Fil-Oz’s Christmas in July is all about Christmas Carols

By Richard J Ford, PRO and Vice-President External
Liverpool-NSW-Australia
August 12, 2017



On the 22^nd July 2017 at All Saints Liverpool Church Hall, Fil-Oz Liverpool and Districts held their yearly Christmas in July differently, it’s main theme focused on Christmas Carols for the children.

The event was graced with three special guests, representatives from the Philippine Consulate, Ms. Linda Albay- Visa Officer/Assistance to National Officer, Ms. Rachel Calisin- Cultural Officer and Assistant to the Consul General, Mr. Raido Ibanez- Consular Assistant, but also a long revered workmate of Cora Bojarski, the President was Elizabeth Grillo.
The Consul -General Anne Jalando-on Louis couldn’t make it to our event and sent her apology, so the message from our Consul-General was read out by Ms. Linda Albay to the members of the Fil-Oz of Liverpool and Districts and to all our Philippine Community.

The Emcee for the night was the President Cora Bojarski assisted by the Treasurer Cora Paras, who also gave a brief history  on why we have Christmas in July in Australia, with the entertainment being provided by Angel Villalobos - Singer and celebrity from the Philippines and worked at the ABS-CBN network. Zabriel Oriensa- our youngest performer who is just 8 year old, sang a wonderful rendition of “O Holy Night.” The LBL 4 dancers, a young group of dancers were led by the ever talented Sharlene Gamo.

The Fil-Oz dance group also performed line dancing for the visitors.Even our Director Terry Spencer, surprised everyone by singing and dressing up as Marilyn Monroe. Everyone was singing and dancing to the Philippine Christmas songs- Ang Pasko ay Sumapit, Pasko na naman and Jingle Bells with our Assistant Treasurer Alma being involved with the visitors in singing the Christmas Carols. The President Cora Bojarski brought along some maracas’ and tambourines, and with the Philippine Representatives were using the instruments while singing and dancing to our Christmas Carols.  Everyone in the hall was also singing and it was like if one was in the Philippines.

The event was really a happy and joyful moment just reminiscing on how the Philippine Christmas celebrations are shared especially with family and friends. The music on the night was provided by Frank and Andrew Bojarski. The food provided could not be ignored for it was truly delicious and in abundance, dinner and desserts was enjoyed by everybody. While the visitors were eating, slides were shown of all the past Christmas in July celebrations and also the Santacruzan celebrations, all of the photos were prepared and compiled by the President Cora Bojarski.

Santa is the highlight of the evening, with the giving of gifts to the children and handing out lolly bags which they loved. A big thank you to Mr. Ron Storey for being our Santa Claus for the night, everyone had fun taking photos with family and especially with the children. Lots of prizes were donated by the Toy Shop in Petersham for giveaways and for the raffles. Many people donated raffle prizes and we cannot thank them enough for their generosity and kindness.

A thank you also to the APCO Inc. President Mrs. Pet Storey for the full support to our Fil-Oz organisation and what a lovely message about Christmas celebration. All proceeds goes to our 23rd Santacruzan event next year, the most watched and exciting event in our Philippine history here at Liverpool, NSW. Thank you to our Fil-Oz team of loyal members and guests, family and friends. It has been a great evening and everyone enjoyed our Christmas celebrations.