Two-time world hip hop dance champions Philippine Allstars are coming to Australia to share their message of hope and faith to the Australian youth through the Champions Tour, tour organiser and MAS PRESENTS founder Marco Andre Selorio announced recently.

The Champions Tour is an 80-minute dance extravaganza featuring the best of the best dance groups from Australia, New Zealand, Philippines, Japan and Malaysia from April 27 – May 11, Selorio said.

The Philippine Allstars are a versatile dance team comprised of breakdancers, freestylers and krumpers.

They will perform in Sydney, South Brisbane and Canberra in April, and in Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth in May.

The hip hop champions story began in 2005, when a group of friends formed a dance crew to show off their dancing abilities.

From the mean streets of Manila, they rose from poverty to achieve the unthinkable – travel the world, dance in front of millions of people, open their own dance school and win the World Hip Hop Dance Championship twice over.

Selorio said, “The Philippine Allstars have carried themselves as true ambassadors of hip hop. Now, the Philippine Allstars are coming to Australia to share their incredible story on stage – to inspire, teach and help troubled and disadvantaged youth.”

The breakdancers group will perform alongside former world champions ReQuest Crew (New Zealand), world locking champions GoGo Brothers (Japan) and South East Asian champions Elecoldxhot (Malaysia).

They will be supported by World Supremacy Battlegrounds Australian national dance champions Clockwork, KSTAR, Zigitty and special guest Tight Eyez (USA).

In fact I could not even remember the year that I attended to represent our association, the North Shore Filipino-Australian Association [NSFA]. And in the years that followed my last attendance, the election fell on the dates I was away.

No, I could hardly recall now how PCC-NSW general meetings such as those attended by representatives of affiliate organisations were like in the past.

Congenial and Dramatic

If I am asked to give two words to describe last weekend’s PCC-NSW AGM and election, I would submit “congenial” and “dramatic”.

Except for the people on the registration desk who went about their task seriously, there was a lively atmosphere in the Imperial Hall at the Blacktown Showground. It was like a social event as people were smiling, chatting, and enjoying catch-up with peers they have not seen for a while.

The socialising kept on going even way past the scheduled start of the AGM which required outgoing President Marivic Manalo to request not only two times for everyone to take their seats in order for the meeting and election to proceed.

Marivic then presented her President’s Report which listed the various projects and activities undertaken by the PCC-NSW, as well as those conducted by its affiliate organisations up to the February 11 AGM.

Highlights of her report included PCC-NSW winning the “Harmony Award” from the NSW State Premier’s office which recognised the achievements of 2010 officers and board members; raising $18,928.98 from the Independence Ball and allocating $5,000 to the Philippine Australia Disaster and Emergency Response [PADER] program and various charities and activities.

After Marivic’s Powerpoint-supported report and just when the meeting was about to be adjourned with a short coffee/cuppa break before proceeding to the Election, a bewildering and unannounced drama unfolded.

Jules Sanchez, 2011 President of Sydney Australian Filipino Seniors Inc. [SAFSI], took the floor and distributed a document mastheaded ‘OPEN LETTER & MANIFESTO’.

The flyer contained strongly-worded nine statements.

Visibly emotional, Jules with microphone in hand expressed some of his dissatisfaction on matters which were not clear to the audience (to me anyway, despite after reading the manifesto).

The other bewildering part was that the chair did not ask him to stop. If that is “freedom of speech”, I thought such freedom as a concept was mis-used.

Jules’ behaviour was definitely out of order. Most of the people looked agitated and not very happy with what was happening too.

Jules also declared SAFSI’s withdrawal from PCC-NSW and, perhaps to emphasise his point, tore up a cheque which I assumed was for SAFSI’s membership dues.

Additional bewilderment was a motion being passed from the floor to strike Jules’ performance from the minutes of the meeting.

Moving Forward

The results of the election had been covered in at least three publications, immediately after or a day after.

Atoy Sayas garnered 30 votes which won him the position of President while Serna Ladia who showed strong support at the start of the counting of votes ended up with only 20 votes. Two votes were declared null and void as they did not match the candidates’ names.

In my view, Atoy should hold a dialogue with the new officers of SAFSI to ascertain what issues they had which led to Jules’ public outcry. Although Jules’ lost in his re-election bid during the SAFSI AGM/Election held the following day, still whatever declarations he made during the PCC-NSW meeting may be considered sanctioned by SAFSI members since Jules was still their representative.

Atoy would benefit more from talking to Jules and to other parties including those in the PCC-NSW than simply ignoring that incident. It is an indication of something which if not corrected may re-surface if not in the future.

I also think that we have to face the fact that, for the present and maybe the immediate future, the Filipino-Australian community in NSW has two “umbrella organisations”, PCC-NSW and APCO – Alliance of Philippine Community Organisations.

To suggest a “merger” is pre-mature if that ever happens, and that is a very tricky exercise at this stage. Fro the sake of the general community, perhaps the two groups could work towards some kind of collaboration. As a starter, they could join hands in holding one major Independence Ball and one Christmas celebration, at least in Metro Sydney. If they require a third and independent party, then let it be.

Both organisations have a mission of serving the community. I like to believe that their respective heads can rise above petty politics and intrigues. With this belief, I do not think that it is impossible for them to work together rationally for at least the two important events which we ought to celebrate as one community.

It would be a sad day, indeed, if organisations like PCC and APCO take the stance to give a popular saying a new meaning.

Should we continue to adopt: “United We Stand, Divided We Must”?

UNTIL LAST Saturday’s (February 11) Annual General Meeting and Election of the Philippine Communities Council of NSW, it has been awhile since I attended its meetings.

In fact I could not even remember the year that I attended to represent our association, the North Shore Filipino-Australian Association [NSFA]. And in the years that followed my last attendance, the election fell on the dates I was away.

No, I could hardly recall now how PCC-NSW general meetings such as those attended by representatives of affiliate organisations were like in the past.

Congenial and Dramatic

If I am asked to give two words to describe last weekend’s PCC-NSW AGM and election, I would submit “congenial” and “dramatic”.

Except for the people on the registration desk who went about their task seriously, there was a lively atmosphere in the Imperial Hall at the Blacktown Showground. It was like a social event as people were smiling, chatting, and enjoying catch-up with peers they have not seen for a while.

The socialising kept on going even way past the scheduled start of the AGM which required outgoing President Marivic Manalo to request not only two times for everyone to take their seats in order for the meeting and election to proceed.

Marivic then presented her President’s Report which listed the various projects and activities undertaken by the PCC-NSW, as well as those conducted by its affiliate organisations up to the February 11 AGM.

Highlights of her report included PCC-NSW winning the “Harmony Award” from the NSW State Premier’s office which recognised the achievements of 2010 officers and board members; raising $18,928.98 from the Independence Ball and allocating $5,000 to the Philippine Australia Disaster and Emergency Response [PADER] program and various charities and activities.

After Marivic’s Powerpoint-supported report and just when the meeting was about to be adjourned with a short coffee/cuppa break before proceeding to the Election, a bewildering and unannounced drama unfolded.

Jules Sanchez, 2011 President of Sydney Australian Filipino Seniors Inc. [SAFSI], took the floor and distributed a document mastheaded ‘OPEN LETTER & MANIFESTO’.

The flyer contained strongly-worded nine statements.

Visibly emotional, Jules with microphone in hand expressed some of his dissatisfaction on matters which were not clear to the audience (to me anyway, despite after reading the manifesto).

The other bewildering part was that the chair did not ask him to stop. If that is “freedom of speech”, I thought such freedom as a concept was mis-used.

Jules’ behaviour was definitely out of order. Most of the people looked agitated and not very happy with what was happening too.

Jules also declared SAFSI’s withdrawal from PCC-NSW and, perhaps to emphasise his point, tore up a cheque which I assumed was for SAFSI’s membership dues.

Additional bewilderment was a motion being passed from the floor to strike Jules’ performance from the minutes of the meeting.

Moving Forward

The results of the election had been covered in at least three publications, immediately after or a day after.

Atoy Sayas garnered 30 votes which won him the position of President while Serna Ladia who showed strong support at the start of the counting of votes ended up with only 20 votes. Two votes were declared null and void as they did not match the candidates’ names.

In my view, Atoy should hold a dialogue with the new officers of SAFSI to ascertain what issues they had which led to Jules’ public outcry. Although Jules’ lost in his re-election bid during the SAFSI AGM/Election held the following day, still whatever declarations he made during the PCC-NSW meeting may be considered sanctioned by SAFSI members since Jules was still their representative.

Atoy would benefit more from talking to Jules and to other parties including those in the PCC-NSW than simply ignoring that incident. It is an indication of something which if not corrected may re-surface if not in the future.

I also think that we have to face the fact that, for the present and maybe the immediate future, the Filipino-Australian community in NSW has two “umbrella organisations”, PCC-NSW and APCO – Alliance of Philippine Community Organisations.

To suggest a “merger” is pre-mature if that ever happens, and that is a very tricky exercise at this stage. Fro the sake of the general community, perhaps the two groups could work towards some kind of collaboration. As a starter, they could join hands in holding one major Independence Ball and one Christmas celebration, at least in Metro Sydney. If they require a third and independent party, then let it be.

Both organisations have a mission of serving the community. I like to believe that their respective heads can rise above petty politics and intrigues. With this belief, I do not think that it is impossible for them to work together rationally for at least the two important events which we ought to celebrate as one community.

It would be a sad day, indeed, if organisations like PCC and APCO take the stance to give a popular saying a new meaning.

Should we continue to adopt: “United We Stand, Divided We Must”?

Sayas: Rather than organising these events into a single celebration and take them away from the support of the respective councils, it will be more fitting to put together Philippine Independence Day events into a collaborated one month (June) celebration, promoting them together in a unified campaign...

THE FILIPINO AUSTRALIAN editor and publisher, Romy Cayabyab, recently contacted PCC-NSW new president Arturo Sayas, for an email interview with five questions.

Sayas was elected president of the Philippine Communities Council of New South Wales last Saturday, February 11 in the organisation’s Annual General Meeting and Election at the Imperial Hall, Blacktown Showground winning over Serna Ladia.

The questions emailed out focused on Sayas’ family business, top priorities as president, consultation with the Blacktown City Council, dialogue with APCO, and suggestions of having only one celebration event for Philippine Independence Day.

Following is a record of the interview:

You have a very successful business with your wife, Tess, and managing it is not an easy task. How much time do you plan to devote to the affairs of your business now that you are the president of PCC?

Zignal Travels is well established with systems in place, being in operation for more than 20 years. We also have efficient staff in the day to day running of the business. My wife Tess and I work together very well and have good time management skills. With these resources, I am confident that our business will continue to operate and grow successfully and not be affected from my being PCC President.

What are your top priorities as president of PCC?

These are my top priorities:

* Establish a permanent office for PCC

* Develop further the Philippine Australian Disaster Emergency Relief (PADER) program

* Ugnayan networking and forums with affiliates

* Develop a youth involvement program, including community leadership mentoring

Blacktown has the largest concentration of residents with Philippine background in Australia. Do you see yourself actively holding regular consultations with the Blacktown City Council on amenities and other programs that will benefit Filipino Australian residents? What programs for Filipino Australian residents in Blacktown do you see yourself initiating as president of PCC-NSW?

Blacktown City Council has always been supportive of Filipino Australian organisations in Blacktown as well as PCC. Blacktown, having the largest concentration of Filipino Australians, probably also has the largest number of Filipino Australian organisations. It is therefore not surprising that I will have even more active consultation with the council for the programs of the organisations. The priority program with the Blacktown City Council will be determined after consultation with the different organisations which may include age care and youth development.

In your pre-election statements to The Filipino Australian, you said that there is a challenge for PCC to create “opportunities for dialogues, forum and collaborated activities and projects” in order to “harness the strengths of the community.” Now that you are the elected president of PCC, do you see yourself or the PCC initiating a dialogue with APCO on how you can work together for the community?

I believe that Filipino Australian organisations have the benefit of the community in mind. That is a common ground. I have no problem inviting the leaders of APCO, FAME, PACSI and other non PCC affiliated organisations to a friendly dialogue in the common ground.

For the last two or three years, celebration of Philippine Independence in Sydney has been staged by two groups, one in Parramatta led by PCC-NSW and another in Blacktown, by APSL (known to have an alliance with APCO). During your tenure as president as PCC-NSW, do you see having only one celebration activity for Metro Sydney, that is, collaborating PCC-NSW celebration activities with APSL?

There are a number of Philippine Independence Day celebrations around Sydney. In Parramatta, it is led by Banag-Banag, in Blacktown, one is led by APSL Inc. and another by MPC, in Campbelltown, it is led by the CRFCC, in Fairfield, it is led by PASSCI and in Penrith, it is led by PLCAA. Banag-Banag, CRFCC, PASCCI and PLCAA are PCC affiliates, while APSL Inc was a former PCC affiliate and MPC is non affiliate but PCC is an ex-oficio member. There are also some celebrations outside Sydney like the one in Bathurst, led by Filipiniana Friends Group, also a PCC affiliate.

All of these organisations leading the Independence Day celebrations take pride in holding the annual ceremonies where the Philippines is honored with the support of their local councils. They are becoming traditional celebrations in their respective areas where the Filipino Australians, with Philippine government officials and the local Australian government officials joining the community in remembering Philippine Independence.

I see these celebrations as significant expressions of remembrance of the Filipino Australian community. Rather than organising these events into a single celebration and take them away from the support of the respective councils, it will be more fitting to put together these events into a collaborated one month (June) celebration, promoting them together in a unified campaign. This is what I propose.

End of interview.

Outgoing president Marivic Manalo and incoming president Atoy Sayas //Photo: TFA

Blacktown businessman Arturo Sayas is the new president of the Philippine Communities Council of New South Wales.

Sayas garnered 30 votes against opposing candidate’s, Serna Ladia, 20 votes in the AGM and election held early this afternoon. Two votes were not counted as they contained incorrect candidates’ names.

The election followed the annual general meeting which was marred by a commotion when Sydney Australian Filipino Seniors president Jules Sanchez took the floor ~ unannounced ~ before adjournment and after distributing flyers, addressed the body claiming “unfair treatment” of his seniors organisation by “some PCC board members”.

Afterwards, Sanchez declared SAFSI’s withdrawal from PCC-NSW as an affiliate.

After a 25-minute break, when the meeting resumed, returning officer and past PCC president Malyn Andres Chun declared all positions vacant to officially start the secret-vote poll.

Fifty-two of PCC’s 55 affiliates were represented in the AGM and poll.

Prior to the meeting, there were only two posts being contested, President and Internal Auditor, with Ladia and Sayas vying for the president’s post, and Angie Jenkins and Mao De Vera for the Internal Auditor spot.

After tallying the votes for the president’s post which Sayas won with 30 out of the 52 votes cast, Jenkins withdrew her nomination to leave Mao de Vera unopposed.

Other positions for 2012 except the president’s post were all won unopposed by those nominated by their respective organisations.

SAFSI president Jules Sanchez claiming 'unfair treatment...' //Photo: TFA

The PCC-NSW board members and officers for 2012 are:

President: Arturo Sayas
VP External: Alric Bulseco
VP Internal: Emma de Vera
Secretary: Raquel Pellero
Treasurer: Millie Banan
PRO: Miko Selorio
Internal Auditor: Mao de Vera
Directors:
Robert Bock
Angie Jenkins
Mercy Jones
Solina Lapalma
Cesar Rejante
Darrell Swadling
Nenita Weekes

No date has yet been set for the oath-taking of the incoming officers. Last year, the oath-taking took place on February 24 at the Philippine Consulate’s Bulwagang Rizal.

New board members //Photo: TFA

Following is RPMC’s email:

On the morning of Saturday, 28 January 2012, the prediction was rain but the sun came out and so the Family Picnic at the Rizal Park, Rosemeadow, City of Campbelltown went on well without being wet.

This picnic was organized by the Philippine Consul General Sydney in coordination with the Rizal Park Movement of Campbelltown (RPMC).

The objective of the Family Picnic is to get to know Rizal Park and to showcase the various developments made by the Campbelltown City Council, including the children’s playground, the BBQ facilities, the sheds and the landscaping along Anthony Road.

It was a whole day celebration started with the Holy Mass at 10:00 am, officiated by Father Christopher Sarkis at Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church, in Rosemeadow.

Father Christopher Sarkis, Lourdes Kaiser, ConGen Anne Jalando-on Louis, Campbelltown Mayor Anoulack Chanthivong

Father Sarkis gave an inspiring homily relating to Rizal which was exceptional considering he had no prior knowledge of Dr. Jose Rizal. His thorough research of the life of the Philippine national hero was remarkable and that he found Rizal’s character and life admirable. Father Sarkis was very pleased for the parish “to be able to participate in this significant occasion”.

The Mass was followed by The Blessing of Rizal Park which was just opposite the Church across Anthony Road at about 11:15 am.

Campbelltown City Council was very well represented by the Mayor Anoulack Chanthivong, Deputy Mayor Mollie Thomas, Cr. Aaron Rule, Mayor Emeritus of Campbelltown and major proponent of the enhancements in Rizal Park, Crs Paul Lake Wal Glyn and Fred Borg.

Laurie Ferguson MP, Federal Member for Werriwa, Jai Rowell MP, State Member for Wollondilly, Brian Doyle MP State Member for Campbelltown and the Hon. Kevin Conolly MP State Member for Riverstone, Co- Chair Philippine Ministerial Consultative Committee also graced the occasion.

The Eucharistic Celebration at Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church, Rosemeadow

The Honourable Consul General Anne Jalando-on Louis’ gave the Welcome remarks and inspired the vibrant audience about the significance of the park to the Filipino Community. She thanked the Campbelltown City Council for the developments they have done on the park. She enjoined the various community groups that were present to support the fund-raising appeal which will go towards the construction of the pedestal for the Rizal Statue and the landscaping
surrounding the statue.

About 200 people attended the picnic from different community associations, business groups, Filipino media coming from the inner and outer Sydney suburbs and as far as the Bathurst Filipino community,

The Mayor of Campbelltown City, Councilor Anoulack Chanthivong gave his message reassuring the Filipino community of the City’s continued development of the park and encouraging RPMC to work hand in hand with the Council in furthering the beautification of the park. He also thanked the community for their active participation in the development of Rizal Park.

Hon. Kevin Conolly MP for Riverstone who at the same time is Co-Chair, Philippine Ministerial Consultative Committee thanked the RPMC for the invitation and assured that the NSW government would lend assistance to the community.

Rey Manoto, President of the RPMC presented the series of events line up for raising funds for the construction of the pedestal of the 5-meter bronze statue of Dr Jose Rizal, donated by the renowned sculptor Eduardo Castrillo to the Philippine government through the Philippine Embassy in Canberra. This statue will be turned over to Campbelltown City Council for Rizal Park in June 2012.

The members of the Executive Committee of RPMC, after being presented to the public, held their Induction Ceremony and were sworn into office by the Consul General Louis. It was an appropriate venue for the officers of Rizal Park Movement of Campbelltown to be inducted at Rizal Park itself.

RPMC Induction of Officers by ConGen Anne Jalando-on Louis

The initial donors to the Benefactors’ Wall to be constructed at the park close to Rizal Statue were also presented led by Order of the Knights of Rizal, Kagrupo Radio Club, Ilocano Association of Australia and the Bangar La Union Association, USA Chapter. Mr Manoto emphasized, especially to the Filipino community present to give generously to this noble cause – the construction of Rizal Monument at Rizal Park in Rosemeadow.

4. Government officials joined the RPMC Executive Committee after being sworn into office by the Hon. Consul General Anne J. Louis. Seated(L-R): Lourdes Kaiser, Campbelltown Deputy Mayor Mollie Thomas, Consul General Anne J. Louis, Lita Smith and Elsa Collado. Standing Front row (L-R): Teresita Soriano, Aida Duyvestin and Renee Estrella Back Row: Councillors Wal Glyn, Aaron Rule, Campbelltown Mayor Anoulack Chanthivong, Brian Doyle MP State Member for Campbelltown, Father Sarkis, Jai Rowell MP State Member for Wollondilly, Rey Manoto, Ross Santos, Max Lopez, Carlito Garcia, Connie Ramsey and Cora Michel. Not in photo Pikes Garcia. Government officials not in photo: Laurie Ferguson MP, Federal Member for Werriwa, Kevin Conolly MP State Member for Riverstone and Co- Chair Philippine Ministerial Consultative Committee, Councillors Paul Lake and Fred Borg.

THE RPMC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

President: Rey Manoto
Vice President: Max Lopez
Secretary: Lita Smith
Treasurer: Pikes Garcia
PRO: Lourdes Kaiser
Business Manager: Elsa Collado
Internal Auditor: Renee Estrella
Directors: Aida Duyvestyn, Carlito Garcia, Connie Ramsey, Cora Michel, Ross Santos

Other Founders: Teresita Soriano, Josefina Bonto, Lucas Alcantara, Rick Dalangin

The Rizal Park Movement of Campbelltown Inc. (RPMC) was organised to advocate, coordinate and manage the activities, events and functions pertaining to the development and maintenance of infrastructure and facilities of the Rizal Park in Campbelltown
Lunch followed wherein various groups chose their preferred spots, be it at the sheds, under the trees, or wherever there were shades on the 5-acre grounds.

With Consulate, PCC, OKOR, FAME and RPMC officers

Fun Games organised by Max Lopez gave the attendees something to spend the afternoon and provided an entertainment to the crowd. There were groups formed as Bayanihan Team and the Rizal team for the relay activities and also the traditional ‘Pabitin’ for the children.

The traditional Pabitin

It was a day where each one tried to catch up with each other, relax and enjoy the open wide space, lots of clicking of cameras for memento and for the press.

What supposed to be a predicted gloomy day became a Great Day for All!

The next event of RPMC is the Fun Trivia and Bingo Social on 19 February 2012, Sunday 2:00 pm, at the Civic Hall in Campbelltown. This will be immediately followed by the re-staging of the “HER SON, JOSE RIZAL” play at Campbelltown Arts Centre on 9-11 March 2012.

PCC-NSW oathtaking February 24, 2011 at the Philippine Consulate Sydney. Shown also on photo are Board members Serna Ladia (4th from left), Arturo Sayas (3rd from right), and outgoing president Marivic Manalo (2nd from right) // Photo: TFA [click image to zoom in]

Two current Board members of the Philippine Community Council – NSW, Serna Ladia and Arturo Sayas, will contest the association’s top post in Saturday’s (February 11) elections.

The Filipino Australian last night contacted both candidates by email to issue their pre-election statements.

The candidates were asked what they each think is the present biggest challenge facing the Filipino Australian community in New South Wales and if elected, how they plan to address the challenge.

The elections will follow an Annual General Meeting to be held at 1.00pm tomorrow, February 11 at the Imperial Hall, Blacktown Showground along Richmond Road, Blacktown.

Community leader and PCC-NSW 2003 president Malyn Chun is the returning officer.

PCC-NSW is the peak body of 55 other affiliated community organisations spread across the state.

In her induction address last year, outgoing president Marivic Manalo committed to “strengthen and empower affiliates by involving them in PCC projects.”

Our response is: No.

Our support to magPinoy reflects the continuing effort of emanila to help the community in its bid to establish Internet presence. That mission has been with emanila since it went online in June 1998 when it had close to 100 individuals, associations and community groups with web pages and websites which were developed and provided by emanila.

The Internet has continuously evolved since emanila’s own launching. But our mission remains — to give the Filipino Australian community its rightful share in the Internet world.

emanila in June 1998

Navy Captain Ernesto Enriquez, Philippine Defence Attache, Rear Admiral Orwen Cortez, AFP, Vice Commander Philippine Navy, Commander Rick Palenzuela PN (ret.), Commandant, APSL NSW Chapter, Mr. Joseph Orbase, member APSL NSW Chapter, and Major Tom Baena RACMP (inactive), Chief of Staff, APSL NSW Chapter, on the occasion of the recent ROYAL AUSTRALIAN NAVY SEA POWER CONFERENCE 2012, “The Naval Contribution to National Security and Prosperity” held between 31 January to 2 February 2012, at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour, Sydney.

After the conference, a traditional Filipino hospitality salu-salo was extended to Rear Admiral Orwen Cortez AFP, Vice Commander, Philippine Navy at the house of Commander Rick Palenzuela, PN(ret.) Commandant Australia Philippines Services League, NSW Chapter.

For a number of days, television and newspapers showed harrowing photographs of the aftermath of the devastation – bodies in rolled mats, grief-stricken faces of people mourning their loss of loved ones or searching for those who got swept away by the flood, everyone overcome with helplessness seeing a wasteland where their homes once stood; children begging for food; the elderly too weak to move from their makeshift beds and illegally cut logs clogging the rivers and streams.

Birth of ALFA and ‘One ‘ CD

A small group of friends who are moved by the sad and desperate situation in the flood-affected areas got together to discuss what they could do to help the Washi survivors. Hence, ALFA [Artists and Linked Friends in Action] came into being. Originally it was agreed to hold a fund-raising concert where local artists would be invited to perform. However, after learning that concerts were to be conducted by two organisations, an alternative way to raise funds was decided upon.

[ click image to zoom in :: start slideshow ]

ALFA - Charity CD One Poster

Mitchell Badelles [ALFA Committee], Mon Carpo [ALFA Committee, Matty Jay [Artist], Violi Calvert [ALFA Committee], Oliver Gadista [Composer, Artist]

Criz Guze and Rachel Wong [Artists]

ALFA Committee Members: Bless Salonga and bub Olivia Faith, Emma de Vera

Oliver Gadista and Maria Sitchon Lado [Artist]

ALFA - Charity CD One Poster

It was agreed that ALFA would aim at raising at least $5000 to help those who were fortunate enough to have survived the flood but have to cope with the trauma of losing their loved ones, their homes and properties. They now also face the day-to-day need for food, shelter, clothing, clean water, sanitation and medicines to ward off diseases.

It was agreed that instead of holding a concert, ALFA would release a CD album ~ One ~ a collection of original songs to be composed by Oliver Gadista and performed by various local artists.

Inspired Action

Once a clear path to take was identified and agreed upon, ALFA swung into action. Oliver who composed songs and helped with musical arrangements for the Rizaliana Radio Festival and the recent staging of Her Son, Jose Rizal, was tasked to come up with the original compositions to be performed by local artists from varying cultural background and genres. After a line up of artists was carefully selected from those Oliver has worked with and those who were recommended, a song was composed for each one of them.
It is intended that whatever funds were raised would all be used to help the survivors and the expenses involved to be sourced from sponsorships from organisations and individuals willing to help the flood survivors.

These sponsorships were to cover the costs of printing the posters and tickets, the cost of the cds, their printing and packaging. These will also include the donation of items for raffle prizes.

CD Album ~ One ~

The CD symbolises being One in Love, One in Hope and One in Faith.

Oliver has been spending countless hours as soon as he got home from work to the wee hours of the morning and on weekends, passionately composing lyrics and music for each song.

At a cost of $30 entry to the launch, you will not only help raise funds for the Washi survivors, but you will also get a CD, a great night of entertainment with the artists performing their songs, a free drink and nibbles, and a chance to win prizes from raffle draws. A PAL return ticket to Manila for one will also be auctioned. If the reserve price is not reached at the first launch, the ticket will again be auctioned at the second launch.

Those who are not able to attend the launch can buy a CD for $20 from any of the ALFA nominated contacts or outlets.

Together, and One in Love, in Hope and in Faith we can achieve our goal for the Washi [Sendong] survivors.

Behind the Scene

ALFA is proud that the CD ~ One ~ has been endorsed by Jim Paredes, an icon of Original Pilipino Music and previously a member of the now disbanded Apo Hiking Society,

Enquiries or CD Purchase

For more info, or cd/song purchase, contact: Josie Musa 0422 621 218, Nilda Carpo 0411 521 135; Violi Calvert 0408 22 77 94. Or refer to Facebook: Hope for Washi [Sendong] Survivors.

Tropical storm Washi [also known as ‘Sendong’] unleashed its wrath in the southern part of the Philippines, specifically on Iligan, Cagayan de Oro and nearby areas on December 16, 2011. It destroyed entire villages built on sandbars and on riverbanks. The count of fatalities was at 1,259 but many more are unaccounted for.

For a number of days, television and newspapers showed harrowing photographs of the aftermath of the devastation – bodies in rolled mats, grief-stricken faces of people mourning their loss of loved ones or searching for those who got swept away by the flood, everyone overcome with helplessness seeing a wasteland where their homes once stood; children begging for food; the elderly too weak to move from their makeshift beds and illegally cut logs clogging the rivers and streams.

Birth of ALFA and ‘One ‘ CD

A small group of friends who are moved by the sad and desperate situation in the flood-affected areas got together to discuss what they could do to help the Washi survivors. Hence, ALFA [Artists and Linked Friends in Action] came into being. Originally it was agreed to hold a fund-raising concert where local artists would be invited to perform. However, after learning that concerts were to be conducted by two organisations, an alternative way to raise funds was decided upon.

[ click image to zoom in :: start slideshow ]

It was agreed that ALFA would aim at raising at least $5000 to help those who were fortunate enough to have survived the flood but have to cope with the trauma of losing their loved ones, their homes and properties. They now also face the day-to-day need for food, shelter, clothing, clean water, sanitation and medicines to ward off diseases.

It was agreed that instead of holding a concert, ALFA would release a CD album ~ One ~ a collection of original songs to be composed by Oliver Gadista and performed by various local artists.

Inspired Action

Once a clear path to take was identified and agreed upon, ALFA swung into action. Oliver who composed songs and helped with musical arrangements for the Rizaliana Radio Festival and the recent staging of Her Son, Jose Rizal, was tasked to come up with the original compositions to be performed by local artists from varying cultural background and genres. After a line up of artists was carefully selected from those Oliver has worked with and those who were recommended, a song was composed for each one of them.
It is intended that whatever funds were raised would all be used to help the survivors and the expenses involved to be sourced from sponsorships from organisations and individuals willing to help the flood survivors.

These sponsorships were to cover the costs of printing the posters and tickets, the cost of the cds, their printing and packaging. These will also include the donation of items for raffle prizes.

CD Album ~ One ~

The CD symbolises being One in Love, One in Hope and One in Faith.

Oliver has been spending countless hours as soon as he got home from work to the wee hours of the morning and on weekends, passionately composing lyrics and music for each song.

At a cost of $30 entry to the launch, you will not only help raise funds for the Washi survivors, but you will also get a CD, a great night of entertainment with the artists performing their songs, a free drink and nibbles, and a chance to win prizes from raffle draws. A PAL return ticket to Manila for one will also be auctioned. If the reserve price is not reached at the first launch, the ticket will again be auctioned at the second launch.

Those who are not able to attend the launch can buy a CD for $20 from any of the ALFA nominated contacts or outlets.

Together, and One in Love, in Hope and in Faith we can achieve our goal for the Washi [Sendong] survivors.

Behind the Scene

ALFA is proud that the CD ~ One ~ has been endorsed by Jim Paredes, an icon of Original Pilipino Music and previously a member of the now disbanded Apo Hiking Society,

Enquiries or CD Purchase

For more info, or cd/song purchase, contact: Josie Musa 0422 621 218, Nilda Carpo 0411 521 135; Violi Calvert 0408 22 77 94. Or refer to Facebook: Hope for Washi [Sendong] Survivors.

The event dubbed ‘Adhika‘ (Aspiration) will be held on Sunday, March 25 at the Burwood RSL Club in Sydney’s innerwest.

Philippine Independence 2011, Canberra

2SWR 99.9FM Radio Kawayan’s Josie Musa is leading the organising group composed of Radio Kawayan’s Albert Prias, Violi Calvert and Michelle Baltazar of Radio Sandigan (2RDJ 88.1FM), and Nilda Carpo and Cita Khoersch of Radio Dalisay (2NSB 99.3FM).

“Adhika celebrates the role that Filipino-Australian newspapers, magazines, websites, and radio programs have played for the last three decades to keep the community informed, entertained and inspired to action,” said Musa.

“The event endeavours to raise the awareness of the community in the increasing role of Filipino media as part of the larger Australian media group.

“By raising community awareness of our existence, our credibility as part of the broader media is legitimised, but equally, the expectation of the community of our professional obligation and aaccountability in reporting community events is raised.”

In New South Wales, there are eight Philippine-related community radio programs with local coverage, one radio program with state-wide coverage, and one radio program with nation-wide coverage. There are also five monthlies – in tabloid, news magazine or newsletter formats.

In addition to The Filipino Australian, an online media portal, majority of Philippine-related radio programs and print media also have Internet presence via a web or social networking page.