Inauguration of the Phil-Aus Arts, Culture & Innovation Central

Filo-Aussie Arts, Culture and Innovation Hub Opens in Sydney
July 18, Monday - Sydney-based community
associations, NARRA Co-op Ltd and Plaza
Filipino Inc, makes history next month by
launching the first ever community hub in
Campbelltown City dedicated to promoting and
showcasing Filipino art, culture and innovation.
The Philippine-Australian Arts, Culture
and Innovation Central - or “ACI Central” for
short - will be opened to the general public as
a performance space, art gallery and networking
hub.
It will aim to highlight the unique heritage
of Filipinos as demonstrated by their art, music,
literature and cultural traditions.
“ACI Central is a dream come true for all
NARRA Co-op and Plaza Filipino officers,
members and supporters who have worked hard
to raise the necessary funds,” said Dr Jimmy
Lopez, NARRA president and founding president
of Plaza Filipino.
Lopez said that ACI Central will provide a
Narra Officers and Committee Chairs 2016: (Seated) Jimmy Lopez -President;
Josephine Tada - Secretary; Daisy Ann Cumming - Vice President; and, Rose
Lay - Director. (Standing) Violy Escultura - Asst Secretary; Marcus Rivera -
Director; Precy Buchlack - Director; Emily Rudd - Comittee Chair; Michelle
Baltazar - Committee Chair; and, George Torres - Committee Chair
platform for up-and-coming and established Filipino-Australian artists, musicians and writers looking for a space to showcase
their work.
“We will continue to do fundraising events so that our local artists and performers can use our performance space/art gallery
at a heavily subsidised cost or for free. Ultimately, we hope to get government grants and sponsorships so we can help our local
talents grow and hone their craft at ACI Central,” he added.
In keeping with the times, ACI Central is also an “innovation” hub, providing a space for Filipino-Australian technology startups
and small business entrepreneurs to meet and network.
“Besides music and arts, we believe another way to build a bridge between the present generation and future generation
of Filipino-Australians is through technology and business innovations - it’s another way ACI Central can be of service to the
community,” said Michelle Baltazar, president of Plaza Filipino.
The property is on the ground floor of a mixed residential and commercial building on 3-9 Warby Street in Campbelltown.
The performance space/art gallery accommodates up to 70 guests at any one time and there are two workspaces available for lease
once it is fully operational.
Founded in 2013, the National Affiliation of Respectable and Responsible Associations (NARRA) Co-operative Ltd was
formed to appeal to Filipino-Australians who wanted to raise funds to build a community centre under a co-op structure. Through
its successful fundraising events such as the Ambassador of the Year and the annual Tribute to Mothers and Fathers, as well as its
membership drive, NARRA raised more than $104,000.
Meanwhile, community association Plaza Filipino, which was founded 10 years earlier (2003), also had funds of approximately
$30,000 and shared the common goal of building a community centre.
Early this year, both associations discussed ways to realise their mutual objective and, after exploring several other options,
decided to purchase the ACI Central property for $207,900 plus costs, with Plaza Filipino as the naming rights donor of $30,000.
“By purchasing a modestly sized property and joining forces with Plaza Filipino, we were able to save our members tens of
thousands of dollars in interest costs,” said Lopez.
To date, Lopez said that they only need to fundraise at least $100,000 within the next 12 months and the property will be fully-paid.
“We’ve already had pledges from new members of at least $10,000, which means we’re that much closer to reaching our
target,” he said.
Daisy Ann Gonzalez Cumming and Manny Roux, both past presidents of Plaza Filipino, were among the group of association
members who inspected the new ‘ACI Central’ premises early in July. They suggested a fundraising and membership drive at the
August 6 opening for the outstanding payment of the property.
“This is a legacy we can all be proud of. A platform for our present and new crop of talented artists, musicians, writers and
innovators to shine,” said Cumming.
Besides Lopez, Roux and Cumming, past presidents of Plaza Filipino who have been part of the fundraising campaign since
2003 were Violeta Miguel, Rey Morcilla, Rise Roux and Elizabeth Escandor. The major fundraisers during the period were Leah
Hansen and Bernadette Oalin, Mrs Philippines Australia 2005 and 2006 respectively. The art paintings of Dennis Gonzalez Monte
raised a lot of funds in 2012.
At NARRA, among the major individual fundraisers in the past three years include Brenda De La Sala, Ester Arador,
Carmenchu Gresham, Rey Morcilla and Dr. Raul Amor.

MESSAGE
I would like to express my congratulations to the Plaza Filipino and NARRA Co-operative for
the establishment of their Inaugural ‘NARRA-Plaza Filipino Centre for Culture and the Arts’.
This is a significant occasion as the Filipino community establishes a centre for the community
to come together and carry out various activities supporting arts and entertainment. It is
a celebration of the Filipino culture and heritage which is so vital not only to the Filipino
community, but for the social cohesion of the broader Australian society.
Australia’s multicultural landscape allows us to celebrate our diversity which is essential in
uniting us all to live in harmony and continue to enjoy our cultural heritage and background.
I am very pleased to also write a message for the annual Tribute to Fathers and Mothers.
This occasion portrays the love and appreciation of families within the Filipino-Australian
community, and is a thanks for the tireless work of parents to unconditionally provide for,
and care for their children. This annual event also provides the opportunity to showcase the
traditional Filipino culture by way of song and dance.
I congratulate the Filipino community for not only establishing their new cultural and arts
centre, but also for their acknowledgement of the role that families play in our society.
I wish to extend my congratulations to NARRA President Jimmy Lopez,
Plaza Filipino President Michelle Baltazar and other Board Members for
their hard work, dedication and commitment in providing for the Filipino
Australian community.
Yours Faithfully,
CHRIS HAYES MP
Federal Member for Fowler
Chief Opposition Whip
MESSAGE
I am honoured to write this message in celebration of the inauguration of the NARRA-Plaza
Filipino Centre for Culture and the Arts.
The Macarthur region is blessed with one of the most diverse, multicultural communities in all
of Australia, and the local Filipino community are an important contributor to the wonderful
diversity that makes Campbelltown such a great place to live and raise a family.
The NARRA-Plaza Filipino Centre for Culture and the Arts will be a great
hub for Filipino culture in our region, and I look forward to continuing
to work with the local Filipino community to strengthen the Centre into
the future.
I would like to thank the Plaza Filipino Inc. and NARRA Co-Operative
Ltd for all their efforts in organising and establishing the Centre, and for
their ongoing contributions to our local community.
Greg Warren MP
Member for Campbelltown

MESSAGE
My warmest greetings to the Plaza Filipino Inc. and NARRA Co-operative Ltd. as you celebrate
the inauguration of NARRA-Plaza Filipino Centre for Culture and the Arts on 06 August 2016.
I congratulate you for successfully putting up the Filipino Centre for Culture and the Arts
which will provide a venue for a wide range of activities for organizations in New South Wales.
I believe this will encourage more forms of cooperation and collaboration among Filipinos and
Australians which strengthen the historic friendship between the Philippines and Australia and
build mutual understanding. It certainly adds to the vibrancy of multiculturalism in Australia.
As we mark the 70 th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the
Philippines and Australia, I commend your organizations’ service and dedication to the
Filipino community in New South Wales and your contributions to promoting the rich cultural
heritage of the Philippines. The Philippines’ currently robust and vibrant
economy is another area that your organization can share with the rest
of Australia. I encourage you to continue contributing positively to the
Australian society and do your share of nation-building back home.
I wish you a successful and enjoyable event!
Mabuhay!
H.E. MINDA CALAGUIAN-CRUZ
Philippine Ambassador to Australia
MESSAGE
Congratulations to the officers, members, and supporters of the Plaza Filipino Inc. and the
NARRA Cooperative Ltd. on the inauguration of the NARRA-Plaza Filipino Centre for Culture
and the Arts on 06 August 2016.
I know that you have all worked hard to realize your dream of establishing such a centre and
your dedication and commitment in pursuing this dream is a source of inspiration to others
who are also in a journey to fulfill their organization’s goals and objectives.
May the NARRA-Plaza Filipino Centre for Culture and the Arts provide an opportunity for the
Filipino-Australian community to showcase the breadth of talents and skills that lie in the
members of the community. May the Centre also provide an environment that will nurture
the youth in our community and encourage their appreciation of the richness and beauty of
their Filipino heritage.
I look forward to working with you as we continue to promote Philippine
culture and arts to the local community and, most especially, to our
young generation of Filipino-Australians.
I wish the Plaza Filipino Inc. and the NARRA Cooperative Ltd even more
success in the years to come. Mabuhay!
Anne Jalando-on Louis
Consul General

MESSAGE FOR THE INAUGURATION OF THE NARRA-PLAZA FILIPINO CENTRE
FOR CULTURE AND THE ARTS, AND THE TRIBUTE TO FATHERS AND MOTHERS EVENT
It is with great pleasure that I write to acknowledge the collaborative efforts of Plaza Filipino Inc and
NARRA Cooperative Ltd.
I’m honoured, in my role as Mayor, to have been part of the inauguration of the new NARRA-Plaza
Filipino Centre for Culture and the Arts at Warby St, Campbelltown, which marks the realisation of
many years of passion and commitment to raising funds for this important community and cultural
project.
The Filipino community of Australia is renowned for their friendship, hospitality and cordiality, and I
have no doubt that the Community Centre will extend beyond the dream of a place to meet, share
and celebrate, and grow to become a social hub that provides an opportunity for the wider community
to share in the rich culture and heritage of our Filipino friends. The project – from planning through
to fruition – is proving a wonderful opportunity to build relationships between communities of all
backgrounds and cultures.
I congratulate all of those involved in the coordination of today’s event, and
commend the continued commitment to raising funds for the ongoing operation
of the new Community Centre.
I’ve been humbled to be invited to share in the many celebrations of our local
Filipino community, and have witnessed first-hand the devotion to maintaining
ties to the Philippines, while embracing the freedom, opportunity and hospitality
of Australia. I look forward to seeing this continue into the future, both within
Campbelltown and beyond.
I wish you all every success.
Cr Paul Hawker
Mayor of Campbelltown
23 September 2015 to 10 September 2016
MESSAGE
Firstly may I take this opportunity to congratulate Jimmy Lopez and his hard working committee on the
Inauguration of NARRA’s Plaza Filipino Centre for Culture and the Arts here in Campbelltown
Once again it is with pleasure that I have been invited and given the opportunity to say a few words in my
capacity as a Campbelltown City Councillor
As a migrant and understanding the many difficulties of assimilation in a new country I am always very
happy when I see the many success achieved by communities like the Filipinos have in Australia and in
particular here in Campbelltown.
Today we have again reached another milestone. Todays Inauguration is one of those that we can rejoice
and celebrate.
I wish you all the success you deserve and I am sure that all your hard work will be rewarded.
Thank you again for this opportunity to give you my thoughts of the mother and father we all had to have.
Some of us are very lucky and have our parents live for a long time. At least long
enough to be appreciated as grandparents.
I had been lucky enough to have shared that experience, both as a father and a
grandfather myself.
However my past wife was very young when her mother died and I understood the
loss more when she watched our children had only one grandparent to greet.
Every one of us have had to live and share different experiences.
But the presence of a mother and father is a great pleasure to be loved, behold and
remembered.
(Sgd) Councillor Fred Borg

MESSAGE
The inauguration of the Philippine-Australian Arts and Culture Centre in Campbelltown is
a proof of the hard work, determination and perseverance of NARRA and Plaza Filipino
officers and members who are sincerely committed to promoting our rich Filipino culture
and heritage. You have thought creatively and worked passionately and collectively to
realise this project. Kudos for this commendable achievement. Keep this great start shine
with a bright spark and a source of inspiration for your members and the community at
large.
Plaza Filipino and NARRA had spearheaded other worthwhile projects in the past and
continue to live up to your objectives as voluntary community groups. I have had the
opportunity to work with you in some community projects and can attest to your untiring
efforts and dedication in serving the community. I look forward to
working and collaborating again with your groups in future community
projects.
Congratulations and all the best in your endeavours. Mabuhay!
Kate Roc Andres
President, Philippine Community Council Inc
and Chairman of the Board,
Filipino Community Cooperative Ltd
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
My warmest greetings to Plaza Filipino Inc. and NARRA Co-operative Ltd. for putting up a joint
celebration of two events namely: the Inauguration of NARRA – Plaza Filipino Centre for Culture
and the Arts at Warby Street, Campbelltown, NSW on 6th August, 2016 at 11 am.; and the other
event, is the Tribute for Fathers and Mothers to be held at Burwood RSL Club on the 18th of
September, 2016 at 3:00 pm.
The vision of Plaza Filipino Inc. and NARRA Co-operative Ltd. has gradually gained reality
through the perseverance and compassion of its organisers and its members, to acquire a Filipino
Community Centre that provides amenities to the community and religious organisations to hold
their meetings, social functions, sports and cultural events.
On the other event, giving ‘Tribute to Fathers and Mothers’ for being responsible parents to their
children is embedded primarily from one of the Commandments of God “Love thy Mother and
thy Father.” It also recognises the fact that the family is the basic unit
of society. A family that is values-oriented produces offspring that will be
worthy citizens of the community and the world as a whole. This way,
human society won’t have problems on petty crimes. Congratulations,
fathers and mothers; as well as, parent guardians who always model to
their children the proper and right conduct at all times. You truly deserve
to be given a tribute.
I commend Plaza Pilipino Inc. and NARRA Co-operative Ltd. for giving these
two events some importance.
(Sgd) Pet Storey
APCO President

MESSAGE
My heart is filled with pleasure that this is not just another day for Plaza Filipino-Narra Arts and Cultural
Centre. This is the day your organization has realised the dream of having your own home in the City
of Campbelltown.
Allow me to go back in time and tell you that during a most difficult time in the life of Philippine
Australian Community Foundation Inc (PACF), your organization through the leadership of Mrs Daisy
Ann Cumming and Dr Jimmy Lopez, generously extended assistance to us.
Although PACF had fully paid back the loan, we can never fully pay back this debt of gratitude. “Ang
utang na pera ay mababayaran, pero and utang na loob ay walang kabayaran”.
I am also honoured to have been given the opportunity to be one of the Legacy donors. It is my own
personal contribution to help promote Filipino arts and culture through your
organization.
There would have been many obstacles that were strewn along your path
before today’s happy event. It is my belief that just as the positive and negative
components of electricity produce light, the negatives thrown your way propelled
this organization to succeed. The root of your success is synonymous to the
word HOPE – Hold On Positive Ending.
Plaza Filipino – Narra Arts and Cultural Centre had a dream, dared to make that
dream come true – and succeeded.
Congratulations and Mabuhay!
(Sgd) Mansueto (Manny) Villon
Chairman, Board of Trustees – PACF Inc
MESSAGE
Today, we celebrate the inauguration of the Philippine-Australian for Culture and the Arts and Innovation
Central, a project initiative of NARRA Co-op Ltd. and Plaza Filipino, Inc. Such an effort seeks to advance
the continued bilateral relations between Australia and the Philippines, which is now in its seventh
decade.
Guided by a vision of “Filipino culture as the wellspring of national and global well-being,” NARRA
Co-op spearheads the acquisition of this Centre led by our devoted community leader, Dr. Jimmy R.
Lopez. The Centre is the first iteration in the acquisition of a $4M Community Centre—an achievable
dream where we can showcase and share our rich cultural heritage, the arts, and innovation as potent
instruments for improvement and inspiration in the lives of others.
Likewise, the Centre seeks to offer truths, document human struggles, express various human
experiences, and deliver important messages, with the focused goal of empowering us as a people.
Indeed, our journey has been a meaningful one, as we have surmised that we are all creative and
spiritual beings with human experiences that serve as realizations of our
purpose. There were insurmountable challenges we faced along the way, but
our faith in God has supported us in all our undertakings. We serve with humility
and love towards our fellowmen with the belief that we belong to one Spirit.
Finally, we hold the steadfast belief that God’s love will continue to unite us to
pursue this valuable effort, which will serve as our contribution to humanity.
(Sgd) Daisy Ann Gonzalez-Cumming
Vice President, NARRA Co-op Ltd
President, Plaza Filipino Inc 2013

MESSAGE
As early as 1996, the grounds of the Multi-Purpose Centre at Rooty Hill acted as a nursery for the ambitious
seed that is to be Plaza Filipino Incorporated. Figures taken from the Australian Bureau of Statistics as of
January 2000 showed that the population of Australia was 19,000,000 of which there were 199,800 Filipinos.
Of the 6,422,000 Australians in New South Wales 101,800 were Filipinos. The bulk of Filipino migration in
Australia was centred in New South Wales with a staggering ratio of 51% . Clearly there was a need to have
another place somewhere in Sydney where Australian-Filipinos could call their “home away from home”.
That home took thirteen years to reach and we finally have reason to celebrate.
The home is where the heart is! The blood that keeps it alive is the people who shared the vision with us. On
this day of our greatest achievement, the Inauguration of the Philippines Australian
Arts, Culture and Innovation Central (a NARRA - Plaza Filipino Incorporation initiative)
we honour the men and women of Plaza Filipino Incorporated past and present, the
Philippine Consulate Sydney, the Filipino Communities Council of Australia (FILCCA),
the Philippine Community Council, New South Wales (PCC, NSW), the Alliance of
Philippine Community Organisations (APCO), the National Affiliation of Respectable
and Responsible Associations Co-operative Limited (NARRA Ltd), politicians of all
spectrum of the Australian society, religious ministers and the various sponsors who
kept faith with us through these years.
Maraming Salamat po at Mabuhay!
Manuel G. Roux
President, Plaza Filipino Inc 2006-2007
MESSAGE
“Dream big. Work hard. Celebrate.”
As you read this, I hope you imagine me jumping with joy and beaming in happiness.
The dream that took 12 years in the making has finally come true. As you read this, you are standing on the
ground we can call our own - our very own space where we can nurture and showcase our rich Filipino heritage.
As you read this, you are most likely surrounded by the very same people that built the dream and started
working hard towards achieving it, despite the trials and tribulations. They have triumphed against all odds,
thanks to the support of the association members, their family, friends and well-wishers. They are the reason
that this dream has become a reality.
I would like to reiterate Plaza Filipino’s mission statement when 55 founding members signed a pact on the 8th
of August 2003. At the time, they agreed that the association will become a symbolic centrepiece of Filipino life
through the promotion of Philippine literature, music, performing arts, visual arts, crafts, design, film, video,
television, radio, community arts, Aboriginal arts and movable cultural heritage.
The list is long but I wanted to share it in its entirety to show how all-encompassing the mission statement
was all those years ago and how the inclusion of video, Aboriginal arts and movable cultural heritage shows
the group’s vision and ambition.
As you read this, we begin yet another exciting chapter in the association’s history. A new beginning that
wouldn’t have been possible without the community’s leaders, officers and members. A special mention goes
to all their family and friends who have supported the association’s fundraising events. It is through their
generosity that we now have a place where we can provide resources, mentorship and assistance to our
present and future crop of artists, entrepreneurs, innovators and, perhaps, philanthropists.
On behalf of the past and present board of directors of Plaza Filipino, I would like to
thank everyone who made this dream a reality. We thank you for your trust and wish
you and your family more blessings in the future.
This is just the start. There’s still a lot to do and we hope you will continue to support
us in our future endeavours.
Success doesn’t come without sacrifices and with sacrifices comes success. As you
read this, your sacrifices have borne fruit. The Philippine culture and arts will flourish
in Australia because of you.
Mabuhay ang ating inang bayang Pilipinas!
(Sgd)Michelle Baltazar
President, Plaza Filipino Inc 2016

MESSAGE
It is with great pleasure and honour to welcome you all to the Inauguration of NARRA-Plaza Filipino Centre for
Culture and the Arts and to the Recognition Night for the Tribute to Fathers and Mothers in September 2016.
My fellow officers and members of our associations join me in expressing our huge happiness that our dream
is now a reality, after having many years of commitment and hardships in raising the needed funds.
The two major fund raising events gave us more Legacy supporters boosting our Cash in Bank balance to $
104,612.05 and the Subscribed Capital Stock to $154,800.00 for the fiscal year ended 30 June 2016. On 26
September 2015, Reynaldo Morcilla was named the Father of the Year 2015 while Ester Arador was awarded
Mother of the Year 2015. Likewise, on 7th February 2016, we had Dr Raul Amor and Carmenchu Gresham as
Ambassadors for Culture and the Arts 2016.
We continue to promote our talented members grandstanding the rich and beautiful Filipino Culture by holding
concerts and talk shows. Our special thank you to Roanne Monte (Star of Miss Sagon) and Dex Villa (Star of
Jesus Christ Superstar) for their very impressive performances during the Ambassadors for Arts & Culture
night. We actively supported the well-attended Marcus and Michelle Shows on November 2015 and April 2016.
More recently, we were lucky to receive the Volunteers Grant of $5,000.00 from Department of Social Services.
for the purchase of computer equipment, sound system, camera and other equipment. Our members can now
enjoy the benefits of our Savings and Loan facility of NARRA Co-operative Limited, helping them in times of
financial needs.
Special commendation to Daisy Ann Gonzalez Cumming and Ted Cumming for sharing
their home as NARRA’s Headquarter, showcasing our Filipino Arts and Culture.
Another milestone is the approval of our application to Australian Charities and Notfor-Profit
Commission. This is in addition to our Charitable Fundraising Authority
Number CFN23092 which was renewed for another 5 years by the Office of Liquor
and Gaming.
Once again, I would like to thank all the honourees, my co-officers and members,
and our family and friends. With your continued and unselfish support, we will soon
be able to pay in full our NARRA-Plaza Filipino Centre for Culture and the Arts.
(Sgd) Jaime R Lopez, PhD, CPA
President, NARRA Co-operative Limited
President, Plaza Filipino Inc 2003-2005
Historical Background of NARRA Co-operative Ltd
It started in a simple birthday celebration at the Rocks , Sydney in 2012 where officers of Philippine Australian
Community Foundation (PACF) were present. Jimmy and Myrma Lopez were also invited and had a discussion
with PACF Chairman of the Board Manny Villon about buying a portion of the 2.2 hectares land owned
by PACF. Initial consultation lead to a Memorandum of Agreement where Plaza Filipino paid $10,000 and
donated a painting worth $5,000, in exchange with the right of Plaza Filipino to construct a Tennis Court.
When a vacancy occurred, Jimmy Lopez was appointed as the Treasurer of PACF. As a new Treasurer, Jimmy
took the initiative to look at ways how to help in the repayment of the loan of $300,000. He proposed to the
Board the formation of a Co-operative with shares, where the funds coming from the Donors and Pledgers will
be given shares of stocks in exchange of their Donations. The proposal was not accepted.
As the papers for the formation of a Co-operative were finalised, Jimmy offered it to Plaza Filipino who
accepted the proposal for the formation of a new Co-operative, Non-profit with Shares of Stock. The Officers
of Plaza Filipino at that time agreed to be the Formation Officers, electing Jimmy Lopez - President; Daisy Ann
Cumming - Vice President; Elizabeth Escandor - Secretary; Reynaldo Morcilla - Treasurer; Manny Roux, Max
Canoy and Maria Bock– Directors.
National Affiliation of Respectable and Responsible Associations (NARRA) Co-operative Ltd was registered
with Fair Trading on 20 November 2013 Co-op Number NSWC31887. Other registration details: Office of
Liquor and Gaming: 06 Jan 2014 (Charitable Fundraising Authority Number CFN2392), Australian Taxation
Office 27 Feb 2014 (ABN 20 633 411 572), Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission – 9 July 2015

Plaza Filipino was formed
on June 2003 and launched
to the public on 8 August
2003 with 55 founding members.
It was registered with the Office
of Fair Trading as a non-profit
organisation on 10 November
2003 and its main purpose is to
build a Filipino Social and Cultural
Centre in Metropolitan Sydney.
Plaza Filipino’s Vision and Mission Statements summarises the aspirations this organisation hopes to bring to the
Filipino community in Australia. A list of charitable purposes that best describe Plaza
Filipino include: raising the public awareness of the Filipino culture and heritage;
highlighting and nurturing Filipino talent in matters of the arts, music, literature and
craftsmanship; providing world-class
Teen Models, Australia (2004)
facilities for their practice; and promoting
Philippine sport and recreation.
Among the many projects successfully
initiated by Plaza Filipino are:
Master & Miss Tiny Tots (2004)
Brief History of Plaza Filipino
Plaza Filipino made its grand appearance
at the Sydney Olympic Park Homebush,
NSW on 18 September 2004 with its first
Fiesta Extravaganza. The opening act
featured the “Pambato Band”, a rondalla
group of young Filipino Australians elegantly dressed in Barong Tagalog
and led by Jun Javier. The fiesta was the culmination of the search for
the Filipino Australian Idol, Master and Miss Tiny Tots and the Teen
Models,
Australia.
A fete of
sumptuous
f o o d s ,
children games and parade of cultural dress among
participants and guests were held on the day. The evening
was capped with the glitzy “Night of a Thousand Stars”,
song and dance event with Roanne Monte (Miss Saigon
London) as guest artist.
Plaza Filipino launched the Mrs. Philippines-Australia
Pageant acknowledging women and the great role they
make in moulding the future of the Filipina woman in
The need to feel the same particular habits, values,
attitude and style of behaviour, their customs, folklore,
rituals and ceremonies ensured the early Filipinos a place
in the culture in which they were born.
From the book ‘Plaza Filipino’ by Manuel Roux, Filipino-Australian writer and community leader
Maria Bock and Escort
Mrs Philippines-Australia
2005 Runner Up
Artist Daisy Ann Gonzalez Cumming with Consul
General Anne Jalando-on Louis at the Art for the Heart
Australia. The Mrs. Philippines-Australia showcased the beauty and grace that are the remarkable traits of Filipino
wives and mothers. The caring and loving character of the Filipina is the hallmark that made
these occasions very special. They were formidable and determined partners in our cause.
Bingo Social in July! This social game is as important as the players themselves, for each
anniversary our loyal
members and supporters
come and join us to celebrate
our small victories, and above
all to renew friendships.
Independence Day
Trivia. Plaza Filipino’s
Independence Day Trivia
was our way of celebrating
the 111th Anniversary of the
Declaration of Philippine Tribute to Fathers and Mothers 2015

Independence. It went unusually well with the quick
unspoken rule being the norm; Phone a Friend.
Participants on the game day came with their thinking
caps and vast energy of resourcefulness.
Plaza Filipino Mini-Pinoy Festival. A celebration of
harvest, a feast to offer our heartfelt gratitude for all the blessings we
continue to receive. And so we cook the fruits of our labour like we do
at home; there is enough for everyone. And as before … they all came. Ambassador for Culture and the Arts 2015
Art for a Cause Drive. This event raised the bar to which Plaza Filipino
approaches its future planned activities. The Filipino-
Ambassador for Culture and the Arts 2016 Australian community had a taste of what a local artist
can do given the sweeping accolades from satisfied art
patrons. Artists are given a forum to express their talents in
whatever areas they excel. Plaza Filipino is committed to
raise this awareness in the community, acknowledging that
great talents are out there and Plaza Filipino will continue
to showcase
them.
Support
for the
Marcus and
Michelle Show. The first-ever independent community TV show in
Sydney that highlights Filipino-Australian arts, culture and heritage
in a contemporary and multi-media format. In 2016, the Media,
Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA) selected the show as one of
18 media projects in the running for the Walkley Grants for Innovation
in Journalism, sponsored by Google Australia.
Support of various associations in and around the Campbeltown Area Tribute to Mothers 2014
including the Sedgwick Housing Co-op Ltd, Concerned Citizen for Over
50’s, Filipino Women’s Support Group of Macarthur Inc, Australian Filipino Support Group of NSW Inc, Global
Ilocanos Australia Inc, Minto Prayer Group, Macquarie Field Prayer Group, Blessed Pedro Calungsod Inc, and the
Sto Nino Association of Macarthur
through fundraising initiatives and
Induction of Narra Officers 2015
social networking events.
Support of NARRA’s Ambassadors
of Culture and the Arts and Tribute to
Mothers and Fathers fundraising events.
Collaborations with the newly-formed
Co-operative in 2013 to accelerate
plans of building a community centre
for Filipino-Australians. It is through
this collaboration that the Philippine-
Australian Culture, Arts and
Innovation Central (ACI Central) in
Campbelltown City, Sydney was born.
CONGRATULATIONS FROM YOUR PLAZA FILIPINO INC PRESIDENTS
JAIME LOPEZ
(2003-2005)
MANUEL ROUX
(2006-2007)
VIOLETA MIGUEL
(2008-2010)
REYNALDO MORCILLA
(2011-2012)
DAISY ANN CUMMING
(2013)
RISE ROUX
(2014)
ELIZABETH ESCANDOR
(2015)
On 8 August 2003 we dreamt to have a Centre, on the 13th Anniversary,
on 8 August 2016, our dream is now a reality.
MICHELLE BALTAZAR
(2016)