Officials from the Federal, State and Local Australian Government attended the Philippine National Day Ball which was held on Saturday June 12 at the Rosehill Gardens Event Centre. It was in celebration of the 112th Philippine Independence Day.
The list of dignitaries in attendance included MP David Bradbury – guest speaker and official representative of then Prime Minister Kevin Rudd; MP Barbara Perry – guest speaker and official representative of NSW Premier Christina Keneally; MP Laurie Ferguson – guest speaker; Philippine Labour Attaché Melinda Rada; CRC Commissioner Stepan Kerskyasharian; Blacktown City Mayor Charlie Lowles; Councillors from Penrith and Blacktown City Councils; and a few Sydney entrepreneurs.
Also present was Philippine Consul Anthony Reyes who delivered a message, and accepted a toast offered by MP David Bradbury. The entire staff of the Philippine Consulate attended showing an all out support to PCC NSW.
The ballroom was graced with elegance as guests arrived in attractive Barong Tagalog and Filipiniana dresses. They were ushered in by the FFPCA Youth, who also wore Barong and Filipiniana Mestiza gowns that had the colours of the Philippine flag. The traditional attires and venue setting with the ‘Rondalla’ of Maharlika Inc. at the entrance created an ambience reminiscent of the era of Philippine national heroes.
Lillian de los Reyes sang ‘Bayan Ko’ followed by a welcome address delivered by PCC NSW president Elsa Collado.
“Let us foster the spirit of cooperation and collaboration by inspiring each other, building on our strengths, and resolving our differences,” Ms. Collado said, in conjunction with the theme of the event, “Ugnayan Tungo sa Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran” – Collaboration Towards Peace and Progress.
Highlighting the occasion was the stately ‘Rigodon de Honor,’ a dance number participated in by the PCC NSW Board, past presidents and presidents of various affiliates. Internationally-acclaimed stage actor and singer RJ Rosales of Miss Saigon fame contributed two songs while dance awardee Alyssa Esguerra did a ballet number. – ?