Community News Updates from NSW-Australia

Charity Milestone Bash for Dr. Cen Amores

By Richard J Ford (APCO PRO)
Photos: Bob Reyes
NSW-Australia
January 22, 2015




On the 28^th of December 2015, the Kapit-bahayan Cooperative Limited’s Auburn site was transformed into a lively, cosy and a vibrant hub to celebrate the 65^th birthday party of APCO Founding President, Dr Cen Amores.

Just like her previous birthday parties, Cen specifically asked all invitees not to bring any present for her; instead, she appealed for cash donations for APCO’s charities.

The ambience, as you enter the property was very welcoming. Thanks to Albert Prias and Charles Chan for their creative flair in decorating and setting up the party venue. More than 250 guests from multicultural communities, APCO affiliates, Filipino media, close friends and supporters including the Hon Laurie Ferguson MP for Werriwa and his lovely wife, former Deputy Mayor of Parramatta, Maureen Walsh and former co- People of Australia Ambassador of the celebrant, Susai Benjamin and his lovely wife, Professor Anne Benjamin were on hand to greet Cen.

The evening was casual with no fanfare. An impromptu program was excellently organised and emceed by Charles Chan and Michelle Baltazar. While enjoying dinner, the guests were treated with superb entertainment from:  Brian Lorenz, singer-dancer extraordinaire who recently launched his 1st album and has been dubbed as the latest Pinoy Concert King; Lillian de los Reyes, undisputed Pinay diva; Linda Trinidad, coloratura soprano of APCO, Jasmin Montemayor,  upcoming child musical prodigy; the lovely and chanteous Annie Marquez and the delightful VSD Dancerz led by their very talented choreographer-dancer, Victor Valdez.

Everyone had really a good time, savouring delicious home-cooked Filipino cuisine prepared by Ruben and Cen, assisted by their APCO and Kapit-bahayan Coop’s friends. Centrepieces of the spectacular dessert were a beautifully set up 4-tier birthday cake and a spectacularly and delicately presented assorted fresh fruits, compliments of Tony and Juliet Vella.

 To add to the excitement, for the first time, Cen and her loving husband, Ruben were asked to answer very revealing questions about their personal lives. They both handled every question with dignity and fun. 

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APCO assists visiting Pinoy

By Richard J Ford (APCO PRO)
NSW-Australia
January 22, 2015

The Alliance of Philippine Community Organisations, Inc (APCO) started 2015 with charity assistance! Tatay Oscar from the Visayas was the first recipient of APCO’s charity – a cash donation of $1000 when he had to undergo an emergency operation while on a tourist visa.

A few months ago, Tatay Oscar and his wife came to visit their daughter and her family in Wollongong. It was during that time that Tatay Oscar’s life turned upside down when he was diagnosed with bowel cancer and was advised to undergo surgery immediately. The diagnosis was a shock to Tatay Oscar and his family. Being on a visitor visa, Tatay Oscar was not entitled to avail of Medicare assistance for his treatment. In fact their house in the Visayas was destroyed by super typhoon Haiyan last year. His family could not afford to pay for his soaring medical bills so a friend of Tatay Oscar’s daughter, Malyn Vasquez who is the Treasurer of Club Filipino Illawarra, appealed for APCO’s assistance. CFI and other Filipino organisations in Wollongong had earlier held a fund-raising activity for Tatay Oscar’s immediate assistance. 

As Dr Cen Amores was preparing for her 65^th birthday thanksgiving party, she suggested to the APCO Board to appeal to her guests not to give her any present but instead, asked them for cash donations for APCO charities. Dr Cen had in mind, Tatay Oscar to share part of her birthday cash presents.

APCO’s $1000 cash donation to Tatay Oscar was given during the 25^th Anniversary celebration of Club Filipino Illawarra, Inc, a founding member of APCO. Tatay Oscar and his family were overwhelmed by APCO’s gesture of love to a kababayan whom they have not event met before offering the cash assistance.

In her speech, Cen said, APCO and its affiliates have been known for having a big heart and a social conscience. And it was always a privilege to assist anybody at their time of greatest need.

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NSW Opposition leader meets with Auburn community

By Richard J Ford (APCO PRO)
NSW-Australia
Photos: Ruben Amores
January 22, 2015

On 6 January, prior to MP Barbara’s official announcement that she was standing down as member for Auburn, she accompanied NSW Opposition Leader, Luke Foley to a meeting with the Auburn community leaders.

Along with about 30 local leaders from various cultural backgrounds were Ruben and Dr Cen Amores who represented the Filipino community. It was a good chance for the leaders to personally engage with Foley and thank MP Barbara Perry for her exemplary 11 years of service as the state member for Auburn. In his speech, Foley stated, “It was Barbara who gave me the idea to succeed her in Auburn one day”. For her part, Perry expressed her unequivocal support by saying, ”I am prepared to support Luke by standing down”.

The atmosphere was cordial with opportunities for the community leaders to raise issues of concern from the residents of Auburn LGA that needed to be addressed by the state government. In closing, Luke expressed his commitment to go forward working with Perry and appealed to the community leaders that with their help he was positive that the community in Auburn will accept him.