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MESSAGE Independence Day 2016
Our Cover Story
Santacruzan – a truly Pinoy fiesta tradition
By Richard Ford
The month of May brings in a festive season for the community made colourful by the traditional Santa Cruzan Flores de Mayo held in many Pinoy Catholic communities around Australia . In Liverpool the Santacruzan has been held for more than 21 years now .
This year ’ s theme of the Santa Cruzan held at the All Saints Liverpool Catholic Church hall focused on the theme ‘ cultural diversity ’.
The new Board of Fil-Oz Liverpool with its President Cora Bojarski decided to do something different in order to grow and mature , a time to step out of our shell and embrace other cultures , as we are a truly multicultural society .
“ A Santacruzan is a religious-historical beauty pageant held in many cities , towns and even small villages throughout the Philippines during the month of May . One of the most colourful May-time festivals in the Philippines which depicts the finding of the Holy Cross by Queen Helena , mother of Constantine the Great .
“ The Santacruzan is a symbol of the strong Catholic faith of the Filipino people . As a Flores de Mayo enthusiast I hope that in the future , the Filipinos in Australia will be able to bring back the sincerity , simplicity and solemnity of Flores de Mayo . It is about thanksgiving , remembering where we came from and giving honour , respect and importance to our culture and traditions ,” said Cora Bojarski .
The little Angels , the Flower Girls , Queens and the Reyna Helena , Miss Rica Sey , the Miss Visayas 2015 and Miss Philippines Australia 2015 , radiated in their white outfits as they paraded around the church grounds
The procession through the church was solemn as the flower girls presented flowers to the Virgin Mary , with many gaving thanks for her many blessings upon them . The thanksgiving service was given by Father Nards Mercene . Participants at the Church Hall to partake of food , music and songs , and enjoy a pleasant day with family , friends and guests .
Guests at event were , the Mayor of Liverpool Ned Mannoun , Philippine Consul General Anne Jalandoon Louis , Liverpool Member of Parliament Paul Lynch , Liverpool Catholic Club Duty Manager Phil Clark , People of Australia Ambassador Dr Cen Amores , Pet Storey APCO Inc . President , who enjoyed the food , music by the Combancheros and Danny Garcia , with singing from the talents of Stephanie Bernardo , and Sharlene Gamo , and Katherine Tiatco . Dancing was provided by the Fil-Oz Children ’ s Dance Group with a special performance by Georgia Fenton and Ellelouise Hipolito .
This year ’ s event was different from the ast as it invited other beauty queens from other national communities . Special guests were e Monique Navratil , Miss Face of the Globe Finalist 2016 and Miss Hope Australia 2016 , with Samantha Mullins , Miss Tourism Australia International 2015 , 3rd Runner-up in the Beauty Pageant held in China 2015 , and Miss Australia Finalist 2016 .
The emcees for the event were the indomitable duo Jun Tekiko and Past President of Fil-Oz Cora Paras .
MESSAGE
My warmest greetings to Ang Kalatas and its readers on the occasion of the 118th Commemoration of the Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence as we celebrate with the theme Kalayaan 2016 : Pagkakaisa , Pag-aambagan at Pagsulong .
I share the sentiment of Secretary of Foreign Affairs Jose Rene D .
Almendras that " against every difficulty , we have always come together as a people , united by our selfless love for the country and strong sense of duty to our fellow Filipinos ."
I wish to recognize Ang Kalatas for its continued service to the Filipino-Australian community through the publication of your monthly journal . You play a vital role in reaching out to the Filipino-Australian community and in instilling awareness on current and important issues that affect Filipinos all over the world .
I would like to join you in recognizing the contributions of our kababayans to Australia and to the development of Philippines and the Filipino people . The stories of Filipinos in Australia represent the resilience our people overseas and the pride they give our country . I truly believe that every Filipino in Australia is an Ambassador of the Philippines in their own right .
As we also celebrate the 701h Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Philippines and Australia , allow me to congratulate all my kababayans for making Philippines-Australia relations robust through our vibrant people-to-people linkages .
I encourage you to continue supporting the Philippines and our important relations with Australia . We are your partner in the service of the Filipino people . Mabuhay !
MESSAGE Independence Day 2016
It is my pleasure to send warm greetings to readers of Ang Kalatas and Filipino communities across Sydney and New South Wales this Independence Day .
More than 90,000 people in the state have Filipino ancestry and Filipino Australians have made many cultural , sporting and economic contributions to our society .
The Philippines has become a modern and democratic force within the region since declaring independence in 1898 after defeating the Spanish at the Battle of Manila Bay .
The New South Wales Government welcomes the commitment Filipino Australians have shown toward fostering a harmonious and multicultural society .
I wish the Filipino community a peaceful and happy Independence Day .
H . E . MINDA CALAGUIAN AN CRUZ Philippine Ambassador to Australia
MIKE BAIRD MP Premier
04 JUNE 2016 | ANG KALATAS www . kalatas . com . au