Ang Kalatas Volume IV May 2014 Issue | Page 5

THE MESSAGE. BRINGING INTO FOCUS FILIPINO PRESENCE IN AUSTRALIA www.kalatas.com.au | Volume 4 Number 8 | May 2014 COMMUNITY FLAGCOM turns 5 A milestone was celebrated off-stage in Blacktown last month by one of the most artistic and creative show management groups – the FLAGCOM which marked their fifth year as a group. Flagcom celebrated it’s 5th anniversary last month with friends. Clockwise: Rissa McInnes, Charles Chan, Albert Prias, Violi Calvert, Michelle Baltazar, Ruben Amores, Cen Amores and Lilian Delos Reyes. Photo by Brillo Amores THE behind-the-scenes crew known for their excellent handling of many successful shows in the Filipino community and the mainstream had a birthday and thanksgiving bash of barbecue, Pinoy food, and drinks with lots of fun and great stories to share. It was one Friday night five years ago when Albert, Charles, Jude and Albert Dimarucut realised that the Filipino Gays, Lesbians, Transgenders and Bisexual should have a stronger voice and representation in the community. Living up to the GLTB trademark of glamour, artistry, and creativity, the small group decided the best way to contribute to the community was to form an elite group that can deliver the best shows in town. “With all the individual talents pooled together by the guys, from dancing, singing, acting, interior design, stage managing, light and sound choreography to name a few, production companies, community organisations started lining up have FLAGCOM handle their events,” said Charles Chan. “FLAGCOM’s on time show start and quality performances have been their trade mark ever since. There’s only me and Albert running FLAGCOM now and the division of labour seemed to have worked every time we tackle a job,” Charles said. Managing director Albert Prias thanked their hard working staff and volunteers, the outstanding artists and performers who have graced their events, the ever generous and supportive sponsors, the friendly media who followed their work from day one and to the community organisations and leaders who never lost faith and confidence in FLAGCOM’s talent, dedication and commitment to their craft. There was no time to be thinking about diets and figures as guests indulged in an array of traditional mechado, menu- do and pancit and desserts like leche flan, cassava and ube macapuno cake. ‘Kain’ was the order of the day but there was indeed every reason to celebrate as FLAGCOM looks ahead to more years of great ventures in the entertainment scene. Everything delightfully palatable was there at the party but, according to Charles, respect and trust have always been the main ingredients behind FLAGCOM’s success. “That’s the secret why we are still here after five years.” 05