Brisbane Filipino Radio

Cute na Bata Competition

2011-11-15T06:52:00.001+10:00

We need your help

2011-11-15T04:10:00.004+10:00

Kailangan pa natin ng 16 members para makapag broadcast na tayo.

We need 16 more members for our Filipino radio program to go back on air. Please contact 4EB-FM to register your name. It will be a great help! We are desperate.

Being a member of the radio, you will be sharing your good fortune to the community. Having the Filipino Radio on air, we will have our cultural heritage alive for the rest of the community to enjoy especially for our younger generation.

We can't wait to play our favourite Christmas carols this holiday!

If other language groups can do it, why can't we?

Please be a member of the Filipino program at 4EB FM asap.

Radio 4EB

Address - 140 Main St, Kangaroo Point Q 4169
Postal Address - PO Box 7300, East Brisbane Q 4169

Phone - 07 3240 8600
Studio Direct - 07 3240 8686
Fax - 07 3240 8633
Email - info@4eb.org.au

Rizal as an Ordinary Filipino

2011-11-07T18:58:00.003+10:00

A book review of Understanding Jose Rizal
By Renato Perdon, Manila Prints, PO Box 1267, Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia, also available from the National Bookstores and Powerbooks in Manila. $20.00
Reviewed by Aila Lenard

Many historians have already written about Jose Rizal. And now Renato Perdon has joined the ranks of the many. For his part, Perdon does not relate Rizal’s narrative at face value or superficially. His intent is to present episodes from Rizal’s life that show Rizal’s character to be typically Filipino. Perdon uses the term ‘ordinariness’ to convey his belief that Rizal’s character was in fact typically Filipino. According to Perdon, it is essential to understand that there was nothing extraordinary about Rizal, except the circumstances he was thrown into.

“We should emulate his life as an ordinary but gifted man, as a member of a typical big family, with loves, frustrations and tribulations, a person with the usual romantic interests as a young man, and not as a person on a high pedestal beyond our comprehension.”

So how ordinary was Rizal? Undoubtedly he possessed a great intellect, and that can’t be ordinary. But in Perdon’s account, his genius is just incidental to the fact that like everyone else, Rizal was capable of emotions typical of his age and his culture. He was forlorn when he (or others) made mistakes of national consequence. He felt joyous in his many loves. He felt deeply attached to his family, to his religion and to his people. He laughed a lot too which is typically Filipino. His sense of humour, which could some-times border on the scato-logical, is very much apparent in his race. Laughter is a way of life for every Filipino. It sustains them in times of hardship, just laughter helped ease the isolated life Rizal led in a foreign land. Many OFWs, Filipino migrants and poverty-stricken Filipinos find solace in laughter. Like the many Filipinos in this century, Rizal also sought comfort in the company of other expatriates like himself. According to Perdon, the gatherings he attended in Paris were no different from the get-togethers and parties Filipino migrants organise in other foreign lands. Filipinos abroad are drawn to people like themselves. Rizal, just like present-day Filipinos in diaspora, sought a semblance of home in another land by enjoying the company of his fellowmen.

So how relevant is this knowledge of Rizal’s ordinariness to Filipinos at this particular point in our history?

Filipinos, particularly those who live abroad, can take comfort in the knowledge that even great men like Rizal went through the same hardships and disappointments as they may be experiencing right now. Rizal suffered melancholy from homesickness, experienced prejudice due to the colour of his skin, ran out of funds and even went hungry for days; all these while confronting the nitty-gritty of living in a foreign land. And not surprisingly, there were moments when he almost gave up. Didn’t he almost throw his life’s work ‘the Fili’ into the fire in a fit of desperation, and was only held back when a friend came to the rescue?

Rizal wasn’t always a tower of emotional strength. This, however, is not a sign of weakness but a result of being human. What is admirable about Rizal though, is that he did not choose to remain discouraged. He never ceased striving to improve his condition. He endured his ordeals, carrying himself with pride all throughout. He was always seeking to excel and to bring honour to his nation despite the great difficulties and hurdles he had to confront. With Rizal as an example, all Filipinos who find themselves in difficult circumstances, can also respond similarly. There is nothing extraordinary in Rizal’s being that enabled him to withstand all difficulties and strive for greatness. Rizal is just like every Filipino, and as such all can take inspiration from him. Real heroes are not extraordinary mortals by any measure. In placing Rizal on a superman’s pedestal, some historians alienated him from his people. His feats were regarded as humanly unattainable. Rizal’s ubiquitous perfection is what some history books have emphasised, perhaps just like ‘a great comet whose brilliance is seen only once in two hundred years’ (Blumentritt). Whatever happened to his flaws and weaknesses? Airbrushing Rizal’s ordinariness from history books, inadvertently implies that acts of heroism are the sole territory of only a very few extraordinary mortals.

Perdon’s intent in his book, on the other hand, is to redefine Rizal shorn of perfection so that his ordinariness will surface and resonate in each of us. Unravelling the more ordinary qualities of Rizal does not diminish Rizal’s greatness. It brings him even closer to the Filipino people, particularly the present generation who do not react well to a construct of a superman. The verities of Rizal’s ordinariness can easily be located in the hearts and minds of every Filipino. Therefore everyone can strive for greatness like Rizal. And when extraordinary circumstances arise that call for heroic acts, everyone will know that it doesn’t take only a genius to respond to the call. Ordinary mortals can also offer great sacrifices for the good of the country, just like Rizal.

Mabuhay Festival 2011

2011-10-27T06:31:00.006+10:00

What’s the buzz in Brisbane in November?

The Brisbane Philippine Mabuhay Festival 2011 is on again! The popularity of last year’s Festival inspired the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Australia Philippines (CCIAP), organiser of the event, to make the Festival an annual multicultural event.

“We have received numerous and very positive feedback at the Festival’s inauguration last year, so even though our volunteer workers and volunteer performers have a lot of work preparing for the event, they are willing to do it again this year”, Connie da Cunha, CCIAP President said.

“Our volunteers have expressed that they are inspired to be part of the event, as the Festival gave them a sense of purpose and pride to share the rich and unique Filipino culture to the general community”, she said.

This year the Festival will be held on Saturday, 19 November 2011,from 9am to 5pm at the King George Square, Ann and Adelaide Sts,Brisbane CBD. Ms. Riza Clout, CCIAP Vice President and the Event Director, said that, “the King George Square venue will give us more space as we are expecting a lot of people due to the Festival’s
popularity.”

In addition to Filipino food available for sale, there will be Philippine arts and crafts on display for those who are looking for that unique and hand crafted Christmas gift.

The event will be formally opened by the Hon. Ms. Annastacia Palaszczuk MP, State Member for Inala and Minister for Transport and Multicultural Affairs.

“We try to make our Festival a memorable experience for all ages. New items are included in this year’s programme. The “Cute na Bata” (Cute Child) Competition is open to children from 0 to 12 years old,proceeds from the entry fee ($5 per entrant) will go to PUSO,providing education to orphaned children in the Philippines. We are
also supporting the Noble Endeavours Charity, an organisation dedicated to growing sustainable communities in the Philippines.

We encourage all Festival-goers to “feed the pig” and all monies raised will be donated to Noble Endeavours. Of course, the cultural performances will still entertain the audiences and the popular ticket raffle draws will give people a chance to win two major prizes: 1x return airfare ticket to the Philippines; and 1x return airfare ticket to Malaysia. Lots of consolation prizes are also available to be won for those who will miss out on winning the majors”, Ms Clout said.

“Our hundreds of volunteers are very excited to, once again, be part of the Brisbane Philippine Mabuhay Festival, as this event is fast becoming one of the premier events in Queensland’s multicultural calendar”, Ms. da Cunha said.

This year’s Festival theme, Celebration of Philippine Fiestas will showcase the unique and vibrant Filipino culture through cultural performances, arts and crafts and Filipino cuisine. The entry to the Festival is free. Festival flyers are enclosed.

National Australia Bank Toowong, HSE Plus and Best Friends Groceries are the Festival’s main sponsors.

Everyone is invited to the Celebration of Philippine Fiestas and experience the vibrant and colourful culture of Philippines without leaving Brisbane. Mabuhay! (Cheers! or Long Live!)

Media enquiries:
Connie da Cunha
President
Chamber of Commerce and Industry Australia Philippines Inc
Mobile No.: 0408419779

2011 Filipino Pilgrimage at Marian Valley

2011-09-25T09:15:00.005+10:00

Chaplain Rev Fr Marce Singson has emphasised Filipinos' sense of happiness during his homily at this year's annual Filipino prilgrimage at Marian Valley, Lamington National Park, Queensland, on Saturday 25th September.

The message of the homily was the awareness of being thankful and generous as well as being happy for the blessing that Filipinos have within their disposal while living in Australia.

He mentioned the tendency of the Filipinos to be 'worried' and 'depressed' despite of the 'good' life they have here in contrast to the life that they had had in the Philippines.

"Be careful", he said, "don't fall trap to depression - the most common malady in Australia. We are renowned to be highly spiritual people." He implied that Filipinos should keep their faith going in order to maintain happiness while living overseas.

Hundreds of Filipinos went on a procession with the revered icons of the Mary Mother of Perpetual Help and Saint Lorenzo Ruiz to the newly refurbished shrine.

People chanted and said prayers including the Latin 'Ave Maria' (Hail Mary) and 'Pater Noster' (Our Father).

Father Marce also thanked notable Filipino leaders and volunteers who had worked on improving the shrine. Pilgrims were impressed by the efforts put towards the beautiful and symbolic house-like shrine marked by the original dome on top. Name he mentioned include Efren Altez and Vic Bacud among others.

The crowd prayed, took photos and caught up with friends before having a picnic at the grounds. Smell of delicious food wafted through the air and a visitor Jesuit priest rom the Philippines felt welcome to the friendliness of everyone.

A number of Filipinos expressed interest to become full-pledged members of the Filipino Radio Program which would be much needed to kick-off the broadcasting before November of this year.

Just how much Miss Universe Competition is loved in the Philippines

2011-09-17T11:33:00.004+10:00

Help Us Bring Filipino Radio Back in Brisbane's Airwaves

2011-08-21T00:01:00.005+10:00

The Filipino Radio in Brisbane is coming back and the team behind its return asks that all Filipinos should help out.

Radio 4EB-FM, 98.1 in Kangaroo Point, the broadcaster of the Filipino Radio, requires that before the group could be granted of a 1 hour time slot, 35 members are required.

Membership form could be printed this form and sent directly to 4EB-FM with the annual membership fee.

The yearly membership costs $15.00 for concession holders and $25.00 for regular members.

The team behind the only Filipino Radio in Brisbane, 4EB-FM's only Pinoy Radio is decidedly committed to bring its broadcast back on air.

Robert Rull, Erwin Cabucos and other volunteers ask that Filipinos in Southeast Queensland could extend their resources for this integral aspect of our community living in this adopted country of ours.

Membership Form

Radio 4EB-FM is Queensland's only multicultural station broadcasting in over 60 different languages for the people of Brisbane and the world. This community radio station is partly funded by the communication stakeholders of the country and partly supported by subscribers and sponsors.

Broadcast will be heard on air through 98.1FM band, online through radio streaming on the Internet, and through your digital receivers.

Erwin calls upon all Pinoys out there to act on this good cause and become subscribers of 4EB-FM.

"We will be willing to volunteer and produce the program and we are inviting all Filipinos out there to support this media resource for our community. We can relay information and public service announcements for all Filipino groups in Brisbane once we are on air," Erwin says.

He adds that the membership of Filipinos in this situation becomes a symbol of advocacy for the promotion of the Phililppine culture and the great people from the pearl of the orient seas.

Questions may be addressed to Erwin through the email address filipinoradiobrisbane@yahoo.com.au or phone on 07 3711 4358 or text on 0420983188.

Tagalog Operetta to Enthrall Australia

2011-08-07T08:27:00.009+10:00

By Erwin Cabucos

The internationally acclaimed 'Aawitan Kita' Tagalog operetta is set to entertain audiences in Australia, this time with much vigor and passion to bring forth again the richness of Filipino artistry in music, drama and performing arts.

The long standing television show for 35 years now shines through in the lands overseas where Filipinos live, work and still cherish the endearing sounds of kundimans, balitaw, haranas and folk songs that are told with engaging stories of human love between families and lovers thriving through distance and time.

'Aawitan Kita' revives folk songs, commissioned musical works and contemporary zarzuelas, such as the original compositions of Resti Umali and National artist acclaimed Levi Celerio, to tell breathtaking Filipino stories in three acts in a typical country community. One story tells Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) Bo whose wife "died" in the arms of his best friend in the Philippines.

Filipinos from abroad who have seen the performance in Makati say: "This is a show that must be seen by Filipinos the world over."

Reena Redoblado, the production coordinator reveals that their recent 12-city tour of the United States was a highly successful one. "We are happy to inform you that the audience response was overwhelming!" Redoblado says.

'Aawitan Kita Australia' casts include Armida Siguion-Reyna, Bayang Barrios, Miguel Castro, Bo Cerrudo, Rachel Gerodias, Raul Montesa, Richard Reynoso, Chris Villonco, and Lirio Vital. Written by Bibeth Orteza and Directed by Carlos Siguion-Reyna, the production will tour Melbourne and Sydney at reasonable price on the following dates:

Aawitan Kita Australia Tour: Melbourne - October 29, Sydney - November 4 and 5, 2011.

Redoblado opens her door for prospective producers in Queensland for its possible show in Brisbane. Her email address is: rvredoblado@gmail.com.

"This could be a great activity which could be utilized for fundraising purposes, or simply as a way to showcase the best of Philippine culture," Ms Redobaldo says.

Carabao Milk - A Complete Food

2011-08-06T08:23:00.019+10:00

By Erwin Cabucos

The well and truly used up Philippine carabao: we make her plough our fields, and now we milk her for nutrients.

It may sound mean, but the Philippines' national animal, and the country's most industrious farm helper, has true nourishing nature for everyone.

The milk of the Philippine water buffalo, known to Filipinos as kalabaw contains calcium, protein, lactose, phosphorus, vitamin B2, vitamin D and minerals, regarded by food experts as complete food.

Experts from the Philippine Carabao Centre in Nueva Ecija, Philippines reveal that carabao milk has good contents of milk fatty acids which make the milk as a great source of energy.

In an article that was published in the Agribusiness Week Magazine, nutritionists from the Philippine Carabao Centre write that carabao milk contains riboflavin or vitamin B2 needed for normal growth, the agent against skin swelling, inflamation of all sorts, and dizziness.

"It's vitamin A content is good for clearing eyesight while the vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus are valuable agents for stronger teeth and bones."

PCC recommends pasteurisation to achieve safety against harmful bacteria and consistent refrigeration to obtain freshness that will last up to seven days.

At the Philippine Carabao Centre, University of Southern Mindanao, in Southern Philippines, carabao milk products are available in chocolate (cocoa) flavour.

The picture in this article shows 8 year old Sarah enjoying chilled carabao milk in chocolate flavour at USM's carabao dairy centre.

In other carabao centres in the Philippines, the products range from milk candy, white cheese, condensed milk, cheese spread, icre cream, mozarilla, and coagulated milk.

Perhaps it is now the right time to ask your Filipino store: do you sell Carabao milk?

(Text and image copyright: Erwin Cabucos, 2011)

Useful Filipino Expressions by Paraluman Aspillera

2011-08-06T07:37:00.006+10:00

(White water rafting in Davao City, Philippines.)

Magandang umaga po.
Good morning, sir.
Magandang hapon po.
Good Afternoon, sir.
Magandang gabi po.
Good evening, sir.
Magandang tanghali po.
Good noon, sir.
Magandang araw po.
Good day, sir.

Po is ised in direct discourse to express respect. To young people and to friends po is not used.

It is right to say:
Magandang umaga.
Magandang hapon.
or Magandang gabi.

The literal meaning of maganda is beautiful.

Answers:
Magandang umaga (po) naman.
Good morning, too.
Magandang hapon (po) naman.
Goodafternoon, too.

Questions:
Kumusta (po) kayo? How are you, sir?
Kumusta ka? How are you?

Answer:
Mabuti (po) naman. Salamat. Fine, thank you.

Questions:
Kumusta ang iyong ina at ama?
How are your mother and father?
Kumusta ang iyong asawa?
How is your wife/ husband?
Kumusta ang iyong mga anak?
How are your children?

Answers
Mabuti rin, salamat.
Fine too, thank you.

To learn how to speak and write Filipino in Brisbane, call Ely on 37114358 or email ely.paez@griffithuni.edu.au. Private tuition available for only $10.00 an hour.

Brisbane Filipino Radio Show Returns in November

2011-08-03T20:26:00.004+10:00

Efforts are now being done by volunteers within the Filipino Community in Brisbane to bring back the Filipino Radio Show at 4EB-FM.

Significant training, planning and campaign are now being started so that the return of the only Filipino Radio Show in Brisbane will be aired again with more useful and entertaining contents for everyone.

Pioneered by dedicated Filipino community leaders since 1979, the Filipino Radio show at 98.1 FM band stopped in early 2009 because of the lack of membership support from the community.

The Station being a community funded organisation requires 35 paid members for the group to be able to broadcast 1 hour a week. Membership costs $25.00 with concessional rate for students and seniors of $15.00 a year. More details on membership are found on www.4eb.org.au.

Every one is invited to become a member of the Filipino Radio Show at 4EB-FM so that the best of the Filipino culture will be aired and shared around the world.

4EB-FM broadcasts on air and online through live streaming on www.4eb.org.au

Nursing Jobs Galore

2011-03-05T10:11:00.003+10:00

Job Ads

www.health.qld.gov.au/workforus
www.seek.com.au

Registration Bodies

www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au/
www.ahpra.gov.au/

Working Visa

www.immi.gov.au
www.australia.com.ph

Walang Natira by Gloc 9

2011-03-05T09:42:00.009+10:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuD9cCWrdoE

Napakaraming guro dito sa amin
Ngunit Bakit tila walang natira Napakaraming nurse dito sa amin
Ngunit bakit tila walang natira
Nagaabroad sila(Gusto kong yumaman5x)
Nagaabroad sila (Gusto kong yumaman5x)
Nagaabroad sila

There are so many teachers here in our place
But why it seems that no one left
There are so many nurses here in our place
But why it seems that no one left
They go abroad
I want [ to get rich]5x They go abroad
I want [ to get rich]5x They go abroad

Lupa kong sinilangan ang pangalan ay Pinas
Ngunit bakit parang puno na ang prutas ay pitas
Nauubusan ng batas parang inamag na bigas
Lumalakas na ang ulan ngunit ang payong ay butas
Tumatakbo ng madulas mga pinuno ay ungas
Sila lang ang nakikinabang pero tayo ang utas
Mga kabayan natin ay lumilipad, lumalabas
Para pumunta ng ibang bansa at doon magtanas
Ng kamay para lamang magkakalyo lang muli
Ang pahingay iipunin para magamit paguwi
Dahil doon sa atin mahirap makuha ang buri
Mapahiran ng tsokolate ang matamis na ngiti
Ng anak na halos di nakilala ang ama
O ina na wala sa tuwing kaarawan nila
Dadarating kaya ang araw na ito'y magiiba
Kung hindi ka sigurado mag-isip isip ka na

The land where I was born,
the name Pinas (Slang for Pilipinas, Tagalog word for Philippines)
But why it is like a tree with picked fruits
Scarced with law like rotten rice
The rain is getting heavy yet the umbrella has holes
Running [even if its slippery] witout care, the leaders are stupid
They alone get the benefits and we get nothing
Our countrymen are flying away, going [outside]abroad
They go to other country and work hard
To earn a living (have callous on hand)
Rest-days will be saved that they can use when for vacation
Because in our place, it is hard to get what we want
To rub chocolate to the sweet smile
of a child who almost could not recoognize his dad
or mom who are absent during his birthday
Will the day come that this will be changed?
If not so sure, start thinking about it.

Napakaraming inhinyero dito sa amin
Ngunit bakit tila walang natira
Napakaraming karpintero dito sa amin
Ngunit bakit tila walang natira
Nagaabroad sila
(Gusto kong yumaman5x )Nagaabroad sila
(Gusto kong yumaman5x) Nagaabroad sila

There are so many engineers here in our place
But why it seems that no one leftThere are so many carpenters here in out place
But why it seems that no one leftThey go abroad
I want [ to get rich]5x They go abroad
I want [ to get rich]5x

Mabuti kung mabuti ang kinakahinatnan
Ng kapalaran ng lahat nang nakipagsapalaran
Kahit nag-aalangan para lang sa kapakanan
Ng mahal sa buhay ang sugal ay tatayaan
Isasanla ang lahat ng kanilang pag-aari
Mababawi din naman yan ang sabi pagnayari
Ang proseso ng papeles para makasakay na sa eroplano
O barko kahit saan man papunta.
Basta kumita ng dolyar na ipapalit sa piso
Ang isa ay katumbas ng isang dakot ng mamiso
Ganyan ba ang kapalit ng buhay ng Pilipino
Lilisanin ang pamilya aamo kahit na sino
Gugutumin, sasaktan, malalagay sa piligro
Uuwing nasa kahon ni wala man lang testigo
Darating kaya ang araw na itoy magiiba
Kung hindi ka sigurado mag-isip isip ka na

It's good if the result is good,the fate of all who took chances
Even if they are hesitant, if it is for the benefit
of their loved ones, they will bet on the gambleAll their assets will pawned
Anyway it can be recovered, they say,when the processing of papers will be done
So that they can board a plane or a ship wherever it will lead them
as long as they can earn dollars that be exchanged with peso.
One is equivalent to a handful of peso coins.
Is that the value of life of Filipino?
They will leave their family, and serve whoever.
Will be starved, will be hurt and be put in peri,
will come home inside the box without a single witness.
Will the day come that this will be changed?
If not so sure, start thinking about it.

Napakaraming kasambahay dito sa amin
Ngunit bakit tila walang natira
Napakaraming labandera dito sa amin
Ngunit bakit tila walang natira
Nagaabroad sila
(Gusto kong yumaman5x)
Nagaabroad sila
(Gusto kong yumaman5x)
Nagaabroad sila

There are so many housemaid in our place
But why it seems that no one left
There are lot laundry washers her in our place
But why it seems that no one left
They go abroadI want [ to get rich]5x
They go abroadI want [ to get rich]5x

Subukan mong isipin kung gaano kabigat
Ang buhat na maleta halos hindi mo na maangat
Ihahabilin ang anak para 'to sa kanila
Lalayo upang magalaga ng anak ng iba
Matapos lamang sa kolehiyo matutubos din ang relo
Bilhin mo na kung anong gustong laruan ni Angelo
Matagal pa kontrato ko titiisin ko muna 'to
Basta ang mahalaga ito'y para sa pamilya ko

Try to imagine how heavy,the luggage they carry which could be hardly lifted.
They will entrust their children to others; this is for thier own good.
They will go away to take care the children of others.
Just to finish in college, wristwatch will be pawned hoping to redeem it soon.
Buy all the toys that Angelo wants
My contract is still few years to go, I should have patience.
The important is that I do this for my family.

Napakaraming guro dito sa amin
Ngunit bakit tila walang natira
Napakaraming nurse dito sa amin
Ngunit bakit tila walang natira
Nagaabroad sila
(Gusto kong yumaman5x)
Nagaabroad sila
(Gusto kong yumaman5x)
Napakaraming tama dito sa atin
Ngunit bakit tila walang natira

There are lot of teachers here in our place But it seems that no one left
There are lot of nurses here in our place
But it seems that no one leftThey go abroad
I want [ to get rich]5x They go abroad
I want [ to get rich]5x
There are lot of right things here in our place
But it seems that nothing left

Note: Filipino lyrics of the song above is based on the Walang Natira music video and the English translation of the lyrics is based on the personal understanding of the author with song. Please feel free to post your correction for some inaccuracy as comment.

(source: http://jpquidores.blogspot.com/2011/07/walang-natira-lyrics-with-english.html)

Learn Tagalog and Other Filipino Languages in a Private Setting

2011-03-05T09:33:00.008+10:00

A teacher from the Philippines, now a student at Griffith University has opened his door to all Brisbane residents who wish to learn Filipino langauges in the quietness of his own home.

Mr Ely Paez used to teach at Bambang Elementary School in Pasig City in Manila before he ventured to study Commerce at the Brisbane University.

His timetable has allowed potential Tagalog learners to receive lessons from him on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and most especially, weekends. He is also available at night times of those days until midnight.

His hourly rate is only $15.00 an hour. He only accepts cash and please be reminded that because this is a private tuition only, you will get the benefit of a special one-on-one instructions.

"I would love to talk to those who desire to get the very basic of Filipino language, particularly the sounding of the syllables of the language," he said.

"Once the learner knows the basic sounds of the letters, especially the vowels, one will find it easy to speak and read Filipino words," he added.

"In the Filipino language, the principle is the sounding makes the writing and the writing makes the reading," he explained. "Kung anong bigkas, siyang sulat, at kung anong sulat siyang basa."

Ely is a graduate of Bachelor of Secondary Education from Capiz State University. He is fluent in Hiligaynon and Tagalog.

His mobile number is 0487 777 6972 or home 07 3711 4358. His email is ely.paez@griffithuni.edu.au.

He lives in Brisbane's Southside, in Calamvale.

The Philippines' National Language, Tagalog or Filipino?

2011-02-27T07:31:00.009+10:00

By Erwin Cabucos

What really is the national language of the Philippines, Tagalog or Filipino?

This sort of confusion still seems to exist in documents and forms found in the many offices and institutions in a number of countries around the world.

From university enrolment forms to employment registrations, even to some website sign-ups, the ambiguity between the two is mostly covered by giving out two options, namely, Philippines (Tagalog) and Philippines (Filipino). This ludicrousness is sometimes exacerbated by adding the third option ‘Pilipino’. The Filipino person signing up would simply smile – given the natural tendency of her or him to be patient, understanding and flexible to any type of situation. Put simply, to get things done quickly, choose any and get the job over and done with.

But what really is the official language of the Philippines?

The Philippines is a linguistically diverse nation and there are a number of languages and dialects spoken in this over seven thousand island-nation. The problem started when in the 1500s, when the Spaniards colonised the Philippines, they prohibited the use of the Philippine writing system, hence it was difficult for the locals to cohesively consolidate their language nationally.

It was only until 1935 when the government seriously looked at the possibility of attaining a national language for the whole archipelago through the Philippine Constitutional Convention and the National Language Commission. They named the official language of the Philippines being ‘Pilipino’ but twenty-five years after, a survey was conducted, and a disappointing result showed that less than half of the population spoke the language. In 1960, it was revealed that only 44.5% spoke Pilipino, 39.5% English and 2% Spanish.

Rigorous efforts were done to strengthen the use of the Philippine language in the country's formal and informal setting. In the 1970s, the bilingual policy was adopted in order to smoothly introduce the Pilipino as the then official language of the country. So the two official languages of the Philippines were Pilipino and English. In schools, Pilipino was the medium of instruction for social studies, practical arts, and PE subjects, while, English was the medium of instruction used for mathematics and the science subjects.

Marcos was ousted in 1986 and an analysis of the cohesion that brought the People Power together was partly the media’s use of the Pilipino language. Inspiration for national revolution to erupt at anytime to protect the country from any scrupulous leadership was heightened by the need to have a true national language system where all Filipinos from Batanes in the north to Jolo in the south should join together in the one nation band. As well, looking at the standing of the Philippines from the rest of the Asian nations, the Philippines saw itself as a fresh newly revived country which was now more powerful, competitive and resolute.

But what really is the national language of the Philippines?

The 1987 Constitution of the Philippines devoted so much impetus to the creation of one simple and single common language for all Filipinos. It outlined a number of provisions toward the establishment of a Philippine National Language: “to initiate and sustain the use of Filipino as a medium of official communication and as a language of instruction in the educational system’.

On 2 February 1987, the National Language Commission of the Philippines declared that ‘Filipino’ is the official name of the national language of the Philippines. Hence, ‘Filipino’, not Tagalog, nor Pilipino, is the national language of the Philippine Islands.

Five years later, the National Language Commission, with the help of many language professionals from universities and other institutions, released an official dictionary, showing that the Filipino language was a mixture from the many languages spoken in the country. The composition of ‘Filipino’ as a language is a conglomeration of words and expressions from the 8 major languages found in the northern (the Luzon) and central (the Visayas) regions. Renato Perdon, a linguist and a historian from Sydney, Australia has enumerated the contributions of these major languages to the composition of the Filipino language.

Bicol – 301 words

Cebuano – 526 words

Ilonggo – 564 words

Ilocano – 122 words

Kapampangan – 51 words

Pangasinan - 82 words

Tagalog – 8,463 words

Samar-Leyte – 459 words.

(source: Perdon, R., 2004, ‘Pocket English-Filipino-English Dictionary’, Manila Prints, Sydney)

It is notable that Tagalog has contributed majority of the terms and expressions in the Filipino language, perhaps because of its proximity to the capital region where saturation of its popularity to media, films and printed literature was accessibly evident.

This Tagalog language and Tagalog-region centricity is also observable in the other facets of Philippine life, including history as well as government decisions and projects. A quick count of the declared national heroes of the country reveals a number of them hailed more from the Tagalog regions than from any other parts of the country. Has there any one from Mindanao at all? How about some Filipino Muslim heroes? Are Muslim languages e.g. Maguindanoan regarded as Filipino? This is a new topic altogether worthy of exploring in other research.

Perdon (2004) continued to discuss that the Filipino language not only contained words from the 8 major languages of the Philippines, they also retain significant remnants from the Old Spanish language – 5,210 words. English, Chinese and Malay words follow: 1,907 words and 232 words, and 176 words, respectively. Interestingly, there are a number of other foreign words amalgamated into the Filipino language and this article ends with this line up:

Latin – 70 words

French - 46 words

Indian – 29 words

Arabic – 28 words

German – 25 words

Mexican – 20 words.

source: Perdon, 2004, as above)

So, what again is the official language of the Philippines?

Copyright 2011: Erwin Cabucos, Brisbane. email: erwin888@live.com.au

How to Renew Your Filipino Passport in Australia

2009-03-01T19:44:00.003+10:00

The following link will take you to the downloadable forms to renew your passport:

http://www.philembassy.org.au/passport.html

Please contact the Philippine Embassy in Canberra for more information:

Mr. Jermyn Julius R. Checa
Phone No. +61.262732535 / 36 Ext. 231
Fax No. +61.262733984

Requirements

The issuance of the Machine Readable Passport by the Philippines is in compliance with the requirements of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for all member-countries to implement Machine Readable Passports before the year 2010.

The Philippine Machine Readable Passport incorporates the biometrics of the holder making it easy to identify the bearer and at the same time minimizes the instances of tampering and falsification. This shall ensure the integrity of the passport and greatly facilitates the travel of its bearer across the borders. Our machine readable passport embodies world class standards and is now at par with the standards of passport issued by the developed countries. It increases the credibility of the Philippines and better secures the identity of its bearer.

The Department of Foreign Affairs started the issuance of the Machine Readable Passports in the Philippines in July 2007 and our foreign missions abroad are in transition towards implementing the new system. As a service to the people, the passport application fee for the new and hi-tech machine readable passport remains the same.The new Philippine Machine Readable Passport has a maroon cover and contains a data summary in a format that is capable of being read by a machine.

In view of the need to incorporate biometrics in the passport and due to the highly technical specifications, all applicants are required to appear in person when filing their application with the Embassy in Canberra.The passport production process will be done in Manila. The average processing period is 30 days from the time the completed application is received by the Embassy.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early to allow sufficient time for the processing, production and delivery of the machine readable passport.
The current green passport remains valid and can still be used until it expires.

Filipino Radio will be Axed

2009-02-21T20:06:00.005+10:00

It is sad to say that the Filipino Language at 4EB-FM 98.1 in Brisbane will stop programming because of the lack of members and community support.

Only 2 members turned up at the last scheduled AGM on 21 February 2009.

A representative from 4EB-FM board expressed his disappointed over the absence of enthusiasm from Filipinos in Brisbane, considering that we are one of the major migrant groups in the region.

"Keep encouraging your members as this radio program is important in the preservation of your heritage which you owe to your new generations," he said.

Erwin Cabucos, the acting convenor also expressed his frustration over the negative outcome of weeks of preparation and promotion for this AGM which turned to nothing.

"This is our third schedule and still people don't seem to care," he said.

The Filipino language group has been revived in the late 1997 after its long absence due to the disappearing commitment from previous volunteers.

This year, with the group not having been able to reach quorum in its scheduled AGM, it appears that the program will be axed by June.

Amidst this forthcoming negative situation of the group, a new panel operator April Adams is hoping to get her panel license by June this year.

There is only one thing that the Filipino Community in Brisbane can do to save this radio program - to become members of 4eb and to attend an AGM meeting if another schedule is to be made.

Filipino Radio Special Mussels

2009-02-01T16:33:00.006+10:00

We believe that this is the yummiest mussels recipe to have ever come out of a radio team here at 4EB-FM!

You need:

a kilo of mussels

8 cloves of garlic

a medium-sized red onion

a cup of red or white wine

two stems of lemon grass

some olive oil

pepper

In a large pan or wok, saute garlic and red onion. Add mussels, lemon grass and wine. Let it boil for five to eight minutes minutes or until all the mussels have opened. Discard unopened mussles. Serve with bread roll and your choice of wine. Ang sarap!

Let us know how you went. For reproduction of this recipe, please contact the Filipino Radio in Brisbane on 0420983188 or filipino@4eb.org.au. Listen to the only Philippine Radio Show in Brisbane through 98.1FM or online through www.4eb.org.au.

Insomnia

2009-01-20T13:56:00.003+10:00

By Sonia Sygaco

Wide awake in the dead of the night, I struggle to dispel these thoughts. They come, rumbling ideas soon accumulating into wisdom.

I belong to the emerging generation of Filipinos, whose lives have made a turn about. For me nights are like mornings with a mind who never gets tired. I try to close my eyes but instead images flash before me. Tossing in bed, I watch the window glass of the long dark hours blending with the light.

Like a walking zombie with my inability to sleep, I have become a listless dreamer. My ambitions of trying to redeem my national heritage and my dignity have triggered this sleeping disorder. Drown from my thoughts; I do steal time writing at night to release this artistic inevitability. A philosophy, “A life of intensity and meaning follows a life of harmony.”

Everyone has a vision, yet a vision becomes meaningless until one will know his beginnings. The retelling of the tale of Jose Rizal, our national hero who penned the illuminating words in Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo shaped a new consciousness. Fighters like Bonifacio, Lapu-Lapu, Diego and Gabriela Silang who were restlessness warriors had wrestled freedom in their hands. Even the paralytic Apolinario Mabini, in his sleepless mind far reaching the next century of Ninoy Aquino and the rest of the Martial law fighters had awaken the sleeping people. These mind shapers revealed truth for which we learned from their principles.

My inability to sleep perhaps is product of over thinking, awareness of being vigilant. I do not think of rebellion or having thoughts of insurrection. Like a ghost haunting my sleeplessness presents a deeper perspective in life.

This insomnia is a journeying of conviction, inspirational I may say for it means believing oneself. I may have developed this inner sensibility in the process of growing up. It changes as I become more mature. For like others, I have this unending courage for fighting, even if at the end I am the loser. What’s important is I have done something and allowed change to take place. A verbal gymnast who preaches without actions suffers from spiritual blindness and from spiritual deafness. As Teodoro M. Locsin expresses, “Changed not in the sense of being reformed, but as a man is changed after a profound experience.”

You may witness that the young Filipinos are not sleeping on their rights; they have forged their identity in a sovereign nation by the Edsa Revolution. That revolution many of you may not been born yet or may have been offshore. The Edsa spirit liberated us from our older beliefs, our faint voices becoming louder. We are not ashamed to be called Filipinos. For being a Filipino is a trademark of being industrious and being patient.

It is true that most of us back home dream of migrating, to a land they will be called strangers, where it demands a crucial decision between cultures, running risk whether to embrace both or discard the other. These visionaries opt to find greener pastures because they are the builders of a new nation.

Migrants are the backbone of the Philippine economy. For outsiders the value of supporting our extended families seem strange, very strange indeed but only the hearts of Filipinos know its significance. There is this prophesy that one day all Filipino strangers will return home. They will clasp their arms to mother nation who shall embrace her lost generation. For this Diaspora is temporary, as generations after generations will trace their ancestry.

The solitude and loneliness in faraway places reminded you so much closer to home. But home could be your memories when every morning, you find appreciation as your backyard neighbor would greet you with a smile. When you were sick, you remembered someone watching over you or that simple gesture of request when relatives rushed in to assist you. You missed the gathering of friends in weekends where all of you lazily talked about life and the future. Or counting your attendance to every town fiesta where every guest was welcome. This was your way of life, the place you grew up with.

Filipinos can even live the worst of life. Calamities and unfortunate events have never missed us, always hitting our backs that make us resilient and durable. We remain strong even stoic. We may bend to strong winds but we never break. This is because our values are molded from the religious foundation, taking pride of being a Christian nation among our Asian neighbors.

Yes, we are sleepless Filipinos, fighting for recognition. We remain the only nation in Asia with high literacy rate in English. Call centers worldwide are relocating their services here as well foreign publishers in contract-training for on-line work jobs.

We also grace our abilities in transcription business, in web designs, good computer programmers. It was Diosdado Banatao, a Filipino, who first made single chip graphical user interface accelerator to boost internet speed in computers. While controversial Agapito Flores of Bulacan received a French fluorescent bulb patent but sold his rights to General Electric Company. Fe del Mundo, the first Asian to join Harvard University School of Medicine, credited her works for inventing incubator and jaundice-relieving equipment or Dr. Abelardo Aguilar who formulated Erthromycin antibiotics.

Gregorio Zora invented the videophone device and Pedro Flores, a Philippine immigrant in the United States mass produced the first yoyos in his small factory in California. In the field of music, Roberto Del Rosario had many sleepless nights inventing the karaoke and spearheaded various inventions of the piano.

Another unrecognized contribution in space invention was Eduardo San Juan who worked at Lockheed Corporation. San Juan conceptualized ideas for Moon Buggy used by astronaut Neil Armstrong among others for exploration. These scientists with their inability to sleep and creativity had given so much inspiration.

When the perfect moment comes, those who continue to light the candles of hope, for those who give immortal ideas of liberation and honor have reasons of keeping their faith that the “Philippine is worth dying for.”

For those who have come to a realization, this undying spirit insomnia continues to live on. Then the new leaders being watchful will emerge as empowered people, with fearless views and fearful to God. Then the world can witness rebirth of a Philippine nation.

---0---
About the Author:

Sonia B. SyGaco holds a degree in Mass Communication in Silliman University and currently enrolls in the creative writing master’s program in the same school. She contributes for the Sun Star Daily in Dumaguete City and for FilipinoWriter.Com. She is a fellow of the 14th Iligan National Writers Workshop and the 24th Cornelio Faigao Memorial Writers Workshop in the Philippines.

Philippine Holidays

2009-01-20T10:44:00.006+10:00

Some photos from my recent Philippine Holiday:

The 'Hanging Coffins', Sagada, Philippines

'Banaue Rice Terraces', the 8th Wonder of the World, Philippines

Boracay Beach, Philippines

Happy New Year!

2009-01-16T09:51:00.002+10:00

Happy new Year po sa lahat at sana'y masaya ang inyong pasko at ang pagdiriwang ninyo ng bagong taon.

This year, we hope to increase our membership as we try to play good music and talk to all our Filipino-Australian listeners, especially new arrivals to the country. Welcome to our new skilled migrants into Australia and we hope that we can serve you better. If you have any requests, simply send us an email through Filipino@4eb.org.au.

This year we will include job ads and personal classifieds. So if you are an employer and needing Filipino workers - as we are proud of our work ethics, english ability and dedication to our jobs - we would like to hear from you. Email us through the above address.

More importantly, radio members and intending members are asked to attend our Annual General Meeting on Saturday 21 February 2009, at 7:00PM at 4EB-FM, 140 Main Street, Kangaroo Point. More information on 07 33233105 - an afterhours numbers for your convenience.

Thank you and we look forward to working with you in 2009. Mabuhay!

Manila Sessions at the Empire

2008-12-01T20:38:00.002+10:00

*MANILA SESSIONS @ EMPIRE December 4th*

Chestnuts are roasting on an open fire!!Exams are over for another year!!Christmas is just around the corner!!Let's celebrate the party season with pizazz and join us at MANILA SESSION @Empire on December 4th Thursday.

Spanning over two rooms of Hip Hop, RNB and House music. Your festive spirits are bound to be groovin and getting loose til the break of dawn.

With a stellar line up of Brisbane's talented DJ's and dancers, there's noother place to be than at EMPIRE

RnB/ HIP HOP: Malakai Gavin Boyd Oscar

FUNKY HOUSE: Tim Plunkett, Aydos, Radaza

Special performance by: BOUNCEc

heck them out on : http://www.bouncedancestudios.com/

$5 entry (cheap)8 pm til late.

" Maligayang Pasko" & "Merry Christmas" to all

Filipino Talents Blast at the Empire

2008-11-09T15:31:00.002+10:00

Looking at going out but can't think where?

The Empire Hotel at the Valley are showcasing Filipino talents on Thurday December 4 and everyone is welcome.

Manila Sessions brings back the best of Urban and Dance music and the finest crops of DJs, Dancers and MCs.

It's big!

There's the cocktail bar, a funky house, with talents from Anthony Radaza, Tim Plunkett, Aydos and Bring Back Jack.

At the Dance Bar, there's hip hop, R&B and Neo Soul from Rola-D, Gavin Boyd with Dr. Rhythm (from Australia Got Talent) and Oscar (the King of Raggaeton).

Other special guests will certainly help rock the whole place!

The Manila Sessions at the Empire, $5.00 only all night, specials between 8-11pm and 18+ ID are essential.

Join the fun. See you at the empire. For more info, http://www.empirehotel.com.au/v4/main.htm

Christmas Party

2008-11-09T15:17:00.002+10:00

Anabelle Havelock invites you to her Christmas Party on 15 November 2008 from 5:30PM at the Chinese Community Centre, Nemies Road, Runcorn.

Ms Havelock is a migration agent and a lawyer whose office is located at 29 Wembley Road, Logan Central.

There will be dinner, shows, disco and concert featuring local and international Filipino performers. Lechon will be provided. Guests and friends are requested to bring a favourite dish to share.

Free admission. Bring along some friends.

RSVP to 3299 3953 or email edanhav@optusnet.com.au.

Christmas Mass Schedule - Filipino

2008-11-08T19:50:00.002+10:00

Photo source: www.pbase.com/jun_camba/image/87878741

DECEMBER

Dec. 8th, 7pm, Solemnity of the Immaculate Concepcion at Our Lady of Fatima Church, 350 Mortimer Road, Acacia Ridge

Dec. 13th, 7:30pm, Paskong Pinoy at Guardian Angels Parish Hall, 198 Bay TerraceWynnum, Qld. 4178

9-DAY MISA DE GALLO

Dec. 16th, 7pm at St Bernardine's Church, Vergulde St. Regents Park

Dec. 17th, 7pm at St. Carthage Church, Beaconsfield Tce. Gordon Park

Dec. 18th, 7pm at St Mark's Church, Cnr Lilac & Eucalypt St, Inala

Dec. 19th, 7pm at Our Lady of the Rosary, 61 Edmund St, Caloundra 4551

Dec. 20th, 7pm at Our Lady of Fatima Church, 350 Mortimer St. Acacia Ridge

Dec. 21st, 11:30am, Christmas Carols and Mass at St James Church, 165 Old Cleveland Rd. Coorparoo

Dec. 22nd, 7pm at Sacred Heart Church, Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters, Gold Coast

Dec. 23rd, 7pm at St Flannan’s Church, Handford cor. Beams Road, Zillmere

Dec. 24th, 8pm at St. Mel's Church, 88 Ipswich St, Esk 4312 and Christmas Mass at St Matthew's Church, 172-180 Bryants Road, Cornubia 4130 (midnight)

Holy Rosary Culmination

2008-10-29T22:18:00.002+10:00

Dear Friends

Please be reminded that there will be HOLY MASSES with Fr Marce Singson on the following dates:

1. FRIDAY, 6:30pm OCTOBER 31 2008 - ROSARY CULMINATION followed by HOLY MASS at Our Lady of Fatima Church, 350 Mortimer Road, Acacia Ridge. Everyone can bring and offer flowers to the Blessed Virgin Mary during the offertory. Would also appreciate if everyone can bring finger foods to share during fellowship.

2. SATURDAY, 7:00pm NOVEMBER 1, 2008 - ALL SOULS DAY MASS at Our Lady of Fatima Church, 350 Mortimer Road, Acacia Ridge

Thanks and regards,

Efren

Come Along to Our AGM

2008-10-24T18:23:00.003+10:00

We invite our listeners to join us in our AGM on Saturday 25 October at 7:00PM at the station at 140 Main Street, Kangaroo Point. Light Snack will be provided.

For more information call us on 0420983188.

Filipino Christmas in Brisbane

2008-10-20T21:21:00.002+10:00

Filipino-Australians and their friends are invited to this year's Paskong Pinoy on Saturday Nov 28, 2008, at 35 Thomson Street, Bowen Hills.

Bring a plate of food and drinks to share.

Heaps of activities to enjoy for the whole family and a lot of new friends to meet.

See you all there.

For more information, call Paula on 0405 060 573 or Pastor Benjie on 0434 413 727.

Recording Every Monday Night

2008-10-20T21:16:00.002+10:00

Filipinos in Brisbane are invited to visit 4EB-FM on Monday nights to join in the recording.

The recording time is held every Monday 8:30PM-10:30PM or later.

The program will be aired the following day Tuesday 9:15-10:15AM.

The station at 140 Main Street, Kangaroo Point is accessible through M1 and ample car park is available behind the station.

Simply call the Filipino program coordinator on 0420983188 or 33233105 to let you know that you are coming so we can prepare a seat for you in the studio.

We can talk about lots of things about you and your funny and sad experiences as a Filipino-Australian in Brisbane.

Attention: Creative Non-Fiction Writers

2008-10-03T09:04:00.002+10:00

This is a call for submissions of creative nonfiction for an anthology tentatively titled, FINDING GOD. The book will be co-edited by Cecilia Manguerra Brainard and Marily Ysip Orosa and published in the Philippines by Anvil. Contributors will receive copies of the book as compensation for the use of their work.

The manuscript should be approximately 7-10 pages long, typed, double-spaced (approximately 1,750 - 2,500 words) and should include your contact information on the first page. We will look at shorter pieces. We are more flexible than these guidelines indicate; let us know what you have in mind. The audience is primarily Filipino and Filipino-American. Submissions can be emailed to CBrainard@aol.com or marily@yahoo.com.

You may also send it by air mail to:
Cecilia Brainard
c/o PALH
PO Box 5099
Santa Monica, CA 90409
USA

Our vision is to collect essays (creative nonfiction) that describe one's spiritual journey towards God. The editors realize that people's spiritual journeys are unique and they are open to individuals' experiences. The following guidelines are simply to give contributors ideas.

The essays could focus on a specific incident that made the writer "find God" or that drew the writer closest to God. We have a preference toward a writing style that uses elements as scene and dialogue. The editors are looking for articles that are lively, specific and visual – articles that may address questions such as:
o Have you ever felt abandoned by God or felt your life in shambles, then realized that God was there all along?
o Did you ever have a close encounter with God? How? What circumstances surrounded such an encounter? Describe how such an encounter happened, in specific terms – where, when, how old were you, how did you feel before the encounter, and how did you feel after the encounter? How has your life changed from such an encounter?
o What specific situation was it that made you realize there is a God and that He is close to you?
o Take us on that journey: make us see you and those around you; make us feel what you had felt when you felt abandoned; make us feel what you felt when you discovered God; and make us see how your life has changed after finding God.

Deadline for submission is October 31, 2008. Early submissions are welcome. Please include your bio (approx. 150 words) in people-friendly narrative form, and all contact information (email address, mailing address, telephone number).
*
ABOUT THE EDITORS: Cecilia Manguerra Brainard is the author/editor of 14 books; Marily Ysip Orosa is the publisher of historical coffee table books. Both Cecilia and Marily have won numerous awards for their literary work. They have collaborated on two other anthologies: Behind the Walls: Life of Convent Girls, and the award-winning A La Carte: Food & Fiction, both published by Anvil.

Cecilia has a blog at http://cbrainard.blogspot.com/.
Marily has a blog at http://marilyo.multiply.com/

The Kite

2008-10-03T08:47:00.004+10:00

A short story by Billy T. Antonio

It is when we try to grapple with another man’s intimate need that we perceive how incomprehensible, wavering and misty are the beings that share with us the sight of the stars and the warm of the sun. --Joseph Conrad

He had it at last, caressing it the way his elders caressed their fighting cocks each morning. It was unlike his small, square tambobong which he had called a kite. This was big, shaped like a bird (beak, wings and tail were recognizable); its skeleton was a thin cross. He proudly lifted it up against the afternoon sun, and its colors—red, yellow, blue—shone brightly. It quivered with the passing wind the same time he felt his heart quiver.

The kite was a gift his Uncle Victor gave him along with a ball of nylon string which he wound, patiently and painstakingly, around an empty milk can he found among the trash his mother threw away that morning. At night, for the past few days, he had dreamt of a kite soaring in the bluest sky. And here it was at last.

In his dream, the kite soared high. He would often rouse and sit in bed pleased but unsteady. Joseph wondered if his kite could reach that high.

He was just about to take the kite for a test flight when he suddenly heard a familiar call. Joseph! He heard it again. Then he saw Lola Mercedes, his paternal grandmother, over at the pump, waving to him. He strode past the sturdy duhat tree where Ben, his eight-year-old brother, was poking its low branches with a stick.

“You’ll fly your kite tomorrow, Kuya?” Ben asked. “I can’t reach the ripe ones with this stick! You think it will fly?”

“Of course.”

“How high?”

“High—really high!”

“Can I fly it, Kuya?”

“No,” he said, “but you can watch me fly it tomorrow.”

“Could you help me pick some duhat?”

“They’re still green.”

Then he heard it again. Joseph! Ben! Louder this time.

“Let’s go!” he told his brother.

“But I still want to play.”

“Play again tomorrow!”

Joseph ran; Ben trailed behind him. Dodging the squat pump, they ran across the backyard and came, gasping deeply, to where his Lola Mercedes stood.

“Where were you boys?” she asked. “It’s already getting dark and your—” She squinted over the narrow yard toward the bend and the duhat tree. And the figure of a man came into view.
The man was Joseph’s and Ben’s father, Bienvinido. He was Lola Mercedes’ eldest son. He wasn’t short, but he wasn’t tall either. He was naturally thin. Marching barefoot, his movements were sure and absolute. He wore a straw hat, faded gray long-sleeves rolled up elbow- high, and a pair of denim shorts which, obviously, was once blue jeans. The hot sun had tanned his skin; however, Joseph and Ben had fair skin, a trait the boys had inherited from their mother.
Joseph looked exactly like his father. Aunt Sam told Joseph that, and it was evident in the old photographs.

Bienvinido hung his sheathed bolo and removed his straw hat. Then he went to wash the mud that clung and caked on his scrawny legs. Vigorously, he raised and lowered the pump’s handle until cold water gushed out.

Joseph went ahead of Ben and his Lola Mercedes into the house. He placed the kite in a corner near the kitchen door, putting it where it was safe from the cat and the dog and high enough from Ben’s reach. Then he helped his mother set the table for early dinner.

As always, his mother laid her Saturday wash quite early, while his father, Ben and he crowded in the quiet of the sala. An aparador divided and separated the sala from his Lola Mercedes’ room. Opposite its eastern wall, the broken television set blindly stared at the sparseness of the small room. The door was closed, but the curtain-less windows, facing the concrete road, were open.

Joseph sat on the window sill, holding a book and looking like a bulol with his slender legs folded and drawn toward his body. His father sat on a rigid, while Ben slouched on the sofa. Glancing at his father, he noted the sleeked-back hair, wide forehead, deep almost piercing eyes and high nose. All these gave his father’s face an almost perfect aristocratic look.

To the neighbors, his father was Manong Kulas. Mrs. Fe, the widowed school principal, sometimes called out at the gate, asking his father to take a look at her son’s Yamaha motorcycle because it wouldn’t start.

“Manong Kulas!” Aunt Flory, their next door neighbor, would call out from across the low wall, inviting his father for merienda. Manong was affixed to a name when addressing an older person, but in the case of his father it was more than mere courtesy. This he knew.

To his Uncle Victor, Joseph’s father was Manong Bien. Joseph had often seen his father and his Uncle Victor talking about trivialities or discussing the day’s news. Occasionally, the two disagreed on their views, but they never fought nor forced the issue. Joseph’s father trusted his Uncle Victor; on the other hand, his Uncle Victor respected his father.

His Uncle Victor once told Joseph that his father dreamed of becoming a lawyer. When his father was only twelve, his Lolo Joseph (whom he was named after), his father’s father, died. At that tender age, his father being the oldest of five siblings took upon his shoulders the responsibilities his father left behind. His father’s dream was like a kite which failed to reach the sky and soar because it was never given the chance to fly.

But Joseph had never had a decent talk with his father. Perhaps it was his father’s stern bearing that deterred his efforts to talk to him. Joseph feared the remoteness, although his fear was brought about not by fright but by deference. Then his father rose and stood straight. He marched out the front door and closed it. Joseph resumed reading the book he was holding.

Joseph stood under the tall mango tree. Joseph glanced over his shoulder at Ben, trailing behind him as usual. Then Joseph stared at the open field before him. Beyond the field the native mango trees, the coconut trees and the bamboo grooves enclosing the field in all directions. The sky was unblemished. The sun fought halfway between zenith and sunset. Joseph scoured the sky, gazing intently until he saw the kites, one then two, then three, four of them soaring high, one of which hovered above the coconut trees, swaggering against the high wind, held by almost invisible cords which slanted toward the boys who were flying them.

Joseph whistled. The wind always blew hard whenever he whistled. Then he grabbed a handful of dust, opened his hand, and let the dust fall from his palm as the wind weakly blew it. He tried to whistle louder as if calling and urging the wind to blow harder.

“Will your kite fly as high as that green one over there, Kuya?” Ben asked, pointing at a particular kite in the sky.

“Yes.”

“I hope it will.”

“Of course it will.”

Having taught Ben the correct way of holding the kite, Joseph instructed his brother to walk farther. Carefully, he loosened and uncoiled the nylon string until Ben was a few feet away from him before he motioned for him to stop. He gave the sagging string a pull.

“Should I let go now, Kuya?” Ben yelled.

“Not yet!” he shouted. “Wait for my signal!”

Again Joseph whistled. He went on whistling for a minute. Then he felt the swift wind. “Now!” he shouted. Ben released the kite in the air with surprising quickness. The kite rose. Cleaving the air, it climbed higher. It tugged the string. He tugged back, thrilled but nervous. But then the wind stopped, its sweeping waves abated. Swaying from left to right, the kite began its slow descent.

Joseph dragged the string. He strode. Then he jogged. The kite began to rise again; but the wind stayed where the kite couldn’t reach. And the kite came hurtling down with a thud. Trembling, Joseph wound the string around the can as fast as he could. If the wind continued to blow the kite would have reached the level where it would smooth sail.

He saw his brother run toward the fallen kite. Joseph’s hands were shaking as he continue winding the string. Looking up, he glimpsed of the other kites soaring. The wind rushed, tousling his hair.

“What happened, Kuya?”

“It’s the wind. It stopped and then changed direction. The wind is high.”

“What’ll we do?”

“Wait.”

“But those kites over there—”

“It’ll be up to the wind. If it keeps changing directions, then the kite can’t stay aloof before it reaches that level where the wind blows constantly,” he explained. He began to whistle again.
“What if you run faster, Kuya?”

“I don’t think that’s enough. The right wind will come.”

“How do you know if it’s the right wind?”

“You don’t.”

“But—” Ben scratched his head. “I don’t understand. Anyway, the wind must be like you.”

“Why is that?”

“Because I don’t understand you.’

Joseph told Ben to take the kite where his brother would be facing west and he east. Then the wind came surging. “Now!” Joseph shouted. The kite rose fast. He uncoiled the string, letting the strong wind bear the kite higher and higher. The kite began to tug the string harder he had to grip the can tightly. “It’s flying! It’s flying!” He heard Ben’s excited shouts behind him. He stopped uncoiling the string. That time he heard Ben shout “Higher! Higher!” The kite began to rise above the mango trees, to glide along with the high wind, and to soar the skies. Faced with the blustering wind, the kite suddenly swerved to the left and plummeted down until it made a loop and rose again. The kite made several dizzying loops before it hit the ground. Although Joseph moved forward in the direction of the wind to abate its fall, he was unable to stop the kite from hitting the ground hard.

Vigorously, Joseph wound the string up fast. He saw Ben run toward the fallen kite. He ran, too.
“It needs a longer tail,” Joseph said, gasping as he reached where Ben stood holding the kite. He wound the string faster until his hands ached.

“Look, Kuya, they’re leaving,” Ben said.

Joseph glanced where his brother pointed at and spotted the other boys ambling home with their kites. Having wound the string around the can, he took the kite and he and Ben languidly walked home. Glancing over his shoulder, Joseph noticed the sun had finally reached the horizon, and the day was nearing its end.

It was the noon of that day. Joseph sat in the sala, absorbed in a book, seemingly lost in its pages as the hours ticked away. His mother meandered into the room. She was small, pale, sallow and inattentive. Taking her seat in a corner of the sala, she stared blankly at the closed door. She sat with a quiet abandon about her, with a reserve that equaled the remoteness of his father, but less daunting.

Joseph do-eared the page of the book he was reading, and then he placed it atop the side table.
“Have you cooked lunch, ‘Nay?” he asked.

His mother just sat motionless as if she heard nothing.

“’Nay, have you cooked lunch?” Joseph repeated.

“I’ll not cook anymore,” she said. “There’s plenty of cold rice.’

“But the rice isn’t enough for all of us. Besides, father wants hot and steaming rice.”

“I’ll not cook anymore.”

No more words were spoken.

Joseph was just about to stand up when his father unexpectedly strode with his haggard shoulders into the room. He looked exhausted.

“Have you cooked lunch?” his father asked, putting his red shirt on.

Joseph was silent.

“I didn’t cook anymore. There’s plenty of cold rice in the pot,” his mother said.

“You expect me to eat cold rice,” his father said in a hard voice.

“But there’s plenty of cold rice,” his mother reasoned out. “Besides I’ll not eat anymore.”

“I don’t care if you eat or not!” his father shouted. “I’m tired from work while you do nothing and you…you can’t even cook lunch!” His father’s blood boiled. He swung his fist at his mother. Joseph sat pale on the sofa.

“Enough,” his mother pleaded.

Then Joseph saw his mother’s lips bleed.

There was a silence as his Lola Mercedes and Ben entered. His father stood on the rug, his body trembling with anger. His mother was wiping the blood on her lips. His father glanced at the sofa.
For the first time, Joseph saw his father as a stranger. ●

Note: First appeared in the Philippines Free Press on January 8, 2005, 'The Kite' was read on radio 4EB-FM 98.1 in Brisbane on September 30, 2008. Billy Antonio was a fellow for fiction at the 44th U.P. National Writers Summer Workshop in Baguio City, Philippines. He writes for Philippine publications.)

FCCQ Annual General Meeting

2008-09-13T01:03:00.001+10:00

FCCQ AGM on 21 Sept 2008 at the Filipino Community Centre at 69 Nathan Road RUNCORN at 2:00pm.

FCCQ reps will be attending the 10th FILCCA (Filipino Communities Council of Australia) on Oct 24-26, 2008 in Hobart TASMANIA.

Filipino Classes

2008-09-13T01:00:00.001+10:00

Filipino classes being held at the Filipino Community Centre at 69 Nathan Road RUNCORN on Saturdays from 1:00 to 3:30pm. Former & new students - please come and enjoy learning Tagalog. Phone 32173248.

We've made it: 34 members!

2008-09-01T10:00:00.006+10:00

There are now 34 members listed in the station which warrant us to have a 1-hour program at 4EB-FM 98.1 every week 9:15-10:15AM.

On behalf of our listeners and 4EB volunteers, I would like to extend my gratitude to all Filipinos who support financially as members of the station. Without you, our only Filipino Radio in Southeast Queensland would not have existed. Our sincerest thanks, indeed.

The radio is currently run by Paula Arciaga, Mar Nur, Gilbert Cordova, Jason Alto, April Adams and Erwin Cabucos who converge at the station at Kangaroo Point every Saturday night to record a 1-hour show. Erwin is currently the group's only panel licence holder but April is currently attending a 6-week course for it.

We make the program such that it appeals to all Filipinos: those who can speak the language as well as those who can not speak the language, particularly the second and third generation migrants.

Although we put emphasis on Filipino language and agenda, we also consider listenership with Australian background who have married Filipinos.

We have Pinoy music, feature articles and other uplifting and positive stories about the Philippines and Filipino people.

Everyone is welcome to join us in our recording every Saturday 8-10PM at 140 Mains Street, Kangaroo Point. Everyone is also welcome to send in announcements and greetings for the program.

We also need more members and volunteers and the number to call is 0732408600, email info@4eb.org.au. The more members we have, the more programming time we will be given. Membership fee is only $15.00 a year for students and concession holders and $25.00 for the non-concesion holders.

The program is also broadcast around the world through http://www.4eb.org.au/.

Any suggestions on what you would like included in the content of the program is also welcome.

Well done, mabuhay ka Pilipino!

Philippine short stories to be read on air

2008-08-29T22:36:00.006+10:00

We are looking for Philippine short stories which we will read on air here at 4EB-FM, 98.1.

'Panitikan sa Radyo' is a new initiative of the Filipino Program at 4EB-FM. It is the only radio station in the world that reads Philippine Fiction on air.

The piece may be in Filipino or in English, exploring aspects of Filipino way of life, now and before, including Filipino sensibilities, working at home and abroad, ethics, vices, family drama, vision and religion.

Word limit: 1000 words, and should be emailed to erwin@4eb.org.au.

Although, we don't offer payment for the selected piece, we will send you a certificate of Literary Achievement, signed by the Manager of 4EB-FM Peter Rohweder and the acting Convenor of the Filipino Program Erwin Cabucos.

The program is aired every Tuesday morning 9:15-10:15, from Brisbane Australia, through 98.1 dial and through the Internet on http://www.4eb.org.au./

In August, we read Noel Sales Barcelona's 'Bote Dyaryo Bakal'.

We can't wait to reading your short stories!

What Happened Last Tuesday?

2008-08-29T22:29:00.003+10:00

Last Tuesday 26 August created a lot of confusion to many of our listeners as the program was not heard at all.

People asked if the Program was no longer running, which of course, is incorrect.

Last Tuesday, due to the unforseen errors at the station, the Afghan program was played on air instead.

What a shame to the program that Erwin had recorded a couple of days beforehand.

The program will be aired again this Tuesday 2 September at its usual time.

The station apologises for inconvenince caused.

Short Story: "Bote Dyaryo Bakal" ni Noel Sales Barcelona

2008-08-29T22:22:00.003+10:00

Umalog ang bahay nila sa pagdaan ng “ahas na bakal”. Weee! Weee! Tsug-tsug-tsug! Hiyaw nito papalayo samantalang mulagat na nakamata sa kanilang sira-sirang kisame si Tino. Wala ang kanyang itay. Alam niya, maagang umalis patungong konstruksiyon doon sa may Punta. Kung saan man ‘yon, ‘di niya alam. Bagaman Sabado.

“Inay! Ano’ng almusal?” kinusut-kusot ang mata habang pababa sa tatlong baitang na hagdan. Naglalaba si Marta, ang kanyang ina. Parang sorbetes ang tingin niya sa puting-puting bulang nag-uumpaw mula sa kanyang batya.

“Ay! Gising na pala ang bunso ko,” anang kanyang ina. Nakangiti. Ang butuhang-mukha, hagyang nabanat sa pagkakangiti sa anak na magpipitong taong gulang. Sa kanyang bulto, akala mong limang taon lamang siya. Maliit. Payat. Hagyang malaki ang tiyan. Halatang kulang sa nutrisyon.

“E ‘di ang paborito mo, pandesal at keso. O siya, malaki na naman ang bunso ko eh. Ikaw na lamang ang magtimpla ng gatas mo ha? Mag-ingat lamang at baka mabanlian,” sabi sa anak habang patuloy ang pagkusot sa santambak na labada.

Ingat na ingat siya sa pagsasalin ng mainit na tubig sa basong mula sa naubos na kapeng binili noong Pasko. Tinimpla ang gatas na halos paubos na. Kaunting asukal ang inihalo. Ayaw niya ang masyadong matamis. Saka nagpalaman ng keso sa malamig nang pandesal.

Hinawakan niya ang bibig ng baso. Hindi kaya ng kanyang mumunting kamay ang init na isinisingaw ng baso. Kagat sa bibig ang pandesal, nagtungo siya sa pinto para doon kumain. Gustung-gusto niyang pinapanood ang paglalaba ng kanyang ina. Sa pagitan ng kagat-subo-lagok, nulas sa bibig niya ang tanong:

“Inay, kailan ako papasok sa eskuwela?”

Napamulagat sa kanya ang ina.

“Malapit na anak. Kailangan lang eh, makaipon ng kaunti para makabili ka ng bag, sapatos, uniporme, lapis at papel. Saka notbuk,” sabi ng ina, tumungo para muling kusutin ang binubunong labada kanina.

“Kailan po ‘yon? Sabi ninyo ni tatay, noong isang taon, mag-aaral na ako. Marunong na naman akong bumasa ng abakada ah! Saka magbilang hanggang sampu. Tinuruan ako ni ate Marie,” inosenteng komento ng paslit. Kagat-nguya-lagok sa pagitan ng batang pagmumuni-muni.

“Eh, wala pa kasi tayong pera. Ha’mo, itatanong ko ke tatay kung may pera siya para makabili ka ng gagamitin mo at saka kita ipapasok diyan, sa may elementari iskul,” sabi ng ina. Parang may bikig sa lalamunan. Patuloy lamang ang kusot at piga. Pilit na itinatago sa anak ang bugtong sa kanyang mga mata.

“Nanay, punta lamang po ako kina Len-len ha? Laro lang kami,” sabi niya.

“Nailagay mo ba sa lababo ang pinagkanan mo, ha?” sabi ng ina. Tango ang nakamit mula kay Tino.

“Mag-iingat ka… ang tren!” sabi ng ina, sa tinig, bakas ang mahigpit ang habilin.

“Opo! Tumatabi naman kami kapag dumaraan ‘yun,” sabi ni Tinong parang nagmamalaking kaya niyang iwasan ang tren.

“Sinasabi ko lang. ‘Di ako lagay na naglalaro kayo sa gitna ng riles. Naku! Kapag nakita kita! May pingol,” sabi niya kay Tino na anyong nanggigil subalit biglang bawi sa ngiti. Napangiti si Tino. Sabay takbo sa labas.

Binaybay ni Tino ang gilid ng riles ng tren. Panglimang bahay ang bahay nina Len-len. Pagtapat pa lamang sa may bintana, isinigaw ang pangalan ng kalaro. Walang sumagot liban sa ina ng kalaro.

“Naku, Tino! Wala si Len-len. Sumama sa ama niya para manguha ng dyaryo at bote. Pero baka pabalik na sila. Kanina pang madaling-araw ‘yon eh,” sabi ni Aling Laring.

“Ganoon po ba? Sige po, intayin ko na lang ho siya rito,” sabi niya.

“O sige. Pero baka mainip ka? O ayan na pala sila, eh!” ani Aling Laring nang makita ang mag-amang nagbibiruan pang nagtutulak ng wala nang laman ng kariton liban sa ilang kilong bigas, ilang itlog, at instant mami.

“Tino! Ang aga mo ha?” sabi ni Len-len sa kalaro. Ni hindi man lamang natulungan ang ama sa pagbababa ng laman ng kariton. Tuwang sinalubong ang kalaro.

“Tay, laro lang kami,” sabi kay Mang Ador, habang papasok sa pinto ng kanilang barung-barong.

“O siya, at mag-iingat kayo!” sabi nito na hinabol ng tanaw ang papalayo nang mga paslit.

“Malaki ba ang kita sa bakal-bote?” tanong ni Tino habang sinisipat ang tansang nakakulong sa parisukat. Pagbato ng pato, apat na tansan ang tumilapon papalabas ng kuwadrado.

“Medyo, lalo na kung pinitpit na lata ng softdrink ang ibebenta mo saka iyon bang kawad ng kuryente… tanso! Yun nga, mas mahal ang dilaw kaysa sa pula. Sa dyaryo, mura lang eh,” pakli ng kalaro habang tinitingnan ang pagsipat ni Tino sa nalalabing anim na tansang nakakulong sa kuwadrado.

“Ahh… sumama kaya ako sa inyo, ano? Kasi kailangan daw ng pera para makabili ako ng gamit sa eskuwela… Ikaw ba, papasok ka na ba sa eskuwela?” tanong niya kay Len-len sabay iling nang hindi man lamang nakapagpalabas ng isa sa natitirang anim na tansan.

“Oo raw. Hindi ko alam kina Inay at Itay eh. Gusto mong sumama puwede naman. Kaso papayag ba ang tatay at nanay mo?” sabi ni Len-len na nakapaglabas ng tatlo sa natitirang anim.

“Papayag naman siguro ang mga ‘yon. Saka gustung-gusto ko na talagang pumasok sa eskuwela,” aniya. Pinagmasdan niya ang pagtilapon mula sa kuwadrado ang tatlo pang tansan.

“Lalabas ba ulit kayo mamamaya?”

“Oo,” sabi ng kalarong muling inaayos ang mga tansan para muling sipatin at tirahin.

“Sama ako. Kahit sandali lang para maranasan ko ang ginagawa n’yo. Puwede ba?” sabi niya, himig nakikiusap sa kalaro.

“Sige. Pero dapat magpaalam ka ha? Iyong maayos,” bilin ng kalaro.

Tanghalian. Sa pagitan ng pagsubo, sinabi niya sa ina ang gustong mangyari. Sasama siyang magtulak ng kariton at maghalukay ng basura para magkaroon ng kaunting barya.

“Hindi mo naman kailangang gawin iyon. Saka, maliit ka pa,” sabi ng ina.

“Pero bakit po si Len-Len, sumasama?” sabi ni Tino. Tila maiiyak.

Nahabag ang ina. Sa kanyang puso, alam niya ang pagnanasa ng kanyang anak na makapag-aaral. Matagal na niyang napupuna ang inggit sa munting mga mata ng anak sa mga nagsisipasok na mga bata doon sa kalapit na eskuwelahan. Minsan, nakikita niyang nakatanghod ang anak sa mga ito. Ang lumang abakadang napulot ng ama sa basurahan ang pinagtitiyagaang basahin. Kabisado na niya ang mga nakasulat doon–mula sa puso.

“O siya. Kunsabagay, hindi naman siguro masamang sumama ka. Pero ngayon lang ha? Hindi papayag tiyak si Tatay na lagi kang sasama sa pagbabasura at baka magkasakit ka.”

Kumislap ang mga mata ng paslit. Maya-maya pa, kasama siya ng kalaro at ng ama nito sa pagtutulak ng kariton.

Dahil nasa munting puso ang pag-asam sa biyayang dulot ng dyaryo, bote, bakal at iba pang basura, tila walang pagod ang munti niyang mga bisig. Basyo ng hinyebra, toyo, patis ang nakita sa basura. Ang mga papel, na kahit matagal niya bago maisalansan dahil sa binabasa ang laman, masinop na inilalagay sa kanilang kariton.

“Ang sipag naman ni Tino ah!” sabi ni Mang Ador. Binibilang ang nakikitang basura ng paslit.

“Gusto ko po kasing pumasok sa eskuwela,” sabi niya, nakangiti.

“Naku, talagang mana ka sa tatay mo! Ha-ha-ha! Basta’t may gusto, ginagawa ang lahat. O siya, tama na ‘yan at marami na tayong nakuha,” sabi ni Mang Ador sa paslit.

“Mayroon pa po, banda roon. Kukunin ko lang,” sabi ni Tino.

“O siya, sige. Mag-iingat ka ha? Puntahan ka namin ni Len-len maya-maya.

Masigla ang katawan niya, patalun-talon pa habang papunta sa kinakitaan ng maraming basurang pinapag-asang makatutulong sa kanya para makapasok sa munting eskuwelahang malapit sa kanila.

Mga boteng nagkalat sa tabi ng riles at ilang bakal sa mismong gitna nito ang nakita ni Tino. May ilang karton din na mula sa mga bahay-bahay na ibinagna na lamang sa tabi.

Nasinop na niya sa dalang sako ang ilang boteng nasa tabi ng riles. Nalibang naman siya sa pagkuha ng ilang pirasong bakal na nasa gitna ng perokaril. May ilang bote rin ng hinyebra at piraso ng garapa ang nasa gitna ng dinadaaanan ng tren na gumigising sa kanya tuwing umaga. May ilang dyaryo rin siyang nakita. Binasa ang ilang nakalaman saka isinilid sa sako. Makadaragdag din, sabi ng kanyang munting puso. Nalilibang siya habang sinasabi sa sarili na baka makabili siya ng bag at ilang gamit pang-eskuwela kapag napuno niya ang sako.

Samantalang nagmumuni-muni, patuloy ang silid ng paslit ng mga nakikitang bote sa kanyang sako. Linga… linga… linga… Kapag may nakitang maaring pakinabangan, silid sa sakong nangangalahati na rin. Mabigat. Halos hila na niya subalit walang pagod ang katawan niya.

“Gusto kong pumasok sa eskuwela,” sabi ng munting isip niya.

Nalunod ng mga pangitain ng eskuwela ang isip ni Tino. Linga. Kapag may nakita, kuha, silid sa sako. Napatili ang kaibigan niyang si Len-len. Lunod ang isip ni Tino sa pangitain ng eskuwelahan, ng mga bata. Hindi niya naririnig ang tili ni Len-len at ang sigaw ng ama nito. Hindi niya naririnig ang huni ng tren…

Please Note: Noel Sales Barcelona is the OFW editor of Pinoy Weekly (http://www.pinoyweekly.org), a weekly news magazine in the Philippines. He is also the media and communications officer and head, advocacies and education committee of the National People's Media and Press Center of the Philippines, Inc. - media non-governmental organization based in Quezon City. He also a correspondent of PINAS, a weekly newspaper that circulates in more than 20 countries all around the world and writes for Reach Out magazine, circulated in Japan. Sales Barcelona is also an active member of Kilometer 64 (KM 64) Poetry Collective, Artists' Response to the Call for Social Change and Transformation (Artists' ARREST), and the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP).

Chaplaincy Night Once More

2008-08-29T22:12:00.002+10:00

For more information on Chaplaincy Night on 6th September 2008, please email Efren on efren@bnefilaustchaplaincy.org.au.

Ivy Terasaka Short Story Competition 2008

2008-08-29T21:49:00.002+10:00

The deadline for the annual IVY TERASAKA SHORT STORY COMPETITION is on October 29, 2008.

The competition was named for Ivy Terasaka who was an emerging writer vacationing with her family when the Tsunami of 2004 swept the beach resort where they were to spend their holiday.

For a short while, she was a familiar face and voice at various Singapore literary events.

In late 2003, Ivy discovered Our Own Voice and submitted a short story. 'The Last Time I Saw Nanay' was published posthumously in the January 2005 issue of Our Own Voice http://www.oovrag.com/stories/stories2005a-4.shtml

To honor her dream of being a writer, the editors of the cyberspace journal are holding this annual competition in her memory.

For guidelines, email our.own.voice@gmail.com.

Updates from Kapamilya BCC Group

2008-07-20T00:36:00.002+10:00

July 27 is our monthly Prayer Meeting hosted by North, North Central and West lifegroup. Coordinator: Bro Jeff Almencion. It's at 4:30 pm at the RED UPPER ROOM. Let this ministry be the house of prayer!

August 2 is our PINOY WINTER OLYMPICS 2008. It will be at NUDGEE BEACH from 8:30-3:30 pm. Regarding, team allocation, please refer to Bro Walter Salvia's email today. We need your cooperation in this matter. Maraming Salamat po. This event is a family fun day where we just not only know how to pray together, but also play together as kapamilya. Please INVITE ALL the Filipino/Australia/Ethnic you know.... More information will sent out to you in the upcoming weeks.

HOT AUGUST NIGHTS (All throughout August)GALA NIGHT with DARLENE ZSECH (August 9, 2008))Monthly Prayer meeting (August 31, 2008)Tri-Monthly Filipino Lunch (next September 21, 2008)PASKONG PINOY 2008 (initial meeting will start second week of August).

A reminder to everybody that our PINOY OLYMPICS 2008 is FAST APPROACHING. 16 DAYS TO GO before AUGUST 2, 2008, one of the biggest event we will be having before PASKONG PINOY 2008. The VENUE of our OLMPICS - KIDSPACE GARDENS and ATTRACTIONS from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. Pls click the website below. Let us all INVITE our kapamilyas, kababayans, friends. Sabi nga nila, THE MORE THE MERRIER. Registrations is on-going. You mask your lifegroup heads, Ptr Benjie or Paula regarding the forms to sign. What we need is your name, suburb, e-mail ad and tel/mobile no. Or pls find attached the form, print it so you can ask our kapamilyas, kababayans, friends to sign and sent it back to us on our SUNDAY FILIPINO FIESTA LUNCH. Pls give it to LOUINE.

From 21st of July to 01 August 08, names that wasn't able to register on or before the 20th of July, PLS SENT IT VIA E-MAIL.below or thru your LIFEGROUP HEADSpinoy kapamilyabcc louine@myfamilylawyers.com.auwgsalvia@yahoo.com On the day of the event, people can still register. We're doing the registration now so we have ample time to create the four teams. Pls take note children needs to register also.

Mga Kapamilya, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND COOPERATION. PINOY MABUHAY KA......... Bless you,Walter Salvia.

Basketball Fever This Winter and Spring

2008-07-20T00:18:00.003+10:00

The second season for Basketball for 2008 has started this month at the Hibiscus Sports Centre in Klump Road, Upper Mt Gravatt.

President of the Filipino-Australian Community Sports Group Totoy Rodriguez invites everyone to witness the exciting games every Sunday from 11AM. This season will run until mid October.

Amado Ocampo, the overall coordinator reveals the 7 competing teams:

1. Tropang Spice Makati (depending champion)
2. Heirs
3. Barako
4. Scallewags
5. Southern Suns
6. Celtics
7. Fairmart

Referees: Joey Santos and Luis Pleitez.

Catholic Cathedral Goes Non-English

2008-07-20T00:09:00.002+10:00

A Multicultural Mass at St Stephen's Cathedral will be celebrated on August 31st from 2pm.

This yearly event of the Archdiocese of Brisbane has proven to be popular among Catholics from many different cultural backgrounds.

The Filipino community in Brisbane are encouraged to attend the mass. Our Filipino Choir from the Acacia Ridge Parish in the Southside will help enliven the liturgy through their musical talents.

See you all there.

At Ivabelle's Art Exhibition

2008-07-12T20:07:00.000+10:00

Philippine Festival at the Gold Coast 20 July

2008-07-12T17:03:00.003+10:00

(Site of the Gold Coast Fiesta 2008, photo courtesy of the filaustgc website)

The Philippine Festival at the Gold Coast has been rescheduled on Sunday, 20 July 2008, from 9:00AM to 4:00PM.

The new venue will be at the Jupiters Pavilion - Parklands Showgrounds, Gold Coast, opposite Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus.

Entry fee is $5.00 per person or $15.00 per family of four (where children are 12 and over). Children under 12 years of age are free.

The festival will showcase Philippine culture, food, dances and modern performances from the diverse section of the community.

Bring your friends and family for this fun-filled day.

For more information, please call Pinky Huerto on 0755949281 or 0414622888.

FCCQ Annual General Meeting

2008-07-12T16:37:00.004+10:00

The Filipino Communities Council of Queensland (FCCQ) invites Filipino-Australians to its AGM on Sunday 21 September from 1PM.

The event will take place at the Filipino Centre 69 Nathan Road, Runcorn. The site is accessible by trains through Runcorn Station.

For more information, please call the FCCQ Secretary on evelyn.abadines@hotmail.co.uk, or the president on 3217 3248.

Filipino Language School and FATAQ AGM

2008-07-12T16:22:00.005+10:00

The Filipino Language School starts this Saturday 19 July, from 1:30 - 3:30PM. Classes are held at the Filipino Centre 69 Nathan Road, Runcorn.

The school is run by teachers from the Filipino-Australian Teachers Association of Queensland (FATAQ). The teachers are blue card holders and tertiary qualified from the Philippines and Australia.

Places are still available for primary, secondary and adult students. Adults students may be required to pay while junior and secondary students are only encouraged to leave gold coin donations.

Places are still available. To enrol in learning the basics of the Philippine Language, please phone 07 3217 3248.

Accessing the site is made easier by the newly renovated Runcorn Train Station which runs from the City Central station Southside route.

The Filipino-Australian Teachers Association of Queensland invites all Filipinos to its AGM on Sunday 10 August from 1:30PM.

Officers and members are to attend the meeting from 1PM when the new set of officers and discussion of current projects will be on agenda.

FATAQ has been the pioneering organisation of Filipino-Australians in Brisbane which promotes the learning and teaching of the Filipino Language to second generation migrants. The group has also instilled friendship and camaraderie among Filipinos in Southeast Queensland. Membership is now available by phoning Myrla on 3217 3248.

Multicultural Mass August 31

2008-07-12T16:16:00.003+10:00

The Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Bray Park, Pine Rivers, invites Filipinos to its Multicultural Mass on Sunday, 31 August from 9AM.

You may wear traditional costumes and bring traditional food for the meet and greet session at the end of the mass.

For more information, phone Fe Stokes on 3285 4636.

World Youth Day in Brisbane

2008-07-05T01:53:00.003+10:00

As part of the bigger celebration of the World Youth Day in Sydney, Brisbane will hold its local celebration of faith, fun and culture on 12 July.

Calling it 'Heart of the City', the event will entertain pilgrims, their hosts and many other groups of people from the catholic and non catholic traditions to celebrate faith and fun in the backdrop of Australian culture.

"This is a time for overseas guests to experience Australian culture and to join local communities in celebrating their spirituality," says the organisers of 'Heart if the City' through the website http://www.wydbrisbane.org.au/

Sydney's World Youth Day is expected to draw 150,000 guests from around the world and other Australian cities and regional areas, including Brisbane, will help to welcome and accommodate these international pilgrims.

Brisbane families, schools and individuals have offered home stay accommodation prior to the Sydney event.

International pilgrims in Brisbane will experience Queensland hospitality from 10 July until they depart for Sydney on 14 July.

To be graced by the Pope Himself, Pope Benedict XVI, the World Youth Day in Sydney will commence from 15 July and end on 20 July 2008.

Hosting of International Pilgrims in a number of dioceses around Australia is called 'Days in the Diocese'.

Brisbane's main event for its 'Days in the Diocese' will be 'Heart of the City'. It is planned to be a vibrant festival that commences with an ecumenical prayer service for overseas pilgrims in various churches (Spiritual Centres) in the CBD, followed by a pilgrimage walk from the Spiritual Centres to Roma St Parklands for a “Fiesta of Faith” with musicians, entertainers, children’s space, food, expos and much more.

All Filipinos in South East Queensland are most welcome to attend this big event.

For more information, please visit http://www.wydbrisbane.org.au/.

New Filipino Business Opens in Calamvale

2008-06-30T03:53:00.003+10:00

Radio 4EB listeners are invited to the July Networking Night of the Australian Filipino Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, 8 July 2008, where a new Filipino-Australian business will be launched.

Ms Mhar Tepace, owner of Mhar’s Salon, in conjunction with the Australian Filipino Chamber of Commerce is pleased to invite you to the official opening of the Calamvale Branch on that day at 7pm.

The address of the salon is Shop 7, Calamvale Central Shopping Centre, 662 Compton Road, Calamvale.

Deputy Mayor Cr Graham Quirk will be in attendance to undertake the official opening of Mhar's Salon. Also in attendance will be Cr Angela Owen-Taylor, the new local Councillor for Parkinson.

Iloilo Needs Your Help

2008-06-30T03:46:00.002+10:00

The City and Province of Iloilo is currently under a State of Calamity after a destructive storm, named Typhoon Frank (international name: Fengshen), had just battered the country with Iloilo being one of the worst hit by the disaster. Aside from Iloilo City, most of Iloilo Province’s 42 towns were also heavily affected especially the towns traversed by major rivers.

Around 80+% of the Iloilo City went underwater during the weekend because of the flood affecting 48,836 families or 244,090 persons. The worst hit district was Jaro, where the flood waters were reported to have reached a high of 2 meters, submerging almost the entire district. Residents with one-storey houses were forced to spend the night on top of their house’s roof while the rain still poured down. Meanwhile, in Iloilo Province, among the most affected towns include: Oton, Miagao, Leganes, Pavia, Zarraga, Leon, Janiuay, Leon, Pototan, Dumangas, Barotac Nuevo, Ajuy, and Carles. Initial reports by the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council tallied 115,149 affected families or 569,142 persons.

The aftermath of the storm had left a thick layer of mud all over the Iloilo City and Province: Inside homes, buildings, on roadways, and open spaces. The damages in agriculture and infrastructure in Iloilo due to Typhoon Frank was estimated to have reached more than P500M (P1B for the whole region). Ongoing rescue operations and disaster management in Western Visayas had earlier reported a death toll of 213 persons for the whole region, 135 were from Iloilo.

Iloilo needs your help! There are still thousands of families who lost their homes and are currently living in evacuation centers or in makeshift houses beside streets and bridges. These unfortunate people need food, water, clothes, medicines, etc… Any form of assistance extended to the affected families of Iloilo City will be deeply appreciated. If you’re willing to give your donations please contact:

Office of the Mayor, Iloilo City.Contact Person: Ms. Snow ChuaTel. no: (+63)(33) 337 0036 / 3372760Fax number: 335.0689

DSWD-Iloilo Provincial OfficeTel. no: (+63)9209073105Mobile: 09189205750Email: typhoondonations@iloilo.gov.ph

ABS-CBN FoundationANGELIE AGBULOSABS-CBN Foundation Inc.Tel: (632) 922-4842Email: angelie_agbulos@abs-cbn.com

Thank You, Benefactors to Rolly's Family

2008-06-23T22:27:00.004+10:00

Rev Father Marce Singson today expresses his sincerest thanks and appreciation to those who have helped the bereaved family of the late Rolando Cortez.

The above letter lists individuals and organisations who have donated time and money to raise funds towards the repatriation and interment of the former Filipino Contract Worker, Rolando Cortez.

They include: donations from the FSW Welcome Party, funds collected from the Brisbane Barrio Fiesta, Transafe Engineering and Staff, various church groups and kind-hearted individuals and families.

"We are delighted to inform you that the chaplaincy has collected the total of $7608.30 as donation to the family of the late Rolando Cortez," announced Father Marce.

"Our sincere thanks and appreciation for your kind generosity. We wish you every grace, blessing and good health from our almighty God," added Father Singson, the leader of the Catholic Filipino-Australian Chaplaincy of Brisbane.

The letter is co-signed by Efren Altez, the chaplaincy coordinator who assisted Father Singson in this task.

It is remembered that 52-year-old Rolando Cortez left the Philippines two years ago to work as a welder under the 457 temporary visa in Brisbane. Earlier this year, he passed away from a heart condition, surviving a family of 6.

The repatriation of his remains back to the Philippines became an issue with the delayed response of the government authorities involved, exacerbating the grief of his family left behind in the Philippines. The Philippine government eventually responded positively to the issue.

However, the initial and additional help that was gathered from the Filipino community in Brisbane towards the speedy repatriation of Rolly's remains were a testament to the generosity, genuine concern and caring disposition of Filipinos in Brisbane.

Press Release: The Latest on Rolando Cortez

2008-06-19T21:50:00.004+10:00

TO: All Filipino
From: Rev. Fr. Marce Singson, from the Catholic Filipino-Australian Chaplaincy of Brisbane, Australia..

RE: Update on the late Rolly Cortez

To level off the information for everyone, Rolly Cortez, 52 years old, arrived in Australia two years ago under visa 457 as a welder. He hailed from Kumintang Ilaya, Batangas City, with 6 children. On 21st May he was rushed to PA hospital owing to massive heart stroke. I visited him at PA Hospital on 23rd May to give him the last rite; and few hours after that, he passed away.

The repatriation of his body back to the Philippines has been dragged because of the slow response of the Philippine government; and also because of the proper investigation of the legality of his current employment. The delay of sending the body would also mean prolonging the agony and anguish of the bereaved family.

I have frequent communication with Rolly’s wife, Macrina, in Batangas. Few days after Rolly’s death on May 23, Macrina sought help from OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) office in Manila. OWWA told her to return back to the said office on June 12 for its decision. She returned as advised and she was told that OWWA will shoulder all expenses for the repatriation of the body and that OWWA will send the money to Philippine Embassy in Canberra.

Macrina wanted to make sure that the ball starts rolling as promised by OWWA and so she went back to the office on Monday (16 June) but only to find out that OWWA entrusted the financing of repatriation to DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) and that OWWA will just refund DFA later. In short, she was just pushed from one department to the next….a typical Philippine style!

Macrina also expressed her anguish and sadness because since the death of her husband (May 23) until now she has not received any single word from Philippine Embassy in Canberra nor from any Philippine government agencies in Australia, even just a word of consolation and assurance.

On 17 June, Philippine Embassy in Canberra informed us that the money is now at hand. It is supposedly the role of the Phil government to run the business of repatriating the body. But Reena asked me this afternoon if I could do it. I accepted the responsibility (with the written authorization from Macrina and the Philippine Consulate of Brisbane) only because I wanted a speedy action of sending the body back to Philippines.

Of course I have to do it with diplomacy, that means, in coordination with the Philippine government, the Queensland government, the PA Hospital, the Funeral Service in Brisbane and Philippines, the airline, and above all, the family of Rolly in Batangas. According to the Funeral Director (KM Smith) it might take more than one week before Rolly’s body leaves Brisbane airport because of legalities. I will be very busy then….dealing with all these protocols until Rolly finally takes his last flight to Philippines.

I have been inundated by a lot of phone calls by Filipinos even late at night asking about Rolly and his family’s situation. And I embrace all these “ringings” joyfully because this is a clear sign that Filipinos do care! During the gathering of Filipino Skilled Workers on 31 May, we passed the hat and we raised $1,808.80. On June 8, after our holy mass at Barrio Fiesta, I also ordered to pass the hat and we got $1,191.50. And there were some few groups and individuals who opened their hearts for the cause.

As of 19th June, the Filipino Chaplaincy has received the total donation of $7,043.30. In my phone conversation with Macrina on 17 June she prefers that the chaplaincy should keep the money and send it only when Rolly’s body leaves Australia because she said the money that the Philippine government promised might not be enough for the repatriation and so we can use some of the donations when the need arises. I entrusted all donations to Efren Altez, our chaplaincy coordinator.

Macrina also told me that the current employer of Rolly will send money for her husband’s annual leave pay, plus his last salary pay. One authority in Brisbane also informed me that in the next few months Macrina will receive an amount of about $4,000.00 for superannuation.

By the way, I would like to clear up the minds of everyone that based on the findings of an investigation, Rolly made a good exit from his original employer, Ric Ayala (Transafe Engineering). Nothing was seen as illegal nor inhuman treatment from the employer. Result of the investigation also shows that we cannot legally hunt against the current employer of Rolly, an Australian, simply because Rolly was NOT sponsored by his new boss.

As to the personal belongings of Rolly, two generous Filipinos offered to send the stuff by balikbayan box free of charge. His valuable items (jewelries, mobile phones,etc.) will be personally brought to Philippines by Nora Altez (wife of Efren our Chaplaincy coordinator) on June 17; and each will be itemized with the signature of both the endorser to the endorsee to make it sure that things are clear in the eyes of everyone. Nora and Macrina will meet at a certain place in Manila on June 18 to properly endorse the items.

In behalf of the bereaved family of Rolly in Batangas, I and the Filipino Chaplaincy would like to express our sincere THANK YOU for all those who opened their hearts to help console the family through your generosity. I do believe Rolly is very happy of what we have been doing for him and for his family. In always include him in my daily mass. May he rest in peace. Amen!

Fr. Marce Singson
Chaplain, Filipino Community, Brisbane.
Phone +61 431042603

Independence Day in Manly

2008-06-15T07:05:00.000+10:00

Everyone is invited!

Marian Valley Catholic Pilgrimage

2008-06-15T07:01:00.003+10:00

A Chaplaincy event for Filipino Australians - Saturday 21 June 2008. For more information, please contact Fr Marce on 0431042603.

Film Night for Filipino-Australians

2008-06-13T20:41:00.003+10:00

Filipino-Australians in Brisbane are invited to a Film Night, featuring the movie 'Faith Like Potatoes'.

This family event will be held at 5:30PM on Saturday 28th June, 2008 at 28 Panorama Place, Mt Gravatt.

This Film Night will begin with a Filipino Dinner where Filipino food will be present at the gathering.

Admission is Free. Just pay for the drinks .Children of all ages are most welcome. A separate program for the kids will be available. You can bring food if you desire. Otherwise, just come with an open heart and be blessed.

RSVP or enquiries to Frances de la Cuesta – Hunt. Ph 33492182 or SMS at 0448792128 or email at djhunt@bigpond.net .au.

'Faith Like Potatoes' is an inspiring film on a true-to-life migrant story.

Calling all Filipino Writers...

2008-06-08T18:14:00.004+10:00

This is a call for submissions of creative nonfiction for an anthology tentatively titled, FINDING GOD.

The book will be co-edited by Cecilia Manguerra Brainard and Marily Ysip Orosa and published in the Philippines by Anvil.

Contributors will receive copies of the book as compensation for the use of their work.

The manuscript should be approximately 7-10 pages long, typed, double-spaced (approximately 1,750 - 2,500 words) and should include your contact information on the first page.

We will look at shorter pieces.

This can be emailed to cbrainard@gmail.com or to marily@yahoo.com. You may also send it by air mail to:

Cecilia Brainard
c/o PALH
PO Box 5099
Santa Monica, CA 90409
USA

Our vision is to collect essays (creative nonfiction) that describe one's spiritual journey towards God.

The editors realize that people's spiritual journeys are unique and they are open to individuals' experiences.

The following guidelines are simply to give contributors ideas.

The essays could focus on a specific incident that made the writer "find God" or that drew the writer closest to God.

We have a preference toward a writing style that uses elements as scene and dialogue. The editors are looking for articles that are lively, specific and visual – articles that may address questions such as:

Have you ever felt abandoned by God or felt your life in shambles, then realized that God was there all along?

Did you ever have a close encounter with God? How? What circumstances surrounded such an encounter? Describe how such an encounter happened, in specific terms – where, when, how old were you, how did you feel before the encounter, and how did you feel after the encounter? How has your life changed from such an encounter?

What specific situation was it that made you realize there is a God and that He is close to you?

Take us on that journey: make us see you and those around you; make us feel what you had felt when you felt abandoned; make us feel what you felt when you discovered God; and make us see how your life has changed after finding God.

Deadline for submission is July 15, 2008. Early submissions are welcome. Please include your bio (approx. 150 words) in people-friendly narrative form, and all contact information (email address, mailing address, telephone number).

ABOUT THE EDITORS: Cecilia Manguerra Brainard is the author/editor of 14 books; Marily Ysip Orosa is the publisher of historical coffee table books. Both Cecilia and Marily have won numerous awards for their literary work. They have collaborated on two other anthologies: Behind the Walls: Life of Convent Girls, and the award-winning A La Carte: Food & Fiction, both published by Anvil.

Cecilia has a blog at http://cbrainard.blogspot.com. Marily has a blog at http://marilyo.multiply.com

Philippine and Filipino Resources in Brisbane

2008-06-08T16:09:00.013+10:00

Philippine Consulate, Brisbane - 07 3252 8215 email alang@cgrgroup.com
Filipino Radio Show 98.1 FM - 07 3240 8600 email filipino@4eb.org.au
Philippine Catholic Chaplain, Fr. Marce Singson, Brisbane - mob 0431042603
Philippine non-Catholic Christian Chaplain, Pastor Benjie Arciaga- 07 3253 1300, mob 0405060573.

Filipino Shop, Pinay Gifts and Accessories, Mt Gravatt - 07 3240 6676, mob 0400560340
Filipino Shop, Best Friends, Fortitude Valley - 07 3854 1462
Filipino Shop, Santa Rosa, Browns Plains - 07 3800 8678, mob 0433215784
Filipino Shop, Asian Emporium, Noosa Junction - 07 5474 5877
Filipino Shop, Fortune Keeper, Ashmore on the Gold Coast- 07 5564 5774
Filipino Shop, Bayanihan Asian Foodmart, Southport on the Gold Coast - 07 5527 0407
Filipino Shop, Kapamilya, Kedron - 07 3359 0075, mob 0410119188
Filipino Shop, Carlin 'R', Deagon - 07 3269 3199
Filipino Shop, Luzvimin, Aspley - 07 3263 2409
Filipino Shop, Yummy Chow Asian, Caboolture - 07 5428 2155
Filipino Restaurant, Kuya's Kitchen, Capalaba - 07 3823 3118, 0410749749
Filipino Restaurant, Cafe Mindoro, Indooroopilly - 07 3878 6422

Recruitment of Filipino Skilled Workers into Australia, Wayne Harrison, 07 3272 1033, email info@australiantrades.com. web: http://www.australiantrades.com/

Filipino organisation, Filipino-Australian Foundation of Queensland (FAFQ) - 07 3216 9808

Filipino organisation, Filipino Communities Council of Queensland, Inc. (FCCQ) - 07 3285 4636, email evelyn.abadines@hotmail.co.uk.

Filipino-Australian Teachers Association of Queensland, Inc (FATAQ) - 07 3217 3248, email jprianes@optusnet.com.au

Australian-Filipino Chamber of Commerce, Queensland (AFCCQ) - 07 3139 0345, email mail@afccq.org.au

Filipino Australian Community, Gold Coast, Inc (FACGCInc) - 07 55949281, email pinky@filaustgc.com.au, web http://www.filaustgc.com.au/.

Gympie Filipino-Australian Association, Inc. Contact: Erlinda Missen 0754837880.

Centre for Philippine Concerns Brisbane (CPCA) - 07 3891 5911, email span@span.org.au

Filipino-Australians in the Sunshine Coast. Contact: Juanita 0754468334.

Filipinos and Australians Network for Social Concerns, Kabalikat - 07 3390 8165, 0421181254

If you would like your listing added, please email us on filipino@4eb.org.au. Phone 0733233105.

Diversity Forum: June 19

2008-06-03T20:06:00.002+10:00

Everyone is invited to a dialogue forum & multicultural celebration on the theme:“Diverse Peoples, One Home: Sharing & Living Together in Australia” on June 19, 7:15 – 9:30 p.m, Multi-Faith Centre, Griffith University, Nathan Campus.

Program:

Interfaith Prayer for Refugees [endorsed by diverse faith leaders in Queensland]
Welcoming Song
Panel: Refugees’ Experiences 1970s to Present “Diverse Peoples, One Home: Sharing & Living Together in Australia”
Dialogue with the Community
Multicultural Performances
Celebratory Song: “We are all Australians”
Refreshments & Snacks

RSVP by June 18 at 3735-7052 or mfc@griffith.edu.au

For parking on Nathan campus, see map at http://www.griffith.edu.au/ofm/parking/ Parking is free after 7:00 p.m.

This gathering is co-sponsored by many community organisations including SPAN.

Join us in this wonderful opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of refugees in making Australia a truly just and compassionate multicultural society in the global community.

Dual Citizenship

2008-05-31T19:56:00.002+10:00

Filipinos in Australia can now re-acquire their Philippine citizenship.

Forms are now downloadable from the website of the Philippine Embassy in Canberra www.philembassy.org.au. Phone 02 6273 2535.

Information on dual citizenship may also be obtained through your respective consulate offices. In Brisbane, the number is 07 3251 8215.

The fee is $78.00.

Santa Cruzan in Caboolture

2008-05-31T19:36:00.003+10:00

Filipinos in Caboolture invite the community to a religious, social and cultural celebration of the Santa Cruzan.

The Catholic Chaplaincy of Caboolture, through its coordinator Jo Camilleri invites Filipinos and non-Filipinos alike to the Santa Cruzan festivity on 8 June 2008.

Procession starts at 12:15PM behind the Caboolture Library and culminates at St Peter's Church. Mass follows at 1:00PM.

Please bring a plate of food to share.

For more information, please phone Jo on 07 54955273.

Filipino Catholic Mass is celebrated in Caboolture every 2nd Sunday of each month at St Peter's Church. Everyone is welcome.

The Year of Philippine Australian Writing

2008-05-26T18:29:00.005+10:00

(l-r: Xerxes Matza, Jose Capili, Deborah Ruiz Wall, Merlinda Bobis, Jose Dalisay, Jr., Erwin Cabucos, Crystal Gail Koo and Sydney Consul-General Theresa Lazaro.)

This year marks a significant chapter in Australian literature: the first ever anthology of Filipino-Australian writings is published.

The book is 'Salu-Salo: In Conversation with Filipinos - An Anthology of Philippine-Australian Writings', edited by Jose Wendell Capili and John Cheeseman, published by Casula Powerhouse and Blacktown Arts Centre, Sydney.

The publication features masterpieces from Xerxes Matza, Jose Capili, Deborah Ruiz Wall, Merlinda Bobis, Erwin Cabucos and Crystal Gail Koo.

Executive Director of the Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre, Kon Gouriotis, launched the book at the Sydney Writers Festival in Sydney on 25 May 2008.

Gouriotis alludes to the opportunities missed when book on Filipino-Australians culture such as this, were not given importance in the past.

Referring to the book's richness in literary content, Gouriotis said: "It is a dense book..., representing the significant contributions of Filipino-Australians in the wider Australian culture and society."

"Filipinos are one of the top ten migrant groups in Sydney and this is the first anthology of their writings. This launching is a very significant event for Filipino-Australians and for Australia in general ."

Looking at the quality of the publication, he suggests that a second anthology should be looked into.

Merlinda Bobis, a prominent Australian writer with a Filipino background comments that this book presents rich and insightful stories to be heard.

"When we learn to listen to people's stories, we experience a connection of human hearts," says Bobis.

Contributor Erwin Cabucos hopes that the anthology gains wider publicity in the Australian educational reading lists.

"It will be great if high school or university students include this collection in their literary and literacy studies so that learners gain richer understanding of the diversity of Australian and world literatures," adds Cabucos.

Editor Capili hopes to see that this book fills the gap of the silenced narratives of Australian people in the nation's contemporary history.

"May this book address the wide canvas of Australian national histories by highlighting those things which might have been left out of the national myth," comments Capili.

Cabucos' new book 'Green Blood and Other Stories' is published this year by Manila Prints.

Bobis' new book 'The Solemn Lantern Maker' is published this year by Murdoch Books.

'Salu-Salo' is now on sale through the Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre: 02 9824 1121.

Save the Filipino Program

2008-05-17T15:57:00.011+10:00

Filipino Radio in Brisbane may stop broadcasting at 4EB-FM 98.1 if membership quota is not reached.

Thirty-four (34) members are required each year to be able to air a 1-hour program.

Currently, there are only 26 financial members.

Filipino Radio Show now reminds current members to renew and encourages new members to join. Click here to download the membership form.

The annual membership fee is $25.00 and $15.00 concession.

The more members we have, the more hours we can broadcast. Language groups such as the Samoans and Greeks have almost 200 members; this enables them to broadcast up to 4 hours a week!

Radio panel operator and broadcaster Erwin Cabucos encourages all Filipinos in Brisbane to continue to support the Radio Show at 4EB as it provides a convening role to the diversity of Filipino-Australians in this part of the world.

"Kahit hindi tayo nagkakaisa dahil may kanya-kanya tayong organisasyon, sana sa radyo ay mabigyang-daan natin ang kabuuan ng ating pagka Pilipino dito sa South-east Queensland," Cabucos said.

(Even though we don't unite as we come from many different organisations, at least on Radio we may be able to cater for some sort of unity of our being Filipino in Southeast Queensland," Cabucos said.)

"We will give access and opportunities to all Filipino organisations and individuals in a way radio can help," Cabucos added.

"We would love to interview an organisation's leader about current events and activities in his or her group; we love to broadcast community-related and non-profit oriented campaigns and promotions."

The Filipino Program is heard every Tuesday morning from 9:15 to 10:15. The program is recorded every Saturday night from 6:00 to 8:00PM at the station on 140 Main Street, Kangaroo Point, Brisbane.

All listeners to the program are welcome to join our recording. Please phone 0420983188 or email us on filipino@4eb.org.au.

Filipino Radio offers free training on broadcasting and panel operation to its members through the training program of the station. Please call Robert on 07 3240 8600 if you would like to receive the training.

Click here for the membership form.

Art Exhibition: 6-9 June

2008-05-16T17:24:00.003+10:00

Letting Go: A Contemporary Art Exhibition by Ivabelle Bernabe at Circle Gallery, 274 Montague Road, Westend.

"My paintings seek to capture the harmonious contrast between colours, shapes and textures," says Bernabe.

"Creating acrylic abstract and semi- abstract artworks allows me freedom of expression," she adds.

6-9 June 2008 10am-4pm daily. Free Entry. Phone 0438 175 584. http://www.ivabelle.com/.

Proudly sponsored by Sta. Rosa Asian Groceries, Browns Plains.

Barrio Fiesta 2008

2008-05-13T19:30:00.003+10:00

Taste, see, hear and feel the Philippines at this year's Barrio Fiesta.

Bring your family and friends on 8 June 2008, at the Yeronga Australian Football Club, Cansdale Street, Yeronga. Gates open at 8am.

An annual project of the Filipino Community Council of Queensland.Everyone is welcome!

Enjoy plenty of entertainment, fun and lots of food! Entrance fee is $6 and may be payable at the gate.

Contact Myrla Prianes 3217 3248.

Filipino Ministry - Brisbane City Church

2008-05-12T21:32:00.002+10:00

Filipino Ministry of Brisbane City Church - "a community of people that loves God, loves people and loves life!!!"

A place you could call home - such a kapamilya!

We meet all across Brisbane and also have specific people group where you could belong...

From all demographic location, age group, focus group - living life together!!! Visit us at 35 Thompson Street, Bowen Hills @ 9:30 am and 6 pm.

For more information, please contact us.Ps Benjie and Christian Arciaga(07) 3253 1300 / 0405 060 573 email: kapamilyabcc@hotmail.com. website: www.brisbanecitychurch.com, www.kapamilyabcc.multiply.com

Next Events:

-May 25 - Celebration of Prayer, Praise and Word - 35 Thompson Street, Bowen Hills @ 4:30 PM.

-June 22 - Luncheon (Fiesta) - 35 Thompson Street, Bowen Hills @ 12:30 noon

-July 26 & August 2 Pinoy Olympics 2008 (stay tune for specific details)

Listeners Say

2008-05-12T21:19:00.006+10:00

"Wow, ganda na ng timeslot. More power to the Filipino Show at 4EB!" - Bestfriends.

"Wow galing ng program! Puwede merong mga oldie songs naman, example 'Asin' and 'Freddie Aguilar'. Other than that, ganda ng program." - Rene Castillo, Santa Rosa Asian Groceries, Browns Plains.

"Hi Erwin and team, congratulations on your upgrading into a new time slot on the air-waves. Well done!!" - Malyn Chun of Brisbane.

"Thanks for your help in announcing our community activities." - Mauro Somodio from Brisbane's Southside.

"Congratulations! Keep up the great work! We're all listening!!" - Evelyn Abadines of Brisbane's Southside.

"Where on earth am I listening to? 4EB 98.1 Filipino Program on the Net. Well done!" - Jay-ar Budod, Sydney.

"Keep up the good work, Erwin. Nice music and program! Paula Arciaga's voice is very pleasant to the ears. Ang sarap sa tenga pakinggan ang boses niya." -Fe Stokes, Lawnton, Qld.

Filipino-Australians Launch New Book

2008-05-04T22:32:00.008+10:00

Filipino-Australians launch new book on the identity of being a Filipino in Australia and in the Philippines today.

'Green Blood and Other Stories' by Erwin Cabucos is a collection of 15 short stories that explore things Filipino. It also touches on the themes and issues of religion, family relationship, diaspora, social justice, mail order brides and growing up Filipino.

"It is funny and tragic at the same time," says author and teacher Pip Kalajzich.

"The stories are beautifully structured - a real joy to read," says Brisbane-based web editor Judith Cheyne.

"It is a book that you can relate to as a Filipino and as an Australian. The stories have been woven into a world of two cultures which may be a very good tool for Literacy, SOSE (Studies of Society and Its Environment), and Anthropology teaching and learning in Australia," says Brisbane-based school teacher and a community leader Myrla Prianes.

Everyone is welcome to attend the launch on Saturday, 7 June, from 12:30PM at the Brisbane Square Library. Free entry.

For more information call the library on 07 3403 4166 or the author's site on http://erwincabucos.blogspot.com/.

Mr and Miss Teen Philippines-Australia Coronation Night

2008-05-03T09:55:00.007+10:00

Come and enjoy the much awaited coronation night of the Mr and Miss Teen Philippines-Australia 2008 on Saturday, 21 June at the Logan Entertainment Centre.

The event will start at 6:30 PM. Tickets are for sale at $25.00 each from the Filipino-Australian Foundation of Queensland, Inc. by phoning Mauro on 07 3216 9808.

This year's winners will have the chance to deliver the projects of the Foundation to the needy and deserving students in the Philippines.

Last year's winners Angelique Chupungco and Jason Alto expressed their enjoyment and memorable experiences in handing out the project of the Foundation to the students of the Central University of the Philippines.

"It was one of the momentous events in my life," Alto said.

The search for Mr and Miss Teen Philippines-Australia is an annual fundraising project of the Filipino-Australian Foundation of Queensland to help alleviate poverty and promote youth opportunities in the Philippines.

Donations and support are much welcome by contacting the officers of the Foundation on 0404 663 978 or 0408 753 970 or visit http://www.fafq.org.au/.

This year's coronation night is a promised entertaining and enjoyable night for the whole family. See you all there.

Fundraising Disco

In support of Teen Finalist Clar Bedia, supporters and family members are organising a Disco Night on May 17, 2008 from 6Pm at the Wynnum Viking and Sporting Club, 300 Kianawah Road, Wynum West.

Tickets ($10.00 each) are available for sale at the event.

Contact 0433 290 980 or 0430 385 378.

Filipino Mass Schedule in Brisbane

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(above: First Philippine Mass, portrait by Carlos Francisco, undated).

First Sunday of the Month: Sacred Heart Church, Surfers Paradise at 11:30am

Second Sunday of the Month: St. Peter's Church, Caboolture at 1:00pm

Third Sunday of the Month: St. Flannan's Church, Zillmere at 12 noon

Fourth Sunday of the Month: Our Lady of Miraculous Medal Church, Robertson Road, Eastern Heights, Ipswich at 12 noon

Brisbane Masquerade Ball

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Join our Masquerade Ball on Saturday 14 June at the Tattersall's Club, Brisbane.

Entrance free of $60 includes dinner and entertainment: music and dancing.

Get all dressed up to the nines...and don't forget your masks!

Proceeds will go to the project of the Filipino Community Council of Queensland Youth, supporting SOS Children's Villages in the Philippines.

Help make the future of our youth today much brighter!

Contact Evelyn Abadines on evelyn.abadines@hotmail.co.uk, or Myrla Prianes on 3217 3248. Pre-pay your tickets before 8 June 2008.

New Timeslot from 29 April

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The Filipino Radio at 4EB 98.1 FM will now broadcast every Tuesday 9:15AM-10:15AM.

The new timeslot will air from Tuesday 29 April 2008.

The change came into effect after a negotiation by its acting convenor Erwin Cabucos with the management of the station that the old timetable of 11PM-12AM of Wednesdays did not suit Filipino listerners at all.

"It was too late and no one was realy listening to us. Members then did not have intention of renewing their memberships," Cabucos said.

The station welcomes the plea of the Filipino group and was accommodated into its new timeslot.
The Filipino group has been broadcasting at Radio 4EB since 1980's.

"With this new timetable, we are hoping to reach out to a large number of listeners, including potential sponsors."

Cabucos reveals that companies such as Western Union planned to sponsor the show but later cancelled because the program's time was not linking well with the Filipino Community.

"I am delighted, though, with the support of such organisations who are willing to help the Filipino Community and so they should be suppoted back, too," Cabucos added.

The Filipino Radio in Brisbane will offer free quality RACQ hats to its listeners when the new timeslot begins on Tuesday, 29 April.

Listeners can send in their greetings and announcements through email filipino@4eb.org.au or by ringing the station on 3240 8600.