APSL, AGAPI applaud IAA’s tribute to mothers
By Evelyn A. Opilas
NSW-Australia
June 2, 2019
Leaders of the Australia Philippines’ Services League (APSL) and of the Association of Golden Australian Pilipinos Inc (AGAPI) applauded the Ilocano Association of Australia (IAA) for its recent tribute to mothers, Alay sa Pagmamahal kay Inay , now on its 11th year.
Alay sa Pagmamahal kay Inay honourees Edna Onato, representative of Isidora Gifford, Malyn Andres-Chun, Lily Ines, Evelyn Opilas, Carmencita Thompson
APSL head Col Chris Pilao (ret) said the occasion “highlights the important role of mothers in shaping the future of our societies.”
Association of Golden Australian Pilipinos Inc (AGAPI) ladies seated Ollie, Edna; standing Cora, Babes, Susing, Dorothy, Maria
AGAPI president Dorothy del Villar, an Alay recipient last year, encouraged participation in the IAA event “to support mothers like us who have motivated our sons and our daughters to be the best they could ever be.”
Australia Philippines Services League (APSL) representatives Fred, Nida, Bong, Yvonne, John Paul
The IAA has recognised over 100 women since the project began, paying tribute to mothers and grandmothers aged 70 years and above.
Filipino community movers and shakers, seated Malyn Andres-Chun, Fiel Santos, Councillor Linda Geronimo Santos, Serna Ladia, Consul General Maria TeresaTaguiang, Councillor Carol Israel; standing: Evelyn Opilas, Elsa Collado, Judith del Prado, Espie Pogson, Jojo Laquian, Evelyn Zaragoza, Marissa Bala
This year’s recipients at the Blacktown Workers Club 25 May were Malyn Andres-Chun, Isidora Gifford, Lily Ines, Edna Onato, Evelyn Opilas, and Carmencita Thompson.
Left photo: Elsa Collado organised the IAA tribute to mothers., Right photo: Joy Laquian entertained guests with a song .
Filipino community movers and shakers including Consul General Maria Teresa Taguiang, Councillor Linda Geronimo Santos, Councillor Carol Israel, Marissa Bala, Millie Banan, Angeles Belleza, Elsa Collado, Lourdes Kaiser, Serna Ladia, Jojo Laquian, Lilia McKinnon, Leo Onato, Espie Pogson, Judith del Prado, Fiel Santos, Evelyn Zaragoza, attended the event, with Rod Dingle as master of ceremonies. – ends (Text and photos by Evelyn A. Opilas)