The Inauguration of the Philippine Australian Arts, Culture and Innovation Central (ACI Central) 2

By Richard J. Ford, for NARRA Co-op)
Campbelltown-NSW-Australia
September 21, 2017



The official inauguration of the Philippine Australian Arts, Culture and Innovation Central 2 by NARRA Co-operative Ltd and Plaza Filipino Inc. was on the 15th September 2017 at the ACI Central 2 Artisan Building, 3-9 Warby Street, Campbelltown  2560.

The event began with the official cutting of the ribbon by Councillor Rey Manoto and Dr. Jimmy Lopez. Father Ferdinand de la Cruz blessed ACI Central 2, emphasizing for the future contributions it will serve in helping the Community to learn more about the Filipino Culture and History. 

The opening speech was given by Councillor Rey Manato on behalf of the Mayor of Campbelltown,  Councillor George Brticevic. The Mayor’s comments were in essence, “I congratulate ACI on the contribution they have made to the Campbelltown Community and that through your new additional premises you will help the community to learn more about the Filipino people and their culture.”
                                                                                                                                                                              The unveiling of the Plaque of Legacy Supporters was done by Consul Marford Angeles and Councillor Masood Chowdbury. 

The Philippine Consul Marford Angeles was very emotional when he stated that, “he will miss the warmth and camaraderie he has experienced in the time he has been Consul, that the ACI reminds him so much of home, because he feels at home as if he was among Filipino friends. That being an only child has taught him to value those friendships that he has made here in New South Wales. It has been here in New South Wales that he has experienced a warmth that he hasn’t seen anywhere else where he has served in his capacity as Consul. Also for the ACI to keep up with the good work they are doing of serving the Filipino Community, and to keep in touch.”

The evening's emcee was Charles Chan who continued with two appreciation awards for the night, the first was the presentation of the Legacy Supporters of ACI, then the appreciation of the Grandparents for their contribution towards the family unit. With the ACI Central already having ACI Central 1 and now 2, can only show the dedication of the members and friends of NARRA Co-Op Ltd and Plaza Filipino Inc., able to purchase now two properties in such a short time shows the measure of devotion to serve the Filipino with a heart and soul in the aims and beliefs they hold, this in itself is commendable and a hard precedent to follow.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Dr. Jimmy Lopez, the President of NARRA Co-op Ltd., also expressed his thank you to all who contributed to the Tribute to Mothers and Fathers 2017, which was held on the 3rd September at The Dome, Burwood RSL Club. This event was a spectacular night that was titled Audrey and Elvis a Tribute to Mothers and Fathers 2017, also a part of the Marcus and Michelle Show, which was presented on the night as a surprise to all the Members and Guests to celebrate the annual event.

The night was full of glitter and pizzazz as Elvis has returned and the music provided by the Re-Groove Band adding that extra touch of emotion, to a night that was in itself an annual remembrance of the role that Mothers and Fathers have contributed to the family unit and it was a humbling experience for me to be one of the Honouree Fathers being recognised on the night. I would also like to say, that to be amongst such proud parents of the Filipino Community was an opportunity that no one should miss being a part of the event for 2018.