Philippine National Day Ball Held in Sydney to Celebrate 119th Anniversary of Phl Independence
New South Wales (NSW) Government officials and members of the Philippine Community Council of NSW and the Filipino and Australian communities at the Ball.
28 June 2017 SYDNEY — The Philippine National Day Ball organized by the Philippine Community Council of New South Wales (PCC-NSW), the Filipino community umbrella organization in New South Wales, in coordination with the Philippine Consulate General in Sydney, was held at the Grand Pavilion, Rosehill Gardens Event Centre, Rosehill NSW on June 10 in celebration of the 119th Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence.
The Guests of Honor were Ambassador Minda Calaguian-Cruz, and Honorable Tanya Davies, New South Wales Minister for Mental Health, Women and Ageing. Also present were former Ambassador Luis T. Cruz, State Member of Parliament Prue Car (representing Opposition Leader Luke Foley), Campbelltown City Councilor Rey Manoto and Blacktown City Councilors Linda Santos and Susai Benjamin. Post’s officers and staff, and 400 Australian guests and members of the Filipino community attended the event.
Ambassador Cruz paid tribute to the Filipino revolutionaries who gave up their lives, so that present-day Filipinos can enjoy democracy, freedom and liberty. Focusing on this year’s Independence Day theme, “Pagbabagong Sama-samang Balikatin,” Ambassador Cruz also encouraged the Filipino community to continue to work with the Philippine government for the benefit of Filipinos back home. She mentioned how she was inspired and encouraged by the various projects of the Filipino community in Australia focusing on education, health and assistance to the elderly, as well as programs that promote understanding by the youth of their Filipino roots.
Minister Davies conveyed the congratulations of Premier Gladys Berejiklian to all Filipinos on the occasion of Philippine Independence. She also encouraged everyone to continue to develop their skills and talents and live their lives worthy of the sacrifice of our forebears.
The PCC-NSW Board and affiliates performed several Filipino dances. Young talents in the community including, Ms. Tiara Nyuzo and Mr. Andreo Cruz Dimaano, rendered songs. Mr. Rod Dingle and Mr. David Michael White were the Emcees of the program for the Ball. END
Philippine Ambassador to Australia Minda Calaguian-Cruz and Hon. Tanya Davies, Minister for Mental Health, Women and Ageing, representing the Premier of New South Wales during the ceremonial toast at the Philippine National Day Ball.
Ambassador Cruz with Minister Davies and Philippine Consul General Anne Jalando-on Louis.
(L-R) Consul General Louis, Ambassador Cruz, Blacktown City Councillor Linda Santos (standing), Minister Davies, PCC-NSW President Serna Ladia, Dr. Gerard Joseph Louis, and Consul Melanie Diano.