Philippine Independence Day in Australia
A celebration day by the Central Queensland Filipino-Australian Association Inc.
Rochel Concepcion, May Ann Andales,
Councilor Mathers, Cy Calabio, Councilor
Schwarten, Remy Conway, and Grace
Linaogo of Roxas City.
On June 13, 2009, more than two hundred Filipinos (CENTRAL QUEENSLAND FILIPINO-AUSTRALIAN ASSOCIATION INC. - CQFAA Inc) gathered to commemorate the Philippine Independence Day 2009 (12 June 1898) at Bauhinia House corner High and Berserker Streets, North Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia.
The celebration was highlighted by various dances, songs and Philippine clothing fashion parade dubbed “MASKIPAPS‘ which means “anything goes.” The dances were presented in various forms like the Dinagyang festival dance, Spanish dance and the hip hop/street dances which was presented by Cy Calabio (Leon, Iloilo); Kathleen Watson (Bacolod); the Mora siblings - Taj, Daphne and Denise; and Miguel Krzywdzinski, respectively. The songs were showcased in various genre which stunned the audience from the powerful rendition of Jerome, Melinda and song and dance number of the Ojacastro (La Paz, Iloilo City) siblings - Julinette, Zarah June, Zola Jane, and Jayzen Mae.
Amy Krzywdzinski, star of the night in
an Alex Soncio gown, with Cy Calabio.
The last segment of the presentation sashayed various collections of Philippine dresses from Igorot tribal wear, Barong Tagalog, Baro’t Saya and the classic and modernized Filipiniana. The fashion parade commenced with a wedding gown strutted by May Ann Andales (Masbate). Some of the models includes Glenn Cristales of Pototan (Iloilo), Grace Hubat Dyer (Bacolod), Leah Taylor (Cadiz) and Agnes Tian (Banate).
Midway of the celebration was the raffle draw, and dinner which was facilitated by Mrs. Gabi Nagel.
Rockhampton City Regional Council Deputy Mayor Rose Swadling, Councilors Glenda Mathers and Stephen Schwarten; Multicultural Relation Officer Maria Rickertt, representatives from Bahay Kalinga, and guests from various nationalities from Turkey, China, India, Bangladesh, and Australia, also graced the celebration. The program was hosted by Tony Conway and featured the local band “Short Fall.” Miss Amy Krzywdzinski was chosen as star of the night wearing a Alex Somcio Filipiniana gown.
The successful Philippine Independence Day was made possible through the effort CENTRAL QUEENSLAND FILIPINO-AUSTRALIAN ASSOCIATION INC. - CQFAA Inc. executive committee through the leadership of CQFAA Inc. President Remy Conway, performers, parents, friends, sponsors and significant others. The show was organized and directed by Cy Calabio. The celebration was one of the many avenues for the Filipino and Filipino-Australian to renew their ties; camaraderie; strengthen bond among Filipinos, Australians and other nationalities; and more importantly to reminisce and give tribute to our fore fathers who fought for our freedom.
Mabuhay ang Pilipinas, Mabuhay ang Filipino, Mabuhay ang Kalayaan!