Penrith Filipino Gazette Online Edition - Volume 4 Issue 2

Great Day: Philippine Independence Day in Penrith

A Flag Raising Ceremony marked the 113th anniversary of Philippine Independence at the City of Penrith on 25 June 2011. The Philippine Consulate General Honourable Anne J. Louis and Deputy Mayor Clr. Jim Aitken OAM led the celebrations at the Penrith Civic Centre. The Philippine Language and Cultural Association of Australia (PLCAA) has worked for the third time in partnership with the Penrith City Council in organising this significant event in cooperation with the Filipino-Australian community.

Crowds gathered to witness the raising of the Philippine National Flag, Australian National Flag, the State Flag and the Aboriginal Flag at 9:00 am. Penrith City Council Councillors and General Manager Alan Stoneham welcomed the guests as the PLCAA Glee Club sang Philippine cultural songs. Members of the Maharlika Riders Sydney displayed small Philippine Flags on their parade of motorbikes. This spectacle generated enormous interest from the crowd. Everybody knew it would be a great day of celebration.

Continue reading . . .

A Good Sight

Once again, Filipino spirit prevailed and Independence Day came together at the Joan Sutherland Centre in Penrith on Saturday 25th June 2011. It never ceases to amaze me that these events, in the beginning, always seem so overwhelming. There are the entertainers to book and practices to attend, not to mention, the logistics of getting all of the talented performers, their music, props and costumes, onto the stage in time. Yet, in true Filipino style, everything seems to work. There is definitely something to be said for the laid back, “Easy ka lang” attitude of the Filipino. Many hands sure made light work at this year’s event. From Tito Danny backstage, to Tito Larry in the sound room, everyone seemed to know exactly where they had to be.

Unfortunately for me, I was not able to view the wonderful acts from the front of the stage. Even so, from the side of the stage, they looked fantastic. The flickering of the Pandanggo candles and the twirling of the Rigodon dancers was a wonderful sight to behold. As usual, there were a wide variety of acts.

Even when not on stage, the hip-hop dancers and Rigodon performers wowed locals as they warmed up outside or in the foyer. What a strange and beautiful sight it must have been for Penrith locals, who were on their way to the shops, to see the brightly coloured skirts of the dancers practising in the gardens outside the centre. The performers, so intent on their practice, probably didn’t notice the passers-by with their cameras, or the small children, staring in amazement.

Of course, it was a tiring day for all those involved, but well worth it. Congratulations to the organisers and planning committee members: Danny Rosales, Lionel Laserna, Larry Capco, Delson Ombina, Divina Ibarra, Dodee Leones, Alan Candelario, Maya Ibarra and Marie
Bandayrel.

As for me, I was lucky enough to be able to sit down and watch the final performance. The wonderful Glee Club performed a joyful Filipino song and audience members ran to the stage to join in. Special mention should go to the senior ladies who sat through the entire performance and enjoyed every minute. Here’s to great day. We can’t wait to see what surprises there are in store for next year.

PCFS - From the Principal's Desk

By: Mrs. Marie Bandayrel

The NSW Federation of Community Language Schools' Annual
Dinner was held last 30th of July 2011 at Cyprus Community Club,
Stanmore.

Our secondary student Clarissa Bock sang her own rendition of Ako'y Pilipino and Ikaw. We all enjoyed her performance and the audience applauded with admiration.

I, together with School Director Dr. Alexis Leones, PLCAA Board Director & Clarissa's mother, Maria Bock, PLCAA Project Coordinator Dodee Leones, attended the event. Thank you to our Primary School teacher Estela de Juan, Arts and Craft teacher Tita Nene Castillo for their inspiring presence and support on the 113th Philippine Independence Day celebration held last 25th of June 2011. It was another successful event that the PLCAA has organised for the Penrith community.

My special thanks to PCFS parents for all their help: Lee Candelario for making the sash costume for the primary students; Rowie Angkaya and Lee Candelario for helping at the back stage; and Connie Hyland for taking care of the dance practices and the Tinikling bamboo while I was away on holiday.

Thank you to all for being supportive of our activities, your contribution to the school is valued and appreciated.

Congratulations...Well Done!

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If you are interested in attending PCFS, please contact the
School Registrar at 9834 4626 or email: plcaa.inc@gmail.com

The school is located at St. Marys Senior Citizens Centre ,St. Marys Corner Community and Cultural Precinct , 29 Swanston St. St. Marys.
Classes are held from 9:30 am till 11:45 am every Saturday except on holidays.

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Magluto Tayo: By Malu Barroga

Maruyang Kamote (Sweet Potato Fritters)

Ingredients:

2 pcs Kamote (sweet potatoes) sliced into strips
2 cups self raising flour
4 tbs sugar
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp annato powder (asuete powder)
1 lightly beaten egg
1 cup cold water
Vegetable cooking oil for frying

Procedure:

1. Combine self-raising flour, sugar, salt and annato powder.
2. Add cold water and lightly beaten egg. Mix well to make a smooth batter.
3. Add in the Kamote strips. Blend well with the batter.
4. Heat vegetable cooking oil in a frying pan.
5. Put a small amount of the well coated kamote (about 2 tbsp) into the pan, flatten. In a medium heat, fry both sides until golden brown.
6. Drain well and dust with sugar. Serve warm.






By: Malu Barroga

Culture resonates through song

The PLCAA GLEE CLUB (PGC) have made themselves known in the community as a mixed group of talented singers, under the musical direction of Danny Morilla, Rie Manaloto and Choir Master Maya Ibarra.

The Philippine Language and Cultural Association of Australia (PLCAA) founded the PGC to promote Filipino culture through music and dance. Inspired by their performance of the song “Dahil Sa Iyo” (“Because of You”) at the Read Philippines Project book presentation in Penrith on 12 February 2008, they persevered and recruited more members. In addition to its awesome singing, the group is now also known for its vibrant choreography, led by Marie Bandayrel and Divina Ibarra. Vocal performances often match the theme of the events where the group performs. With great support from family and friends, the group headed towards a fulfilling journey of service and fun.

PGC treasures the wonderful camaraderie that emanated from their debut at the 2008 Mayoral Musicale held at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre. They astounded the large audience with their first songs, the popular “I Will Follow Him” and a Filipino song “Ang Pipit”. These songs became identified with PGC and their first public appearance will never be forgotten. It was the catalyst to have regular rehearsals adding more variety songs to their repertoire.

PGC, through its musical performances, acts as Penrith’s ambassador of Philippine culture. In addition to PLCAA organised events in the City of Penrith, the PGC travels to communities in NSW including Auburn, Bathurst, Blacktown and Campbelltown. They performed at special events including annual Philippine Independence Day celebrations, Philippine Cultural Day, Mayoral Musicale, Penrith’s Harmony Day, Philippine National Day Ball, 20th year Anniversary of PCC-NSW , 20th year Anniversary of Aguman Association, Abot Kamay Concert for Typhoon Ondoy victims and at Shine Concert for Queensland Flood Appeal.

PGC’s repertoire includes traditional Filipino songs: Ang Pipit, Bakya Mo Neneng, Ikaw ang Mahal Ko, Hahabol Habol, Atin Cu Pung SingSing, Saranggola ni Pepe and PenPen de Sarapen; Modern Filipino songs: Manila, Bongga Ka Day and Handog ng Pilipino sa Mundo ; Christmas songs : Pasko Na Naman, Ang Pasko ay Sumapit, Noche Buena, Feliz Navidad and Give Love on Christmas Day; Special Songs rendered at themed events: I Will Follow Him, You’ll Never Walk Alone, We Are One, I will Sing Forever, Medley of Just the Way You Are & You are the Sunshine of My Life, Happy Talk, Bali Hai and Some Enchanted Evening.

PGC has been fortunate to have thirty-eight members who are truly blessed with amazing talents. The community waits in anticipation for its next performance. PGC already has a line-up of invitations in its schedule. Thanks to PGC, the community is alive with Filipino music and Filipino talents.

Farewell Party -Consul Anthony Reyes

Consul Anthony Reyes of the Philippine Consulate General Sydney
at his Farewell Party at the Crystal Seafoods Restaurant, Blacktown

Seated L-R: David Bradbury MP, ConGen Anne Louis, Consul Anthony Reyes, Cr. Prue Guillaume Standing front row L-R: Entertainer Lillian de los Reyes, PLCAA's Aida Basto, Cora Barretto, Marie Bandayrel, Maya Ibarra, Maria Bock, Dr. Alexis Leones, Dodee Leones, PCC-NSW Director Mercy Jones ; Back row: SAFSI Pres. Jules Sanchez

Maraming Salamat Po Sa Inyong Lahat

After the successful youth event “A Rigodon Affair” in April, PLCAA was kept busy in preparing for the Philippine Independence Day celebration in Penrith and in continuously managing its projects: Penrith Community Filipino School, Filipino Cultural Heritage Youth Camp, Penrith Filipino Gazette, Barkada, PLCAA Cultural Dancers and the PLCAA Glee Club. Behind the success of its projects were people who gave their time, efforts and talents to help PLCAA.

Thank you to the following people , groups and organisations who willingly became our partners in these projects.


· Alicia Estrella
· Aurora Villar
· Ayala Land Inc.
· Bobby Harrison
· Bong Valencia
· Butch Alcantara
· Campbelltown & Region Filipino Community Council
· Carinosa Dancers
· Carol Manaloto of Home Loans and Travel & Lodge
· Clarissa Bock
· Consul General Hon. Anne J. Louis
· Cr. Kevin Crameri OAM
· Cr. Jackie Greenow
· Cr. Jim Aitken OAM
· Cr. John Thain
· Cr. Kathryn Presdee
· Cr. Kaylene Allison
· Cr. Prue Guillaume
· Cr. Ross Fowler OAM
· Efren & Loy Tagudin
· Craig Butler
· Danny Morilla


· Emeritus Mayor Mr. Pat Sheehy
· Estela De Juan
· Evelyn Zaragosa of Philippine Community Herald
· Filipiniana Friends Group Bathurst and Central West
· Filipino Family & Kultura
· Flor Burton of House of Asia, Penrith
· General Manager Alan Stoneham
· Gilda Pagaduan
· Hon. David Bradbury MP
· Hon. Tanya Davies MP
· IREMIT
· Isabelle Montillano
· Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Center Staff
· Joseph Guichard
· Joshua Montillano
· Justine Abrera & the GWS
· Lenny Barretto
· Lilian Legaspi
· Maharlika Riders
· Marvi Lattao
· Marivic Manalo
· Mitch Bandayrel

· Nida Healey of Phil-Asian Food Mart
· Ninas De Filipinas
· Nonoy Perdon of Bayanihan News
· Normie Steward
· Order of the Knights of Rizal
· OZ Myx
· Parents & Friends of PCFS
· Penrith City Council
· Philippine Airlines
· Philippine Australian Seniors of Sydney Inc
· Philippine Community Council of NSW
· Philippine Consulate General Sydney
· Prolifique Crew
· QA Audit and Tax Services Pty Ltd.
· Rey Manoto of Ayala Land Inc
· Rie Manaloto
· Roger de Juan
· Robert Bock
· Sonata Singers
· Tess Sayas of Zignal Travels
· Youth Rigodon Dancers
· Sydney Australia Filipino Seniors Inc
· Vic Villacorta



Thank you very much to all of you. . .

Photos: NSW Federation of Community Language Schools ( NFCLS) Annual Dinner

L-R: NFCLS Pres.Albert Vella, Clarissa Bock, CRC Chair Stepan Kerkyasharian, Hon. Victor Dominello MP, PCFS Principal Marie Bandayrel, PLCAA Pres. Dr. Alexis Leones and
PLCAA Project Coordinator Dodee Leones.

Clarissa Bock, with students from Thai School.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO THE ETHNIC MEDIA OUTLETS
NSW Federation of Community Language Schools Annual Gala Dinnner 2011Cyprus Community Club, Stanmore NSW
Sydney, NSW 2 August 2011

The Event

The NSW Federation of Community Languages Schools held its Annual Dinner last Saturday evening, 30 July at the Cyprus Community Club, Stanmore.

Over 23 language groups were represented and performances were given by the Filipino, Thai, and Greek language students. Special guests included the Hon. Victor Dominello MP Minister for Communities, Dr Stepan Kerkyasharian, Chair of the NSW Community Relations Commission, Shadow Minister for Citizenship the Hon. Robert Furolo, Stefan Romaniw Executive Director Community Languages Australia, Professor Ken Cruickshank from the Faculty of Education and Community, University of Sydney, Community Relations Commissioners, and a host of diplomatic representatives.

Three hundred and thirty people gathered in the Cyprus Community Function Centre in Stanmore in Sydney last Saturday evening for a night of entertainment and community collegiality organised by the NSW Federation of Community Languages schools for its member associations.

The evening’s proceedings were hosted by Ms Lucia Tavares Johns, Federation Vice-President and a prominent figure in Sydney’s Brazilian community. The night was highlighted by the first edition of the Community Languages Students’ Short Film competition: the first short film competition held for community languages students from around the state of NSW. The children were given the opportunity to express themselves in the language they study at their community language school by means of a 2 minute short film. All entries showed the remarkable talent NSW students have for language study but the key point about this kind of language exercise is not only the element of language and cultural learning but that of community identity and that of enjoying the language learning process. The first prize winners for the 3 age categories for the 2011 Short Film Competition are the students from the NSW Skola Maltija Maltese School 5-8 year age group, the Hunter Japanese School 9-12 age group, and the Thai Buddharangsee School for the 12 to 18 age group.

Minister Dominello, expressed his congratulations and good wishes to the excellent performances and short films in this year’s program. Even after a full day of events and on his birthday, the Minister, Mr Dominello expressed his delight in staying on all evening spending time with the Community Languages representatives. Mr Dominello was shown displays by the languages students and showed genuine appreciation for the high standard of work carried out by the students and the parents, teachers and community organisation members were all very glad to spend time speaking to the Minister who took it upon himself to take the time to speak with everyone during the function.

During a motivating speech, the Minister mentioned the importance of language learning as being not just for cultural but for reasons relating to the broader learning process: language learning, he stated, is vital for general understanding not only of other cultures but that of their own Australian culture. The Minister wished the Federation, its members and the community language school children even greater success for this year and reiterated the State Government’s pledge to support community languages as it has done since entering into Office. Mr Dominello later took part in handing out prizes to the winners of the short film competition as well as to the many dedicated teachers for their long service to Community Language Teaching.

Background: The NSW Federation of Community Language Schools was established in Sydney in 1978 when members from different communities took the initiative to form a representative body which would unite all Community Language Schools so they could all collaborate to obtain more benefits and recognition for their students. Membership has increased over the years. Today, approximately 350 schools with more than 350 locations state wide and 30,000 students are represented by the Federation.

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