FLAGCOM & Friends has participated in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade in the last 12 years. Each year it drew much admiration on its participation in the event. In this year’s participation, FLAGCOM received the Ron Austin Award for Most Fabulous Parade Entry.
The other nominees for this award were:
Ether Yarwood Enterprises
Use Me Up, Wear Me Out
FLAGCOM was also nominated for the 2022 Ron Muncaster Award for Best Costume, for which it was not successful this time. It won this award in the 2020 festival.
FLAGCOM Director Charles Chan and Rene Rivas attended the awards evening held on April 21, 2022 at the Universal in Oxford Street, Sydney. Albie Prias, FLAGCOM’s other head and heart was in transit travelling back to Sydney after a much-deserved short break.
Charles was glad to share his experience at the awards event. He commented:
The guests numbered around 250 - 300 tonight. We were provided a complimentary cocktail drink and three tables serving antipasto and some canapes. It was a party atmosphere all around.
The program ran very smoothly. The organising committee did a remarkable job of getting an inspiring speaker, lively presenters, a very engaging emcee, a DJ who matched her song clips for each of the awards and the operator of the PowerPoint was spot on.
The awards were divided into 3 categories: 1) Fair Day, 2) Parade, 3) Volunteers. There was also a tribute to a long-time supporter of Mardi Gras who passed away this year.
I was overwhelmed by emotion after FLAGCOM got the gong for the Most Fabulous Parade Entry beating two other heavy groups.
I am also very grateful and would like to thank ALL the people that have contributed in making this award a reality. The FLAGCOM Family and supporters, Rene Rivas and Melody David.
Albie who was yet to arrive from overseas, sent his message upon hearing the good news:
Hurray! This is absolutely amazing! Winning and award as prestigious as this is a big achievement! Thanks to all the people who supported us this year! We can’t thank you enough! You are all fabulous! Yaaaaay to all the judges.
The Australian Filipina congratulates FLAGCOM & Friends for winning the 2022 Most Fabulous Entry Award and for its nomination for the Best Costume Award. Not only has the group shone in Mardi Gras parades but it also have served the community over the years by promoting safe sex, community harmony and social cohesion, advance the LGBTQi cause not only with the Filipino community but other Asian and the Pacific countries.