I envy my friends in the New York City area. They enjoy two things which are not available to us here in Sydney; at least, not presently.
Firstly, they have an array of musical shows on offer all year round in Broadway. One could even get to see top quality performances at bargain prices with discounted tickets available through TKTS booths, “Rush” and “Standing Room” deals.
Secondly and more importantly, every year they hold an impressive and huge Independence Day Parade which is attended by a large number of Filipino-American organisations. It is the one day in the calendar on which they shut down Madison Avenue and the adjacent roads in New York’s central business district.
Flag Raising Ceremonies
While there are practical reasons for holding various flag raising ceremonies in regional areas of Australia, I believe that Filipino-Australians based in the major cities such as Sydney and the environs, should get together as one to celebrate the Philippines’ freedom and peace.
The flag raising ceremony could be held just before lunch to allow time for attendees to travel from the eastern, western, northern and southern suburbs. Afterwards, everyone could share a picnic lunch while watching a program showcasing our culture through folk dances and songs. I realise that there are logistics involved to hold such an event; but if our kababayans in the Big Apple are able to do it, so we can too. However, we’d need to have a united approach to show strength as one.
I heard of at least four flag raising ceremonies in Sydney metropolitan area. My 92-year old mother and I attended the one held last Saturday (June 11) at the Parramatta Town Hall forecourt. This event was arranged through the collaboration of the Philippine Consulate, the Philippine Community Council (PCC-NSW), Banag-Banag and the Parramatta City Council.
The Philippine Consul General – Sydney, Hon Anne Jalando-on Louis and the Lord Mayor of Parramatta, Cr John Chedid each spoke briefly paying tribute to the bravery of those who fought for our freedom and those who in recent times have engaged in a different struggle for economic freedom and in so doing have also contributed to the society where they settled.
After raising the Australian and the Philippine flags, a program of entertainment was held inside the town hall. It was great to see performances which highlighted Filipino culture and heritage; in particular the choral presentation by Bethlehem Communities Australia Singers, dance numbers by the Visayan Association of Australia and the Balintawak arnis demonstration by Mitchell Badelles (President Elect 2013 of Banag-Banag Inc), Oscar Mistula and Miyako Miwa. I thought the ‘modern’ song and dance number were good but personally I did not think they fit with the rest of the program which rightfully should be reflecting Philippine traditions and culture.
As in most Filipino events and gatherings, a sharing of refreshments was the finale number of the event. Filipino delicacies, presented in tiny baskets and boxes, were enjoyed by all. Just to give a perspective of how “tiny” they were, a basket or box contained about four spoons of pancit palabok/pancit bihon (noodles), fried rice. There were also small turon (wrapped banana fritters); slices of cassava cake, mini skewer of chicken pieces, empanadas (pasties). I also noted a touch of ‘Australiana’ with barbecued small sausages and pork pieces also served.
My mother and I enjoyed catching up with Edd Aragon and Menchie Menezes, fellow Filipino Press Sydney group members.
Independence / Freedom Ball Events
I also personally knew of two independence/freedom gala dinner/dance events conducted by Filipino-Australian ‘umbrella’ groups; there could be more I am not aware of.
I am not taking sides on the split into two peak associations. I have attended a few of the Independence Day Ball events organised by PCC but have not been to one by the Alliance of Philippine Community Organisations (APCO). For this reason and seeing that fellow Sandigan Radio broadcasters have emcee and program production roles in APCO’s Freedom Ball, I braved the rain to drive across to Bankstown from Turramurra, to attend this event which I learned later was only APCO’s second.
If I was to describe APCO’s Freedom Ball in two words, I would say it was colourful and joyful. It was good to see that most people were dressed in either traditional or modern Filipiniana attire. The APCO officials looked splendid – Cen Amores (APCO president) and the ladies in their yellow gowns, with the gentlemen in barongs (traditional shirts) with the exception of Jun Salazar (APCO vice-president) who wore colourful sultan (chieftain) attire.
In her welcome speech, Cen Amores acknowledged the ‘guests of honour’ being the “Hon Geoff Lee, Member of the NSW Legislative Assembly and Member for Parramatta, representing the Premier of NSW, Barry O’Farrell; the Hon Laurie Ferguson, MP for Werriwa and acknowledged as a very close friend and supporter of the Filipino community in Australia; his lovely wife and former Deputy Mayor of the City of Parramatta, Maureen Walsh; Councillor Jess Diaz, the first Filipino and first Asian elected as Councillor of the City of Blacktown.”
Cen Amores also thanked everyone for attending and participating in the event. She commented: “…We have raised the bar in organising Independence Day celebrations. Together, nothing is impossible. We have shown what is best in the Filipino and how working effectively in a team can work wonders. Let us keep up the good work of showcasing the better image of the Filipino-Australian community. The Freedom Ball is socialising with a conscience…”
The program of entertainment was kept moving by Charles Chan and Michelle Baltazar who shared the emcee duties, and by Albert Prias looking after the arrangements in the backroom. The crowd present in the Grand Ball Room of Bankstown Sports Club was not mere spectators. They were engaged in the various dance and song numbers, and others participated in the attire contest.
Overall, I thought the various numbers were good. Noteworthy were the songs by BCA Chorale Group and the dances by the Mindanao group, in particular the singkil performance which highlighted the skills of Brian Lorenz Babon, Albert Dimarucut and the group. Brian’s rendition of “Ikaw” (You) and “Save the Last Dance for Me” also showed his singing prowess. I enjoyed both songs but preferred that only ‘traditional’ or songs in native language/dialects were performed in the main part of the program.
The judging and selection of best traditional and modern attire for both the women and the men also went well. The judges comprised of: award-winning chef, food and and dance writer, dance performer and community leader Neria Soliman, lawyer and Blacktown City Councillor Jess Diaz, hair and make up artist Bhajune Malonzo and artist Daisy Ann Cumming.
The latter part of the evening was ‘public dance’ part with The M7 Band providing the music. Personally, I would have preferred that all the other English cover songs should have been performed at the start of this part of the evening..
Call for Unification
I truly enjoyed the evening and felt proud to be a Filipino. However, I had this feeling of sadness over the thought that today’s event was the one time that Filipino-Australians could have celebrated it as a united community group.
I am sure that there were others who felt this way. During the evening, a separate conversation with two community leaders veered towards the need for unification. Thinking over the points made, I tend to agree that maybe the Consul General’s office could have played a “unifying role” by holding the event under its auspices.
The event could have been arranged by the Consul General’s office, with the two organisations invited to do equal number of parts in the event’s programme. And to avoid issues with “billing” or the order of appearance, they could even draw ‘lots’ for all the numbers.
The questions of why the Consul General was not in attendance or why she was not at least represented by someone if there was a reason why she could not have attended, were also raised.
These thoughts stayed with me all through the next day. I sent Cen Amores an email to advice that I was doing a blog about the event and would like to include her comments to these questions:
VC: Were you invited to the PCC Independence Ball?
CA: I was not invited to the PCC’s Independence Day Ball.VC: Granting you were, would you have accepted/attended the event?
CA: If I were invited, I would not have attended because I would be very busy preparing for APCO’s Freedom Ball Gala Dinner and Dance.VC: Did you invite officers of PCC to the Freedom Ball. If yes, did anyone attend? If they were invited and not attend, did they give a reason for attending? If they were not invited, why not?
CA: I did not invite PCC officers because they also had their own Independence Day celebration, 2 days ahead of usVC: Do you think it doable to have a joint celebration for next year?
CA: I can not predict decisions to be made next year. I shall have finished my term as president of APCO by then. I shall leave it to whoever will succeed me to make a decision, in consultation with APCO officers and members by then. Since I assumed the presidency of this new state body, important decisions have always been made in a democratic and transparent manner. Everyone’s ideas and feelings are taken into account and respected. Among the hallmarks of APCO is its commitment to the principles and values of democracy, justice, fairness, transparency, mutual respect and social inclusion. Please refer to our Freedom Ball souvenir program magazine to get to know more about APCO, what we stand for and what we have achieved in a year of operation.
I thought it would also be a good idea to obtain the Consul General’s comments on the suggestion of ‘unification’. I rang up her office a few days ago and indicated I would like to speak with her, either in person or by phone, to have a few minutes with her to get comments for a blog I am writing. I was told that she was very busy as there is a delegation of Philippine government officials arriving to attend an event being held in Canberra. I left my mobile number with the request that I be rung back to advise me when I could contact or see her.
Unfortunately, as to this writing I have not heard from her office. When I do, I would let you know through another blog.
I am keeping fingers crossed that arrangements will be made for one Independence Day gala dinner for next year. We can have a practice to do this successfully. Maybe we can start with a ‘united’ Christmas celebration.
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Violi Calvert is a freelance writer. She is also Media & PR Officer of the Australian Handball Federation and of the Nenad Bach Music (Australia & Asia).
Other post/s by Violi Calvert
- A Call Centre Encounter of a Different Kind - April 20th, 2012
- 'Kapihan' Froths Over - March 1st, 2012
- Many Hands Make Work Light - February 27th, 2012
- A Dose of Enlightenment and Bewilderment - February 16th, 2012
- Charity CD 'One' for Washi Victims - February 9th, 2012
About Violi Calvert
May I inject my own opinion reminding people that this is done with respect and in no way a personal attack to any one/group in particular?
Call me a dreamer but unity can be achieved. Hey, we may be geographically separated but aren’t we supposed to be singing the same song – “Lupang Hinirang”? Yes, we do have different beliefs, strategies and/or values yet in our veins, we are Filipino brothers in blood and fighting for one country. If that’s what REALLY matters in our hearts then yes, unity can be a reality. What and who makes it real is you and me. On the other hand, as you said, Filipinos will NEVER be united because it will be their choice.
Before anyone has organized any flag raising or ball this year, I have decided to not to attend (if there’s more than one) in protest to the pride-raising ceremony or various independence “kanya-kanya” balls. See, it’s different if you’re promoting the group and its cause but if you are doing it to beat another party by inviting more/better names/guests then I think the group has a misplaced mission at heart.
Proud Filipinos should advocate what our ancestors have taught us and one of them is “bayanihan” (unity). Proud Filipinos should show how generous, friendly, accommodating and supportive we are of our community not attacking each other with pride and jealousy. I don’t care who the peak body is so much as I don’t care who my boss is at work or my preacher is for next week’s service. As long as the man entrusted shows true leadership, passionate about the people and lifting lives then he/she has got my vote! I want to see actions rather than elections.
Yes, Filipinos are fragmented to wants and needs – at the end of the day, we are still individuals. But, common goal is a CHOICE! We should all ask ourselves, what are we REALLY trying to achieve? Can you be humble enough to set aside personal interests to pave way for the interests of the people? After all, who is this really all about? And if current leaders have a different answer than the “common good for the people” then I encourage that person to resign, as it is not their place to lead. True leaders show compassion, humility and sacrifices. Anything aimed for personal interest belongs in the backroom.
It is not bad to look after our own affair, that’s how we survive but if it’s to the detriment of the goal then what’s the goal for in the first place? Who’s kidding who? We talk about unity but we defy its formation… its possibility – so where do we go from here?
Thank you Bless for sharing your personal views which reflected my sentiments. In fact, my first draft was titled “I Too Have a Dream” as I am reminded of the great odds which were taken on by the late Martin Luther King Jr as he shouted from the mountain top his dream.
It is not a matter of taking side but in my opinion, we ought to put our differences aside for the time to celebrate as one people our motherland’s independence/ freedom.
At about 4.15 p.m. on Thursday, 23rd June, the office of the Consul General rang me on my mobile and Consul General Anne Jalando-on Louis spoke with me. . I was out all day of Friday and the weekend was as usual, crazy. I finally got to read my notes and emailed her office on the wee hours of Sunday, the draft to check I captured everything she said. At 3.27 p.m. today [Monday, 27th] I received the document back. Rather than write another blog, I wish to share her comments on this page:
“I was unaware that you were trying to contact me. We were busy last week with the visit of a Philippine delegation to a ministerial meeting in Canberra. Somehow the message did not get to me and I only knew you were waiting for a return call when I read your blog.
I am for a unified Filipino community in New South Wales. First of all, when we project ourselves as fragmented, it weakens our position; and especially when we make representations, our community needs to be seen as one. When others don’t see us harmoniously together, they will not give their full support to us. If we are fragmented, we do not utilise our resources efficiently. We will also not achieve a big impact on what we are trying to do for the community.
I believe that on this occasion of the anniversary of the Philippine Independence, we should resolve to settle the differences between individuals and between groups, and celebrate under one banner. I believe that we can rise above these differences and work together as a group. I hope to work with various leaders and members of the Filipino community to achieve this.”
I asked the Consul General whether we could try to achieve this for the Christmas celebration. Her reply was: “we will see, with everyone’s support and cooperation nothing is impossible”.
To dream is to exercise freedom and what better way to do this than focusing on the positive. Good to know the consulate has responded but how will we get full participation with a partial commitment; reflected by the “we will see” comment? Either my expectation is too much or the Congen’s expectation of the community and his office is too low.
Thank you Violi for this very informative and eye opening blog. Our family lived in Sydney for 17 years before migrating to Michigan, USA. A group of friends started an organization called Samahang Kawayan Inc with membership coming from different cities in and around Sydney. At the time we left, there were about 350 family members. It was the first organization that organized a Filipino School in Sydney and had basketball competitions each week held at the St Clair Community Center. Unfortunately, we are not sure whether the organization is still active in the community.
During our times, there were already 2 organizations vying for the title of “umbrella organization”. I can’t believe that up to now, there are still organizations claiming for that title. Being active in our Fil-Oz community at that time, we knew the reasons why, but it is pointless to discuss those reasons in here now.
I also echo Bless’ feelings. It is so disheartening that some of the Filipinos have still not changed. Pataasan pa rin ng ihi at patangusan pa rin ng ilong. We surely do not walk our talk.
I did say SOME because in MI, we are lucky to have only ONE Umbrella organization and have all other 65 Fil-Am organizations pay their minimal annual dues as members. Yes, at one point in time, there were also some
“conflicts” on who should be considered as the umbrella organization, BUT,
that has been resolved. This just proves that things can be resolved by having a meeting of the minds among those organizations.
All the 65 or so organizations come together each year in June to celebrate our Independence Day at Halmich Park. It is attended by thousand members of the different organizations who are assigned a table and they bring in their “potluck” of food that can be shared by anyone. One can hop from one table to the other and share whatever is on the table. We have a short entertainment, lots of dancing, 50-50 drawings and around 9-10 lechons to share. Each year, we look forward to this event. This is the biggest event where we see the faces of the members of other organizations whom we may not have seen otherwise. It is a time for bonding and saying hi’s and hello’s to people we have not met or have not seen for a long time.
It is not difficult to attain unity. It is just a matter of the members of those organizations to say that “enough is enough” and that they want to have one big Independence Day Celebration attended by all organizations, under one roof.
Personally, I am so sad that after having left Australia for 16 years, the rivalry between/amongst some Fil-Oz organizations have not changed. I hope and pray that things will change for the better. Despite our being in the US for so many years….. our family still considers and calls Australia… HOME.
More power to you and your enlightening blogs and may our God’s Blessing be with you and all our kababayans in Sydney, Australia. In unity… there is power!
Thanks so much for your comments Bless and Flor. Bless, I guess that the Consulate is being cautious. Hopefully its leadership would achieve what is good for the Filipino-Australian community.
Flor, I remember you and Alex being so active with SKI before you left for Michigan. Not surprising both of you took your energy and great love to serve the Filipinos in your new community. I envy and your group there for having one organisation and having one celebration for the Philippine Independence Day. I also know that you have a Filipino community centre there and you have projects for our less fortunate kababayans back in the Philippines. Congratulations. Mabuhay kayo. I am also hoping that things will change for the better for us here in New South Wales and other states.