2015 APCO Freedom Day Ball

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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.
Page 4 and 5: Message from the Australian Prime M
Page 8 and 9: REPORT APCO’s Accomplishments, Ac
Page 10 and 11: distributed to 100 very poor famili
Page 12 and 13: REPORT APCO delegates with MP Miche
Page 14 and 15: APCO Inc. Office Bearers, Directors
Page 16 and 17: APCO Inc. Freedom Ball 2015 Working
Page 18 and 19: Melanie-cristine Balagtas graduated
Page 20 and 21: FEATURE Amores receives NSW Medal f
Page 22 and 23: From housing to homes: How a commun

2015 APCO Freedom Day Ball

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