The Philippine Times March 2012 eiditon

Transcription

The Philippine Times
YEAR 21 MARCH 2012
www.philtimes.com.au
AUSTRALIA-WIDE
AUSTRALIA-WIDEAdvertise
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Singing for the Lord
The Filipino Choir of St Francis, also known as “kiko”, has been providing music to the
Filipino mass at St. Francis in Lonsdale St, Melbourne. Twenty years and the Choir’s musical
ministry for the spiritual growth of Filipinos is still strong as ever. Story on page 24.
(PHOTO: George Gregorio | gGoryoPictures.com)
JOEY S. SANTOS
& associates
Joey S. Santos
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VIC 3169
TEL: (03) 9558 6803
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Accounting & Taxation
Bookkeeping
BAS Lodgements
SMSF Set up & Audits
Business Advice
Company Set up
We would like to
serve you better
Filipino entrepreneurs in
Melbourne form business group
A small group of Filipino business owners running their own companies ranging
from real estate/property investment,
migration, remittance, mortgage planning,
telecommunication to postal offices and
many others in various industries, have
banded together to form the Australian
Council of Multicultural Entrepreneurs
(ACME). ACME, which will be formally
launched this year, will address the needs
of Filipino and Australian small business
entrepreneurs. ACME also welcomes new
members who may yet to become small
entrepreneurs.
Small business owners of any nationality are invited to become members. “There
is a need for small business entrepreneurs
to have a group like ACME. We do have the
traditional Chamber of Commerce in most
Capital cities and perhaps even a national
one but they cater or is perceived to address the needs of large businesses and
entrepreneurs,” Fred Jover, Chairperson
of ACME Executive Committee, told The
Philippine Times.
Jover is also 3ZZZ Radio Convenor, and
Principal of Global Goldrush, an IBO of
ACN-Asia Pacific.
According to Jover, some of ACME’s objectives are: to serve as a business network
for its members and provide a vehicle for
expansion of their market opportunities; to
address the education and training needs
of its members in managing and operating
their business; to represent members’
interest in dealing with and exploring
assistance packages available from local,
State and Federal governments; to serve as
a forum for discussion and deliberation of
economic and political developments impacting on members’ business operation,
and to assist members in understanding
the cultural differences of consumers in a
multicultural Australian marketplace.
During last year’s Philippine Fiesta of
Victoria, ACME conducted a survey of
expression of interest for membership
from local Filipino businesses and there
was a positive result. This is an indication
that it is about time that a group such as
Continued on page 12
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20 Phoenix Avenue, Cranbourne
VIC 3977
15 Clover Close, Berwick VIC 3806
48 Wilson Road, Melton South,
VIC 3338 (Angel sa Quiapo Asian Grocery)
[email protected]
Evening & Weekend Appointments Available
AUSTRALIA’S LONGEST-SERVING FILIPINO NEWSPAPER TURNS 21. STILL NUMBER ONE.
2
www.philtimes.com.au the philippine times MARCH 2012
Pinoy photographers
in Melbourne meet
Some of the members
of the Facebook group of
Filipino photographers based
in Melbourne have gathered
together last 18 February at
Hector Calara’s residence in
Roxburgh Park to meet in
person for the first time and
to level expectations and
exchange ideas. Facebook
members are now at 40.
The group, started by
George Gregorio and Jess
Marasigan in January 2011,
is composed of amateur and
professional photographers
who will share their photography talent and skills.
Among the initial activities
planned were setting up of
website, networking, inviting
professional photographers
for talk or training, exhibiting
best photos via galleries, and
raising funds for the group.
The group will hold its first
activity called “Melbourne
City Photo Walk” on 31 March
2012. Members will discover
some of Melbourne’s best
photo locations and learn
some tips from in-house experts. The walk will start at
Melbourne City’s laneways,
photographic buildings and
will end at the Yarra for the
sunset shooting.
Anyone who’s interested
may join the group at www.
facebook.com/groups/filocameraclub/ or email [email protected].
Do you have a flair for group singing?
Then join the first ever
Filipino-Australian
Group Singing Competition
as part of the celebration of
Philippine Independence Day in 2012.
Expressions of interest are now being accepted.
Some members of the Filo Camera Club of Melbourne during its first meeting.
Front row, l-r: Anna Lea Velasco and Tey Decena-Suba. Back row: Jim Maderazo,
Nestor Ventura, George Gregorio, Edwin Tuazon, Hector Calara and Jess Marasigan.
To celebrate 21 years
of service to the
Filipino-Australian
community,
will come out with a
full-colour souvenir
magazine,
Be part of the history for being the winner in this
Group Singing Competition.
Filo Magazine.
Read more in the next issue of The Philippine Times for further details.
MAGA
Big cash and grand prize trophy await the winning group.
For enquiries, please contact
Rolly Limun
- 0404 946 079
Emmy Dulake
- 0438 710 722
Susan Rodriguez - 0433 600 658
Chito Javier
- 0414 061 777
George Gregorio - 0411 566 885
or email [email protected]
o
l
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F ZINE
Advertising deadline - 31 March 2012
Reserve your space now!
Contact –
0411 566 885 or 0402 665 038
Email [email protected]
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3
MARCH 2012 the philippine times www.philtimes.com.au
SPAG chair honoured
in Australia Day fete
Samahang Pilipino sa Gippsland
Chairman (SPAG)
Jerry Baladjay was
among three individuals awarded
the Oustanding
Community Service
Award on 26 January
during the Latrobe
City’s Australia Day
celebration held at
Kernot Hall.
B a l a d j a y h a s Jerry Baladjay
(c
been the SPAG (Sa- and Russell Nor entre), with wife
th
mahang Pilipino sa for Morwell (rig , State Member
ht)
Gippsland) chairman for almost
10 years and has actively which is part of the annual
promoted the rich cultural Filipino Fiesta Festival and
heritage of the Filipinos. He involves contestants from
has the ability to interact and ethnic backgrounds enhancconnect people. He has been ing their abilities, talents and
instrumental in promoting learning to win back selftourism to the valley and confidence by representing
instigated the inter-league their own cultural heritage
basketball games competi- through dancing, signing
tion in Gippsland and bowl- and arts.
ing amongst friends of all
The annual Filipino Fiesta
nations held at the Morwell is a celebration of the Filipino
Tenpins. This group now has culture and is a highlight on
25 members.
the multicultural calendar.
Meanwhile, a recogniThe Latrobe City’s Comtion award was presented munity Service Award of the
to the Austral-Asia Quest Year is given to a resident or
Dolores Northey receives the event of the year award of
SPAG
community group who or
which performed outstanding community service to
the local community, either
during the current year and/
or given outstanding service
to the local community
over a number of
years, and met a
community need
or priority and
have provided exceptional service to
the community.
Jerry Baladjay (seated centre) with SPAG officers and committee
members
4
editorial
Hail to the queen
As civilisations progress and prosper,
human conditions continue to improve.
With this positive development, the role
of women in society has grown by leaps
and bounds. Gone are the days when a
woman’s participation was limited to
domestic responsibilities: caring for the
husband and children, doing household
chores and managing the family budget.
Of late, her contributions to the world,
whether these account for growth to
economies or to the solid foundation of
families, cannot be overlooked.
Women serve as leaders in business,
education and politics. They also contribute to the advancement of culture,
arts, science and technology.
Here in Australia, notable women
serve in the Philippine Embassy in the
persons of Philippine Ambassador to
Australia Belen F. Anota and Philippine
Honorary Consul General for Victoria
Virginia Kalong. These female envoys
have changed the face of world diplomacy which used to have a reputation
as a “gentleman’s club”. Even our own
head of state Julia Gillard is an exemplary woman heading our progressive
Australia.
As a people, we are historically not
bereft of outstanding women who are
models of courage and partners of men.
Filipino revolutionaries like Gabriela
Silang and Melchora Aquino took to the
battlefield when the country’s independence was at stake. Cory Aquino, first
woman President of the Philippines and
in Asia, was renowned for upholding
democracy and among the inspirations
for the 1986 Edsa People Power Revolution.
While attributions to women may be
satirical at some point, such as women
being fickle-minded and compared to
weather changes, or as being gossip
23 Rendell Place Hampton Park 3976,
VIC Australia
Print Post Approved PP332726/0009
ISSN 1329-3834
publisher
and EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Alice Nicolas [email protected]
MANAGING EDITOR
Reby Gaw
Entertainment EDITOR
Sherilyn Ramon
CONTRIBUTORS
Manny Asuncion, Raine Cabral, Felix Carao,
Elena Clasicas, Asther Bascuña-Creo, Mila Cichello,
Ellen Desear Espiritu,
Raul Hernandez, Estelle McNally,
Joel Magpayo, Lita Mahle,
Dina Mananquil-Delfino,
Ryan Perdio, Mark Villa-Racho,
Roberto Recamunda, Yolly Rogers,
Milena Torres, Benjie De Ubago,
Norminda Villanueva
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Nancy Consencino-Jung
phOTOGRAPHERS
Edwin Tuazon, Jen Azzopardi
EDITORIAL CONSULTANT
George Gregorio
ADVERTISING SALES
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Published by Finemarks Pty. Ltd.
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The opinions, views and comments expressed in this publication
are those of the writers and not necessarily of the Board and
management of The Philippine Times and Finemarks Pty. Ltd.
The Board and management accept no responsibility for the accuracy
of the statement, information or news contained in this newspaper.
Contributions, including Letters to the Editor are encouraged. Please
state your name, address and telephone number to get a response.
ONLINE EDITION
Publisher - GEORGE GREGORIO
Editor-in-Chief - ALICE NICOLAS
Advertising - [email protected]
monger and can be hailed
as the fastest way to spread
news (compared to legitimate
sources), there remain positive associations to women
which both suggest power
and/or compassion—
such as Mother Nature
and Mother Earth.
It cannot be denied that
there still exists a point of
view which discriminates
against women and regards
women as inferior and
second class. But we only
need to look all around to
realise the contributions of
women that make the world
a tad progressive, peaceful,
and beautiful place to live
i n . Wo m e n’ s v o i c e s a n d
labours contribute to the
richness of the different
spheres in which only men
used to dominate.
March is women’s month.
Every year, March 8 is celebrated
as International Women’s Day. We
pay tribute to the brave, talented,
compassionate and enterprising
women whose life and work continue
to shape their identity as individuals
and chart the destinies of lives they
touch. We celebrate the woman—the
face of a mother, sister, entrepreneur,
doctor, engineer, writer, community
leader, government official, construction worker, athlete, nun. For every
woman, regardless of who she is and
the role she chooses to take, walks
the talk of love, compassion, nurture,
competence, professionalism, excellence.
The hand that once rocked the
cradle, now also rules the world.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Editor,
Ryan Perdio's regular article "A Queer
Life" appears sometimes under 'Opinion',
other times not. So I'm not sure how far
his views receive official endorsement by
your paper or if they are published only
as personal opinion.
In any case, Ryan has expressed
self-contradiction between two articles.
In "Still out and proud" (A Queer Life
PT Feb 2012) he states: "....,many still
hold the view that being gay is a form of
illness that can and should be cured. An
outdated, ill-informed view that hurt so
many unnecessarily." In contrast, in his
'Opinion' article "Angst and anxiety" (A
Queer Life PT Sept 2011) Ryan wrote:
"Anxiety....depression and bipolar disorder are mental health disorders that affect
a significant amount of people. All three
are common in that a disproportionate
NUMBER OF SUFFERERS IDENTIFY AS
HAVING AN ALTERNATIVE SEXUALITY." (my emphasis)
Despite Ryan's own uncertainty, it is
unfortunate and quite sad that the PT
gives him free reign to colourfully describe and defend Sydney's annual Mardi
Gras Festival, in which he says he took
part and which unreservedly promotes
and encourages homosexual activity.
The PT speaks for the Filipino Community who I understand include about
90% Catholic Christians. Thus I believe I
can safely say the majority of your readers
would not only disapprove of Ryan's open
promotion of the Mardi Gras, but in fact
be deeply offended by it. There could
also be non-Christian readers who would
no doubt take offence at such disregard
for the natural law in human nature.
Encouragement by a regular journalist
in PT of the homosexual lifestyle clashes
with wholesome, inspiring and uplifting
articles like "Colours of Life" by Dina
Mananquil- Delfino.
Out of respect for Filipinos and their
deeply held Christian principles and
ethics, I respectfully consider your
paper has a grave duty to issue a public
disclaimer against the pro-homosexual
lifestyle views expressed by Ryan Perdio.
Such a move on your part would not be
discriminatory, but rather a true sign of
integrity as well as a recognition of the
natural law and the beliefs and sensitivities of the majority of your readers.
Yours sincerely,
Peter Phillips
Springvale
Response from The Philippine Times
Dear Peter,
Thank you for taking the time to
give us your feedback. As indicated
in our staff box, “The opinions, views
a n d c o m m e n t s ex p r e s s e d i n t h i s
publication are those of the writers
and not necessarily of the Board and
management of The Philippine Times.”
We respect the opinion of our writers
and that of our readers. We believe
homosexuality is a complex topic and
people have different views. We can
spend days debating who is right or
wrong.
Your letter comes at a time that we
have in this issue the Filipino Gay
Comedy Show which most of the Filipino-Australians enjoyed immensely.
We also featured the Miss Gay and Ms
Transsexual Australia 2012 winners,
also a well-attended event.
Our main photo and main article for
the Spiritual page are about the 20th
year celebration of the Filipino mass
at St. Francis Church. In the past,
we featured Born Again Christians,
Couples for Christ and other religious
groups.
You see, these things are what comprise the Filipino community here in
Melbourne. Take it or leave it. We have
gay people in the Filipino community
and we also have so many religious
people. They may live in extreme
worlds but both try to respect each
other and live in harmony.
The Editor
5
Love Duets singing
tilt winners named
On the 25th of February,
the “Loves Duets from the
Heart Singing” Competition
took place at the Wyndham
Leisure and Events Centre.
This event consisted of five
pairs of talented singers
who needed to sing 2 songs;
1st song was a “warm up”
whilst the 2nd song was to
be judged based on the vocal harmony/diction, stage
presence/interpretation,
audience impact and voice
dela Pena who got $500 and
trophy.
The three judges, who
were of foreign background,
consisted of individuals
having a great understanding of how it’s like to be in
the music industry. First
judge works in a recording
studio; second judge, a
music teacher; and finally,
the third judge, a musical
director.
Special guests included
Contestants and guests sing “I Still Call Australia Home”
Justin Abella and Antonette Francisco (centre) bagged
first prize. Kristian Garcia and Dianne Alegre (right) won
second prize, while Karen Esco and Michelle de la Peña
(left) got third place.
quality.
First prize was awarded
to Justin Abella and Antonette Francisco who both
received 2 return tickets
to the Philippines donated
by Philippine Tours, trophy and a recording of the
composition; second prize
went to Kristian Garcia and
Dianne Alegre who both
received $700 and trophy;
and third prize went to
Karen Esco and Michelle
Harmonico Filipino, Deuterium Band, the Quinal
siblings and Alyssa Limbo
and Rae Santos, who both
interpreted the original
composition of Mr Rollie
Limun titled “We Can Make
It Happen”. It was attended
by an audience of over
200. Acknowledgements
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Guests Alyssa Limbo and Rae
Santos interpreted Rollie Limun’s
“We Can Make it Happen”
6
Smartraveller:
Every traveller, every trip
Former foreign Minister Kevin Rudd recently
launched a new phase of the
Australian Government’s
Smartraveller campaign.
The campaign features new
advertising, including print
and radio advertisements in
different languages.
The relaunched Smartraveller website has in-
formation available in six
different languages, and is
now a cleaner, clearer and
easier to navigate site.
There is also a new mobile
website and an iPhone app
will be released shortly.
These new initiatives are
targeted at making smarter
travel easier. Travellers
will now be able to access
Smartraveller services, such
as travel advisories and the
registration service, from
anywhere in the world.
“It’s vital that the Department of Foreign Affairs and
Trade’s consular services are
as effective and accessible
to as many Australians as
possible,” Mr Rudd said.
Australia is one of the
most multicultural societies in the world. It is becoming increasingly common for new Australians
to return to their country
of birth to visit friends and
relatives.
Tr a v e l l e r s s h o u l d b e
aware that when they
travel overseas, local laws
and penalties, including
ones that appear harsh by
Australian standards, do
apply.
The Australian Government will do what it can to
help travellers arrested or
jailed overseas, but it has
to operate within the local
laws of the country.
M r Ru d d e n c o u r a g e d
travellers to be preapred
before they went overseas
by registering their travel
plans, reading and subscribing to travel advice,
and taking out appropriate
travel insurance.
If you’re going overseas,
regardless of the reason for
your trip, make sure you
visit Smartraveller.gov.au
first.
120 Australian scholarships open
for Filipino leaders and achievers
Australian Ambassador to the Philippines
Bill Tweddell announced
the opening of applications for Australia Awards
for Development at the
Masters and PhD levels in
Australia for 2013. At least
120 post-graduate scholarships will be available to
high-achieving Filipinos to
study in leading Australian
universities.
“The Development
Awards, through extensive
scholarship programs, aim
to contribute to the long
term development of the
Philippines, and to promote knowledge, education
links and enduring ties
between Australia and the
Philippines,” Ambassador
Tweddell said. “Through its
aid program, the Australian
Government places a high
premium on improving
the human capital of the
Philippines by increasing
access to quality education
and training for people.”
Australia Awards for
Development include
the Australian Development Scholarships and
the Australian Leadership
Awards administered by
AusAID. These awards aim
to develop capacity and
leadership skills so that
individuals can contribute
to development in their
home country. In the Philippines, the Australia Awards
for Development are part of
the Australia-Philippines
development cooperation
program and are targeted
at priority development
needs in the areas of basic
education, social protection
and welfare, peace and development, public financial
management, disaster risk
reduction and management,
climate change adaptation,
organisational development,
trade, foreign relations,
and pandemics. Australian
Development Scholarship
applicants who demonstrate
the most potential to impact
development in the Philip-
Remembering St. Patrick
every March 17
Fo r m o s t p e o p l e S t .
Patrick’s Day is a day of
parades, parties, leprechauns and green beer. But
just as Christmas is about
more than commercialized fun, so too does St.
Patrick’s Day have a deeper
meaning.
St. Patrick’s Day began as
a religious holiday honoring St. Patrick - a holy
bishop sent to Ireland in
433 A.D. by Pope Celestine
I to draw
its people
into the
fold of
Christ’s
universal
church.
Upon his
arrival at
Ireland’s
shores St.
Pa t r i c k
encount e r e d
m a n y
setbacks
and persecutions
by the
superstit i o u s
Druids
who had
employed
m a g i -
cians to maintain their
sway over the Irish race.
Despite severe trials, St.
Patrick was able to convert
all of Ireland and conquer
paganism. He is thus credited with driving the Celtic
“snakes” out of Ireland.
St. Patrick is credited
with many miracles and is
responsible for the building of several Catholic
schools, monasteries and
churches throughout Ireland. He is known for
his powerful expositions
of the principles of the
Catholic faith. He even
employed the ordinary,
little, three-leaved shamrock plant to teach people
about the Blessed Trinity. He was called to his
heavenly reward on March
17, 461.
S t . Pa t r i c k w a s a
humble, pious, gentle man, whose total
love, devotion and
trust in God should
be a shining example to each of us.
pines will be considered
for the additional prestigious Australian Leadership
Award.
Past Australian Government scholars who have
made significant contributions in their respective fields include: former
Department of Education
Undersecretary Fe Hidalgo,
Mr Rex Bernardo (2008
Apolinario Mabini Presidential Awardee, 2008 Ten
Outstanding Young Men
awardee, and 2011 World
Economic Forum Young
Global Leader), and Ms
Dodette Bernaldez (2010
Presidential Lingkod Bayan
Awardee).
“Awardees will experience and benefit from
cutting-edge and highquality Australian education. Australian universities
are consistently ranked
among the top educational
institutions in the world
for teaching and research,
offering a complete range of
programs and courses that
lead to highly regarded and
internationally-recognised
qualifications. In 2011, eight
Australian Universities were
among the world’s top 100
Universities.” Ambassador
Tweddell said.
At least half of the 120
scholarship slots are allocated to Australia’s key
partner agencies delivering
priority development initiatives, with the remainder
open to the public. Australia
Awards for Development
cover travel, study and living expenses for study at
Australia’s world-class universities. Awardees will also
join the Philippines Australia Alumni Association
upon their return. Further
information on the Australia Awards is available at
www.australiaawards.gov.
au and www.pahrodf.org.
ph. Applications are open
from 1 February to 30 April
2012. (Australian Embassy
website, http://www.australia.com.ph)
Helping clean up the mess
Members of the Melb o u r n e Tr i s ke l i o n j o i n
an estimated 591, 400
volunteers cleaning up a
staggering 16,169 tonnes
of rubbish all over Aus-
tralia. The 22nd Clean Up
Australia Day was held
last 4 March 2012.
7
A Queer Life
Ryan Perdio
Holy Day Advertising
I grew up in a Catholic
household where weekly
visits to church were not
only common but expected.
Grandma insisted.
The only thing that could
have ever gotten anyone
from going would have
been a handwritten note,
say, from the President, and
even then it would have
had to be for an excuse that
was truly important. Like
helping lead a fight against
a coup d’état or personally
hosting something akin
to a World Summit. But
seriously, missing mass on
Sunday would have meant
a week full of guilt trips
laid on thickly. Jewish
mothers had nothing on
my Inang.
Nowadays, though, I can
only make it to church
once every few months.
If at that. It’s not a matter of good Catholic boy
gone bad, but rather just
a change in my view of
religion in general.
I’m part of the growing
number of people who
identify as being spiritual,
as opposed to being religious. It’s an interesting, if
not eventual development,
especially given my upbringing. Part of the reason
Keep Stir-frying!
Asther Bascuna-Creo
Take it slow and easy
I used to be a runner. I
don’t run competitively
in marathons nor even in
community races that cater
for people of all abilities.
Unlike the fit and the striving to be fit, I don’t have
the compulsion to wake
up earlier than most to jog
around the neighbourhood.
If I need to get something
from the mini-mart on the
next street, I reach for the
car keys rather than my
runners. If I need to go up
one level in the workplace
building I head for the lift
rather than the stairs.
Nope I am not that type
of a runner. By running I
mean the frenetic pace I
have adopted in the course
of my day: frantically dashing from one errand to the
next, mentally working my
way through a gazillion
tasks I manage to cram in
24 little hours. Whether it’s
a weekday or a weekend,
the moment I wake up I am
Random
Thoughts
Reby Gaw
Our cross
We all have our own
crosses to carry. That’s usually a metaphor for a seeming insurmountable burden
that weigh us down. Instinct
tells us that we want to get
rid of that cog, eliminate it,
shove it under the rug and
move on with our lives the
soonest possible time.
Lately, I’ve been thinking
of my own cross, too. Afterall, it’s Lent again and that
got me to reflecting about it.
Jesus had His own cross. He
had to be a man, a normal
person just like everyone of
us and still live a life pleasing
to God because He is son of
God. In His trying to be Son
of God, He had bouts with rejection, hatred, being lied to,
being cheated on, ridiculed,
and hurt. Given a human
persona, He was exposed to
pain and the temptation of
doing bad or using His Godly
powers for personal gains.
But He didn’t.
That was a cross He had
to carry throughout His life-being human and being God.
A manifestation of His being
God was His compassion
and mercy, because he carried our cross too, our sins,
literally on His shoulders
and had to die for them. So
the cross now has become a
symbol of freedom, instead
of a literal death.
If at anytime, you think
that your cross becomes so
cumbersome to bear or too
heavy to carry on one shoulder, learn from the life of
Jesus as to how the cross can
set you free. He was badly
is my increasing disillusionment with Catholicism.
As a queer individual, I
definitely have just cause
to feel so. Mostly, however,
it’s because I’ve come to the
realisation that mainstream
religion – or my attendance
– does not need to be integral to my feeling of connection to something bigger
than myself. I can find that
in my own meditation and
quiet genuflection.
But in saying the aforementioned, there are still
certain things about the
Catholic faith that I continue to uphold and follow.
The congregation surges
in services all around the
world during Easter and
that’s because even those
who do not normally attend
church on a regular basis
feel the significance of the
period. Easter is an enduring reminder of sacrifice,
redemption, forgiveness
and hope; themes that
resonate in many and the
reason why I make an extra
special effort to not only
attend the services but to
also observe the days with
respect.
Of course, some do not
hold the same view. Seeing
the Easter period to be
simply a holiday and an
opportunity to fit in some
seriously extended partying. I have no problems
with that; to each their
own. But what I do find
troubling is the increasing
amount of club advertising
that makes light of certain
holy aspects of Easter in
order to attract their patrons. One that I felt very
strongly about is a print
ad that spoofed ‘The Last
Supper’ involving Christ
and a group of barely clad
club punters. It advertised,
of course, a long weekend
dance party. Was it catchy?
Definitely. Was it appropriate? Definitely not.
The contentious matter
of inappropriate advertising is not something new
to me. After all, there have
been plenty in the news.
An establishment in Melbourne was in previous
years forced to defend their
use of images of Aussie
soldiers to advertise an ANZAC Day party weekend.
They eventually pulled it
down.
It’s a slippery slope, and
sadly an issue that looks
set to continue, but surely,
regardless of how one may
feel about religion, it’s still
sad that advertisers feel
that such a controversial
cheap shot is the key objective instead of marketing
effectiveness? Surely there
are certain things that ought
to be off limits? Shouldn’t
there?
Okay, so perhaps I may
have laid it all on thickly
– hey, I can’t help it… I am
my grandmother’s grandson – but I do hope that you
got my point. I mean, what
do I have to do? Get Jesus
off the cross and beat you
on the head with it?
No, didn’t think so.
a woman with a purpose.
On a weekday I am engaged in the juggle between
being a fulltime paid employee to being mother and
wife to my young family. As
early as 6am it’s an intense
hour of preparing lunches,
breakfast and readying my
children and myself for
school and work. There is
no time to appreciate the
first rays of sun as I open
the kitchen blinds. There is
no time to even thank God
for another day. Just a mad
dash from one task to the
next to get the children on
time for school and me on
the train that will take me
to work in the big city.
The same mad rush rules
my weekends: As soon
as I wake up, I turn on
the dishwasher to clean
the previous week’s dirty
dishes; I load the washing
machine with the week’s
laundry; I mop and sweep
the floor of the week’s
dust; I clean the toilet and
bathrooms; I vacuum the
carpets...when my family
wakes up at varying hours
from their Saturday sleep
in they are confused why
they a) cannot step on the
clean floor; b) cook on the
freshly polished stove; c)
dump their pyjamas on the
empty laundry basket.
They cannot do anything
really, except stay in bed
the whole morning till I
get over my grumpiness
and can cheerily call them
for breakfast. At this point
they are ready to start their
day and I am ready to go
back to bed. I have a clean,
orderly, disinfected house
but not the time to spend
with my family.
My uber relaxed hus-
band at one point asked
me, ‘If these tire or upset
you, why do you have to
do it?’
I thought the question
absurd at that time, and
bless Cris, I still do at present moment, but I have had
many opportunities since
then to reflect on this question and alter it somewhat
to suit my comfort: ‘If these
tire or upset you, why do
you have to do it in such
a fashion?’
It is a question that now
often runs the course of
my life:
Why do you do it? Do
you really need to do it in
such a way?
Do you need to rush,
rather than wait?
Do you need to run,
rather than walk?
Do you need to do, rather
than live?
beaten, humiliated, and had
to wear a crown of thorns
and carry the cross on which
he was put to death like a
fugitive. But God showed us
that there’s a way to “manage” our crosses. Along the
way, there would be Mary
Magdalene’s and women
who would wipe our faces
when we’re weary. There
would be Simons de Cyrene
who would help
us lift whatever it
is that cripples us.
Then at the point
when all else become desperate,
our own Mother
Marys will be
there to grieve
with us and show
us love.
We all know
that the story ends
with the resurrection of Jesus, or
the freedom from
the cross. The
cross comes with
great pain, suffering, and sacrifice.
Maybe we need
the cross to purify
us, and seek that which is
most important in life. What
we ultimately want comes
with a price, an acceptance
of our own cross. When
the chips are down and the
cross makes us fall once,
twice, thrice, remember that
Jesus had to bear that too,
as a human being. So think
twice when you say that God
doesn’t understand. He does,
because He had been there.
He knows how it is to fall
into despair and plummet
into depression. But He bore
the cross. And we, made in
His image and likeness, will
have the power to do the
same to carry and conquer
our cross.
Have a meaningful celebration of Lent. Remember
to pray, fast, and do charity.
8
Power Couple
Cen Amores named
Outstanding Woman
sor Janice
Reid, AM
and former State
Minister
Fa y L o
Po. Other
local MPs
like Tony
Issa of
Granvile,
g o v e r n - Power couple Ruben and Dr. Cen Amores
m e n t
and academic dignitaries sion, was named Member of
witnessed the awarding the Ministerial Consultative
ceremony at the Sir Ian Committee by the NSW
and Nancy Turbott Audito- government, People of Ausrium of the UWS Parramatta tralia Ambassador by the
Federal government and now
Campus.
Amores, in short succes- conferred the 2012 GWS
WOW Award.
Amores and husband
Ruben also received more
Greater Western Sydney
ZEST Awards for various
community projects they
initiated or led. Kapitbahayan Cooperative Ltd
was awarded for Outstanding Voluntary Organisation,
Canley Vale Affordable
Housing Exceptional Partnership Project (between
KCL and the government)
UWS Vice Chancellor, Professor Janice Reid, AM with
and ASCON’s Flavours of
Dr Cen Amores (second from left), one of the Women
Auburn for Outstanding
of the West Awardee.
CALD Community Project.
Dr Cen Amores, President
of the Alliance of Philippine
Community Organisations
(APCO) again received a
prestigious award when
she was included in the
select group of women
bestowed the Women of
the West (WOW) award by
the University of Western
Sydney (UWS) on 2 March
2012 in celebration of the
International Women’s Day.
The WOW award is made
in recognition for the leadership and contributions
made by Amores to Greater
Western Sydney. The award
was handed over by Vice
Chancellor of UWS, Profes-
Ruben Amores cited for
community leadership
Ruben Amores, President
of Kapit-bahayan Cooperative Ltd won the Highly
Commended Award for Outstanding Community Leadership - Voluntary Capacity
during the 2nd Annual ZEST
Award for Greater Western
Sydney organised by the
Western Sydney Forum,
Western Sydney Regional
Information and Research
Service (WESTIR) and TRI
Community Exchange Inc.
These awards were given to
recognise the special contributions and exceptional
accomplishments of individuals and organisations
operating in voluntary and
professional capacity in
the 15 local government
areas of Auburn, Bankstown,
Blacktown, Blue Mountains,
Camden, Campbelltown,
Fairfield, Hawkesbury, Holroyd, Liverpool, Parramatta,
Penrith, The Hills, Wollondilly at Wingecarribee.
Three projects initiated
and managed by Amores
also received major awards
in their separate categories.
Flavours of Auburn which is
an annual food festival of the
Auburn Small Community
Organisation Network was
highly commended in the and voluntary organisations
Outstanding Project in a most of which were funded
CALD Organisation category, or having paid workers.
The awarding ceremony
while Kapit-bahayan Coop
Ltd was commended under was held in Granville Grand
the Outstanding Voluntary Royale last Wednesday 29
Organisation category and February 2012 attended by
KCL’s Canley Vale Affordable about 400 including some
Housing was commended local MPs such as Parliamenunder the award category tary Secretary for Western
for Exceptional Partnership Sydney Ray Williams of
Hawkesbury, Leader of the
Project.
The Auburn Small Com- Opposition John Robertson
m u n i t y O r g a n i s a t i o n s of Blacktown and Dr Jeoff
Network is a federation of Lee of Parramatta and other
about 30 ethnic communi- other dignitaries.
ties based in Auburn
LGA where Amores
was founding chairman. Kapit-bahayan
is the leading tenantmanaged housing coop
in NSW. It started the
first affordable housing project in Canley
Vale utilising its sweat
equity and operating
surplus funds.
Amores and the above
voluntary projects had
to compete with about
100 entries in 15 categories submitted by
various community Amores (left) receiving Award
service organisations for Outstanding Community
operated by the differ- Leader (Volunteer) from Ray
Williams, MP for Hawkesbury
ent NGOs, businesses
BINGHAY & CO PTY. LTD.
Accountant & Tax Agent
Purita Binghay, MBA, CPA
also a Registered Migration Agent
MARN 9791593
11 Dandenong Road East, Frankston VIC 3199
1/28 Pickett Street, Footscray VIC 3011
Ph. 9770 0066 Fax: 9770 0466
Mob: 0404 495 830
email: [email protected]
9
Award giving body to honor
Pinoy organisations overseas
Got any Filo org in mind
to nominate?
The Gawad Geny Lopez,
Jr. Global Bayaning Pilipino Awards was recently
launched to honor outstanding Filipino organisations overseas.
This is the first time for
the awards to go global as it
searches for Filipino organisations doing extraordinary
service to their fellow Filipinos in the U.S., Canada,
Middle East, Australia,
Japan, Asia-Pacific (Singapore and Hong Kong), and
Europe (Italy and United
Kingdom).
“It is a huge and momentous initiative to reach
out to Filipinos all over
the world and recognise
their collective efforts in
serving their less fortunate Filipino brothers and
sisters wherever they may
The 5-Steps to Successful Selling
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Venue: Melbourne TBA
This training will revolutionise and create a breakthrough in your life. The
principles that will be shared can be used cross-contextually and applied
instantly and create result.
You will learn:
• Inner Game of Selling
• Selling with Influence and Integrity
• Increasing the Selling Cycle
• Adding Value to clients
• Negotiation
• Eliminate the “4 Most Common” Objection
• Getting out of the slump
• Keeping customers
The investment for the course is $250 inc. GST workbook/course manuals will
be provided. So act now and save your seat. Email [email protected]
If you have any questions, just drop Thad an email or call 0433-118-599.
We are only as far away as the phone or email.
be. We are truly excited by
this development,” said
Fr. Nilo Tanalega, SJ, head
of the Ugnayan at Tulong
para sa Maralitang Pamilya
(UGAT) Foundation. The
Philippine-based UGAT
oversees the screening of
nominations and selects
the winners.
The awards are named
after Don Eugenio “Geny”
Lopez Jr., founder of ABSCBN Corporation, the
largest entertainment and
broadcasting company in
the Philippines, and known
as the “Father of Philippine
Broadcasting”. It recognises
Filipino organisations, who
in the face of challenges
and difficulties manage
to rise and emerge as role
models of service in their
communities. “He started Bayaning
Pilipino (Filipino Heroes)
with Father Nilo. It would
warm his heart to know
that ABS-CBN in Manila,
TFC globally and UGAT,
have expanded their longrunning partnership to
search around the world for
ordinary folks doing extraordinary
work in the service of the Filipino people. This is
true to his vision
and mission,” he
added.
“We have honored so many
Fi l i p i n o s , b u t
taking the search
to a worldwide
level posed major
logistical requirements. We are
so enthused by
the energy and
commitment of
TFC teams in all regions in
taking part in the project. It shows their involvement and love for the Filipino communities that they
serve,” said Chit Guerrero,
vice president for ABSCBN Corporation’s Special
Projects.
Nominations can be
submitted via email to
bayaningpilipinoawards@
yahoo.com or by regular
mail to its regional offices
Deadline for submission
Geny Lopez, Jr.
of nominations is on 15
March 15. Regional winners will be announced
late May 2012. Winners
will be flown to Manila,
Philippines for the national
awarding ceremony in June
2012.
For more information,
visit www.globalbayaningpilipino.com, Facebook
page (Gawad Geny Lopez Jr.
Global Bayaning Pilipino)
and Twitter: @GGLGlobalBayani.
10
Ms Gay, Ms Transexual Australia
crowned
Two young queens were
crowned Ms Gay and Ms
Transsexual Australia during the annual pageant held
in Melbourne recently. Martini Ice, a drag queen
performer based in Sunshine
Coast, Queensland, bested
eight other candidates vying for the title MS GAY
AUSTRALIA, while Vanessa
Prestley, a blonde student
representing Melbourne
outshined nine other trans
girls and was crowned MS
TRANSSEXUAL AUSTRALIA 2012.
As winners, Martini and
Va nessa will r e p r e s e n t
the gays and transsexuals
and serve as spokespersons promoting the image
of the community while
supporting their charities
during their one year reign/
campaign.
On its third year, this
alternative beauty pageant
gained a lot of local media
exposure. It aims to create
community awareness to
generate understanding and
genuine appreciation of the
gays and transsexuals in a
more positive outlook as
productive and essential
part of the society. Another
objective is to promote
friendly connections and
understanding between
multicultural races and
redefining the definition of
beauty by appreciating them
in different forms, sizes, skin
color and nationalities.
Ms Gayzha Davao of the
Victorian Secrets Promotion,
organiser of the pageant,
believes that although “we
have reached this Facebook
age, where people are con-
nected in time and space –
and beyond religion, gender
and nationalities—there
are still sections within
the society that are held
captive by old time beliefs
and opinion about gender
and race, and these sections need enlightening by
opening their minds and
hearts through an event like
this. And it is not too late.”
She also believes that
awareness should bring
about “respect and genuine
appreciation of the gays
and transsexuals” not just
objects of entertainment,
laughter and ridicule, thus
easing the existing stereotypes created by third world
cultural degenerations and
misconceptions.
The organisers are
thankful to the Australian/
Filipino and all the other
multicultural communities
involved like the Singaporeans, Malaysians, Indonesians, Thais, Vietnamese
people, Russians, Italians,
and Africans in Melbourne
for their support and acceptance in evolving and
promoting the image and
existence of the gay and
transsexual community in
Melbourne, not only for the
present but for the coming
generations. As an event that started in
the Filipino community, the
pageant is fast becoming a
truly multicultural celebration of unity in diversity.
For further information
and photos visit www.victoriansecrets.wordpress.
com or Facebook: Ms Gay
& Ms Transsexual Australia
Beauty Pageant.
Daniella Ca
valli (NSW)
– 1st
Runner up M
s Transsexua
l
Australia, Be
st in Gown
and Best
in Swimsuit
, and Miss Ph
otogenic.
Jana Fox (Q
LD) – 1st Ru
nner up
Ms Gay Aust
ralia 2012.
Best in
Carnival Wea
r, Best in Sw
imsuit,
and Miss Ph
otogenic.
Gabriella M
endoza (VIC
) – 2nd
Runner up M
s Transsexua
l
Australia 20
12, Best in
Talent,
Best in Carn
ival Wear, M
s
Congenialit
y.
Photos by Alex Martin
Gabriella Mendoza (VIC) - 1st runner up Ms Transsexual Australia; Jana Fox (QLD) – 2nd Runner up Ms Gay; Gayzha
Davao, pageant organiser; Vanessa Prestley (VIC) – winner Ms Transsexual Australia; Daniella Cavalli (NSW) – 1st
runner up Ms Transsexual Australia; Liz Honey, member of the panel of judges.
Fil-Aussies compete
in Bb. Pilipinas 2012
Two Filipino-Australians
were chosen in this year’s
roster of Bb. Pilipinas candidates who will vie for the titles of Bb. Pilipinas Universe,
International and Tourism.
They are Karen Gallman and
Nicole Schmitz. The two
beauties were chosen from a
bevy of beauty title aspirants
numbering more than a hundred to 92 who made it to the
screening. Thirty have been
chosen as this year’s official
candidates.
Karen Gallman, 19, was
born on 27 September 1992
in Ubay, Bohol to retired
World War II German soldier
Gavin William Gallman and
Bohol native Editha Boyonas.
Karen is competing in her
very first pageant. Pursuing
a degree in Business Arts
major in Management at
the Griffith University in
Brisbane, Queensland, she
was vacationing in Manila
last year when a friend egged
her on to try her luck at Bb.
Pilipinas. Although raised
in Brisbane, she considers
herself 100% Filipino, having assimilated traditional
Filipino values even while
growing up Down Under.
In fact, she speaks fluent
Filipino and Cebuano and
is undoubtedly proud of her
Filipino heritage.
Meanwhile, Nicole
Schmitz, 23, was born in
Sydney, New South Wales
on June 28, 1988 to German
retired chef Udo Schmitz
and Filipina salesperson
Leilani Maturan. Nicole first
competed for Bb. Pilipinas
in 2007 and made it as a top
ten finalist. She also joined
several pageants in Cebu
(her mother’s hometown)
Gallman
and Australia, and has a
string of beauty titles to her
name: Miss Mandaue 2006,
Miss Teen Philippines 1st
runner-up 2006 and Miss
Philippines Australia 2008.
Nicole graduated with two
degrees to her name – Psychology and Law. She wants to be
a media lawyer in the future
even as she also hopes to
Schmitz
be able to work as a clinical
psychologist for children.
The title holders will be
proclaimed on 15 April 2012
at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The pageant night will
be aired live over ABS-CBN
and The Filipino Channel.
(With report excerpted from Malaya,
http://www.malaya.com.ph/02242012/
ent3.html)
11
Australia expands dev’t aid
to 3 Philippine provinces
Three provinces from the
Philippines have recently
been included in the Philippines Provincial Road Management (PRMF), a development assistance program of
Australia to the Philippines.
These provinces are Aklan
(Visayas), and Davao del
Norte and Lanao del Norte
(Mindanao). The PRM is a
$100M, five-year project that
involves performance-based
partnerships with select
provinces in Mindanao and
the Visayas, and is the largest development assistance
project of Australia in the
Philippines.
The first Philippine provinces included in the project
include Bohol, Guimaras,
Agusan del Sur, Surigao del
Norte, Bukidnon, Misamis
Oriental and Misamis Occidental.
During the launching
of the PRMF for the three
new provinces, Australian
Ambassador to the Philippines Bill Twedell said in
his remarks that the PRMF
provides funds for road rehabilitation and maintenance
in partner provinces, but
more than that it is also “a
governance and capacity
building program that puts
emphasis on institutional
and governance reforms that
will strengthen the service
delivery capabilities of pro-
vincial governments.”
“In partnership with the
Department of the Interior
and Local Government and
provincial governments,
Australia is working to improve the quality of roads
across the country. Roads
upgraded by the program
are cutting transportation
costs and increasing access
of poor Filipinos to basic
services, such as schools and
health clinics,” Ambassador
Tweddell also said.
The Facility has so far
completed 14 road rehabilitation projects, benefitting at
least 51,000 people and delivering material economic
and social benefits to the
communities. There have
also been improvements on
how the partner provinces
do their business, including:
implementing their provincial plans with appropriate
resources; rationalising their
human resource management and development
plans; exercising internal
control and audit procedures; contracting out road
service delivery using their
own resources and generated
higher local revenue; and
even increasing community
participation in road rehabilitation and maintenance.
The Ambassador also
noted the positive results
of the program in the first
seven provinces, thus the
addition of three more
provinces in the program.
He emphasised that the
selection of these provinces was premised on
their commitment to “good
governance practices and
potential to succeed.” At
the end of his remarks, he
affirmed Australia’s support
for the Philippines’ poverty
reduction program through
the PRM and through other
development assistance
projects in the country.
Photo by Australian Embassy in the Philippines website
Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Bill Tweddell and Department of the Interior and Local Government
Secretary Jesse Robredo (seated, 2nd and 3rd from right) led the launch of the Australian Government-supported
Philippines Provincial Road Management Facility in three new partner provinces – Aklan, Davao del Norte and Lanao
del Norte. Present at the launch were the provincial governors: (standing, L-R) Edgar Chatto (Bohol), Alex Calingasan
(Bukidnon), Sol Matugas (Surigao del Norte), Hermina Ramiro (Misamis Occidental), Rodolfo del Rosario (Davao del
Norte), Adolph Edward Plaza (Agusan del Sur), Carlito Marquez (Aklan), Mohammad Khalid Dimaporo (Lanao del
Norte), Oscar Moreno (Misamis Oriental), and Felipe Hilan Nava (Guimaras). Also in photo are: DILG Undersecretary
Austere Panadero (standing, right), and AusAID Minister Counsellor Octavia Borthwick and AusAID Counsellor Andrew
Egan (seated right, left respectively).
MARCH EVENTS
10th -Karaoke Dance Night (Contact: FilipinoAustralian Friendship Association of Geelong Inc, FAFAG C/o Barry Buckle Tel: 03 5257 1921
10th - Philippine Basketball Association of Australia Opening (Contact:- Ed Guevarra)
10th - “Summer Night Ball” by Samahan Pilipino Australian sa Gippsland in
Morwell. Contact Melvin Diez 0412 020834
10th - FILAMSS (Filipino and Multicultural Support Society) Miss Valentine
Coronation (Contact Mirasol)
11th - “Laughter Down Under Part 2”, 7.30 pm at Village Green Hotel, Sponsored by EMG Enterprises, Ed Guevarra on 0419209738 or Obeth
Gueverra on 0412052488
17th - Victorian Multicultural Commission Premiers Multicultural Gala Dinner
(Contact Victorian Multicultural Commission)
24st - Harmony Week: Bayanihan Multicultural Fiesta (Contact: BACNI Bayanihan Australia Community Network Incorporated c/o Mila Cichello,
[email protected] or visit www.bayanihanaustralia.
org)
24th - Rotary Club of Brimbank Dinner Dance/Fundraiser (Contact Bert
Mom on 0412470346)
31st - United Filipino Elderly – Social Event
31st - FILAMSS (Filipino And Multicultural Support Society) function (Contact
Mirasol)
31st - Australian Visayan Associaton of Victoria Inc Kick Off Night for search for
Miss Teen Philippines Victoria Quest 2012 at 7pm at the Springvale Community Centre in Osborne Avenue, Springvale.
2012
Church Calendar of Events
22 February - ASH WEDNESDAY (Respective Parishes)
Mass at Marian Centre, Ta Pinu Shrine, Bachus Marsh 8pm
09 March - BLACK NAZARENE OF MELBOURNE MASS
Marian Centre, Ta Pinu, Bachus Marsh
Friday 8pm (then every second Friday of the Month) 06 April - SEVEN LAST WORDS (GOOD FRIDAY)
St Bridgid’s Church – 9.30am TO 12 noon
07 April - STATION OF THE CROSS – 10am
26 May - FLORES DE MAYO
St Brigid’s Church – 10:30am
02 June - SCALABRINI DAY MASS – 11am
St Luke’s Church – Lalor
12 June - INDEPENDENCE DAY MASS
Time and Venue to be advised
26 Augu - MASS OF ALL NATIONS – 3pm
St Patrick Cathedral
Rosary and Procession – 2:30pm
23 September - SAN LORENZO RUIZ FEAST – 12:30pm
St. Bridgid’s Church
03 November - ALL SOULS DAY MASS – 4pm
St Bridgid’s Church
This list is a community initiative of the Emergency Relief Funds for Philippines (ERFFP) Working Committee. The
list was compiled by community organisations at a public community meeting on 12 February at the Philippine
Community Centre in Laverton.
08 December - Our Lady of Perpetual Help
and Sto Nino Shrine Anniversary – 11:30 am
ERFFP President Roy Carbungo said that only major fundraising events of every association will be included in the
event. All minor or secondary events will be published in The Philippine Times. Major religious activities will have a
separate listing. For changes, please email Michael Wright on [email protected].
16-24 December - SIMBANG GABI – 5am
Holy Eucharist Church, St. Albans
12
Continued from page 1...
Filipino Entrepreneurs
ACME is formed.
Jover added that the
group will invite resource
speakers during its bimonthly general meetings.
Part of the plan for its
members is to offer specialised trainings for business
operations. He said the
group envisions to help
each other while expecting
members running their
own companies to share
their expertise as well.
For enquiries, please
contact Fred Jover on 0403
944 479, email afpcon-
[email protected] or Noel
Tolentino on 0488-237-805,
email [email protected].
GMA Pinoy TV’s ‘Hiram na Puso’
Remarkable story of a mother’s love
Hiram na Puso is a heartwarming story of a loving
mother, who takes all risks
to save her daughter from
death only to be abandoned
by the same daughter after
she literally had a change of
heart. Soon, the said mother
realizes that this is the dire
consequence of one irreversible mistake she committed
in the past.
Starring Kris Bernal, Mark
Herras, Polo Ravales, Bela
Padilla with Gardo Versoza,
Ayen Laurel, Candy Pangilinan, Ana Marin, Marc
Acueza, Wynwyn Marquez
and Ms. Gina Alajar, Hiram
na Puso is a creatively-crafted drama series that will
boldly pique every viewer’s
conscience, pitting the ends
versus the means, malice
versus the motive.
Gina Alajar plays the role
of Zeny, a nursing student
whose life gets complicated
when she gets impregnated
by her boyfriend who subsequently leaves her. She
gives birth to twins, but
unfortunately one of them
had a heart complication
and needed immediate operation. But Zeny couldn’t
afford the cost of the operation, and so, she was left
without a choice but to give
up the healthier baby so she
can save the ailing one. The
ailing child survived and
Zeny named her “Lira” (Kris
Bernal).
Eighteen years later, Zeny
-- now a nurse -- discovers
that Lira’s heart condition
has recurred and her daughter is, for the second time,
on the brink of death. The
only thing that could save
her is a heart transplant. But
Zeny has no connections. One night, Zeny becomes a
witness to a tragic hit-andrun accident. She helps the
victim, Angeline, who is
almost her daughter’s age. For a second, she thought
that she’s found a “donor”
for her daughter’s heart
transplant, but that would
only be possible if she lets
the victim die. She shillyshallies at first, but moved
by her conscience, she decides to take the victim to a
nearby hospital. But it’s too
late; the victim is already
‘clinically dead.’ Although
distraught by the demise of
their daughter, the victim’s
parents Leo and Roxanne
(Gardo Versoza and Ayen
Laurel) thanked Zeny for attempting to “save” Angeline.
Learning of Lira’s ailment,
they agreed to donate their
daughter’s heart to Lira. Zeny is filled with so much
happiness following the
success of her daughter’s
operation. But her joy will
be short-lived. She knew
that her daughter survived
at the expense of someone
else’s daughter, and fate has
its way of bringing back the
balance.
Zeny went up against
her conscience to keep her
daughter, but now she’s
emotionally losing her. Will
she win her daughter back? Hiram na Puso is an original concept and story by
Suzette Doctolero and is
directed by Andoy Ranay.
Available on GMA Pinoy
TV. Channel and program
updates are available at
w w w. g m a n e t w o r k . c o m /
international.
Playing mother and
daughter Gina Alajar and
Kris Bernal
Mark Herras, Kris Bernal,
and Polo Ravales
From L-R: Bela Padilla, Gardo Verzosa, Ayen Laurel, Kris Bernal and Gina Alajar
David Pomeranz
to serenade Mums
A concert titled “A Mother’s Day Special with David
Pomeranz” will be held on
12 May at the Collingwood
Townhall. The special
presentation is produced
by Liz Honey Promotions
and Entertainment with
Philippine Tours. Ticket
prices are VIP, $75 (Limited); Gold, $65 (Pre-paid) or
$75 (Door); and Silver, $55
(Pre-paid) or $65 (Door).
For ticket inquiries contact
Chris Centeno on 0413 455
918; Andy Cabrera, 0439
768 225, or Liz Honey, 0412
191 577 or email address
[email protected].
13
14
The wonder
of Wonder Gays
Unlike the comedy scene
in the Philippines where
Pinoys can go anywhere
on a weekend to taste a
buffet of comedy shows,
here in Melbourne Filipino
comedy shows come twice
or thrice a year. What a good
timing when Liz Honey
letting such a good act pass,
Pink, with a raised eyebrow
still prodded White to sing
again on a higher note in
varying positions (sitting
down, ala-Pilita Corrales
with face and stomach facing
up, lying down and turning
bottom up). White obliged
characters they portray and their funny
observations on
love, sex, relationship, beauty, men
and their disdain for
women.
While Melburnians split their
White belting
out the most
applauded
performance,
“Sinta”.
Roy
Carbungco
gamely joins
the naughty
antics of Pink
and Blue.
Promotions & Entertainment
produced the first comedy
show for this year. Direct
from Manila, “Wonder Gays:
Isang Gabi ng Hagalpakan
at Kantahan” showcased
the funny combination of
White, Blue, Black and Pink.
Rowell Quizon, a grandson
of Comedy King Dolphy, was
the special guest. Andy K did
the comedy front act. The
two shows were held last
24-25 February 2012 at the
Yaraville Club and Village
Green in Mulgrave.
White’s rendition of
“Sinta” was hilarious singing it with a female voice
and later a male voice, both
wearing half lady and man’s
costume on each side. Not
and each time he sang and
reached a higher note, the
audience gave him a thunderous applause.
Black and Pink’s ugly
faces are their saving graces.
Black’s rendition of “My Boy
Lollipop” complete with
short skirt, pimpled face and
big tooth was a riot. When he
took a guy from the audience
and started kissing him and
telling him sweet nothings,
the audience laughed more.
How can one not laugh
when watching such acts
and amazing voice? They are
all funny, witty and amazingly talented, not to mention they have wonderful
voices. Their good comedic
value comes from the quirky
Liz Honey and Andy Cabrera with the
performers. Crew member Ferdie at right.
sides at the four hilarious
comedians, it is good to see
local performers and even
audience participants like
Roy Carbungco and Sandy
Lobriza on stage. Hearing
the laughter from the audience was such a thrill as the
gay comedians sashayed on
stage with ease. The nearly
four hours of fun and entertainment was all worth it.
Pink and W
hite exchan
ge
seemingly se
rious views
on life and
love.
15
GLIT AND GLAM
Birthday surprise
Tatay Gaudencio Baladjay turned 84 in his recent
birthday on 19 February. The family threw him a party he
wouldn’t forget with a surprise visit from Nepthalie who’s
based in Texas. The celebration was held at 49 Elgin St
Morwell in Gippsland.
Tatay ready to blow his
birthday cake
Tatay and Nanay surprised by their daughter
Nepthalie Milller who came all the way from Texas.
Baladjay clan with the
birthday celebrant.
18 in Australian soil
Hannah Calbay’s
18th birthday party held
at Doyle’s Restaurant,
Circular, Quay on 21
December 2011. Photo
shows Susan Calbay
with her four children
and three grandchildren,
her partner, David Mazoudier and their two
children together. Atty.
Imelda Argel was the
only guest.
The Calbay family of
eight arrived together
on a permanent resident
visa with the assistance
of Atty. Imelda Argel, in
December 2011.
All grown up
Francis “Nikko” Egan
celebrates his 18th birthday
at a party last 4 February
2012 at his place in Carrum
Downs. Nikko finished high
school at John Paul College
last year with a score of
92.6 in VCE. He now goes
to Melbourne University
doing Bachelor of Commerce
(Actuarial Studies). The
proud mum is Imelda Egan
(second from left) who considers Nikko one of her best
treasures in the world.
16
Bongalicious
Carnivale Ball
Choy Symes
Share-Me-A-Dream delivered a very successful
and bongalicious Venice
Carnivale Ball last 3 March
2012 at the Grand Star Receptions. The club’s main goal
is to create an evening that
has never been done before
by other community groups.
We wanted the people to
have a different experience
from the previous dinner
dances they’ve been to and
attract more of the young
generation.
The 345 people who attended the night definitely
had some very positive feedback of the event. It was great
to see both young and old
having a fabulous time and
even better to have so many
young guests who came to
support us. Our club believes
that by creating an event in
which the young generation
can also enjoy, it will help
them become aware and
would want to be involved
in helping the Filipino community in the future.
Some of the guests said
it’s the first time they have
attended such a fun event
with plenty of dancing, entertainment and not filled
with long speeches. Some
said the venue set up looked
incredible and the theme
was very creative and that
they had a unique
and great experience. So overall
our guests have
truly enjoyed their
evening and could
not wait for the
next event ShareMe-A-Dream has
to offer.
As the club
president and
on behalf of the
committee, we
aim to please
the people
and provide
them with a
fun-filled and
memorable
evening. We
believe that by
providing the
people with what
they want or look
for in an event
we will have
their support for
future projects.
We n e e d t o
thank you all our
sponsors Jopen
Quintero of J&J
Express, Steve
Symes of Brimbank Gas Service,
John and Malou
Ghayyoori of
Mothers &
Terry Kane, Lina Cubelo and
Choy Symes
Emcees Kyra Kardasian and
Lina Cubelo
Choy Symes and Terry Recto with
Gayzha, Norbert and Vanessa from
Victorian Secret
dance
Fun on the
r.
floo
Son and Marissa Paragas of
Marhiz Caffee, Lynn Saunders
of Pixie Dell Florist, Bunnings Watergardens, Bentons
Plumbtec, Bob Jane Tmarts
Watergardens, Arthur Saavedra and Cubelo Family.
We also thank our close
friends who are willing to
sacrifice their time and effort to help out: Liz Honey
of Liz Honey Promotions,
Jeanette Croucher and the
Halad Group, Susan Cullari,
Leovy, Edith Feliciano, Cora
De Ocampo, Kyra Re, Gayle
Hunter, Tessie Scudellaro,
Melvin and Lalaine Diez,
Olivia Escuyos, Gayzha, Van-
essa, Norbert and Gabby from
The Victoria Secrets, Norma
Serrano of The International
Business Wealth Creation
Club Inc. and Abe Valencia
of Kapitbahayan.
Money raised will be used
to fund the Operation Smile
in Surigao City and Cataract
Operation in Davao City.
Committee members are:
Choy Symes, Club President;
Terry Kane, Vice President;
Malou Ghayyori, Secretary;
Jason Kane, Treasurer; Lina
Cubelo, Assistant Treasurer;
Aileen Barbara, Social Events
Committee and Steve Symes,
adviser.
Filo writer launches book
Award-winning Filipino
Australian writer Merlinda
Bobis launched her latest
novel titled Fish-Hair Woman
on 6 March at Readings
Bookshop. The book was
published by Spinifex Press.
Fish-Hair Woman is a novel
of many rooms running between love and war. In 1987
the Philippine government
fights a total war against
communist insurgency. The
village of Iraya is milita-
rised. The days are violent
and the nights heavy with
fireflies in the river where
the dead are dumped. With
her twelve-metre hair, Estrella the Fish-Hair Woman
trawls the corpses from the
water, which now tastes of
lemongrass. She falls in love
with the visiting Australian
writer Tony McIntyre who
disappears in the conflict.
Poetic and eclectic in
style, this epic tale threads
a multitude of voices and
stories from the Philippines
to Australia, to Hawa’i, and
to the reader’s world. The
pool of grief, and of joy, is
yours, mine, ours.
A native of Legaspi City in
the Philippines, Bobis teaches at Wollongong University.
Written in various genres in
both Filipino and English,
her work integrates elements
of the traditional culture of
the Philippines with modern
immigrant experience. Her
play Rita’s Lullaby was the
winner of the 1998 Awgie
for Best Radio Play and the
international Prix Italia of
the same year; in 2000 White
Turtle won the Steele Rudd
Award for the Best Collection
of Australian Short Stories
and the 2000 Philippine
National Book Award.
For further information,
contact Spinifex Press on
(03) 9329 6088.
17
Giving your car royal treatment
Whether your car is preloved or brand new, you care
for it like it’s your own baby.
You don’t want it scratched,
or at least avoid getting one,
and the least you expect is
that it runs for miles in good
condition, regardless of its
age. Sometimes it’s hard to
part with our own car. Like
all other huge investments,
we care for it so it lasts.
Wouldn’t it be difficult to let
go of your baby?
Good thing for us in Mel-
bourne, we have a trusted
partner in this task. Don’t
ever think that caring for
your car is something you
can do in your own backyard
because it takes professionals, much the renown of
Talyer Auto Servicecentre,
to take care of your vehicles,
old or new. According to
Jazmine “Pin” Rutaquio,
Marketing Manager of Talyer,
their company is staffed with
a team of qualified mechanics and technicians who
Talyer mechanics Ery Rutaquio, General Manager;
Daryl Cruz full time mechanic, and Joshua Limun, our
apprentice.
undergo constant training
in accredited Australian
institutions, and are “conscientious, thorough, hardworking professionals who
take pride in their work.”
When you leave your
car with Talyer, you can
have the confidence that
it’s getting the best treatment. That’s the assurance
Talyer offers its customers
because their technicians
and mechanics are trust
worthy, apply critical and
logical thinking, and treats
each car as one’s own, ergo,
like VIP. More than 20 years
of experience with reputable
brands such as Benz, Toyota
and Subaru sharpened their
senses for quality checks and
vehicle diagnostics, and this
complemented by state-ofthe-art tools and equipment
for repairing and diagnosing
vehicles.
A primary strength of this
company lies in its keen
management who combine
business acumen and mastery of vehicle brands. The
triumvirate of Ryry, Ery,
and Pin Rutaquio bring to
the table different expertise
which complement each
other. Ryry (Pin’s husband)
is a licensed accountant
and has a Masters degree in
business from UP no less.
He is the GM and runs the
day-to-day operations. Ery
(Ryry’s brother) has 20 years
of solid experience in the
automotive service industry
and in vehicle brands. How
do you contest that kind of
background. Bring him a
car, and surely he can tell
its model, make, and number
of miles it has gone. Meanwhile, Pin, the Sales and
Marketing person, knows
how to drive the dough,
literally and figuratively.
Well, she carries her Masters
in Business from Ateneo and
knows when to flash it.
For the three entrepreneurs, they take business
very seriously. “System,
structure, technology, marketing and staff training and
motivation” are ingredients
Pin considers as the secret
of their viability. All these
should contribute to delivery
of service promise, which
is the cornerstone of their
existence.
Being this long in
the business, believe
it or not, Talyer has
not had any dissatisfied customer.
Perhaps this can be
attributed to their
commitment to excellent quality service,
value for money, and
professional car repair services. And in
the rare case that they
do falter, the owners
of Talyer are humble
enough to accept
accountability, and
rectify the problem. Now
that’s customer service bar
none and worth emulating
in any industry.
*Talyer Auto Servicecentre offers
services such as tyres/wheel
balancing, brakes service/repair/
rotor disc resurfacing, engine
reconditioning and repairs, and fleet
management for business/company
vehicles, among other things.
SEAPBL opens
6th season
Mike Juaneza
The South Eastern Australian Pilipino Basketball
League (SEAPBL) celebrated
the opening day of its sixth
season with style last 26
February 2012 at the Hampton Park Secondary College
Sports Centre.
The opening was graced
by Norma Serrano, former Chairperson and now
Adviser of the Filipino
Community Council of Victoria Incorporated, who
congratulated the league
for its success and spoke
to all the players in a fantastic ceremony true to the
eventual atmosphere of the
day. With a rendition of her
alumni school’s theme song,
the crowd and players were
treated to what the SEAPBL
truly stands for, and that is
to promote fun and unity
within the
community through
sports.
A parade
showcasing
the players
of the 16
participating teams
was a sight
to behold.
With its great
support from
the Filipino community,
the league showcased its
cultural approach with special performances by the
Simplicity Band and Joey
Santos.
Around 300 people witnessed great competitive
basketball and a cultural
gathering which saw the
very best of the Filipino
community.
Mila’s Filipino Store in
Hallam made sure that all
spectators and players alike
were treated to food and
drinks for sale.
The teams are now playing every Sunday at Hampton Park Secondary College
Sports Centre.
Follow our group on Facebook. Search SEAPBL.
Norma Serrano, former Chairperson and now Adviser of the Filipino Community
Council of Victoria Inc., delivers the opening speech.
E oE
eling
c u nms e n t
FoR
m
a
r
l
g
ro
pr
en
s t u d yd c o u r s e
an
NURSES with NO
EXPERIENCE
IELTS OF 7
EMPLOYER SPONSORSHIP VISAS
STUDENT PATHWAYS to PR
FAMILY and SPOUSE VISAS
MIGRATION REVIEW TRIBUNAL
FREE CONSULTATION Call : 04 1232 1187
www.allskills.com.au
ABN 32 389 630 964
[email protected]
MIGRATION CONSULTANCY
AUSTRALIA
INTEGRATED RECRUITMENT & MIGRATION
Education . Migration . Settlement
Felix
Carao Grad Cert Aust Immi Law (VU)
MARN 1069354 / MMIA 4572 / QEAC No. G028 / MRCSA 51889
Member of Migration Institute
-of Australia-
Accredited
Recruitment
Professional
18
MIGRATION
Ask the
Expert
Lita Mahle
What’s the best visa
to lodge?
Question: Subclass 457 or
Subclass 485?
I am from the Philippines
and have just completed
a Diploma in Commercial
Cookery from a TAFE college in Victoria and have
no experience as a Cook,
however, there is a busy
restaurant in the city willing
to sponsor me. Do I apply for
SC457 now or apply first for
SC 485? What is the correct
procedure?
Answer: The Department
of Education, Employment
and Workplace Relation
(DEEWR) has established
Applicant Guidelines for 457
Skills Assessment Program.
This is for people who hold
a passport from Brazil, China
(including Hong Kong and
Macao), Fiji, India, Papua
New Guinea, Philippines,
South Africa, Thailand,
Vietnam, and Zimbabwe,
and nominate an occupation
such as:
Aircraft Maintenance
Engineer(Mechanical) , Automotive Electrician, Baker,
Cabinetmaker, Carpenter,
Carpenter and Joiner, Chef,
Cook, Diesel Motor Mechanic
Driller, Electrical Linesworker, Electrician (General),
Electrician (Special Class),
Fitter (General), [Fitter and
Turner, Fitter-Welder Joiner,
Metal Fabricator. Metal
Machinist] (First Class),
Metal Fitters and Machinists, Motor Mechanic (General) Motorcycle Mechanic,
Panelbeater, Pastrycook,
Pressure Welder, Sheetmetal
Trades Worker, Small Engine
Mechanic, Technical Cable
Jointer, Toolmaker, Vehicle
Body Builder Vehicle Painter
Welder (First Class)
And choose the correct
Pathway for the 457 Skill
Assessment Process:
Pathway 1. This is for
applicants who do not have
relevant Australian qualification
Pathway 2. This is for applicants who hold a relevant
Australian qualification.
Since you hold a relevant
Australian qualification, for
your nominated occupation,
Pathway 2 may be the correct
pathway for you. However,
Pathway 2 requires among
others, that you have dem-
onstrated at least 3 years full
time paid employment in a
relevant and directly related
occupation, including 12
months full time-paid employment in your nominated
occupation in the two years
prior to lodging your application.
Since, it is highly unlikely
that you will satisfy the
requirement of Pathway
2, let us look at the other
alternative which is the
Trades Recognition Australia Job Ready Program. This
is mainly for international
graduates in Australia who
have completed an Australian trade or qualification
from a Registered Training
Organization in Australia, and are applying for a
SC485 ( Skilled – Graduate
) visa.
There are four steps under
the program which must be
strictly followed.
Step 1. Provisional Skill
Assessment. You will need
a successful provisional skill
assessment result in order
to apply for SC 485 visa and
progress to
Step 2. Job Ready Employment. This requires you
to complete a 12 month
or 1,725 hours full time
paid employment in your
nominated occupation and
complete a professional
development in Australian
Workplace Language and
Culture.
Step 3. Job Ready Workplace Assessment. Towards
the end of your six months
or 862 hours employment,
and if you have demonstrated a range of skills in
your nominated occupation,
you may contact your TRA
liaison officer to request
to complete this step to
determine if you have the
required skill level for your
nominated occupation in
your workplace
Step 4. Job Ready Final
Assessment. The satisfactory
job ready final assessment is
what you need to satisfy the
skill requirement of DIAC for
a skilled migration visa.
There are other factors to
be considered in determining eligibility for SC457 visa
or SC 485 visa.
Prospective employers
must also meet the sponsorhip and nomination
requirements under the
Standard Business Sponsorship (SC 457) .
Question: Do I go home
or do I stay?
I came here to Australia on
a 3 month- visitor visa to visit
my Australian boyfriend of 6
months. After few weeks, I
fell pregnant. So far so good,
my pregnancy is normal. We
were so happy and decided
we should marry. We went
to the Department of Immigration office to inquire
if I could apply for a spouse
visa whilst am in Australia.
The visa officer checked
my visa label and pointed
out that I have a Condition
8503 (No Further Stay) and
therefore can not make a
valid application for this visa
within Australia. However,
she added I can apply for
spouse visa if the Condition
8503 is waived.
Without hesitation, I applied for the 8503 condition
to be waived, however, to my
dismay, it was unsuccessful.
We were shocked! My visitor
visa is expiring in 7 days.
Our wedding is set two days
before the visa expiry date
and would like to spend our
honey moon in Queensland
for another two weeks. What
should I do?
Answer: In my opinion, it
is better to leave the country
before your visitor visa expires, even that would mean
you will miss your honey
moon in Queensland. Why
not spend your honey moon
with your husband in the
Philippines? You can lodge
an application for a spouse
visa in the Philippines.
There is a lesson to be
learned here, Condition
8503 is only waived in very
rare circumstances, normal
pregnancy is not one of
them. It is important that
you seek advice from a registered migration agent before
you apply for any waiver of
condition or for a visa.
Advice given here is intended for
general guidance only. Seek personal
direct advice from Registered
Migration Agents. Send an email
to Lita Mahle (MARN 9250408) on
[email protected].
AUSTRALIAN IMMIGRATION
WITH OVER 17 YEARS OF SUCCESSFUL IMMIGRATION PRACTICE
LITA MAHLE
3ENIOR-IGRATION#ONSULTANT
MARN 9250408
Awardee:
Most Outstanding Australian Registered Migration Agent, Philippine Marketing Excellence Award 2005
“Achievement in Corporate Practice or Enterpreneurship”
First Filipino-Australian Women Achievement Award 2007.
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Do not learn from your mistakes.
Learn from our experience.
19
MIGRATION
Migration
News
Estelle McNally
A major win for
international students
The changes announced
by the Minister of Immigration and Citizenship, Chris
Bowen, MP, on 15 February
2012 will benefit primary
and high school students
from the Philippines who
wish to study in Australia.
The assessment level for
subclass 571 for the Philippines was reduced from
Level 2 to Level 1. This
means that instead of showing evidence of funds for
the duration of the course,
parents of school children
would only be required to
declare on the student visa
application, that they have
sufficient funds to cover the
main visa applicant and any
family members for the duration of their stay in Australia
for living costs, tuition costs
and other school expenses.
The parents also need to
declare that they have access
to funds to cover travel costs
to and from Australia. The
visa officer assessing the
application will need to
be satisfied that the funds
will be genuinely available
during the duration of the
stay of the student.
The changes were a result
of a review of the student
visa assessment level settings in 2011. The Minister
believed that these changes
would benefit Australian’s
education sector.
The changes to assessment levels also affected 29
other countries which would
benefit from the reduction of
assessment levels. Around
10,500 prospective students
will benefit from lowering
the minimum evidentiary
requirement for the grant
of a student visa for selected countries and visa
subclasses.
Q: What are Assessment
Levels?
A: Assessment Levels are
used by the Department of
Immigration for assessing
student visa applicants according to its own merits. An
assessment level is assigned
to each country to determine
the immigration risk for
applicants applying from
that country. For example,
applicants from countries
rates as Assessment Level
1 are categorised as having
the lowest immigration risk,
and 5, the highest risk. The
higher the Assessment Level,
the greater the evidence
an applicant is required to
demonstrate to support their
claims for the grant of the
student visa.
Q: What is the basis for
setting the Assessment Level
for each country?
A. The Department of Immigration collects data and
determines how visa holders
adhere to visa conditions.
This data is used by the
Department for determining
the immigration risk over a
long period of time. Noncompliance to visa conditions include requests for
waivers of 8503, unlawful
stay in Australia or the lodgement of another application
for the purpose of changing
one’s visa subclass.
Q: How do I know which
Assessment Level I belong
to?
A: Assessment Levels are
determined by the country
of passport and the education sector of the student’s
principal course.
Q: I plan to bring my
spouse and my children
when I apply for a student
visa. What assessment will
they belong to?
A: If you are successful
in obtaining a student visa,
your family members will
belong to the same assessment level as you.
Q: Who will be affected by
this change?
A: These changes will
affect new student visa applications made on or after
24 March 2012.
The information provided in this
article does not constitute migration
advice.
People seeking advice on immigration
regulations should see a registered
migration agent. Email Estelle
McNally, MARN 9903113 on info@
mcnallyimmigration.com for further
inquiries.
20
MIGRATION
Migration
Doctor
Felix Carao
Migration Review
Tribunal (MRT)
The MRT cannot accept an
application lodged outside of
the time limits. This is very
strictly enforced without
exceptions. Therefore you
must ensure that you lodge
your application for review
within the permitted time
period.
You do not need to have all
your evidence ready at the
time of lodgment. You can
submit the application form
and application fee within
the time period and provide
further evidence (e.g., statements, documents) later.
If you were handed a decision by an officer of the
Department or received it
by fax, you must apply for
review within the next:
• 2 working days for the
review of:
- a refusal to grant a Bridging visa, and any related
decision to require a
security as a result of
which you are being held
in immigration detention
- a cancellation of a Bridging visa as a result of
which the former visa
holder is being held in
immigration detention.
• 7 working days for the
review of:
- a refusal to grant a visa
(other than a Bridging visa)
where the applicant is in
immigration detention
- a cancellation of a visa
other than a Bridging
visa
- a decision not to revoke
the cancellation of a
visa
• 21 calendar days for the
review of:
- decisions to refuse to
grant visas, where the
visa was applied for and
can be granted in Australia and the visa applicant
is not in immigration
Migration
Forum
Atty. Imelda Argel
Do you meet the new
’balance of family’ test?
Under the current Migration Regulations, if you
apply for any parent visa,
the ‘balance of family’ test
is an essential requirement
which you must satisfy
at the time of making an
application and at the time
of decision.
To satisfy the ‘balance
of family ’ test, at least
half of your children must
live in Australia, or more
of your children must be
living in Australia than in
any other single country.
For example, if you have
four children, at least two
must be living in Australia.
Alternatively, if you have
five children, with two
living in Australia, your
other three children must
live in different countries
outside Australia e.g., one
in the USA, the second in
the UK and the third in
the KSA.
What living in Australia
means
Your child will be regarded as “living in Australia” if
he or she:
a.has an Australian citizenship, even if not residing
in Australia; or
b.holds an Australian permanent residency and
usually resides within
Australia; or
c.is an eligible New Zealand citizen who usually
resides in Australia
A child who is a temporary visa holder and living
in Australia (e.g., a student
visa) is not counted as “living in Australia”, for the
purpose of the balance of
family test.
Who are counted as ‘children’?
The children that must
be counted in the balance
of family test are:
a.your own children (visa
applicant’s); or
b.the children of your current partner; or
c.your step-children; or
d.from 1 July 2011, your
partner’s step-children
from former partners,
if the step-children are
under the age of 18 and
you or your partner has
legal responsibility over
them
For the purposes of the
test, ‘partner’ refers to a
spouse or de facto partner.
Who are not counted as
‘children’?
Children not counted in
the balance of family test
are children who:
a.are removed from the
exclusive custody of the
parent by court order,
adoption or other operation of law, other than as
detention
- decision to refuse to
grant a subclass 100
or subclass 110 visa in
relation to a visa application made outside
Australia, but where the
decision was made when
the visa applicant was
in Australia and was the
holder of a subclass 309
or subclass 310 visa,
and the visa applicant
is not in immigration
detention
- decisions in relation to
business sponsorships,
professional development sponsorships or
nominated positions,
and security decisions
(where the applicant for
review is not in immigration detention)
• 70 calendar days for the
review of:
- decisions to refuse to
grant a visa in relation to
a visa application made
outside Australia which
could not be granted if
the visa applicant is in
Australia
- decisions as to the assessed score under the
points system.
If the decision was sent by
mail within Australia, add 7
working days (i.e., excluding weekends and public
a result of the child being
married; or
b.live in countries where
they suffer persecution
or human rights abuse,
where it is not possible
to reunite the child and
parent in a third country;
or
c.live in a refugee camp and
are registered as United
Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) refugees
Changes
From 1 July 2011, the
‘balance of family ’ test
definition of ‘step-child’
has been expanded. Under
the amended Migration
Regulations, a step-child is
now counted in the ‘balance
of family’ test if the child of
a former partner of the applicant’s current partner is
under the age of 18, and the
visa applicant or his or her
holidays) immediately after
the date of the Department’s
covering letter, then calculate
the time limits.
If the decision was sent
by mail to or from outside
Australia, add 21 calendar
days after the date of the
covering letter to the time
limits.
Application Fee
To appeal to the MRT you
must pay the application fee
of $1,540, unless you are
in detention as a result of a
decision to:
• cancel a Bridging visa
• refuse to grant a Bridging
visa, or
• any related decision to
require a security.
The application fee will be
refunded if you are successful at the MRT (For review
applications lodged on or
after 1 July 2011 only half of
the fee will be refunded). If
your application is found to
be invalid, full fee paid will
be refunded and the MRT
will not review the application. Check the MRT website
for expected processing time:
http://www.mrt-rrt.gov.au/
Processing-times/Processingtimes/default.aspx.
The MRT will consider
your case as if it is a fresh application, and will look at:
• all evidence and applicacurrent partner has a legal
custody of the child.
For visa applications
lodged from 1 November
1999 to 30 June 2011, a
child who does not meet
the above definition of ‘stepchild’ is not counted in the
balance of family test.
The amendments further
clarify that:
1. If a child is in Australia
on a temporary or provisional visa, the country of
residence for the purpose
of the test is taken to be
the last overseas country
in which the child was
resident before coming to
Australia.
2.In circumstances where
the whereabouts of a
child is unknown, the
last known usual country
of residence is deemed
to be the overseas country of residence for the
child.
tions which were provided
to the Department during
the application process
and any other evidence
or documents gathered
or created by the Department
• any submissions or evidence which you submit
to the MRT for their consideration, and
• any evidence provided at
the hearing.
Evidence Needed
What evidence you need
to present will depend on
the specific circumstances
of your case. You are trying
to explain your situation to
the MRT and make it easy for
them to understand.
MRT Website
The MRT application forms
contain detailed information
about lodging an application
for review, who can apply for
review, and the time limits.
These are available from the
MRT- RRT website or from
any registry. Please visit:
www.mrt-rrt.gov.au.
This general information is not
a substitute for legal advice. It is
important to consult a registered
migration agent to obtain specific
advice regarding the applicant’s
particular circumstances. Contact
Felix Carao (MARN 1069354) on
[email protected]
Some parent visa applications lodged before 1
July 2011 may encounter
difficulties, particularly
with regards to whether
or not a step-child is to be
counted or not. If a parent
visa is disadvantaged as
a result of the amended
‘step-child’ definition, or
where the child in question
is a permanent and lawful
resident in Australia but
raises issues on meeting the
definition of ‘step child’,
the case should be referred
to Family Section, DIAC,
National Office.
This information is of a general
nature and should not be taken
as authoritative legal advice for
specific cases. Australia has a
scheme that requires persons who
give immigration assistance to
be registered as migration agent.
Contact Atty. Imelda Argel (MARN
9682957) on [email protected].
Do you want to work, study or live Australia?
Are you in a partner (de facto, married or same sex)
relationship?
Ph: (02) 9699 3072 or Email [email protected]
Immigration articles at www.iargel.com.au
Templates for Migration Agents at
www.migratonprecedents.com.au
Atty. Imelda Argel
B.A.(Hons.), L.L.B. (U.P.), L.L.M. (Syd.)
Solicitor in New South Wales and the High Court of Australia
Attorney at law in New York, USA and the Philippines
Registered Migration Agent No. 9682957
CLASSIFIEDS
classifieds www.philtimes.com
TO PLACE AN AD
 (03) 9369 4324
biz.social.guide
Binghay & Co P/L
Contact: Purita Binghay
11 Dandenong Road East,
Frankston VIC 3199
Aluminium & Steel
Fabrication
Mabag
Accounting
and Taxation
Services
Maker of Steel Str uctural and
Architectural, Pergolas, Carports,
Garage, Stainless and Mild Steel
Balustrade, Fences, Gates, Sheet
Metal, Tanks, Conveyor etc.
You draw or tell us what you want, and
we’ll make it for you at a fair price.
Ph/Fax (03) 9789 9119
Phone (03) 9770 0066 Mobile 0438 789 911 Contact: Ernie Vilbar
Factory 3, 17 Libbett
Fax (03) 9770 0466 E-mail: [email protected]
Avenue,
Email: [email protected]
JOEY S. SANTOS &
ASSOCIATES
PO Box 394 Hampton Park
VIC 3976
63B Springs Rd, Clayton
South VIC 3169
Public Accountant and Registered Tax
Agent. Individual, Business & Investment Tax Returns, BAS. We come to
you for your convenience.
Aluminium Door &
Windows
MJ MENDERO
Phone (03) 9558 6803 ALUMINIUM
Fax
(03) 9540 0691
Mobile 0407 547 098
Home visits (no additional charges;
conditions apply)
JY Accounting
Services
Contact: Josie Young
56 Spring Square Hallam
Vic 3803 (Inside:
Maligaya Filipino Asian
Grocery)
Mobile 0435 353 061
Personal (Rental/CGT) & Business Tax
(GST/ABN), Other Branches: Berwick,
Springvale, Point Cook, Melton South,
Dandenong, Cranbourne, Trafalgar,
Hallam.
Email – [email protected]
Website: beejulz.com.au
A range of essential bags and organizers.Visit us on our ebay store,
under beejulz
JASMINE’S
Mobile 0 4 0 5 5 5 0 0 4 5
Ph/Fax 0 3 9 5 1 2 6 2 6 8 HOMEMADE BREAD
Auto Mechanical
Repairs
Spot On Tyres
and Auto
Bi-Fold- Sliding Doors, Security Doors,
Windows, 316 Stainless Steel &
Galvanised,Garage – Veranda Enclosure, Sunroom. (04/11)
10 Berkshire Road,
Sunshine Vic 3020
AND CAKES
Contact: Cora or Joyce
19 Chiswick Crescent
Derrimut VIC 3030
masarap bakery
Phone (03) 9311 4838 and asian
Mobile 0422 830 992
New and Used Tyres, Repairs and grocery
Contact: Vinia or Baby
178 Churchill Avenue,
Braybrook VIC 3019
Services.
Submit an article
Beauty Salons
Coffee Distributor
Dentists
ANGIE’S BEAUTY
SALON
ORTHEL
ENTERPRISES PTY
LTD
Dr Beth Casama
Contact: Angie
Shop 12 / 51 Synnot Street
Werribee Vic 3030
Phone (03) 9311 1096
For specialty Filipino bakery products:
Pan de sal/pan de coco/ensaymada/
hopia/ monay and lots more.
Special pandesal, ensaymada, Spanish bread-ube, etc./special longganisa
- tocino/Filipino culinary dishes catering/Asian groceries/delivery
available.
Bank-to-Bank
Money Transfer
ADVERTISE IN THIS
SECTION
Email:
[email protected]
Computer Services
LITO MANANDIC
HAIR AND MAKE-UP
G’S IT COMPUTER
ARTIST
Contact: Lito
REPAIRS
MANILA HAIR BY
BUENA
Phone 5 2 2 9 9 7 2 7
Services: Haircuts,Foils, Re-bonding,
Perm , Hair SPA/Treatments, Colouring, Styling, Hair Extensions, Waxing.
Open Monday - Saturday
Café Shop
CompTIA A+Certified Professional IT
Technician, Microsoft Certified Professional. Computer expert for all your computer problems. Services: Virus/Spyware
Removal, Hardware Upragrades, Data
Recovery-Internet Security, Build Computer According to your Specification,
All you computer needs.
12/10
PC Repairs and Upgrades / Hardware
and Software Installations
PC Reformat / Assembly of new computer that suits your budget
+ Bonus Music and Movies for your
PC if you’re interested.
Contact: Aaron on 0433
076 276 for a free
consultation.
Linucom
Solutions
Australia
Catering Available. Booking Required.
Filipino and European Food. Forty (40) Seats Capacity
BAKERIES
Taxation
• Personal Tax Return $85*
• Students 20% discount
• Business Tax Return
• Self Managed Superfunds
• Capital Gain Tax
Why Rent?
When You Can Rent To Own
You Own Home Victoria Wide.
PAPA BEAR BAKEHOUSE
Advertise in this section
(03) 9369 4324
Move in to your own home today. Houses
available in the north, west and south eastern
suburbs of Melbourne.
No bank loan required & without the hassles of
filling out the banks paperwork.
*Basic tax returns
Danber Financial Services
Reg / Aida 0413 199 344
Sharmini 03 9794 8108
JRJ Corporate Advisory
Services Pty Ltd ABN 49 100 180 747
Chartered Accountant Registered Tax Agent
We offer houses to self employed & cash workers
Minimum Deposit & use Gov grant as part of
your deposit
Bad Credit – OK
New To Australia – 457 Visas – OK
Hurry as there are only a few homes left. Call
to see if you qualify.
PT 04/10
(FILIPINO BAKERY)
FILIPINO BREAD, CAKES AND PASTRIES
11 MARKET PLACE, BRAYBROOK VIC 3019
(NEAR CORNER OF DUKE STREET AND BALLARAT ROAD)
PHONE: (03) 9311 2909 MOBILE: 0421 820 800
EMAIL: [email protected].
OPEN:
MONDAY, TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY & SATURDAY: 9:00 AM TO 5:30 PM
THURSDAY & FRIDAY: 9:00 AM TO 7:00 PM
SUNDAY: 10 AM to 3:00 PM
BIN HIRE
ROX-SAN TRUCK &
TRAILER PL
AND SANROX BIN HIRE
Jeffrey Magnaye
(Ph) 8358 5006
(M) 0410 621 924
(A) Level 1 Suite 3, 1/10 Castro Way,
Derrimut, Vic 3030
AUTO WRECKERS & PARTS
BUSINESS FOR SALE
BRAYBROOK
AUTO WRECKERS
Fantastic Business
Opportunity
“Wrecking Most Makes and Models….
Also Import Most Japanese Parts”
131 CRANWELL STREET, BRAYBROOK VIC 3019
PHONE: (03) 9312 2222
FAX: (03) 9310 1900
CESAR - 0433 647 728
JAIME - 0431 643 624
OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK / FREE DELIVERY
Asian/Filipino Groceries – For Sale
No Direct Competition
Easy to Manage, low Rent, easy Parking,
excellent Customer Base – SE Suburbs
Call Now: 0400 705 117
Price neg: “walk-in, walk-out”
204-206 Station Road Deer
Park VIC 3023
Phone
Fax
Mobile
(03) 9361 2166
(03) 9363 7772
(03) 9363 7872
0403 717 820
If you need fillings, tooth extractions, dentures, teeth cleaning, teeth whitening.
DJs &/or Dance
Instructor/
Choreographer
MDIEZ SOUND N
MOTION
Contact: Melvin/Lalaine
Phone 9 7 9 9 7 3 8 6
Mobile 0412 020 834
0458 464 640
Social ballroom dance instructor/
choreographer/disc jockey
Door to Door Sea
&/or Air Freight
Services
P.O. Box 2083 Greenvale,
Vic 3059
Phone (613)9333 6165
Mobile 0415 861 105
Web: www.linucomsolutions.net
Services: Network security, firewall,
installation, configuration, System
administration, intranet design, web
hosting, email services, Linux installation, etc.
Express
Balikbayan Box
6 Byron St. Clayton South
Vic 3169
Phone (03) 9543 5507
Mobiles 0413 462 389
0400 331 152
Balikbayan boxes and Padala Regalo.
Post an event.
Visit
BUSINESS FOR SALE
Manufacturer of new truck
bodies and trailer.
Bins available different sizes
(pick up Western Suburbs only)
Ph: (03) 8358 5644
Mobile: 0419 306 934/0478 257 888
www.rmjbodies.com.au
Contact:
Tax returns, Tax planning, management consulting, audit
and assurance, and related business needs. Your partner in
Wealth Creation and Asset Protection.
For personal and complete business services, please contact:
Level 4, Suite 1, 2 Collins
St Melbourne 3000
Computer Systems
and Network Security Five Star
Phone 9 3 9 9 5 1 7 2 Contact: Jun Zara, Senior
Linux Engineer
Mobile 0402 114 215
REAL ESTATE
AIRCON MECHANIC
Mobile 0433 655 193
“Your local Filipino computer expert”
Contact: Alison Proprietor/ Chris –
Manager / Elvie
101 Hudson’s Road
Spotswood Vic 3012
Accounting
• Bookkeeping $30 p/h
• BAS
• Budgeting and Cash flows
Loreto Resubal - 0425 751 281
Contact: Gerardo Visperas
AARON’S
COMPUTER
SERVICES
Contact: BUENA
45 A Yarra Street
Geelong Vic 3220
JACE’S 101 CAFÉ
Accounting and Taxation
Email: [email protected] Website: www.jrj.com.au
Supporting your local Rotary Community and Sports Clubs.
Contact: Lionel C. Orthel
“Sole distributor of Santilli Coffee”
Price.
1 Avondale St, Springvale
Vic 3171 (Side of Tina’s
Phil-Asian Groceries)
Fast and secure bank-to-bank or
door-to-door money transfer to the
Philippines.
ALUMINIUM WINDOWS & DOORS
ACCOUNTING &
TAXATION SERVICES
B.S. D.DM (ADEC Certified 1997)
Phone (03) 9654 5705
Phone
1300
322
992
Phone 9 7 4 1 4 4 1 4
Western Dental
0425 756 094 Mobile +61412 906 689 Care Pty. Ltd.
Phone (03) 9585 7002 Mobile
Trading Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 Email: [email protected]
Contact: Dr. Nenita
Tuesday to Sunday. Appointment Web: www.orthelcoffee.com
Mobile 0407 958 442 p.m.,
Evangelista-Lalin
advisable. Friendly Service. Friendly
123 Lower Dandenong
RoadMentone Vic 3194
Phone (03) 9361 2401 allsafe xp
Phone (03) 9547 3239
Mobile 0433 776 720 Contact: Susan
Specialising in all occasion cakes with Phone 1300 365 503 Services: Hair Colouring,Styling,
Straightening, Perming, Re-bonding,
different flavours and Filipino bread
(03) 9689 2855 Make-up, Waxing, Manicure-pedicure.
i.e., pandesal, ensaymada, etc.
Mobile 0411 531 379 Contact: Efren Callos
For details,
email
[email protected]
JOLLY B’S BAKERY
TAKEAWAY
Mobile 0404 878 606 &
Contact: Peter/Carina/Alex
Bakeries
Clayton South, Vic, 3168
Contact: Manny
Deer Park VIC 3023
Place CLASSIFIED ADS
here
and get FREE classified
ad listing
in the online edition
of
The Philippine Times.
Bags and Accessories Bakeries and
Take-away
beejulz
Contact: Julz
All online for now.
Vega Steel
Works
Contact: Manuel Mabag,
MComm, PNA
14 Bendemere Rise,
Langwarrin, VIC 3910
Email - [email protected]
PT 11/10
Accountants,
Auditors & Tax
Agents
21
Filipino grocery in Dandenong for sale
Price: negotiable
Genuine offers only.
If interested, please contact
0414-623-465
Please quote: Philippine
Times ad
BUILDING CONTRACTOR
classifieds www.philtimes.com.au
Grocery Stores
LBC HARI NG
PADALA
R.M.M. DRIVING
SCHOOL
Phone 1300 522 000
Contact: Rowen Maranan
P.O. Box 1055, Preston VIC
3072
Gov’t Accredited Cert. III & IV
Unit 5, 64-66 Rebecca
Drive, Ravenhall VIC
3023
Sea freight / Air Freight / Money Remittance Services.
Driving Schools
Driving School
Phone (03) 9449 5779
Mobile 0414 959 224
ABAN ELECTRICS
Experienced driving instructor will help
you to get your licence. Automatic
or Manual. Learned by hour or plan.
Serve all suburbs in Western area
and Pascoe Vale, Brunswick, Coburg.
New Car. For more information, please
contact 0411 498 709.
Contact: Armando
Mobile 0411 498 709
EVS Driving
School
Gov’t Accredited Trainer Cert. IV
Contact: Tita Evelyn
Western Suburbs/St. Albans
Open 7 Days a Week . Specialising
in Asian, Indian, Sri Lankan, Filipino,
Indonesian, Japanese products.
REC. NO. 15805
ABN: 5903 4426 553
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR
ALI-MED
SUPERMARKET &
ASIAN GROCERY
Mobile: 0419 597 345
Domestic/Commercial/Industrial
Electrical &
Telecommunication
MOONLIGHT
DRIVING SCHOOL
Accredited Driver Trainer No. 021
Contact: LEO OR LOLIT
ADVERTISE IN THIS
SECTION
Email:
[email protected]
FILOZZIES GROCER ManileÑa Filipino
Contact: Mabelle
Asian Grocery
Phone (03) 9308 4286
SPIT ROAST PIG
Phone (03) 9798 5389 AUTHENTIC
Contact: ALEX and AMIE
Phone: (03) 9356 4522 Mobile 0419 674 339 Factory 35, 12-20 James
Court, Tottenham, VIC
AH (03) 9367 7818 Email: [email protected]
Contact: Susan
40/10 Craigieburn Road
Craigieburn VIC 3064
Asian-South Pacific-Australian frozen
and dry goods/video tapes/phone
cards/door to door cargo, etc.
Dandenong Vic 3175
Contact: SHERLITA
Shop 1231B, Howitt
Street Wendouree,
Ballarat Vic 3350
Phone 5 3 3 8 1 2 6 6
Mobile 0417 331 756
Selling mixed dry and frozen Asian
goods. Door to door cargo to the
Philippines.
Phone (03) 9381 0433
Mobile 0433 666 306 BROADMEADOWS
UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT.
Selling Filipino and Asian Products.
Door to Door Cargo and Money Remittance. FREE PARKING AT BACK
Contact: Amelia
9/161-163 Railway Avenue,
Laverton VIC 3028
PHIL-ASIAN
GROCERY
Contact: Mrs. Carrie Casimiro
Shop 16, Railway Crescent,
Broadmeadows Vic 3047
Installation.
Entertainment
Services
Money Remittance, Sea cargo services,
Filipino movies VHS/VCD Hire, Phonecards, Variety of Phil-Asian goods.
Door-to-door Sea Cargo and Money
Remittance /Phone Cards / Video Hire/
Clothes & Bags
Shop 6, Craigieburn Plaza,
Craigieburn Road,
Craigieburn VIC 3064
Angel sa Quiapo
Open 7 days / wide variety of Fil-Asian
products / cheaper prices / quality
service / check us on Facebook
CRAIGIEBURN ASIAN GROCERY
Contact: Chona
48 Wilson Road, Melton
South Vic 3338
Promotions &
Entertainment
Ph/Fax (03) 9367 7438
Mobile 0412 191 577
Web: http://www.lizhoney.com
Liz Honey Promotions & Entertainment –
giving opportunities to young people.
Contact: Stella Plotek
Shop 121, Footscray
Market, Hopkins Street
Footscray Vic
Phone (03) 9689 0188
The BIGGEST Filipino Discount Store
in the Western Suburbs since 1977.
UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT.
Leny’s Grocery
Contact: Leny Laysa
Shop 15 B, 15-23
Langhorne Street,
Dandenong Vic 3175
Specialising in large range of Asian/
Filipino groceries. Door-to-door Cargo.
Open: Monday to Saturday.
Mabuhay Pinoy
Asian Groceries
Contact: Grace
229 Melville Rd, Brunswick
West VIC 3055
PT 1110
Dr. Nenita Evangelista- Lalin
If you’re experiencing gum
problems, toothache, sensitive
teeth, needs replacing missing tooth/
teeth, not happy with colour of your teeth, or
needing a dental check up...
Tel. (03) 9361 2166 /(03) 9363 7772
204-206 Station Road Deer Park VIC 3023
Dr. Maria Marquez-Malanyaon, Dentist
Dr. Deepti Cherukuri, Dentist
PH: (03) 5275 1533
FAX: (03) 5275 1544
Bellpost Shopping Centre
Shop 10, 290-306 Anakie Road
Norlane Vic 3214
ACCEPTING EPC MEDICARE
Branches
DIS Dental Surgery
104 East Esplanade
St.Albans VIC
(Melway ref: 13J9)
Phone: (03) 9356 4809
Dentist: Dr. Dalisay Sibal
Laverton Dental Clinic
Shop1- 8 Neville Ave.
Laverton VIC
Phone: (03) 9369 8585
Dentist: Dr. Dalisay Sibal
Good Smile Dental Surgery
204 Heaths Road Hoppers Crossing
Phone: 03-97487688
Phone (03) 9799 7624
3012 (Mel Ref. 41A4)
Phone (03) 9314 0858 Ph/Fax (03) 9799 4245
Mobile 0 4 3 4 1 4 3 1 2 9 Mobile 0404 097 624
Sea Cargo and Money
0 4 0 1 2 0 9 5 4 0 Door-to-door
Remittance Services.
Masagana
Filipino Asian
Groceries
Contact: Terry or Boy
Shop 4, Boronia Village
Shopping Centre, 159
Boronia Road, Boronia
Vic 3155
Large range of Filipino - Asian goods
and seafoods. Door-to-door Cargo and
Money Remittance. Prepaid Phonecards. Under new management.
Melly’s Asian
Shop 43, Hampton Park
Shopping Square,
Somerville Road,
Hampton Park VIC 3976
Ph/Fax (03) 9799 2565
168 Churchill Avenue,
Braybrook Vic 3019
Contact: Lita / Bong
MALIGAYA FILIPINO
ASIAN GROCERIES
Phone (03) 9311 0992
Fax
(03) 9311 4876
Door-to-door money transfer, air/sea
cargo. Prepaid phone cards. Filipino
movies for hire.
MANILA IN
FOOTSCRAY
Contact: Vivian
Shop 14, 119 Hopkins St,
Footscray VIC 3011
(Leeds St entrance)
SPECIALISING IN FILIPINO
Wholesaler / Retailer / Importer of
Philippine Food Products / Money
Remittance / Door-to-Door Cargo
/ Selling Orocon plastic containers
/ Others
Kids Entertainment
KAROLINA’S KIDS
ENTERTAINMENT
LBC Money
Transfer
Locksmiths
Phone 1300 522 000
(03) 8390 6916
614 Ballarat Road,Ardeer
VIC 3022
Contact Tom or Gil
Web: www.charmantus.com/kke
Face painting, balloon twisting, temporary tattoos, party games hosting,
clowns, fairies. Competitive price.
Please call for bookings.
Unit 5, 64-66 Rebecca Drive,
Ravenhall VIC 3023
Web: www.lbcexpress.com
Pay TV Dealers &
Installers
DEALER - ABS CBN
TFC
Contact: Leo and Josie
Difuntorum
Mobile 0413 481 442
or 0 4 3 3 7 5 8 0 0 0 12 Bancroft Avenue, Narre
All Locks Opened / Installed / Repaired
/ Rekey & Master Key System / Supply
& Installed of Security Doors
Migration Agents
Hoju Visa
Consulting
(Registered Migration Agent Number
0635478, 0958805)
Contact: Daniel, Devorah
Suite 5, L4, 167 Queen
Street, Melbourne
Warren South Vic 3805
Mobile 0433 342 847
0433 701 657
Authorised TFC Dealer and Installer /
All types of Satellite free to air, Christian channels/Antenna Installation.
Philippine Gov’t
Offices
PHILIPPINE
Phone (03) 9600 3114 EMBASSY
Money Remittance
&/or Freight
Services
allsafe xp
Contact: Susan Rodriguez
Australia-wide
Web: www.allsafeXP.com.au
Phone 9 3 0 2 4 1 9 7
Mobile 0420 354 648
H.E. Ernesto de Leon,
Ambassador
P.O. Box 3297, Manuka
Canberra ACT 2603
Phone (02) 6273 2535
Fax (02) 6273 3984
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Phone 1300 365 503
(03) 9689 2855
Contact: Karol
Contact: John or Imelda/
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FILIMEX ASIAN
STORE AND CAFE
Contact: Jovita Steven
35 Michel Street,
Shepparton Vic 3630
COMPUTER REPAIRS
INDAY PILIPINO
ASIAN STORE
Contact: Norma or Mel
56 Spring Square, Hallam
VIC 3803
Web: www.angelquiapo.com.au
Asian Filipino Grocery/Money Remittance/Phonecards/TFC subscription/
Balikbayan Boxes/Tagalog DVDs/
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Filipino delicacies, door-to-door sea/
air cargo, money remittance (higher
rates), video rental (Tagalog movies)
Dausan
International
Freight
Forwarder
Contact: Shirley Rivera
391 Chandler Road,
Keysborough Vic 3173
Phone (03) 8339 7439 Phone (03) 9974 2944 QUIAPO AUSTRALASIA
Mobile 0433 379 395 PTY LTD
Phone (03) 9746 9193
Mobile 0449 781 139
Contact: Liz or Mike
16 Marriot Road, Keilor
Downs Vic 3038
Shop 8, 323 Main Road
East, St. Albans
VIC 3021 (behind
Safeway)
Phone (03) 9309 3277 Phone (03) 9708 5680 Groceries
Mobile 0403 212 970 Mobile 0414 623 465 Contact: Melly
Mobile 0430 006 095 Phone (03) 9369 2393 CRAIGIEBURN
Fax
(03) 9369 2393 ASIAN GROCERY
All types of electrical/domestic works. Mobile 0434 980 586
Contact: Grace or Anne
Aircondition & Digital TV Antennas
Ph/Fax: (03) 9305 4896
Mobile: 0401 739 802
0433 573 849 Liz Honey
Website: www.moonlightdriving.com
Established in 1990. Excellent member
since 1990, Professional Drivers Trainers Association of Victoria (PDTAV)
Contact: JEN OR RAHUL
440 Sydney Road
Brunswick Vic 3056
MARCIAL
ELECTRICAL &
AMELIA’s Variety
TELECOMMUNICAT- Store & Asian
ION PTY LTD
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Phone (03) 9366 0151 Contact: Dori
Mobile 0430 326 695 2/12 Linley Street,
ADTAV MEMBER: Australian Driver
Trainer Association Victoria
Contact: Alex & Marites
3/1 Purton Road (behind
the Bedding Furniture),
Pakenham VIC 3810
Lechon
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MART
Phone (03) 5941 9788 BALLARAT ASIAN
Fax
(03) 5941 9688 GROCERY
Electrical
Contractor
Contact: Cecilia Pham
215-217 Sydney Road,
Coburg Vic 3058
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GROCERIES
PT 03-CONT
22
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Consulate (NSW)
Level 1, Philippine Center,
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Consul General
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TAS 7000
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(02) 9262 7355 Fax (03) 6231 1986 Contact: George
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tourism
com.au
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Fax 03 9702 7337 Raul Lacerna Web: www.philippineconsulate.com.au
Specialising in digital photography, Email: [email protected]
0400932446
27-33 Wentworth
Philippine
consulate (VIC)
Ms Virginia Kalong
Suite 1205, St Kilda
Towers, 1 Queens Road,
Melbourne VIC
Avenue, Sydney NSW
2000
Phone (02) 9283 0711
Fax (02) 9283 0755 IMIGENCE STUDIO
Web: www.tourism.gov.ph
Philippine
consulate (QLD)
Mr. Alan Grummitt
126 Wickham St, Fortitude
Valley QLD 4006
Phone (07) 3252 8215
Fax
(07) 3252 8240
Contact: Mark Sombillo
Web: raywhitehamptonpark.com
(03)97483674
HARVEST REALTY
Contact: Vincent Djuang
22 Enterprise Avenue
Hampton Park Vic 3976
CHRIST CENTERED TEACHING
Sunday Services:10:30 am-12:30 pm
Bible Studies: Tues. + Thurs.
Contact: Narcisa Mcleavy
Shop 251, Footscray
Market Vic 3011
27 Wentworth Avenue,
Sydney NSW 2001
Radio Stations
Claire’s Food
House
Munchbrunch
Contact: Andy Cabrera
Services offered: take-away Filipino
cuisine, Filipino groceries, money
remittance, door-to-door boxes,
calling cards.
Web: www.munchbrunch.com.au <http://
www.munchbrunch.com.au/>
Café and Catering Services. Offering the best in authentic Philippine
cuisine.
Photos for events, fashion and corporate use. Fun and good times
guaranteed.
Phone (02) 9283 7300 3zzz 92.3 fm
Fax (02) 9283 8011 Melbourne VIC
ADVERTISE IN THIS
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Email:
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Experienced builders labourer
Thomastown VIC area.
For further information
contact Robert on 0418 177
645 or email
[email protected]
Qualified Panel Beater
required to work in
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Wages negotiable for the right person.
Great working environment
Very clean and modern workshop
Very good team environment
Contact: Robert
Zenith Automotive Body Repairs
T 03 9464 1166 F 03 9464 1901
E [email protected]
HOTEL
Web: www.harvestrealty.com.au
Contact us today to see what your
property could achieve on the market.
Phone (03) 9415 1923 FIRST BORN
(03) 9415 1926 GOSPEL CHURCH
Wednesdays 3.00 PM to 4.00PM,
Fridays 7.00 AM to 8.00 AM, Sundays
11.00 PM to 12.00 Midnight
CPCA radio
program
Melbourne, 3SER 97.7 FM
Mondays 11.00 AM to 12.00PM
Geelong radio
94.7fm - filipino
program
(an IAFB AUSTRALIA
CHURCH )
Contact: Ptr Ben – 0412 335 077
Ptr Lynette –
0448 005 373
1 Malcolm Court, Narre
Warren Vic 3805
Worship service – Sunday 10:00 am
-12:00 noon
Geelong, Victoria
Thursdays 6:00 to 8:00 pm
Contact: Aspie Burns
GOD WITH US
INTERNATIONAL
Phone (03) 5221 7144 CHRISTIAN
ASSEMBLIES INC.
Contact: Pastor Roger
RADYO KABAYAN
Melbourne, 855 Khz AM
Wednesdays 7:00 to 7:30 pm
Contact: Maria Selga,
program convenor
Bucao/Pastor Nancy
Bucao
Seaford Community Centre,
Station Street, Seaford
VIC (Mel Ref. 427, C2)
Phone 0408 766 890
Fax (03) 9663 2874 Phone (03) 5995 7380
Mobile 0433 265 487
WOWFM - Sydney
Tuesdays 7:00 to 9:00pm
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Submit an article
Services every Sunday from 10:00 am
to 12:00 noon. Everyone Welcome.
HOPE OF LIFE
COMMUNITY
CHURCH
Contact: Ptr Rick Raimundo
Sun. 10:00am - 8 Watt St.
(Corner Watt & Corio
Streets), Sunshine VIC
Sun. 4:00pm - 49 Valepark
Cres, Cranbourne VIC
Web: www.hopeoflife.org.au
Worship Celebration - Youth Group Prayer Fellowship - Home Groups. You
are welcome!
READ THE LATEST
FILO NEWS
MIGRATION SERVICES
PROFESSIONAL IMMIGRATION
SERVICES
Nurses, Doctors * Student Visa
Engineers
* Teachers
Work Visa
* Residency Visa
Partner Visa
* Child Visa
"4*.1-&$"--5064.":$)"/(&:063-*'&
Banksia Immigration Australia
Suite 8B, Level 2, 221 Queen St, Melbourne
Specialising in Filipino Dishes – puto,
dinuguan, lumpia, turon, palabok,
kare-kare at iba pa.
Contact: Annie or Levi
129 Walker Street,
Dandenong Vic 3175
KABAYAN FILIPINO
RESTAURANT AND
ASIAN GROCERY
Contact: Jocelyn / Ding
5 Willaton Street, St. Albans
VIC 3021
PHILIPPINE
LANGUAGE
Phone (03) 9310 8366
Shop 6, Victoria Square Cnr INSTITUTE
Elaine & Victoria Cres,
St. Albans VIC 3021
1/28 Pickett Street
Footscray VIC 3011
Centre, Cairnlea Vic 3023
Phone (03) 8390 1346
Catering/Take away food/Door-to-door
Cargo & Money Remittance/Phone
Cards Available.
Filipino & Visayan Languages Affordable fees. SUNDAY CLASSES.
Advertise in this section
(03) 9369 4324
PARTY HIRE SERVICES
WE HIRE:
FOOD WARMERS WITH FUEL•CHAIRS•TABLES•
TABLE CLOTHS• CHAIR COVERS•CUTLERY•
CROCKERY• JUGS•ASH TRAYS•GLASSES•
GAZEEBO•CANDELABRAS AND OTHERS
WE ORGANISE:
KIDS ENTERTAINMENT-FACE PAINTING AND CLOWN
FOR CHILDREN’S PARTIES•VIDEOGRAPHER•
PHOTOGRAPHER•MUSIC – DJ
CLASSIC ENTERPRISES
0419 360 904 / 9369 4324
PROMOTIONS/PRINTING
Contact: Jerry or Dolor
1 Ash Court, Traralgon Vic
3844
Contact: Barry Buckle,
President
D.W. Hope Centre, The
Boulevard, Norlane
VIC 3214
Phone: (03) 5257 1921
“We welcome everyone to join our
organisation.”
filipino
australian
foundation of
qld
Contact: Mauro Somodio
PO Box 2424, Chirmside
QLD 4032
Phone (07) 3216 9808
Fiesta in Gippsland
Sponsors: La Trobe City Council,
Multi-cultural Affairs and Citizenship,
Western Union, Western Travel and J
& J Express.
ASSOCIATION OF
VICTORIA INC
13 SCHULER COURT,
NARRE WARREN VIC
3805
Contact: Dr. Edgar Lagrito,
President
CAPIZENO OF
MELBOURNE
Contact: Terry Apines
c/- Masagana Filipino
Asian Groceries
Shop 4, Boronia Village
Shopping Centre
159 Boronia Road, Boronia
Vic 3155
QLD 4001
Phone (07) 3808 7804
Filipino
Community
council of
Victoria inc.
(fccvi)
Contact: Jing Sosa
93 Cowper Street,
Footscray, VIC 3011
Phone (03) 9687 9011
Fax (03) 9687 9120
Website: fccvi.org.au
“As the umbrella body, we look after
the welfare of the Fil-Aussie communities in Victoria.”
ILOCANO FILIPINO
AUSTRALIAN
ASSOCIATION OF
VICTORIA INC.
Contact: Elsa Reed
(President) or Malou
Collie (Vice President)
C/- 58 Greengully Road,
Keilor Vic 3036
Mobile 0413 844 146 Phone
We raise funds to support our projects
in Capiz.
Elsa-(03) 9336 1008
Malou-(03) 9369 3881
Mobile 0403 306 701
Post an event.
Visit
We invite all Ilocanos to be members
of our association.
“We celebrate the Pre-Valentine’s
Day of the Ilocano Filipino Australian
Association of Victoria Inc. (IFAAV)
every 2nd week of February”.
Continued on page 25
RELIGIOUS ORGANISATION
PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS/
PRINTING
CLASSIC ENTERPRISES
Corner Thompson/
Narre Warren/
Cranbourne
AUSTRALIANS IN
GIPPSLAND
Phone (03) 9796 3872
Phone (03) 9367 2557 Ph (6:00pm)
(03) 9687 9626 Everyone is welcome to join our
Mobile 0425 842 883 Mobile 0413 383 648 organization.
Shop 21-22 /100 Furlong
0466 422 047 CIRCULO
Road, Cairnlea Shopping
A new FilipinoAsian Grocery
Store is
hatching
ASSOCIATION
Schools - Language AUSTRALIAN
&/or Special Courses VISAYAN
Log on to
“watch this space”
Social Organisations
Mobile 0401 027 683 OF FILIPINOS &
•CALENDARS• T-SHIRT PRINTING•FRIDGE MAGNETS•
KEY RINGS• WINES•LABELS•OTHERS•
RUBBER STAMPS•BUSINESS CARDS•LETTERHEADS•
RECEIPTS•FLYERS•GENERAL PRINTING
NEW BUSINESS
Web: www.filipinolanguagemelbourne.
org.au
VCE Provider, Filipino LOTE, Units
1, 2, 3 & 4
FILIPINO
AUSTRALIAN
FRIENDSHIP
ASSOCIATION
OF GEELONG
INCORPORATED
Phone ( 0 3 ) 5 1 3 4 FILIPIno
community
1446 – Jerry
Phone 9 7 9 4 6 7 8 0 (03) 5174 8508 – Dolor coordinating
council of qld
Phone (03) 9359 0802 Mobile 0408 377 074 The Association continues to grow Contact: Orly Vargas
2001. Main projects: Quest
Mobile 0409 092 556 Email: [email protected] since
for Miss Austral-asia and the Filipino GPO Box 2745, Brisbane
Contact: Claire or Mary
Shop 5/550 Mahoneys Rd,
Campbellfield VIC 3061
Religious
Organisations
Phone (03) 9449 1926
Mobile 0414 916 817
MARN:0849618
LUTONG PINOY
Restaurants,
Take-away Shops
and Grocery Stores
JOB OPPORTUNITY
*
*
*
*
Email: kowloonhouse.restaurant@
gmail.com
Catering/Take-away food/Door-to-door
Cargo / Money Remittance / Phone
Cards Available / Video Rentals
Edwin Mallari -
Contact: Perla Luetic
C/- 42 Eleanor Street,
Footscray VIC 3011
Phone: (03) 9317 9156
Phone (03) 9369 4121 Fax: (03) 9367 3682
Mobile 0404 057 064 Mobile: 0413 623 991
Mobile 0401 396 189 Phone 8 7 8 7 8 4 9 8
Fax
9799 6133
Web: www.imigence.com
Mobile 0411 363 322
Phone (03) 9863 7885 PHILIPPINE TRADE
AND INVESTFax (03) 9863 7884
MENT CENTER
Web: www.philconsulate.com.au
Mondays and Fridays. 10:00am
to 4:00pm. Thursdays by appointment only.
design of business forms, logos,
booklets, souvenir programmes,
magazines, flyers, etc.
Contact: Betty Tito/
Marylou Tito / Debbie
Tito / Dennis Tito
1A Triholm Avenue,
Laverton VIC 3028
PHILIPPINE
LANGUAGE
SCHOOL OF
VICTORIA, INC.
23
0419 360 904 / 9369 4324
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24
SPIRITUAL GROUND
Filipino mass at St. Francis marks
20th year
The Filipino Mass at St.
Francis Church in Lonsdale
St, Melbourne celebrated
its 20th anniversary last
12 February 2012, with
a concelebrated mass by
Rev. Fr. Loi Viovicente, CM.
Concelebrants were Rev. Fr.
Alfred Yap, SSS; Rev. Fr. Ed
Wood, SSS and Rev. Fr. Boris
Perlaki. The celebration also
coincided with the 20 years
of the Filipino Choir of Saint
Francis. After the mass, there
was a gathering at the nearby
Monastery Hall where the
committee members of St.
Francis prepared a program
and a buffet. Philippine
Honorary Consul General of
Victoria Gigi Kalong graced
the event.
Below is the brief history
delivered by Rod Lalunio,
one of the few people who
has been helping the Filipino
mass since it first started with
Fr. Ed Wood, SSS celebrating
the first mass.
Growing in prayer and
spirit as a community
Rod Lalunio
In the last decades, many
communities from different
countries and cultures have
been coming to worship at St
Francis Church in Lonsdale
Street, Melbourne, including
Filipinos from different parts
of Metropolitan Melbourne.
In 1991, Marina Ruivivar,
Sr. Amy, Nene Mallari and
Ester Nuñez approached the
Blessed Sacrament Congregation at St Francis Church,
Melbourne with a vision of
promoting the spiritual well
being and unity of Filipino
in Melbourne through the
Eucharist. Father Ed Wood,
SSS who had spent many
years teaching in Davao City,
Philippines
supported the vision and
became a
Spiritual
Leader
for the
Filipino
Community from Some of the pioneers receive Certificate of Recognition and Appreciation.
that time. Form left to right, Nene Mallari, Richa Somodio and Ester Nuñez.
He arranged
for Filipino M a s s o n 2 n d
Photos by Anne Velasco
Sunday of each month at
2:30 PM and the First Filipino
Mass was held on February
09, 1992. The founding
members were Lulu Doronilla, Ester Nuñez, Nene Mallari, Richa Trayvilla and Mely
Matheson. With the Mass as
the centre of their unity, the
Filipino community values
of family ties, friendship
and mutual support were
promoted.
The Choir “Pangkat Pinoy”
was able to sing only at the Harmonico Filipino Choir with Musical Director Rollie
First Mass due to other Limun
commitments; hence the
early Filipino Mass attendees Noynay in leading the Choir, volunteer their time and
formed the Filipino Choir of assisted by Ruben Wong on voices to enhance the celSt Francis. The first Choir the guitar. When Rommel ebration of the Eucharist with
Leader/Musical Director was Dando became the President, songs of worship. The Choir
Ana Templin who used her he also conducted the Choir fosters a sense of community
accordion for accompani- followed by Rommel Villegas, whose motto was (and still is)
ment. The Choir practised Vergil De la Cruz and Alvin “Have Food? Will Sing!” The
at Tita Nene’s house in De la Cruz. Other Choir Choir continues to grow in
Springvale in 1992-1993 Leaders included Noel De strength as the voice behind
before moving to St Francis la Peña, Sherwin Simangan, the Filipino Mass of which
Patrick Arturo, and currently average attendance is 350
Monastery Hall.
The Choir became well Joseph Flores. The Choir sang people per Mass in 2007.
February 2012 marks
known and was invited to in different voices and joined
the
20th anniversary of the
other
Choirs
of
St
Francis
sing at weddings and Filipino
for
significant
events
at
the
Filipino Mass at St Francis
community gatherings and
Church. It also highlights
Musical Coach in 1994 was Church.
While most of the early the growing contribution of
Ben Noynay. The group went
Carolling in 1994 and raised Choir members were in their the Filipino Community of
enough money to buy the mid 30’s, the current members St Francis to Melbourne, the
keyboard. Sheila Crisologo joined the Choir as students Spiritual home of many FiliPayad took over from Ben and young professionals who pino migrants in Australia.
Filipino Choir of St. Francis with Fr. Alfred Yap
St. Albans
to celebrate
centenary
The St. Albans Uniting
Church in Australia (UCA)
is celebrating its centenary on 25 March, during
which the New Worship
Centre will have its grand
opening. UCA is the first
Filipino congregation in
Melbourne. St. Albans is
located at 24-28 Esplanade.
The service will start at
2 pm, to be followed by a
cultural presentation.
For further details, contact Rev. James S. Murray
on mobile 0425 756566 or
[email protected].
au. Guests may confirm
their attendance with
E l a i n e Va l e n z u e l a o n
0406565324 or Ruth Guiao
on 0404995303.
Make Lent meaningful
A Lenten Message and Invitation from the Filipino Migrant
Chaplain of Melbourne
Dear Kababayans,
Last Wednesday (22 February) marked the beginning of
Lenten Season. As we received ashes on our forehead and
were reminded to turn away from our sin and be faithful
to the Gospel, we are invited into an intense forty days of
fasting, almsgiving and praying.
Lent is a time of spiritual preparation for the celebration of the Paschal mystery of Christ (Passion, Death, and
Resurrection). In other words, it is a time for a personal
conversion and change of heart in preparation for Easter
celebration. There are so many ways that Lenten observance can be realised. However, the Church’s traditional
Lenten practices are more emphasised on fasting, prayer
and alms-giving or charity.
Now how do we put them into practice? Fasting is
abstaining from eating meat on Fridays within the season
of Lent. The emphasis seems to be more on lessening our
food intake by being mindful of others who have nothing to
eat and dying of hunger. But of course fasting goes beyond
the idea of food. We are also invited to fast from our wicked
activities, attitudes, and sins.
Lent also invites us to a deeper conversation with God
through prayer. Prayer is not so much about quantity but
rather of quality. What do we pray and how do we pray? Do
we allow God to speak in our prayers? Or do we do most
of the talking and not allowing God to speak. Let us allow
God to speak in the silence of our hearts.
As God is generous to us, we are also invited to be more
generous in this Season of Lent. Let us take a look of our
things in our bodega, in our garage and in our closets and
see those things that we don’t use and just probably sitting
there for years. Maybe it’s time for them to be used by those
people who have not much. Or probably refraining from
spending extra and put aside a bit of cash to be given to
the poor and the needy.
This is also a time for us to be mindful of our sins and
acknowledge them and ask God’s mercy and pardon in
the Sacrament of Reconciliation. When was the last time
you went to confession? As we confess, we have to believe
that our sins are forgiven and that we leave them into the
hands of our loving and forgiving God.
These examples are just a few things that could be done
if we want to celebrate this Lenten Season meaningfully. At
the end of the day, the invitation is there but the response
is personal and individual. If we fail to do something on
this wonderful season of forgiveness, then this season will
go like any other meaningless seasons, and I would say
that we will miss the point, the opportunity, and it will
be our great loss.
So mga kababayan, let us make the most of what this
Season of Lent offers. As one migrant Filipino community
here in the Archdiocese of Melbourne, let us journey
together and enjoy the infinite mercy, forgiveness and love
of God as we fast for a greater cause, as we extend help and
be charitable to those who are in need, and as we continuously pray for one another. May this Lenten preparation
be a profound journey of faith and experience of God as
we look forward to the Passion, Death and Resurrection of
our Lord Jesus Christ.
In Migrant Christ,
Fr. Loi Viovicente
25
SPIRITUAL GROUND
Colours of Life
Dina Mananquil-Delfino
A gracious touch
In my praying ministry,
I am left wondering how
some of those we intercede for receive the gift of
physical healing and get
an extension of life, while
others do not, and pass away
at the predicted time or at
unexpected hour.
There seems to be no
logical pattern. When death
comes, despite our faith in
God, it still shakes us. For
a while we get locked into
a questioning moment with
God’s biblical promises of
“ask and you shall receive...
cry out to Me and I will hear
you... I will restore you...
I will lift you up and save
you...” We wonder if those
long hours of praying were
worthwhile. For a time,
there is a vacuum in our soul
that could not be filled.
Then there are stories that
allow us to marvel at God’s
kindness such as this one
shared by a friend.
Jean Allas is the first son
of Lois and Elina Allas and
was born on his mother’s
23rd birthday, on November
16, 1934. His birth was
a very difficult one. The
family doctor needed to
use forceps that resulted
in a lump the size of a golf
ball. His father fainted when
Dear Fr. Loi
Fr. Loi Viovicente
To separate or not,
that is the question
Dear Father,
My husband and I have
been married for 11 years
now, and like any other
couples we do have problems. Since we migrated
here in Melbourne 5 years
ago, our relationship is getting worst. My husband has
another woman and he is
also into gambling, and this
has been happening even
before we migrated here
in Australia. Our marriage
is tearing us apart and our
kids are getting affected. He
doesn’t show any concern
Classifieds
...continued from page 23
Ilonggo
Association of
Victoria, Inc.
Contact: Neds Sarcepuedes
– President
C/- 5 Chedgey Drive, St
Albans Vic 3021
to our children anymore.
Is it worth staying in this
relationship knowing that
my husband has indirectly
admitted of his affair and
thinking of separation?
Anonymous
Dear Anonymous,
I thank you for your courage in bringing up your
marriage situation on the
table. It is not always easy
to disclose our problems and
difficulties in life. However,
it is only in disclosing and
KALIWAT
BOL-ANON SA
AUSTRALIA INC.
(KABAI)
Contact: Tony Boncales –
President
Rowella Dango –
Secretary
Phone 9711 5033 –
Tony
Ph AH (03) 9364 0435 9558 3674 – Rowella
Mobile 0409 430 040
Our next project is to build a multipurpose hall in Bacolod through
Gawad Kalinga.
ADVERTISE IN THIS SECTION
Post an event.
Visit
unravelling the truth that we
find help and support.
I do a lot of wedding celebrations here in Melbourne
and in other Dioceses of Victoria as well. During preparation, I always insist to the
couple to make the most of it
in preparing together so that
the preparation becomes a
venue for building up their
relationship intensely as
the date of the wedding day
comes closer. In this way, the
preparation period becomes
a time of strengthening
their love, bond and unity
PampangueÑo
Club of
Melbourne
Victoria
Contact: Roy Carbungco,
President
11 Hunter Ave,
RoxburghPark VIC 3064
Philippine Fiesta
of Victoria Inc.
PO Box 533 Laverton 3028
Contact: Ross Manuel,
Chairman
Mobile 0433 404 987
Web: www.philfiesta.com
Philippine Fiesta holds yearly event in
November. “Makipag-akbayan po tayo
para sa kaunlaran.”
Phone (03) 9305 1426
Fax (03) 9305 1425
SHARE-ME-A DREAM
Mobile 0411 145 776
The club holds its annual event every
Melbourne Cup Day eve.
Submit an article
BISAYAN
COMMUNITY CLUB
OF VICTORIA INC.
Contact: Choy Symes
(President) or Terry
Kane (Vice President)
Advertise your business in the Classified Section and get
FREE listing in the online edition of The Philippine Times. For
details, email [email protected] or call 9369-4324.
he saw his condition. His
mother cried every day,
anxious about the survival
of her son. A very pious
woman, she entrusted him
to God and prayed through
the intercession of Jacques
Desire Laval. On the day he
turned 6 months, while his
mother was on her knees
begging God to spare him,
she felt a slight touch on
her forehead. There was
nobody around. She was
certain that it was a sign.
She rushed to Jean’s room
and found him sleeping.
She touched his forehead,
and there was no trace of the
lump! At 79 years old, Jean
still holds on to the belief
that God heard his mother’s
prayer. It was a miraculous
moment that inspires him
especially during challenging times. After his mother’s
death at the age of 50, she
appeared in his dreams
seven times, foretelling
events. She warned him:
“Don’t ride your motorcycle
tomorrow because you will
have an accident.” Jean
did not take the warning
seriously and he was involved in a smash that was
fortunately not tragic. From
then on he learned to listen
to her promptings.
Jean’s sharing reminds
us of our own moments
of miracles- those times
that God protected, healed,
delivered and saved us.
During times when it seems
He has abandoned us, others
remind us that He has not.
Pride will try to stop us
from the courageous act of
asking for help when we
need it. Pride may uphold
our so-called dignity, but
it will not rescue us from
that deep, gnawing and
soul-destroying torment that
can kill us silently and break
our spirit.
There will be times when
we need solitude – to reflect
on our pain and sorrow. But
it is in sharing with others
that we feel less alone in our
anguish and able to move
forward. It takes humility
together. On the day of the
wedding itself, right after
the bridal entourage and
before the beginning of the
liturgy or sign of the cross,
I always take a minute or
two to remind the couple to
stay focused and enjoy their
wedding day/celebration
because as years of their
married life go by, they will
for sure come back to the
very day when they say I
do to each other for better
and for worst until death.
I always remind them that
married life is not always
a bed of roses, it might be
more thorns than roses, and
so it is always good and
wise to go back to the very
day when couples promise
to stay forever for the rest
of their lives. By doing this,
they will be reminded again
of the privilege, commitment
and responsibility that they
embraced and promised to
each other as husband and
wife.
It is always sad when marriage relationships are breaking up because it involves
everybody, especially the
children. There is a saying
that goes, ‘you can’t force
somebody to love you’. This
is very true because love
has to be freely given and
therefore freely received as
well. It seems to me that
your situation is becoming
worst and worst as days and
years gone by, and therefore
your love, as husband and
wife, was not nurtured and
sustained in the last 11 years.
I reckon that you both failed
to go back to your wedding
day and renew the vows that
you’ve made to each other.
Love is a good foundation
in marriage. It has to be
nurtured over the years so
that it will remain strong.
However, love is not the sole
ingredient of a happy and
successful marriage. Respect,
communication and trust are
vital and fundamental elements, as love, in nurturing
marriage life. When these
three elements are gone, love
is gone as well. It has to be a
mutual and joint effort in order to live happily ever after
as husband and wife. Again,
it seems that as a couple,
unfortunately, you were not
able to sustain them.
Still your question remains, is it worth staying in
this relationship knowing
that my husband has indirectly admitted of his affair
and thinking of separation?
Separation or annulment
is the last recourse for us
Catholics, because marriage is not a contract but
C/- 9 Englewood Court
Hillside Vic 3037
Mobile 0422 807 339 (Choy)
Mobile 0409 675 246 (Terry)
Products/Services: Postpaid/Prepaid
Mobiles, Mobile Phone Repair, PC
Repair, Security Camera Installation,
POS Systems (cash registers)
Email: choysymes.shareme@
y7mail.com
Club annual project “Operation
Smile”
Travel Agents &/or
Travel Tours
Responding to the growing needs of
Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate Operation in
Southern Philippines.
A philippine
tours
Telecom
TriStar Telecom
Contact: Iain Mackenzie,
Manager
Sunshine Plaza, Kiosk
7/324 Hampshire Road,
Sunshine, Vic 3020
Phone+61422 774 671
Website: http://www.tristartelecom.
com.au
Contact: Aleli, Jennifer,
Chris, Ester, Grace,
Geraldine, or Vencie
225 Melville Rd, Brunswick
West VIC 3055
Phone (03) 9384 1844
Mobile 0411 711 639
Website: www.discountflights.com.au
25 years servicing the Philippine community. Laging handang maglingkod
sa lahat ng inyong pangangailangan!
Maaasahan at mapagkakatiwalaan
kahit kailan!
Jean Allas and her Mamman
to ask for support and to
acknowledge our need of
others, but at times this
could be our only source of
hope and help to recovery.
We are confident that He
will continue to deliver us.
He will rescue us because
you are helping by praying
for us. 2 Cor. 1:10-11
Send your comment or feedback on
[email protected].
a covenant, and more so, A
Sacrament. My suggestion
and advice is this. If you
truly believe that God works
in a mysterious way in your
marriage, although messy
as it is now, then separation
or annulment should be the
last thing in your mind. As a
couple, you have to exhaust
all the possible resources
and help available to save
your marriage first. The
Archdiocese has an office
for Marriage and Family Life.
I am sure that they can refer
you to some professionals
for marriage counselling.
I suggest that you contact
this office and present your
case and let them guide you
through so that you will
be enlightened along the
process. If it happens that
your husband is not willing
to cooperate in asking help
or, after you have exhausted
all the possibilities in saving
your marriage and the result
is negative, I am confident
that the office can help you
and lead you to move forward
into the right direction.
Found yourself in a dilemma or you
wish to sort an issue that has been
bothering you for some time? Maybe
Father Loi can guide you with insightful
and timely advice. Send him a note on
[email protected].
AIRFARES FOR
LESS
LIC. NO. 32853
Contact: Tess
225 Melville Road,
Brunswick West Vic
Phone (03) 9384 6807
Mobile 0412 018 249
Your new Filipino travel agency. Travel
the world with our friendly and reliable
service.
WESTERN TRAVEL
Deer Park
License 32932
Contact: Josie, Rita, John
Shop t37a Brimbank
Shopping Centre
Cnr Neale Road & Station
Road Deer Park
Phone 03 9363 0288
Fax
03 9363 0488
Web: www.westerntravel.com.au
Submit an article. Email the Editor – [email protected]
Employment
Farmhands wanted N ew
Gisborne Vic duck farm. Egg
collection, spreadingwoodshavings
etc. Need own reliable transport and
no contact with other poultryand pigs.
Preferably you’ll have farm experience
and be available to work anydays. Egg
processing/preserving position also.
Both casual with view topermanent.
Ph Kate 0425 849 784.
Advertise
in this
section
(03) 9369
4324
26
Fast-rising township near Forbes
Park welcomes new community
McKinley Hill in Fort
Bonifacio, perhaps the fastest-rising new township in
Metro Manila today, recently
witnessed the launch of its
new high-rise community,
Viceroy, near Forbes Park.
Viceroy joins a prestigious list of the 50-hectare
McKinley Hill township’s
prestigious residential condo
offerings. The picturesque
low-rise McKinley Hill Garden Villas have already been
turned over, whereas the
McKinley Hill Tuscany Private Estate is on the finishing
stage. Meanwhile, construction work has started on The
Venice Luxury Residences.
All projects have been
warmly received by the
market.
The four towers of the
22-storey Viceroy will rise
along Florence Way, very
near McKinley Hill Cyberpark and The Venice Piazza
commercial area.
“Viceroy gives residents
the opportunity to be at the
center of McKinley Hill’s
proven Live-Work-PlayLearn formula. Boost your
career at the McKinley Hill
Cyberpark nearby. Shop and
dine to your heart’s content
at the Piazza. Send the children to the elite Chinese or
Korean International School,
or pursue culinary courses
at Enderun. Learn other cultures at the British, Korean
or Qatar embassies nearby.
Whatever your interests,
be it career, shopping or
further studies, Viceroy puts
you in charge,” Megaworld
First Vice President Maria
Victoria Acosta declared.
Meanwhile, a dozen amenities await residents at the
second-level playdeck. Have
a tan while lounging at the
in-pool seats of the 15-meter
lap pool. Do some yoga at
the fitness station. Tone your
muscles at the gym.
But don’t forget, play can
also be highly social. So take
the time to invite friends
and family for your special
events at the clubhouse. Or
book your dinner party at
any of the trendy restaurants
at the ground-level commercial arcade of Viceroy.
“We highly considered the
needs of today’s urbanites
in planning for Viceroy,
that is why restaurants and
boutiques are part of the
package. More pleasures
await Viceroy residents at
the Piazza, including romantic gondola rides at the
upcoming Grand Canal,”
Acosta added.
On offer at Viceroy are
studios and 1-bedroom units
for investors and aspiring
homeowners. Units can also
be combined for bigger living spaces. All units come
with affordable payment
schemes.
“When you purchase a
unit at Viceroy, you get so
much more than just your
unit. You get a total LiveWork-Play-Learn lifestyle in
a fast-growing community
with like-minded individuals like you: with successful
careers and businesses,”
noted Acosta.
For more information on
Viceroy, call Jofel Peralta on
mobile 0423434617, Josie
Sotelo (Kabsat Variety Store)
on 99742797 / Mobile 0430
387 989, Myrna Ysais (Sampaguita Sari Sari Store) on
97414414 / Mobile 0421 111
774 for Melbourne, Victoria.
For Sydney, NSW contact
Liz Angeles on Mobile
0414 759 890. When in
the Philipppines, contact
Geevee Ventanilla of Megaworld International at 12F
Petron MegaPlaza Building,
358 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave.,
Makati City, Philippines.
Or call (632) 889-9114 or
(632) 889-9115, fax (632)
889-7393, email address
[email protected]
or visit www.megaworldinternational.com.
The four towers of Viceroy in McKinley Hill sport
a modern look, with clean lines and neutral hues.
Artist’s pers
pective of th
e master’s
bedroom of
a Viceroy st
udio unit.
Are you a Filo
aged 18 or above
living in Australia?
Fill up this survey form
for a study on Filipino health
conducted by Della Maneze,
a Filipino doctor and PhD student.
Go to:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Acculturation_
and_health_seeking_behaviour_among_Filipino_
Australians_ATLAS_study_Della_ManezeMD
The questionnaire is anonymous
A dozen amenities await Viceroy
residents, including a 15-meter lap pool.
27
Another wave of migrants
will rock the property market
In 2012 the residential
property market appears
to have moved into a new
phase. In recent times we
moved from boom conditions to a period of slower
growth. This attributed
to multiple interest rate
rises which have in turn
increased unaffordability
and affected consumer confidence.
We believe, however,
that Australia’s economy
in 2012 is on the way to
recovery and will go from
strength to strength. How
can we be so sure? This
can be validated by recent economic growth and
performances and on the
simple analogy of supply
and demand.
Recently, the Australian
Financial Review reported
that unemployment levels
were steady at “close to
5% in Australia”. Despite
recent sackings by the ANZ
Bank and Qantas, Westfarmers recently revealed
that their subsidiaries will
be creating many thousands of job opportunities
this year.
It further reported that
long-term visitor arrivals in Australia, which
include skilled migrants,
international students and
working holiday makers,
are recovering from the
2010 lows when the Australian Government revised
its skilled Migration policies effectively halving the
number of jobs.
Population statistics ABS
figures show that in the
year to November 2011 the
net number of long term
arrivals reached more than
243,000 and the number of
visas lodged between July
and November last year was
up 40% for the same period
the previous year.
As of March 2011, the
population had reached
22,730,764 and by 2020
it is projected that Australia’s population is going
to increase to 25.6 million
people.
What is this going to do to
our Property Values and
Availability?
Fulfilling the housing demand that this new influx
of migrants will require
will only add to the already
crippling supply of housing
in this country. The latest
statistics from the National
Housing Supply Council
state that by 2015 Australia
will have a shortfall of
some 320,000 dwellings.
I believe that the industry will struggle to reach
the equilibrium of supply
matching the ever ongoing strong demand in the
foreseeable future.
We believe the new wave
of migrants will rekindle
the booming conditions of
2008-09. Furthermore in
preparation for this population expansion the State
Government of Victoria
announced on 16 February 2012 the removal of
all height restrictions in
the city of Melbourne and
expanding the city limits to
include Carlton, Fitzroy and
surrounding districts. With
the Herald Sun reiterating
on 17 February that “skyscrapers will stretch from
Richmond to beyond the
West Gate Bridge in a bold
plan to expand Melbourne’s
CBD similar to Manhattan
in New York.”
The informed purchaser
will see this as a chance
to take advantage of this
window of opportunity in
current market conditions.
As we predicted in 2008
that property values would
increase, and statistically
they have done exactly
that, increasing on average
in value from the years
2007 to 2011 by 44.7%, we
believe that the same will
reoccur in the next 3-4 year
cycle we are moving into.
History has proven, as
interest rates drop, the public’s confidence is restored
in the economy. This in
turn performs strongly as
it becomes driven by increasing demand and most
importantly the rising cost
of construction.
What does this mean for
the astute property investor? This means to be
successful you must take
advantage of the opportunities the changing market
will present to you in the
immediate future, that is,
the next 12 to 18 months.
Meanwhile, MBIC invites
you and your family to our
Free Information Evening
on Wednesday 18th April at
7 PM sharp at our office, 4042 High Street Glen Iris.
If you have any questions or would
like to seek any further assistance
in property investment options, send
an email on [email protected].
28
MY BAHAY NOW
8B, Level 2, 221 Queen St
Melbourne Vic 3000
We also assist Doctors, other Health
Professionals, Engineers & Teachers.
MARN: 0849618
OWN YOUR BRAND NEW HOME WITHOUT A BANK LOAN
MINIMUM DEPOSIT
PROPERTY FINANCED DIRECTLY TO YOU
BUILD YOUR HOUSE WITHIN YOUR AFFORDABILITY
STOP WASTING MONEY ON RENT
SIGE ENQUIRE NA KUNG PAPAANO
Jeffrey Magnaye
Ph: 03 8358 5006 Mobile: 0410 621 924
Level 1 Suite 3,
1/10 Castro Way, Derrimut, Vic 3030

The Philippine Times March 2012 eiditon

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