Ang Kalatas Volume V June 2015 Independence Day Special Edition | Seite 16

MESSAGE ‘Touch with care’ Noli and other books A VERY old version of the Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not), the book that sparked rt anti-Spanish sentiments, apart from other important historical readings are stored at the Philippine Consulate in Sydney. A 1909 print of the Noli can actually be read in it s early Tagalog version - if one is willing to take the challenge (yes, their Tagalog a hundred years ago is very different from today’s version) and if that is even allowed. The pages are so brittle better touch it with care. The Noli is a classic. In 2007, the Noli Me Tagere in Australian English edition translated by Harold Augenbraum was released in Sydney by Penguin Books. I am pleased to convey my warm greetings and congratulations to the officers and editors of Ang Kalatas for publishing its special edition on the auspicious occasion of the 117th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence. Our country holds the distinct honor of being the first democratic Republic in Asia. Since 1898, we have on many occasions proven to be a bastion of democracy, earning the respect and esteem of the family of nations. Today, we continue to recognise the sacrifices of our forefathers by inculcating in the present generation the virtues they have espoused to attain our hard-won freedom. Let us persevere in encouraging our fellow Filipinos, especially the youth to uphold the highest ideals of peace, justice, harmony and prosperity. Our country’s achievements, through a determined leadership and our concerted efforts for inclusive growth and enhanced development of our country, is reflected in this year’s Independence Day theme: “Kalayaan 2015: Tagumpay sa Pagbabagong Nasimulan, Abot-Kamay na ng Bayan” (“Independence 2015: Triumphs through Reforms, within Nation’s Reach”). Filipinos overseas play a crucial role in moving our country forward in deepening the Philippine ties with Australia. Filipinos in Australia are ambassadors of goodwill in cementing and further strengthening the bridges of friendship between the Philippines and Australia and our two peoples. Let us continue with our individual and collective efforts to ensure the well-being of Filipinos in Australia and that democracy in our Inang Bayan remains vibrant and flourishing. Mabuhay po kayo at ang ating Bayang Pilipinas! A GROWING COMMUNITY: More than a hundred years ago, A 1901 census revealed that there were just around 700 Filipinos in Oz at that time. Now, there are more than 224,000 FilipinoAustralians according to the 2011 Census counting the citizens who traced Filipino as their ancestry. The biggest group of Pinoys live in New South Wales (50%). Currently Filipinos are the third largest Asian Australian immigrant group behind Vietnamese Australians and Chinese Australians. Females accounted for 65.5% of the Philippine community while males represented 34.5% of the Filipino Australian population. The figures do not count those on contractual working visas. 16 JUNE 2015 12 June 2015 Canberra, Australia 1 Moonah Place, Yarralumla ACT 2600 Australia • PO Box 3297, Manuka ACT 2603 Australia Phone: [phone] or 6273 2536 • Fax: [phone] E-mail: [email protected] • Website: www.philembassy.org.au www.kalatas.com.au