Sunday, September 29, 2013
Friday, August 24, 2012
Penrith Filipino Gazette Special Edition
In early 2007, the first seed of what is now known as the Philippines Language and Cultural Association of Australia (PLCAA) was planted. It all happened when the then Philippine Consul General, the Hon. Maria Theresa P. Lazaro, paid her first visit to the then Mayor of Penrith, Mr Pat Sheehy. The Philippine Consul General was startled when the good Mayor asked her, “Where is the Filipino-Australian community of
Penrith?”. Though surprised and a bit embarrassed, she readily responded:
“The Filipino-Australian community is strong and is just awaiting for the opportune time to present itself to the Penrith Community”.
True to that vision, the Read Philippines project was launched on 29 September 2007. Members of the Filipino-Australian community were so inspired by the success of the project that they soon established the PLCAA on 24 November 2007. The Penrith Community Filipino School was also established. In 2008, Penrith Filipino Youth Group was launched, the first Penrith Filipino Gazette was published and the PLCAA Glee club was formed. In 2009, the PLCAA Cultural Dancers was formed and the first Philippine Cultural Exhibit was displayed in St. Marys.
Today we recognise what unity and collaboration can achieve. Today we acknowledge our partners, the Penrith City Council, the Philippine Consulate General Sydney, various Filipino organisations and the tireless PLCAA volunteers, for their encouragement and contributions. Without their support, the PLCAA would not be here today.
As we celebrate our 5th anniversary we can all proudly declare that our time has come and we are indeed the strong Filipino-Australian community in Penrith.
PLCAA President
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Penrith Filipino Gazette Special Edition - Page 2
The PLCAA logo has a story to tell.
The bright golden-yellow sun is from the Philippine flag. The eight-rays of the sun represents the eight provinces that revolted against the Spaniards.
The 7 pointed white Federation star is from the Australian flag. It has seven points representing the unity of the six states and the territories of the Commonwealth of Australia.
The bright golden-yellow sun is from the Philippine flag. The eight-rays of the sun represents the eight provinces that revolted against the Spaniards.
The 7 pointed white Federation star is from the Australian flag. It has seven points representing the unity of the six states and the territories of the Commonwealth of Australia.
The sun and the star represent two distinct cultures, that of the Philippines and Australia. The red and blue ribbons behind the sun and the star symbolize PLCAA's desire of binding these two cultures together as one.
The logo speaks of the aspirations, mission and vision of the PLCAA.
EDITOR'S NOTE
Every edition of the Penrith Filipino Gazette features articles which describe interesting aspects of Philippine culture, values and traditions.
Marcelita Castillo Editor-in-chief
Dr Alexis Leones Asst. Managing Editor
In celebration of the PLCAA’s 5th anniversary, we are delighted to provide a compilation of these articles in this special edition of the Gazette. We extend our thanks to the authors for their contributions. Their support has helped the Gazette pursue its vision of sharing Filipino culture.
On behalf of the Editorial Staff - I encourage the community to continue submitting articles which showcase the strength of the Filipino identity. The Anniversary’s theme: Isang Wika, Isang Kultura, Isang Diwa (translated as “One Language, One Culture, One Spirit “) inspires us to move forward, united with the same vision.
Maraming Salamat Po.
Marcelita Castillo
EDITORIAL STAFF
Marcelita Castillo Editor-in-chief
Danny Rosales Managing Editor
Dr Alexis Leones Asst. Managing Editor
Lee Candelario
Maria Bock Marketing Editor
Mike Alvarez
Malu Barroga Contributor
Marie Bandayrel
PLCAA Projects
PLCAA's vision is to promote awareness of Philippine cultural heritage through the learning and utilisation of the Filipino language. PLCAA welcomes community participation in its various projects and activities.
Message - From Mayor Greg Davies
It gives me great pleasure to be celebrating the Philippine Language and Cultural Association’s 5th Anniversary tonight. One of our City’s great strengths is the diversity of cultural backgrounds and as Mayor, I consider myself very lucky to be able to learn about many different groups and cultures and to share special occasions, like this, with our diverse Penrith community.
I’m continually impressed with the work of Philippine Language and Cultural Association and their efforts to increase awareness and understanding of the Philippine heritage, culture and values.
Penrith City Council has a close relationship with the association and has enjoyed working on the Read Philippines project, the Penrith Filipino Barkada Youth Group forum and the Penrith Community Filipino School recently.
I would like to thank the Philippine Language and Cultural Association for celebrating, sharing and preserving the Filipino culture and heritage and for continuing to enrich our City through your events, programs and projects.
Congratulations and best wishes for the next five years.
Councillor Greg Davies
Mayor of Penrith City
Messages
MESSAGE
Emeritus Mayor Mr. Pat Sheehy
PLCAA Honorary Advisor
When Dr Alexis Leones asked me to write a few words for the Fifth Anniversary function of the Philippine Language and Cultural Association of Australia (PLCAA), I thought it can’t be five years already. But a quick check of the records indicated quite clearly that of course she was correct.
The then Consul General for the Philippines, Maria Theresa Lazaro, visited me in the Penrith City Council Mayoral Office early in 2007 with a few simple requests. I had no idea that my innocent question about the apparent lack of visibility of the local Filipino-Australian community would unleash the virtual storm of activity that resulted.
Now five years later the PLCAA is firmly embedded in the local community to the mutual benefit of the wider community. The catalogue of events and functions of the PLCAA in five years is truly amazing.
I congratulate all the present and past members and officers of the PLCAA on the dedicated and continued effort over the past five years. My observations lead me firmly to the conclusion that the mission of the PLCAA is being well and truly achieved
MESSAGE
David Bradbury MP
Federal Member for Lindsay
It is my pleasure to congratulate everyone at the Philippine Language and Cultural Association of Australia (PLCAA) on your five year anniversary.
In just five years the PLCAA has grown from strength to strength, driving a number of successful events in Penrith and greater Western Sydney region. PLCAA is providing a great service to our local community by helping young Australian-Filipinos learn about their language and cultural heritage, as well as offering our broader community the opportunity to learn more about the Philippines.
I congratulate all the dedicated and generous volunteers who are committed to the vision of PLCAA and have helped build this fantastic organisation in the Western Sydney community.
MESSAGE
Tanya Davies MP
State Member for Mulgoa
MESSAGE
Arturo Sayas
President, PCC-NSW
The Philippine Community Council of New South Wales will continue to play its vital role in supporting our affiliates in its programs and activities. PCC-NSW has always played a major role in offering its members a wide range of support which focuses on promoting respect and understanding.
I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the hard work of the members of PLCAA who have volunteered their time and services to nurture this organization since its establishment. Their continuing commitment and dedication in providing for the needs of the wider Filipino Australian community should be applauded.
Let us continue building our working relationship for the greater good of our community. Mabuhay.
A message from the NSW Federation of Community Language Schools
On behalf of the NSW Federation of Community Language Schools (NSWFCLS), I would like to congratulate the Philippine Language & Cultural Association of Australia (PLCAA) on the celebration of their 5th year anniversary.
As one of the leading Filipino community groups in Sydney, the management committee of the PLCAA under the leadership of the then President Dr Leones should be acknowledged for their dedication in establishing this organisation. Many people do not know that operating a community group is a rather difficult thing to do with so many requirements and community needs but because of the love of their language and culture, the PLCAA has succeeded in providing the Filipino community with a school to teach their language, heritage and culture.
Through the PLCAA, the Penrith Community Filipino School (PCFS) was established in 2007 and began classes in 2008. Establishing and operating community language school such as the PCFS is a major way to enable the Filipino community here in Sydney to come together to promote their beautiful language and culture.
The NSWFCLS supports the important endeavours of the PLCAA and we hope that the Filipinos living in Sydney also support the Filipino community language school by sending their children to learn and study the Filipino language.
The Federation sincerely hopes that the PLCAA and the Filipino community in Sydney and NSW continue to grow and prosper in the forthcoming years. We look forward to having an ongoing partnership and hopefully establish more Filipino community language schools in other areas of Sydney and beyond, so that other children in the Filipino community can benefit from the fantastic work of the PLCAA. What better way of building bridges between Australia and the Philippines by having Australian born children speaking fluently the Filipino
language!
Good Luck and Best Wishes for this year's 5th Anniversary celebrations and for a bright and prosperous future.
Kind Regards
Albert Vella
President - NSWFCLS
Life and Culture - Barong Tagalog - Why wear it?
By: Dr Eric Ruiz
The Barong Tagalog, or simply barong, is undoubtedly the most widely known Filipino attire for both men and women. Weddings, christenings and other formal Filipino gathe-rings would seem unusual if a barong is not in sight. A sense of elegance makes the barong the first choice of attire at special events. The barong as we know it, is a far cry from what it was a long time ago.
Originally called “Baro ng Tagalog” (Dress of the Tagalog) and made initially of abaca and banana silk, the barong traces its beginnings from the peasants of the Spanish era. Legend has it that the Spaniards made Filipinos wear barong untucked to distinguish them from the ruling class and to ensure that with its translucent fabric, any weapon concealed under the garment would be seen.
On the contrary, sociologists pointed out that untucked wear was common in pre-colonial Southeast and South Asian countries. In addition, historians have not noted any specific laws under Spanish rule prohibiting the natives from tucking their barong.
José Rizal and his contemporaries were photographed with their shirts tucked. For the majority of the Filipinos, the use of the barong is driven naturally by the heat and humidity of the Philippine weather rather than the fear of Spaniards of peasants obscuring weapons.
The recognition of the barong as a formal attire was popularised by the late President Ramon Magsaysay. In 1975, the late President Ferdinand Marcos officially made the barong the Philippine national costume.
 |
| BARKADA’S Adrian Leones, Jinno Roldan, and Lenny Barretto graced the Philippine National Day Ball at the Sydney Hilton Hotel showing the elegance of the Barong complimented with the modern Terno worn by Dorothy Leones and Jennifer Ibarra. |
In its present form, barong is worn untucked over an undershirt. It is usually embroidered with geometric designs and made of either the expensive hand loomed piña (pineapple leaf fibre), or of Jusi, a mechanically woven fabric from silk organza or hand-woven from banana fibre. The latest fabric, Pina-Jusi has gained popularity with the sheerness of pineapple fibres and the strength of the Jusi fibre. The barong’s thin and light fabric is very much suited to the Philippine climate.
 |
Dodee Leones, Sean Desphy and Andy Porral showcasing the
Barong during the Philippine Flag Raising Ceremony in Penrith .
|
From what was once a staple shirt of the peasant, the barong has evolved into an elegant attire of today – a cherished possession of Filipinos. The barong links us to our cultural heritage and to our national identity.
Australian-Filipinos, young and old, wore the barong during Philippine Independence Day celebrations and Philippine Flag Raising Ceremonies in different cities of Australia.
It is with much pride and joy to be a Filipino wearing the BARONG.
Life and Culture - Dr Jose Rizal
Dr. Jose Rizal
National Hero of the Philippines
By: Evelyn Esguerra
In this issue, we are going to remember a man who made a huge impact to Philippine history, the pride of the Malayan race and our national hero Dr. Jose Rizal. He was a well educated man who finished a course in Philosophy and Letters, completed Bachelor of Arts Degree and earned his degree of Licentiate in Medicine at Universidad Central de Madrid. He was a poet, artist, economist, architect, journalist, novelist, sculptor, businessman, educator and a conversant in at least ten languages. He was a well travelled man, expert swordsman and pistol shooter, a versatile genius and a Filipino polymath.
Dr. Jose Rizal, with all his God given talent and ability was also the most advocate for change in the Philippines during the Spanish Colonial era. Through his literary works, he opened up the minds of the Filipino people to fight for their rights in their own country. His two most famous novels with highly nationalistic and revolutionary tendencies are the NOLI ME TANGERE, a novel exposing the arrogance and despotism of the Spanish clergy, and EL FILIBUSTERISMO which is a sequel to the NOLI, is more revolutionary and tragic than the first. These two novels provoked the animosity of those in power and led himself into trouble with the Spanish officials. He was imprisoned at Fort Santiago from July 6-15, 1892 then exiled to Dapitan until 1896.
During his exile, the rebellion by the militant secret society KATIPUNAN had become a full blown revolution and his enemies lost no time in pressing him down. They were able to enlist witnesses that linked him with these revolts and he was again locked up in Fort Santiago on November 3, 1896. He was convicted of rebellion, sedition and of forming illegal associations. In his prison cell he wrote a poem now known as MI ULTIMO ADIOS, which is considered a masterpiece and a liking document expressing not only his love for his country but also that of countrymen.
He was executed in the cold morning of December 30, 1896 at age 35 at Bagumbayan, Manila Philippines now known as Rizal Park or Luneta. A monument with his remains, now stands near the place where he fell. With his statue carries the inscription:
“I want to show to those who deprive people the right to love of country, that when we know how to sacrifice ourselves for our duties and convictions, death does not matter if one dies for those one loves -for his country and for others dear to him.”
JOSE RIZAL TRIVIA
Contribution to Science
Rizal found Mindanao to be a rich virgin field for collecting specimens. With his baroto (sailboat) and accompanied by his pupils, he explored the jungles and coasts seeking specimens of insects, birds, snakes, lizards, frogs, shells and plants. He sent these specimens to the museum of Europe mainly the Dresden Museum. In payment for these valuable specimens, the European scientists sent him scientific books and surgical instruments.
During his four years exile in Dapitan, Rizal discovered some rare specimens which were named in his honour by the
scientists. Among these were :
¨ Draco Rizali -a flying dragon
¨ Apogonia Rizali -a small beetle
¨ Rhacophorus Rizali -a rare frog
On 21 September 1892, the mail boat “Butuan” arrived in Dapitan carrying lottery Ticket No. 9736 jointly owned by Captain Carnicero, Dr Jose Rizal and Francisco Equilior. The ticket won the second prize of P20,000 in the government-owned Manila Lottery.
Rizal’s share of the winning lottery was P6,200. He gave P2,000 to his father and P200 to his friend Basa in Hongkong and the rest he invested well by purchasing agricultural lands along the coast of Talisay about one kilometer away from Dapitan.
Reference:
Zaide, Gregorio, Jose Rizal : Life works and writing of a genius, writer scientist and national hero, Quezon City: All Nations Publishing Co. Inc. c1999.
Life and Culture - Santacruzan
Santacruzan
By: Chiqui Desphy
The Santacruzan is one of the Philippines’ most beautiful processions and is still actively held during the month of May. It is said that in 326 AD, Queen Helena and her son, the Emperor Constantine, left Rome to search for the Holy Cross on which Christ was nailed. She successfully found the Holy Cross in Jerusalem and brought it back to Rome.
The Santacruzan commemorates Queen Helena’s search for the Holy Cross and is the culmination of the Flores de Mayo. It is a month- long celebration in honour of the Virgin Mary. Biblical and historical characters populate the parade, with ladies in formal gowns (‘sagalas’) escorted by handsome men in Barong Tagalog, walking under beautifully decorated arches. Each Santacruzan is sponsored by a patron (Hermano Mayor) or patroness (Hermana Mayor).
The original order of the parade is led by Methuselah, a bearded old man, riding a cart and toasting grains of sand in a pan over a fire. He is a reminder that everything reverts back to ashes and dust. Reyna Banderada follows in a long red gown carrying a triangular flag. She embodies the coming of Christianity. The Aetas represent the unconverted pagans before the coming of Christianity. Reyna Mora represents the dominant Moro muslim religion before the advent of Christianity. Reyna Fe carries a cross and is the first of three virtues. She is followed by Reyna Esperanza, carrying an anchor and by Reyna Caridad who carries a red heart. Reyna Abogada symbolises the defender of the oppressed, wearing a black graduation cap and gown and carrying a big book. Reyna Sentenciada symbolises the innocents who have been wrongly convicted. Her hands are tied and she is flanked on both sides by soldiers. Reyna Justicia carries a set of scales and a sword, personifying justice. Reyna Judith represents Judith of Bethulia, who beheaded Holoferns, the cruel Assyrian general who laid siege to her town. She carries his head in one hand and a sword in another. Reyna Sheba carries a jewelry box. She visited King Solomon and was awed by his wisdom. Reyna Esther interceded with King Xerxes to spare her countrymen from death. She carries a scepter. Samaritana represents the woman who spoke to Christ at the well, with a jug on her shoulder. Veronica wiped Jesus’ face as he carried the cross. She displays a piece of cloth showing the three faces of Jesus. Tres Marias—Mary Magdalene (with a bottle of perfume); Mary the Mother of Christ (with a white handkerchief) and Mary the mother of James (with a bottle of oil).
Marian parade: the following represents the many titles of Mary: Ave Maria— each letter is carried by a little girl in an angel costume.
Divina Pastora carries a staff. Reyna de las Estrellas carries a wand topped with a star. Rosa Mystica carries a bouquet of roses. Reyna Paz carries a symbol of peace. Reyna de las Propetas carries an hourglass. Reyna del Cielo carries a flower and is flanked by two angels. Reyna de las Virgines carries a rosary and is flanked by two angels. Reyna de las Flores carries a bouquet of flowers.
The final ‘sagalas’, Reyna Elena (Queen Helena) is escorted by her prince, Constantine and she carries a cross, signifying her role as the founder of the true Cross. Right after the Reyna Elena is a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary, riding high on a carroza (coach) lavishly adorned with flowers.
The procession is followed by devotees, family and friends of the ‘sagalas’ holding lit candles while singing ‘Dios Te Salve’, often to the accompaniment of a rondalla (band). The procession’s final destination is usually the Hermano or Hermana Mayor’s residence where refreshments are served to all procession participants.
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