APCO’s Freedom Charity Ball 2017 a voice for Harmony and Respect

By Richard J. Ford – PRO-APCO Inc.
Sydney-Australia
June 20, 2017



Sydney-June 10, 2017The Freedom Charity Ball 2017 was celebrated at the Club Marconi, Bossley Park on 10^th June 2017, to celebrate the 119^th Anniversary of the Philippine Independence.

This year’s theme is “Harmony and Respect” for a Progressive Multicultural Society, to show what APCO “believes that to live harmoniously in diversity and to respect each individuals strengths and frailties can lead to a progressive, noble and dignified multicultural society,” as quoted by Pet Storey APCO’s President in her President’s Message. The Program for the night started with the traditional Parade of Colours then the Philippine and Australian National Anthems.

All guests were served with a three-course cuisine meal. The evening was inspiring to the Special VIP’s who were treated to a show of diversity in the Filipino Culture with Song and Dance then a traditional Filipiniana and Barong Competition. The special VIP’s in attendance were, Vince Foti, President of Club Marconi; Guy Zangari, MP for Fairfield; Peter Doukis, Chairperson of ECC NSW; Dr Hugh McDermott, MP for Prospect representing NSW Oppostion Leader Luke Foley; Kevin Conolly, MP for Riverstone representing NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Marford Angeles, Consul Philippine representing Consulate General Sydney NSW. 


Dr Hugh McDermott quoted, “I love Western Sydney because everyone is part of the culture that has made Sydney such an accessible and diverse people in NSW.” Whereas Kevin Conolly MP stated, “the people in Western Sydney have a ‘passion’ and ‘commitment’ in what they do.”
All speakers spoke also of how much that the Filipino’s contributed to Australia on the whole with their rich culture and special characteristics and ideals of family. The emcees were Khris Albano and Julijana Nikolis.
Entertainment was provided by the Filipinas Dancers choreographed by Emma Braceros, Soprano Linda Trinidad, Jinky Trijo Marsh and Jacqui “Jersay” Torres the Soul Singer, and Jay Gaerlan, and Ballina Gee as the Multicultural Performer. The music was provided by Pedro Inc. (Oliver Gadista and Co.) and the Regroove Band.
The results for the winners of the Filipiniana and Barong Competition is:                                               1).  Best in Modern Barong - Jimmy Lopez (6)
2).  Best in Traditional Barong - Nap Guines (2)
3).  Best in Traditional Filipiniana -Francine Baltazar (1)
4).  Best in Modern Filipiniana – Apple Ramos (6)
5).  Best in Multicultural Outfit Male / Female - Cleo Baltazar
6).  Best Dress overall Male / Female - Serrina Rivera, Miss Mardi Gras International 2017 First  Runner up.                                                                                                                                                                                           

The judges for the competition were, Valerie Tolosa of Eponymous label, Alexis Tan, Miss Mardi Gras International Queen 2017, Vince Foti, Club Marconi President and Consul Marford Angeles.

The Beauty Queens in Attendance were: Cora Bojarski- Ms. Classic Global United International Lifetime Queen and Ms. Classic Australia Lifetime Queen, Sue Turner- Mrs. Earth Air 2017 and Mrs. Global United International Finalist 2017, Emilie Hardes- Mrs. Galaxy Australia 2017, Robbie Canner- Ms. Classic Global United International 2016 and Regal Majesty Finalist 2017, Rachel Nikolovski- Miss Teen Queen Australia 2017, Faiel Valenciano- Miss Mardi Gras Rainbow Princess 2017, Alexis Tan-Miss Mardi Gras International Queen 2017, Serrina Rivera, Miss Mardi Gras International 2017 First  Runner up, Chantelle Torres- Miss Philippines-Australia Charity Princess 2016, and Neri Soothill- Senior Global United International Finalist 2018.

The overall credit for the Program instigation can be credited to Flagcom members Albert Prias and Charles Chan and the APCO Inc. Board.

The night then lent itself over to public dancing throughout the night a good way to end a successful but entertaining night, to which also included a surprise visit by Brian Lorenz and Marcus Rivera who showed off their singing and dancing talents to the cheers of those participating on the night.