Press Release

A very elegant Freedom Ball in APCO’s celebration of the 117^th Anniversary of Philippine Independence in Lidcombe-NSW Australia

By Richard J Ford (PRO - APCO Inc.)
Lidcombe-NSW-Australia
June 22, 2015



Dooley’s Lidcombe Catholic Club was the venue for the celebration of the 117^th Anniversary of Philippine independence on the 13^th of June 2015. Organised by the Alliance of Philippine Community Organisations Inc. (APCO), the theme for this year’s Freedom Ball was “Isulong Ang Kapayapaan Batay Sa Katarungan” (Promote Peace Founded on Justice).

Special guests included:  the Hon. Phillip Ruddock MP (officially representing PM Tony Abbott), the Hon Greg Donnelly MLC (officially representing Leader of NSW Opposition, Luke Foley), Dr Hugh McDermott MP, Member for Prospect, Philippine Consul Marford Angeles, Peter Doukas, Chair of Ethnic Communities Council of NSW and his wife, Fiona and Linda Salud Margon CEO of LSM Property Group (major corporate sponsor of Freedom Ball 2015) and her husband, David.

Very efficiently directed by Albert Prias and Charles Chan and emceed by the witty duo Michelle Baltazar and Marcus Rivera, the program commenced on time with the traditional parade of the APCO Board followed by the two flags of the Philippines and Australia, then the singing of the National Anthems led by Linda Trinidad and Cleo Baltazar. Ruben Amores, APCO president welcomed all the guests.

The entertainment was provided by multi-talented local and international artists such as: Singer-dancer Sidney Perez, backed by the dynamic performance of the VSD Dancerz led by Victor Valdez. Roanne Monte, who played the lead role in the Miss Saigon in London, mesmerised the guests with her superb rendition of selected songs supported by the APCO Board.  Professional singing sensations, Marcus Rivera and Linda Trinidad also sung some traditional Kundiman.

A highly acclaimed, very sophisticated and world-class feature was a fashion parade showing the evolution of Philippine national costumes through the artistic creations of Sydney-based couturier, Claudio J. Lisao.  Donning the gowns from classical Maria Clara to the modern terno were selected beauty titlists and entertainers such as Jenny Austin, Melanie Balagtas, Michelle Baltazar, Joanna Cubelo, Gabby Escubio, Darlene Macabulos Le, Annie Marquez, Sidney Perez, Daniella Serret, Mary Ubay and equally beautiful teen flower girl, Oolan Margon who sashayed so elegantly through the banduria and Spanish guitar music of Prof. Joven Estigoy.

The Ethnic Dance-Fashion Show jointly performed by the Mindanao Ethnographic Dance Group and the VSD Dancerz showcased Emma Btaceros’ collections of authentic and colourful costumes of the various tribes in Mindanao.

Providing favourite dance music was the ever good looking and talented Re-Groove duo who had everyone dancing non-stop for the rest of the evening.