Hammerstein production of The King and I
with British actress Hayley Mills and “Liat” in the Lincoln
Centre production of South Pacific with Oscar-nominated
actor, Bill Murry. Roanne has performed before His Royal
Highness Prince Edward with Grammy Award-winning
Olivia Newton- John and recently, she also performed before
Madame Ban, wife of UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon.
A celebrity model for Elite Model Management, Roanne has
been featured in both Vogue Australia and Singapore. Her
media appearances include Marie Claire, MTV Asia, The
Midday Show, Sky Europe and London Tonight, among
others. Roanne completed a degree in Computer Science, a
Certificate in Business Law and a scholarship from the Sydney
Conservatorium of Music. She was also on the Dean’s List at
Harvard University. A firm believer of her Christian faith
Roanne has been involved in various humanitarian projects.
Valerie Tolosa’s love of
vintage fashion stems from
her grandmother, a tailor who
taught her how to sew and make
patterns. Valerie received a
scholarship at the KvB Institute
of Design and that was the
start of Valerie’s unprecedented
success in the fashion industry.
With Miranda Kerr, Paris Hilton,
Kate Hudson, Nicole Richie and
Fergie all keen to wear Valerie
Tolosa’s designs, the label has
its fair share of high profile
fans. Her collections combine
feminine, vintage aesthetic with
Valerie’s own modern style. It is
old world elegance with a new
edge and individuality. Now
stocked in over 50 boutiques
nationally. more than 100
internationally, and a flagship
store in Paddington, Sydney,
Valerie Tolosa has already well
and truly made her mark in
Australian fashion. With her own
diffusion line on the horizon, we
should expect to see much more
from this young label very soon..
Marcus Rivera
Albert Prias
PRODUCTION
MASTERS of CEREMONIES
Charles Chan
Michelle Baltazar is an award-winning
author, journalist and publisher focusing
on finance and multicultural affairs. She
is the publisher of Financial Standard, an
industry publication for fund managers,
financial planners and wealth professionals
in Australia. She is also the publisher
of The Australian Filipina Business and
Lifestyle magazine and was a contributing
TV reporter for Balitang Australia, the
local segment of Philippine-based network
ABS-CBN. Among her awards are: 2002
Friends Provident’s Socially Responsible
Investment Journalist of the Year Awards
- Runner Up; 2008 - Global Filipino Youth
Award for achievements in media and 2012
- Migration Advocacy and Media Awards
(Best Interactive Media category). She has
published a travel book in 2013 titled “Love,
Manila: 10 Days, 10 Discoveries” and edited
a Filipino-Australian cookbook called
“Marx Canoy’s Food Feast”. Michelle also
volunteers at a community radio program,
Radio Sandigan.
Michelle Baltazar

Sidney Perez Roanne Monte Marcus Rivera Re-Grooved
MUSICAL PERFORMERS
(also featuring The VIP Dancers)
Marcus Rivera’s career spans Opera, Music Theatre, Cabaret,
Television and Film. He has sung with Opera Queensland,
Melbourne City Opera and the Puccini Festival. His music
theatre credits include “Assassins”, “Pacific Overtures”, and
Gale Edward’s acclaimed production of “Sweeny Todd”. He
has performed in various productions in Australia and the
Philippines on stage, film or television. He appeared in Cameron
Mackintosh’s new production of “Miss Saigon”, covering and
performing “The Engineer” in 2007-2008. Marcus appeared
in The Production Company’s “The King and I”; as John in
“Anything Goes”. He is the recipient of the McDonald’s Sydney
Eisteddfod’s 2012 “Counter Tenor Award” and recently toured
with Opera Australia and John Frost’s production of “The King
and I”. Marcus regularly volunteers at various community
organisations’ fund raising initiatives, while busy teaching.
Marcus is currently working on his CD project, “Kundiman”
(Filipino Arts Songs).
Sidney Perez, by day, is a well-renowned professional in the
disabilities industry. She is a producer with her One Good Night
Productions Australia and a fashion entrepreneur as well; having her
own clothing line named Shiezohne designs. Most importantly, she
is also a singer and entertainer.
The RE-Groove Duo perform at various Club circuits, Corporate
functions and Concerts around Sydney, New South Wales and
Canberra. They are currently the resident musicians singing
live every Friday nights at Cabravale Diggers Club. With a huge
repertoire, they provide professional quality music that is tailored
for all ages that would get the crowd dancing and singing along all
night. Their Band perform live to the sounds of the 60s, 70s, 80s,
90s, right through to the current hits of today. Their professionalism
has earned them a recognition and nomination to the Australian
MO Award for “Best Duo of the Year” for three consecutive years.
Daniella Serret
Annie Marquez
Sidney Perez
Joanna Cubelo
Mary Ubay
Gaby Escubio
Oolan Margon
Darlene Macabulos Le
THE MODELS

FEATURE
Amores receives NSW Medal
for Lifetime of Outstanding Community Service
APCO President Ruben Amores accepting the NSW Premier’s Medal for Lifetime Community Service from
Minister for Multiculturalism Victor Dominello.
APCO president Ruben Amores was the lone awardee of the highly coveted 2015 NSW
Premier’s Multicultural Community Medal for Lifetime Community Service during the annual
Premier’s Harmony Dinner held at the Rose Hill Gardens Grand Pavilion last Thursday,
12 March 2015. About 1400 guests from a cross section of the state including state and federal
officials and foreign consular dignitaries attended the gala dinner.
Ruben was recognised for his many voluntary community leadership roles including being
the founding President of the highly acclaimed Kapit-bahayan Cooperative Ltd.(KCL), current
President of the Alliance of Philippine Community Organisations Inc. (APCO) and founding chair
of the Auburn Small Community Organisation Network Inc. (ASCON). He was also the President
of PCC-NSW and Ilocano Association of Australia and was a member of the Filipino Ministerial -
Community Consultative Committee organised by the previous Federal Labor Parliament.
NSW Premier Mike Baird MP and Minister for Western Sydney and Minister for Community and
Citizenship Victor Dominello MP awarded Ruben with the very prestigious medal before the 1400
dinner guests that included other government officials, Ministers and Members of the Parliament,
foreign consular officers, business, education and community leaders. Other personalities were
awarded multicultural community medals for youth leadership, community volunteering, arts and
culture, business and posthumously.
Ruben has given more than 20 years of exemplary voluntary services to the Filipino-Australian
community. Organised in 1995, the 100% voluntarily tenant-managed Kapit-bahayan coop is the
leading affordable rental housing coop in NSW. It has five property sites scattered around Western
Sydney and also helped organise other coops among CALD communities including the Filipinorun
Sedgwick Housing Cooperative Inc. Kapit-bahayan is considered to be the best housing coop
because it is the only coop in NSW that was able to use its sweat equity or savings from operations

FEATURE
to buy land and build the Canley Vale property under NRAS Commonwealth program. It is also
the only recipient of the Global Bayaning Filipino (Hero) Award of ABS-CBN and Ugat Foundation
in the Southern Hemisphere/ Oceania.
Although only organised in 2010, APCO is currently the most active umbrella organisation
among Filipinos because of its many community development and charity works here and in
the Philippines. ASCON is composed of small and emerging communities in Auburn LGA that
has initiated many inclusive and productive projects and activities such as the community hub
facilities for organisational use, the popular annual Flavours of Auburn multicultural food festival,
Food Tours and healthy Traditional Food Cookbook.
Under Ruben’s stewardship, KCL was awarded: ZEST Outstanding Voluntary Community
Organisation (High Commendation), Excellence in Housing for Building Communities and Tenant
Engagement by the NSW Federation of Housing Associations Inc; Innovation and Building
Partnerships by Common Equity NSW; Community Pride and Waste Reduction by Auburn City
Council; Overall Excellence in Cooperative Housing by the NSW Federation of Housing Associations
Inc; Excellence in Building Communities, by the NSW Federation of Housing Associations Inc;
Excellence in Innovation in Service Delivery by the NSW Federation of Housing Associations Inc
and Excellence in Asset Management by the Association to Resource Cooperative Housing (ARCH).
APCO was a finalist of the ZEST award for its Typhoon Haiyan Emergency Response while
FLAGCOM, an APCO affiliate, was finalist for its Mardi Gras Queen Pageant. APCO also received
funding grants for community developments: “Fill in the Gap” training project for refugees and
recently-arrived migrants who are not qualified to be serviced by Job Services Australia funded by
DOOLEYS Lidcombe Catholic Club and Building Multicultural Communities Grant, Stream 1 funded
by Australian Federal Government. Ruben also received a ZEST award for Outstanding Voluntary
Community Leadership (Highly Commended).
ASCON won the following awards: Jim Samios Award for Outstanding Contribution to Multiculturalism
in NSW by Ethnic Communities Council of NSW Inc; ZEST High Commendation award for Flavours
of Auburn (Project in a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Group/Organisation) by Greater
Western Sydney Community Services Sector.
During Ruben’s presidency of PCC-NSW in 2007, the Board induction ceremony was held at the
Blacktown City Council Hall before the PCC members, government officials and the general public,
the Board had an audience with PM Kevin Rudd in Canberra, organised a community organisation
management training for community leaders, co-organised a job-search training for newly-arrived
Filipino migrants, had Sen. Ramon Magsaysay as Independence Ball speaker, initiated the making
of the biggest Philippine flag in Australia which became the stage backdraft of the Independence
Ball, co-hosted an international conference of overseas-based Filipino organisations, organised
a Philippine Christmas Bazaar in Parramatta and prepared the nomination that won PCC the
Philippine Presidential award. A few years earlier, Kapit-bahayan was awarded as the Most
Outstanding Community Organisation and Ruben was awarded as Most Outstanding Community
Leader by FILCCA.
He and his wife helped organised APCO in 2010 as an alternative state federation for organisations
and individuals that opted for a more democratic, socially conscious and morality upright community
alliance.
Ruben is married to an equally dynamic community leader, Dr Inocencia (Cen) Palomares Amores
with whom they got 3 bachelor sons. Dr Amores was herself awarded Most Outstanding Voluntary
Community Leader of Greater Western Sydney in 2013, appointed People of Australia Ambassador
by the previous federal government, member of the NSW Ministerial - Community Advisory
Committee, founding president of APCO and currently a ZEST Ambassador. Both were university
professors and civic leaders in Ilocos Sur, Philippines before migrating to Australia in 1992.

From housing to homes:
How a community co-op transforms lives
FEATURE
Filipinos have a strong sense of community that they bring with them wherever they go. Such was
the case when 15 newly-arrived Filipino immigrant families living in and around the Sydney suburb
of Auburn decided to form a group in 1995 that is now called Kapitbahayan Co-operative Ltd (KCL).
The word ‘kapitbahayan’ loosely means ‘neighbourhood’ in English, and that was the premise behind KCL.
It is a volunteer group that was trained and mentored by the Association to Resource Cooperative Housing
(ARCH), an information, training and advocacy government co-op under the Department of Housing.
The housing co op that made dreams come true
The premise is simple. A Housing Commission is managed by the government. The KCL Housing Cooperative,
by contrast, is managed by its tenant-members. Under this win-win model, the government
fufills its primary responsibility of providing subsidised accommodation to those who need it most and then
outsource the secondary responsibility of maintaining the property asset to those who benefit from the
subsidy.
Under this model, the Filipino-Australian community is exceling. More than 16 years since KCL was formed,
the government has given it the opportunity to manage six property sites. These are housing complexes
in the Sydney suburbs of Auburn, Berala, Wentworthville, Merrylands and Canley Vale.
The sixth site, based in Leumeah, became a full-fledged co-operative last month called the Sedgwick Cooperative
(see article here), setting another milestone for KCL, which helped organise the transition.
A second registered co-op is important not just because it shows that the KCL approach works but it also
means more houses can be allocated to Filipinos.
KCL’s contribution goes beyond the Filipino community alone. Its president and one of the original members,
Ruben Amores, said they helped train and organise a Burmese Housing Co-op as well as other community
groups.
“But KCL is not just co-op houses or the bricks-and-mortars, it is more about building ideal communities,” he
said, explaining that tenant-members participate in community development activities and learn financial
and management skills from their co-op training.
The group has certainly caught the attention of the wider community. It has won numerous awards
including the one announced last week: the prestigious Global Bayaning Pilipino award.
The award was established by ABS-CBN in 1994 and honours acts of heroism. While the award has been
going on since 1994, this is the first year that it has been given to Filipinos overseas, with KCL the only
Australian awardee. ABS-CBN commissioned an independent agency to put each nominee through the
rigorous selection process, including interviews and site visit by the agency to KCL’s Canley Vale property
site a few months ago.

FEATURE
The award is well-deserved given the broader role that housing co-ops play in Australia. The average
house in Sydney can cost as much as $450,000 or just under 20 million pesos. Rent is around $1,520 or
around 65,000 pesos per month.
Both numbers would price out young professionals out of the property market let alone part-time workers,
the elderly or those who need financial assistance. But rather than rely on housing commission, a housing
co-op can provide them with an alternative.
Amores said they are now looking to set up co-ops where there are large numbers of Filipino residents.
KCL is hoping to secure the government’s support for a property in Penrith, another Filipino community
hub.
”The huge Penrith project is scheduled to be completed in mid-2014 so decisions on social housing
allocations may not be forthcoming yet, but the decision makers are already aware of the Kapit-bahayan,”
he said.
Through KCL, the spirit of bayanihan or heroism lives on in Australia.
By Michelle Baltazar