The wonderful people who received their dual citizenship.
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The Filipino Australian and Friends Association has once again hosted a successful and vibrant celebration.
On Saturday, September 21, more than 100 guests gathered at St Paul’s African House in Shepparton to celebrate FAFA’s 42nd anniversary and witness two special oath-taking ceremonies — the inducting officer was our honourable Philippine Consul General in Victoria Maria Lourdes Salcedo.
The evening was filled with excitement from start to finish, leaving attendees delighted with a night full of entertainment and memorable moments. Guests were treated to a diverse array of performances, including captivating dance presentations, soulful singing, an engaging ukulele rendition and a fun-filled raffle draw.
The event’s highlights included the formal oath-taking of FAFA’s new committee members, most of them wearing Filipiniana dress, a dual citizenship oath-taking ceremony and the prestigious Award for Athletic Achievement – Ryan Thomas, a humble previous student from Notre Dame College, Shepparton, won seven medals at Vancouver and Kelowna and made us all proud.
The beautifully crafted decorations and welcoming table set-ups added to the event’s festive atmosphere, making it a truly special occasion.
The night would not have been complete without delicious food and desserts generously provided by the committees and attendees – showcasing their specialities and generously donating two lechons (roast pig on a spit). Many guests went home with takeaways, and the dance floor was alive with energy as everyone celebrated together.
FAFA’s 42nd anniversary was a testament to the strength and unity of the community, showcasing culture, talent and spirit.
Organisers extended their heartfelt thanks to all attendees, performers, donors and special guests for making this event unforgettable.
New committee’s oath-taking. Pictured are Cathy Javier (president), Mayette Martin (vice president), Emmie Stenhouse, Guille Colonia (secretary), Rebecca Reid, Consul General Maria Lourdes Salcedo, Gennie Ewert, Jessica Carminati, Welda Bunny, Emma Nacion Prasad, Emily Venn, Roise Read and Ticia Perez. Back row, Peter Lucas, Trevor Ewert, Mark Bunny (treasurer) and Jeremy James.
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Dual citizenship oath-taking. Pictured are Mayette Martin, Maria Benita Connelly, Cathy Javier, Welda Bunny, inducting officer Consul General Maria Lourdes Salcedo, Emma Nacion Prasad, Emily Venn, Tita Weatherall, Olivia Bermudez, Frecy Jhane Stevens, Gemma Esteban McIntosh and Vivian Rivera.
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Awarding of the Athletic Achievement award. Cathy Javier, Consul General Maria Lourdes Salcedo, Thomas Ryan, Edith Ryan and Mick Ryan.
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Isem Isem (one of the native dialects meaning ‘Smile Smile’) dancers. Mayette Martin, Rosie Read, Cathy Javier, guest Consul General Maria Lourdes Salcedo, Rebecca Reid and Jessica Carminati.
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One Way Ticket dancers. Mayette Martin, Janet Pilal, Olivia Bermudez, Dithche Lopez, Bibiana Sto Domingo, Viv’s Natale and Frecy Jhane Stevens.
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Sayaw sa Payong (Umbrella dance) dancers. Tricia Perez, Genie Ewert, Marissa Wyatt, Emma Nacion Prasad, Emily Venn, Bernie Mojica Capili and Welda Bunny.
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Bulaklakan (Flower dance) dancers. Guilly Jones, Olivia Bermudez, Consul General Maria Lourdes Salcedo, Viv’s Natale, Emmie Stenhouse and Rosie Read.
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Pillin mo ang Pilipinas (Choose the Philippines) dancers. Bernie Mojica Capili, Gennie Ewert, Emma Nacion Prasad, Tricia Perez, Emily Venn, Marissa Wyatt and Welda Bunny.
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Ukelele Rendition group. Maria Benita Lacuin, Cathy Javier and Delma Broughton.
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Partial attendees of the event who came to celebrate with family, friends and guest.
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A snapshot of over 100 attendees on the night.
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