2015 APCO Freedom Day Ball

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