BATHURST NSW AUSTRALIA KEEP THE GIANT PHILIPPINE FLAG FLYING

By Nenita Weekes-Meacham JP
Bathurst NSW-Australia
June 24, 2016



The Pride of Bathurst NSW Australia, the biggest Philippine Flag in the Southern Hemisphere was raised on the 4th of June 2016 in Commemoration of the 118th Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence and 70th Anniversary of the start of Philippine-Australia Diplomatic Relations were celebrated with a flag raising ceremony.



The Hon Anne J Louis pointed out the excellent relations between the two countries who had fought together and supported each other on many occasions. The party adjourned to the Parish Hall of the Catholic Cathedral of St Michael and St John to receive a beautiful Filipino lunch accompanied by a whole roast pig kindly supplied by members of the group, complemented with entertainment proudly presented by the Philippine Language & Cultural Association of Australia headed by Dr Alexis Leones and their choreographer Marie Bendayrel, the Bathurst Filipiniana Dancers and Notable speeches from our special guests of Honour.

My heartfelt gratitude to all who attended this celebration, Filipinos from all over Central West and as far as Sydney.

A big thank you to our sponsors: the big Western Union, Mick Moriarty, Brenda and Charlie from the Australian Queen Bee-Line, Aster and Gary Hugh, Belleza Rementilla, Julia Panilagao, Marie Mabaqiao, Amy Puddle, Leah McKinney, Rose Downey, Philippine Language and Cultural Association of Australia and the Aguman Capampangan Association of Australia Inc. and to Miss Claire Torreno ( Auditor FFGBCW), who works hard preparing our Flyers and DVD presentation and Bing Siega ( Director FFGBCW) for making the guests corsages, Robert Huppatz and Cez Garcia ( Director FFGBCW).

To Vic Avila from Dubbo who came all the way to sing to Marie Mabaqiao a happy birthday greetings. Thank you and God Bless. We are very privilege to support our Home land in this way with the cooperation of the Sydney Philippine Consulate, the Bathurst Regional Council and the Bathurst Lions Club. This celebration is indeed for the Filipinos around the areas. Mabuhay till next year! Long Live  Philippines!

The Hon Consul General Anne J Louis also inducted the Filipiniana Friends Group of Bathurst & Central West’s newly elected officers for 2016-2018 during this event. Thank you and congratulations to the following Officers of 2016-2018:

President: Nenita Weekes JP, Vice President External; Rey Olano, Vice President Internal; Rosalie Tanquiamco, Secretary: Ellis David Meacham, Treasurer: Rose Downey, Public Relations Officers: Rebecca Collins, Internal Auditor: Claire Torreno,

Board of Directors: Nori Baumgarten, Jianping Chen, Mila Conomos, Cez Garcia, Susan Hopkins, Robert Huppatz and Frances Siega.

Public Information Officer: Belleza Rementilla. Well done and Mabuhay!

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