Ang Kalatas Volume V June 2015 Independence Day Special Edition | Page 2

Features... 20 8 About this issue The Colonel Rediscovering their roots The discipline is there: long walks, healthy diet, lifting weights, playing tennis. He’s still into snappy parades and salutes. At 73, soldiery has not really left him. And his respect for the flag has not diminished a single bit. Beauty queens Glyssa and Hannah made a trip to the Philippines recently as part of a charity visit under the auspices of the Philippine-Australian Sports and Culture Inc. They share their thoughts about the country, the people, and their experience that rekindles their Pinoy identity. 18 28 June is the month that reminds us of the Philippines, of our roots, our shared history, culture and tradition. Ang Kalatas dedicates this whole issue to the spirit of the Philippine Independence Day that Pinoys celebrate (or don’t celebrate) wherever they are. The issue adopts the theme ‘Being Pinoy’ to highlight the importance of being in touch with our identity, of being Pinoys in another country. Perhaps, ‘Being Pinoy’ is a call to remember that we all belong to a distinct community in multicultural Australia. The following pages feature some of the stories of the people who have done much in living that pride and promoting that Pinoy identity in Australia. Little stories, big stories, our Kabayans indeed have much to share. This is our toast to being Pinoy… Our Cover ‘Mano Po’ The Music A bit of an activist, a bit of a traditionalist. He’s also the romantic Pinoy who has penned over a dozen original compositions in the language that he loves – Filipino. More... 6 What’s their say... Balintawak Arnis in Sydney Arnis has a small band of disciples who meet regularly to master the techniques of this unique form of Filipino martial arts deeply rooted in the country’s history. 22 Everyone has got a story to share and say something about being Pinoy in Australia. Here are some of our picks from Kabayans who engaged our photog with a chat, an endearing ‘Kumusta’, and a big smile... 10 Pinoy posties eye major union seats Historian and author Dr Floro Quibuyen stresses on Rizal being a renaissance man and appreciates his view on history that “education never stops and that we must study the past to predict the future…” 24 Fil-Aussie workers are taking a more active part in the workers’ union at the highest levels. 14 10 Little-Known Facts About The Katipunan We know it as that shadowy group created by Andres Bonifacio to liberate the country from Spain. But aside from that, is there anything else we would want to know about the Katipunan? Understanding Rizal and our Identity The Choirmaster rocks She her friends would not let Kundiman fade away. The choirmaster has become a tireless advocate to preserve a unique Filipino genre of music from a hundred years ago, a thousand miles away from home. 26 Blacktown Street Parade Photo gallery. Pinoys came out to join the multicultural community of Blacktown City in the colourful ‘Streets Alive and Parade Day’ on May 30. culminating the annual city festival. Ang Kalatas is published every first Saturday of the month circulated in various parts of NSW. News articles, opinions, syndication and columnists do not necessarily reflect the views and opinion of the publisher and editors of Ang Kalatas and are solely theirs. All editorial and advertising materials submitted by the advertisers are subject to the paper’s advertising and editorial standards and discretion. All rights reserved. MILLIE MARCIAL-PHILLIPS Publisher/Managing Editor TITUS FILIO Copy Editor Members of the Philippine Cordillerans Association of New South Wales caught the eyes of many when they performed their native dance in Blacktown during the city’s street parade to conclude the annual Blacktown Festival. It was an endearing sight, the Pinoys from the northern region showcasing with pride an art form that is very distinct to their culture. That’s really one good way of sharing a part of oneself, a part of being Filipino. We just love them. The Cordillerans are affiliated with the Philippine Community Council of NSW currently under the leadership of Evelyn Beed – she’s the one dancing – who herself once headed the Cordilleran Association. (AK photo/MMP) Editorial: [email protected] Advertising: [email protected] PO Box 18, Quakers Hill 2763 Phone: [phone] Mobile: [phone] Printed by: New Age Printing Pty Ltd 25 Clyde Street Rydalmere 2116