Inside...
Pagkakaisa,
Pag-aambagan, Pagsulong
About this issue
The June month always beckons
us to remember, to recall something
within us that define our existence as a
distinct community in Australia. From
our viewpoint here from Down Under, an
archipelago ‘Up There’ is a country we will
never forget. Yes, we still belong to the
Philippines while living in Australia. This
month’s issue is dedicated to the spirit of
the Philippine Independence, an occasion
that we value because of what it stands
for: nationhood, freedom, sovereignty,
democracy.
Big words? Okay, let’s make it simpler.
We love the Philippines because it also
stands for: adobo, pancit, sinigang,
lechon, barrio, lolo, lola, karaoke, kambing,
kalabaw, atbp. There are indeed some
things that uniquely bind a people. There
are indeed some things that stay with a
people – it doesn’t leave us. We’re stuck
with this duality of experience and being.
But this is what makes us rich, we are a
people of two cultures. One day, we are
being Australian but on most days we are
being Pinoy.
Editor
Our Cover Wrap
08
Boxes of books with love …
From Melbourne
to Manila
Scro
Scrolling
o
through his Facebook newsfeed,
Jason
Jaso
o Cordi spotted something interesting.
AW
WorldRemit video about a free library in
Manila
Man
n touched a soft spot on the Melbournebased
bas
s librarian who gathered boxes and
boxes
box
x of books that he personally delivered to
his home
h
country.
Merlinda Bobis
Writing beyond
borders
09
The ugly side of geopolitics,
the war on terror, climate
change – all these can terrify
her. But maybe not writing.
Merlinda Bobis soars with her
latest work ‘Locust Girl’ which
won the Christina Stead Prize
for Fiction at the 2016 NSW
Premiers Literary Awards last
month.
Pinoy Flavours
‘Lechonero’
14
23
8 Fun facts: Bb Pilipinas
Supranational 2016
Joanna Eden
She grew up in Australia. Filipino-Australians
who know her were too happy to see pretty
Joanna Eden bag the Miss Supranational 2016
title at the recent Binibining Pilipinas title.
Delivering that great treat for the palate
One day, sales executive Will Mahusay who
worked in a Forbes 500 company, ditched his
suit and tie for an apron and kitchen gloves.
He started roasting pigs just the way mum
and dad did it. Their Cebu Lechon specialty
has become a favourite in not a few Fil-Aussie
parties and family gatherings around Sydney.
Rediscovering our roots...
18
‘Sabongan’, ‘tindahan’,
and other adventures
in the Philippines
‘Kami ay Pilipino.’ Even in Down Under,
Pinoys take time to express their political
views. The Philippine flag is carried in
Sydney by supporters of President-elect
Rodrigo Duterte. This photo was taken
during a gathering of the supporters
in an all-day picnic at the park held by
the Duterte supporters in Australia. [AK
PHOTO]
SANTACRUZAN ON COVER
Angels, Flower Girls and the Queens and Reyna
Helena. 1st R - Ellie Bojarski, Sienna Leal, Chantelle
Freigneut. 2nd R - Anika Serrao, Angelica Tesoriero,
Eliana Hipolito, Rachelle Gamo, 3rd R - Georgia
Fenton (Queen Of Charity), Isabella Tesoriero-Paras
(Miss Pilipinas) , Katherine Tiatco. 4th R - Rica Sey,
(Queen Helena) , Maryrose Salubre (Queen of Flowers),
Elylouise Hipolito (Queen of the Rosary), Stephanie
Francisco (Queen of Faith), Sharlene Gamo (Queen of
Hope) and Terry Spencer(Queen Esther). [AK PHOTO]
02
JUNE 2016
|
ANG KALATAS
"Never have I experienced a thrill that
could compare to walking the streets of the
Philippines on a busy day. The fact that it was
busy at almost any time of the day surprised
me even more. "
AP
Patriot for the
Language
La
2
28
He comes from a
distinguished line of patriots,
of freedom fighters who
fought against colonisers
and foreign invaders. His
birthplace is historic Bataan,
coastline of the Katagalogan
region, where one of the
most important battles in
Philippine history was fought.
Pinoy hits
s
the bull's eye
He hit it right on target
to earn the honour
nour of
wearing the green
reen and
gold. Ian Asedera
dera wore
the Aussie jersey
sey at the
2016 Oceania Archery
Arch
Games and won
on for
fo
Australia three
e gold
ne silver.
medals and one
www.kalatas.com.au