On the 29th of October 2011 the stage presentation “Mano Po Lolo and Mano Po Lola” was held at the St Mary’s Memorial Hall. The stage production was written, produced and directed by PLCAA Board director Aida Basto whose ingenuity explained the successful portrayal of “Lola Basyang”, a popular book figure in Philippine journalism. The impressive cultural insights and precise casting abilities of Aida Basto together with the energetic creativity of assistant stage director Rosyline Caro as well as the colourful dynamism of sounds and lights director Lionel Laserna gave birth to a reliable production team. The natural acting ability of Linda Alvarez Barnes as Lola Basyang created that nostalgic ambience of getting grandchildren together to learn cultural traditions though stories and book reading.
The whole cast of this colourful presentation were the students of the Penrith Community Filipino School ( PCFS) and various other young talents such as YouTube sensations Olivia and Bridgett Bosworth; Ati-Atihan Ladies - Mary Esteban, Liza Mares, Benita Clark, Nida Hawley; Reyna Elena - Mary Ann Cea ; Young Constantine - Heath Rosetti ,Roland Rosetti & Nathaniel Hall; Flores de Mayo girls - Chantelle Rowlands, Melanie Napoli, Samantha & Stephanie Magat, Daniella Muscat, Abigail Zammit, Aaliyah Chhuy; Sungka Kids- Justice Dulay & Alyssa Marie Hall; Modern Dancing girls – Rhianna, Rhichianna, Jocelyn, Jamielyn; SAFSI Cultural Ladies in elegant Filipiniana attire - Reynalda Moris, Evelyn Alejandro, Jesusa Agcaoili, Prima West, Delia Purisima and of course Divina Ibarra. The skit performers did separate rehearsals at different times according to their roles. It was an amazing sight how this entire cast instantly grouped on that day to give the audience a presentation that triggered a frantic applause and will be remembered as a milestone of cultural diversity in the City of Penrith.
As part of the Philippine Language and Cultural Association of Australia (PLCAA) Tri-event, the presentation fostered understanding between the Australian community and the Filipino community. Mano Po Lolo, Mano Po Lola, gave an overview of Philippine culture such as our traditional greeting Mano po, the quintessential Bahay Kubo, traditional games such as luksong tinik, the Santacruzan, and even the Harana.
Special guests graced the occasion with the attendance of His Worship the Mayor of the City of Penrith Cr. Greg Davies, Philippine Consul General Hon. Anne J. Louis, Federal Member for Lindsay Hon David Bradbury MP, Emeritus Mayor Mr. Pat Sheehy, Cr. Prue Guillaume, Penrith City Council Community and Cultural Manager Erich Weller , PCC-NSW officers: VP External Alric Bulsueco, VP Internal Atoy Sayas , Secretary Noel Bernardo, Treasurer Millie Banan, Director Serna Ladia, Director Mao de Vera, Immediate Past President Elsa Collado; Global Filipino Australia President Lolita Farmer; Zignal Travels Director Tess Sayas, SAFSI President Jules Sanchez and PASCCI President Jun Relunia.
Mano Po Lolo, Mano Po Lola production has been an effective vehicle for the Penrith Community Filipino School students to shine with their inherent talents and love for their Filipino cultural background. Our sincerest gratitude to all performers, participants and the people who attended this “bridging the gap” type of a cultural experience in fostering an understanding between our communities. Living in this multicultural country, Australia, truly enough the passion of embracing the value of preserving and sharing Filipino culture has been instilled into the hearts of PCFS students and participating children at the Mano Po Lolo and Mano Po Lola. It was a real triumph for PLCAA and the Filipino community.
The whole cast of this colourful presentation were the students of the Penrith Community Filipino School ( PCFS) and various other young talents such as YouTube sensations Olivia and Bridgett Bosworth; Ati-Atihan Ladies - Mary Esteban, Liza Mares, Benita Clark, Nida Hawley; Reyna Elena - Mary Ann Cea ; Young Constantine - Heath Rosetti ,Roland Rosetti & Nathaniel Hall; Flores de Mayo girls - Chantelle Rowlands, Melanie Napoli, Samantha & Stephanie Magat, Daniella Muscat, Abigail Zammit, Aaliyah Chhuy; Sungka Kids- Justice Dulay & Alyssa Marie Hall; Modern Dancing girls – Rhianna, Rhichianna, Jocelyn, Jamielyn; SAFSI Cultural Ladies in elegant Filipiniana attire - Reynalda Moris, Evelyn Alejandro, Jesusa Agcaoili, Prima West, Delia Purisima and of course Divina Ibarra. The skit performers did separate rehearsals at different times according to their roles. It was an amazing sight how this entire cast instantly grouped on that day to give the audience a presentation that triggered a frantic applause and will be remembered as a milestone of cultural diversity in the City of Penrith.
As part of the Philippine Language and Cultural Association of Australia (PLCAA) Tri-event, the presentation fostered understanding between the Australian community and the Filipino community. Mano Po Lolo, Mano Po Lola, gave an overview of Philippine culture such as our traditional greeting Mano po, the quintessential Bahay Kubo, traditional games such as luksong tinik, the Santacruzan, and even the Harana.
Special guests graced the occasion with the attendance of His Worship the Mayor of the City of Penrith Cr. Greg Davies, Philippine Consul General Hon. Anne J. Louis, Federal Member for Lindsay Hon David Bradbury MP, Emeritus Mayor Mr. Pat Sheehy, Cr. Prue Guillaume, Penrith City Council Community and Cultural Manager Erich Weller , PCC-NSW officers: VP External Alric Bulsueco, VP Internal Atoy Sayas , Secretary Noel Bernardo, Treasurer Millie Banan, Director Serna Ladia, Director Mao de Vera, Immediate Past President Elsa Collado; Global Filipino Australia President Lolita Farmer; Zignal Travels Director Tess Sayas, SAFSI President Jules Sanchez and PASCCI President Jun Relunia.
Mano Po Lolo, Mano Po Lola production has been an effective vehicle for the Penrith Community Filipino School students to shine with their inherent talents and love for their Filipino cultural background. Our sincerest gratitude to all performers, participants and the people who attended this “bridging the gap” type of a cultural experience in fostering an understanding between our communities. Living in this multicultural country, Australia, truly enough the passion of embracing the value of preserving and sharing Filipino culture has been instilled into the hearts of PCFS students and participating children at the Mano Po Lolo and Mano Po Lola. It was a real triumph for PLCAA and the Filipino community.
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