11 December 2013 - The Philippine Consulate General in Sydney led the Filipino community in New South Wales (NSW) in commemorating the 150th Anniversary of the Birth of Andres Bonifacio throughout the month of November 2013.
On November 09, the Consulate held a screening of the movie, “Ang Paglilitis ni Andres Bonifacio” at the St. Mary’s Seniors Citizen Centre in Penrith for the students and parents of the Filipino Language School held every Saturday and administered by the Philippine Language and Cultural Association of Australia (PLCAA). In welcoming the students and parents to the screening, Consul General Anne Jalando-on Louis spoke of the role that Andres Bonifacio played in the revolution against Spanish colonial rule. For the benefit of the students, aged seven to 12, there was a brief presentation on Andres Bonifacio and of the events that led to his trial prior to the film screening. State Member of Parliament Tanya Davies, Guest of Honor at the event, congratulated Consul General Louis and PLCAA President Danny Rosales for organizing the activity which served to make the younger generation of Filipino-Australians, particularly those born in Australia, more aware of their Filipino heritage.
On November 17, the same movie was viewed at the Consulate by the youth members of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC), in conjunction with the INC’s “Back to Our Roots” Program launched in June 2013 which aims teach and promote understanding of Philippine culture and history to the INC youth. Consul General Louis expressed hope that the movie will encourage viewers to make the effort to learn more about the Philippines. After watching the movie, some of the INC youth members said that they developed a greater appreciation of the sacrifices made by our forefathers to gain independence. Others were interested in the way the movie was made, like the use of “komedya” and “zarzuela” in telling the story of Bonifacio’s trial. INC District Minister Ranniel Serreno thanked Consul General Louis for the opportunity to work with the Consulate on an activity reinforcing Filipino values and patriotism among the Filipino-Australian youth.
On November 30, the actual birth anniversary of Bonifacio, around 60 Filipino community leaders and members of the media attended the screening of the same movie at the Consulate. After the screening, Consul General Louis moderated a discussion which highlighted the lessons that could be learned from Bonifacio’s story and the history of the Revolution.
In the lead-up to November 30, various activities were also undertaken by the Filipino community media to celebrate the sesquicentennial anniversary of Bonifacio’s birth. Radio Sandigan featured Andres Bonifacio’s life and accomplishments in all its programs throughout November. Radio Dalisay aired over radio station 99.3 FM 2NSB the Bonifacio Sesquicentennial Radio Festival Sydney (BSRFS), a four-part radio play by Filipinas-Petals Community Theatre Artistic Director Mars Cavestany in collaboration with Mr. Ramon Carpo. Adhika Radio and Radio Tamaraw likewise featured the life of Andres Bonifacio and the Katipunan movement in its broadcasts. On the web, online newspaper “The Filipino Australian” included in its site a webpage entitled “Andres Bonifacio 150: Festival in Sydney” (link at www/thefilipinoaustralian.com/andresbonifacio150festivalsydney). There are also articles about Andres Bonifacio in eManila’s Philippine Studies Section (link: www.emanila.com.philippines). END
