02 July 2014 – Philippine Ambassador to Australia Belen F. Anota graced the Philippine Independence Day Celebration Ball organized by the Filipino Community Council of the ACT, Inc. (FCCACT) to commemorate the 116th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence on June 14 at the Southern Cross Club, Phillip.
The FCCACT is the umbrella organization comprising nine (9) Filipino groups in Canberra and presently headed by Ms. Cecille Flores.
Ambassador Anota congratulated FCCACT and its members for successfully organizing this year’s Independence Day Ball. She expressed appreciation to Ms. Perlita Swinbank, FCCACT’s Immediate and Past President, for encouraging harmonious relationship and camaraderie among Filipino groups in the ACT.
The Ambassador also acknowledged the presence of the Hon. Joy Burch MLA, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Hon. Alistair Coe MLA, Deputy Leader of the Opposition, and Dr. Peter Hendy MP, Member for Eden-Monaro, New South Wales. She thanked them for having always supported the Filipino community events and activities in Canberra. She underscored the steadfast and strong people-to-people links between the Philippines and Australia.
The Ambassador encouraged everyone to continue living the ideals of the Filipino heroes, who bravely fought for the country’s freedom.
Another milestone she noted is the celebration of the 150th Birth Anniversary of Apolinario Mabini, highlighting his role as the first Secretary of Foreign Affairs and the Brains of the Revolution. She acknowledged the photography entry of Mr. Allan Manalac entitled “Kapatiran” that visually portrays one of Mabini’s true decalogues.
The Ambassador took the opportunity to encourage all those who are eligible to register as overseas voters for the 2016 presidential elections to register until 15 October 2015. She also announced the visit of Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle to Sydney from August 1 to 3 and urged everyone to participate in the Archbishop’s various public activities.
The Ball featured “Kamindanawan,” a cultural dance suite, which was jointly performed by the different FCCACT Filipino community members, and the announcement of Winners for Best in Evening Gown and Best in National Costume.
Minister and Consul General Nina Cainglet, Second Secretary and Consul Grace Anne Bulos and husband Protocol Officer Joel Bulos, Labour Attache Mr. Rodolfo Sabulao and wife and other Embassy personnel also attended the event. END