Fil-Oz Liverpool celebrates its 20^th year of the Santa Cruzan and Flores De Mayo

By Richard J Ford (PRO for Fil-Oz Liverpool Inc.)
Liverpool, NSW-Australia
June 14, 2015



In Liverpool’s All Saints Catholic Church and hall the members of Fil-Oz Liverpool celebrated on 30^th May 2015 their 20^th Year of celebrating the Santa Cruzan and Flores De Mayo with many thanks and the reunion of many past friends all invited to celebrate the event.

The celebrations began with a celebratory thanksgiving mass with Father  James McCarthy leading and Father Nards Mercene, Filipino Chaplain, assisted by the acolytes, Rick Paras and Joey Buaya. The highlight is always the entrance of the little Angels, the Flower girls, the Escorts, the Miss Pilipinas Sharlene Gamo, Queen Esther Miss Annalisa La Grassa, the Princess of Flowers Kye Evangelista, Past Queens and Reyna Elenas, and this year’s Queen Helena, Miss Glyssa Perez, the current Miss Philippines Australia 2015 and Miss Visayan 2014-15.

After the Mass the guests retired to the church hall to continue the celebrations, with an array of delicacies and fun and entertainment which only Fil-Oz can provide on this joyous occasion. The Guest included, Philippine Consul Marford Angeles and his wife Joan, Liverpool Council Deputy Mayor, Mr Gus Balloot, who is here for the second time, and who said, ”I always enjoy being invited, because last time I came you made me feel so welcome.”

Also in attendance was the Alliance of Philippine Community Organisations Inc. (APCO), Ruben Amores and his wife Dr Cen Amores, all of whom along with Father helped to cut the 20^th Celebratory Cake made and decorated by Dian Ford, past Queen Helena.

The emcee for the night was the indomitable Fil-Oz Vice-president Internal, Recy Ago, and the entertainment was as always provided by the Fil-Oz Liverpool Dance Group, comprised of Emma Ilustre Frydmann, Recy Ago, Vice-President Internal, Lucy Ortiz, Assistant Treasurer and Zeny Evangelista. The singers were Koe, Kye and Kal Evangelista, and special presentation by Sharlene Gamo.

The highlight of the evening was the drawing of the Raffles and Consolation prizes, with the President of Fil-Oz, giving her thanks to all who supported Fil-Oz Liverpool for the 20 years it have helped it become an enjoyable and festive occasion.