SYDNEY PINOY GROUP MEETS FEDERAL MP MATT THISTLETHWAITE ANEW

By Francis (Boy) de los Santos
Sydney-Australia
September 29, 2016



The purpose of the meeting was to personally extend FACAES belated congratulatory message to MP Matt for winning the Federal seat for Kingsford-Smith via landslide victory.  FACAES vigorously campaigned for MP Matt’s candidacy within the Filipino Community in Randwick, Maroubra and other parts of Eastern Sydney suburbs area. 

This was the third meeting with the Federal MP for Kingsford-Smith with FACAES officers in a span of 12 months.  In addition, the meeting also focused on FACAES plan of organizing the 1^st ever Filipino Barrio Fiesta in the Eastern Suburbs within a year after the Friday’s meeting. A formal letter of request signed by Mrs. Precy Santos was personally handed by Francis de los Santos to MP Matt on behalf of FACAES officers and members. 

Francis explained that the first ever Filipino Barrio Fiesta planned during the last week of August 2017 will be a Filipino-style Cultural Festival showcasing the rich Filipino heritage through songs, dances, food exhibit/sale and most importantly, a special charity fund raising event through a beauty competition with the winners to be crowned as the new “Mutya ng Eastern Sydney (“Queen of Eastern Sydney) and the Miss Eastern Sydney Charity Queen.  MP Matt hinted that Heffron Park in Maroubra and another spacious park in Malabar might be the viable venues to be considered.  When MP Matt asked the approximate number of people attending, Precy replied about 1,000 plus Filipino-Australians and their families along with their guests are certainly attending this first ever Filipino Barrio Fiesta to be held in the Eastern Suburbs.

To signify FACAES intention to be included in the loop, Mr. Roque Molavin, FACAES Vice President, confirmed that FACAES officers and members would like to become a vital part of the Eastern Suburbs community in terms of involvement and participation in various projects for the growth and development of the area.  As to fund raising event, Roque  emphasized that part of proceeds will  go to various charity organizations in Australia and also to the victims of natural disasters in the Philippines. 

Before the meeting was adjourned, MP Matt promised to respond to FACAES letter and will advise if he is able to arrange a special meeting between FACAES offices and the Randwick Council officers soon.