The Filipino-Australian community celebrates exemplary fathers and mothers who have great sacrifices and contributions for their families and the community at large. On August 25, 2024 the Tribute to Fathers and Mothers 2024 were undertaken by the National Alliance of Respectable and Responsible Associations (NARRA) and Plaza Filipino. This was held at the Liverpool Catholic Club.
The special guests of the event were the Consul General in Sydney, Hon Charmaine Aviquivil and Consul Sheila Marie Tario. The event was also attended by officers and members of NARRA’s affiliate associations, officers of other Fil-Aus community organisations and media outlets.
The nominees are fathers and mothers from various professions and field of expertise. Their common attribute is that, first and foremost, they have fulfilled well the role of being fathers and mothers and have extended themselves to serve the community through their knowledge, skills and dedication.
The Honourees were:
Fathers
*Tomas Boncales
*Rommel Buitizon
*Roberto Corpuz
*Josip Erdes
*Joseph Phielex
*Ernesto Soliman
*Francis Tan
Mothers
*Ivony M. Booth
*Marites B. Bozinakis
*Maria Elena P. Conducto
*Julieta A. Dawang
*Julieta R. Navarro
*Ermerita B. Puse
*Lee Maureen V. Santiago
*Gloria M. Tiongan
|Their brief biographies and photos of the event are shown on the ACI Central Facebook page. For more info on NARRA, check out its website.
The program of the event started with the singing of the Philippine National Anthem and the Australian National Anthem which was led by Marcus Rivera. Deacon Roberto Corpuz delivered the Invocation.
Then it was over to Charles Chan and Edinel Magtibay, emcees, to get the proceedings to run smoothly.
NARRA’s President Fredesinda Buchlak welcomed warmly everyone to the event. This was followed by a cultural dance by OzFil Dance Group.
The Consul General Hon. Chairmaine Aviquivil delivered her inspiring speech (An excerpt here):
“I am pleased to extend my warmest greetings to the officers and members of the National Affiliation of Respectable And Responsible Associations Co-Operative, Limited (NARRA) and Plaza Filipino Inc. for jointly organizing tonight’s event which shall pay tribute to outstanding fathers and mothers for 2024. My very best wishes and congratulations as well to the officers of Plaza Filipino, Inc. on their induction tonight.
The commitment of both Narra Co-op and Plaza Filipino in pursuing remarkable initiatives that recognise and honour the lifetime achievements of individuals for their selfless contributions to the community, and for promoting Filipino cultural heritage to Australia, is truly commendable.
We all know that the family is very important in Filipino culture, and the value that an individual places in his relationship to his family is deeply ingrained in the country’s social fabric.
Filipino parents face enormous challenges in bringing their family to another country, especially in balancing the need to keep one’s cultural heritage and traditions alive, while adapting to a new culture and trying to blend and integrate seamlessly within a strange and new environment.
All our honourees tonight are true exemplars of parenthood, and with their personal and professional achievements, contribute their talents and skills to the Filipino-Australian community.
We celebrate the unconditional love and sacrifices of the outstanding mothers and fathers that we are honouring tonight, as well as their unwavering support and guidance to their families. May their positive experiences in keeping their family ties strong and unbroken inspire other parents who are facing challenges in their family life."
The following officers of Plaza Filipino were then inducted by the Consul General:
President – Josephine Tada
Vice President - Edna Wacher
Secretary - Fredisinda Buchlak
Treasurer - Jimmy Lopez
Directors Aristole Ortanez Azucena Piosik and Joy Robinson
Pro Charles Chan, Voli Calvert, Albert Prias
Internal Auditor Josephine delos Reyes
A toe tapping song number was then rendered by Gilda Pagaduan. This was followed by the introduction of the nominees of Tribute to Fathers and Mothers, with Violi Calvert reading excerpts from their bios appearing in the Souvenir Programme.
The criteria for judging and the special awards were read by Leigh Dearden and former NARRA President Albie Prias (currently PRO and Event Producer) spoke about NARRA’s recruitment of new members and membership categories.
While dinner was served, entertainment was provided by the following singers: Zaebriel Orayenza, Cleo Baltazar, Ester Arador, Christopher Booth and interpretative dancer Ysabella Alfonso. Music for public dancing was provided by the ReGroove Band. The PASA Dancers also did a dance number, with a fashion show presented by PASA Gem.
A Special Posthumous Recognition was awarded to the late Norma Crane of Central Coast. A song was performed by the family led by Meong Dado.
All the nominees had been recognised for their achievements. Then it was time to announce recipients of certain awards. Based on the criteria shared with all the nominees, the following awards were announced and presented:
Mother of the Year – Julieta Dawang
Father of the Year – Rommel Buitizon
Charity Queen – Julieta Dawang
1st Charity Mother – Marites Bozinakis
2nd Charity Mother – Ma Elena Conducto
Charity King – Rommel Buitizon
1st Charity Father – Atty Tomas Boncales
2nd Charity Father – Dr Ernesto Soliman
Best Dressed Mother – Ivony Booth
Best Dressed Father – Rommel Buitizon
Most Achieved Mother – Julieta Navarro
Most Achieved Father – Dr Ernesto Soliman
Role Model Mother – Ma Elena Conducto
Role Model Father – Deacon Roberto Corpuz
Most Popular Mother of the Night – Gloria Tiongan
Most Popular Father of the Night – Rommel Buitizon
The raffle draws were conducted by Joel Tungcab – Vice President of NARRA Co-op Ltd.
The last song number was performed by Aris Ortanez who impressed everyone with him playing the cello as accompaniment.
The closing remarks were made by Josephine Tada, President of Plaza Filipino. This was followed by public dancing with the music provided by ReGroove Band.
It was a memorable event which was a success at many levels. Based on their experience in the evening, the attendees expressed their wish to be at the next event to be undertaken by NARRA and Plaza Filipino.