APPEAL FOR FLOOD VICTIMS
In the Philippines, heavy rain caused by the typhoon “Ondoy” inundated the homes of more that 2.2 million people in Metro Manila and surrounding areas. Swollen rivers and debris-strewn streets yielded dead bodies bringing the death toll from massive flooding to 246…and still counting.
While it is true that many countries all over the world have poured out their financial support to the Philippines, yet we Filipinos in Australia have also to do something to alleviate the sad plight of the poor victims.
We will send our donations next week to Bishop Francisco San Diego of the Diocese of Pasig, because most of the flood-affected areas and victims belong to his diocese. Over the phone, Bishop San Diego told me that he will be the one to personally monitor the money that we will send and he also said that he will make a written report to be sent to us as to where the money goes.
In this regard, I am knocking the door of your hearts for the cause. Please send your donations to:
Account’s Name: Catholic Filipino Chaplaincy
Bank: Commonwealth bank
BSB: 064 159
Account#: 1032 7904
I would like to THANK YOU SO MUCH in anticipation for your generosity as I look forward to your auspicious response.
In God’s service,
Fr. Marce Singson
Chaplain, Filipino Community
Archdiocese of Brisbane
BRISBANE CHAPLAINCY HONOURS CORY AQUINO
The Filipino community in Brisbane joined millions world wide in celebrating the life of former Philippine president Corazon Aquino. A thanksgiving mass celebrated by Father Marce Singson on August 5th at the St Carthage Church in Gordon Park showed our solidarity and respect to a moral leader who led a nation of believers, and made history by bringing back democracy in a peaceful manner. That day, the late former president was buried with full military honours at the Manila Memorial Park beside her husband-hero Ninoy Aquino.
Similar masses were also held in honour of the former president at the cathedral of St Stephen in Brisbane and during the regular Filipino mass at St Flannan's church in Zillmere on August 9. A symbolic and memorable event was also held in Manila as most Filipino sympathizers wear yellow dresses or ribbon to express appreciation of her gift to our nation. We indeed have shown our own unique way of expressing love and support for a loved one.
In his homily, Fr Marce described Cory as a woman of simplicity. “A true catholic and devotee of our Lady of Fatima,” he said.
She was given special sympathy by Pope Benedict and a neurological service was held at the Manila cathedral. Thousands sent messages of grief, gratitude and farewell to a mother and people power icon from all over the world thru various means of communications.
We remember Cory Aquino's rise to prominence after her husband, former senator Benigno Aquino was assassinated in 1983 when he returned from the US to oppose Pres. Marcos who was in power as president for 20 years. She never knew that she was destined to be the mother of our nation. Their simple union out of true love becomes the foundation of our country. A love that brought big changes in the lives not only of the people around them but to the Filipinos who were able to feel that they are being loved dearly by this couple.
We thank her for uniting the Filipino people in a fight for a better future and a democracy we so desperately needed. We thank her for offering her honesty, integrity and sincerity in leadership. She exemplified what is best in Filipino. She demonstrated the traits of being a Filipino humble, forgiving, constant and true to her catholic faith even in suffering and pain, up to her last breath.
"SALUBONG" EASTER CELEBRATION
The Salubong (Feast of the Resurrections) dramatizes the meeting of Virgin Mary and the Risen Christ. This year’s Easter celebration started at dawn just before sunrise at 4:45am on Sunday, 12 April 2009 at the Our Lady of Fatima Church in Acacia Ridge.
Due to bad weather condition, the celebration begins with a short procession. The men followed the risen Christ and 12 apostles wearing costumes while the women followed Mary (covered with a black veil to denote her mourning). The group of men and women started on the sides of the Church; and meet in the front of the church where a decorated stage was set for the ceremony.
When Jesus meets his mother, the ceremony begins: the stage light up revealing the glory of the heaven. A little girl dressed up like an angel replaced the Blessed Virgin’s black veil of grief and mourning with a white one as the Regina Coeli, a hymn of praise and adoration wass sung by angels who are small children (boys and girls) from the community.
The feast culminates with the celebration of a Holy Mass inside the church followed by a fellowship (breakfast) where everyone brings a plate of Filipino delicacies to share with.
The usual Easter celebration was held with much joy as children participated in egg hunting games and other activities.. The Salubong ended with the released of multi-colored balloons in easter colours to celebrate the victory of our resurrection. The Our Lady of Fatima Choir hosted the event.
A popular devotion, Salubong has a far deeper meaning for Filipinos. It is the fulfillment of a promise and the gift of a new life. It is also a manifestation of Christ’s presence in Christian life and the important role that the blessed mother plays.
FILIPINO CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION
The Catholic Filipino-Australian Chaplaincy of Brisbane ended its nine-day Misa de Gallo with a memorable Christmas celebration at St James Church in Coorparoo on December 21, 2008.
The celebration suited its theme: Many regions, one spirit – a traditional Filipino Christmas celebration. For most of the Filipino-Australians who attended, it was a wonderful experience for them as they expressed awe and wonders witnessing Panuluyan for the first time in their life.
“Panuluyan” (Tagalog for "asking for lodgings") is a Philippine Christmas dramatic ritual narrating the Holy Family's search for a place to stay in Bethlehem for Jesus Christ's birth in song. Two youths portrayed the role of Joseph and Mary finding their way to Bethlehem (from entrance of the church to altar where a manger was built). They stopped at three inns decorated with props and decors (colourful door with wreath and lighted lantern) as they plead for lodging in song. Two singers from one of the choirs vocalized Joseph and Mary. The singers who represented the house owners or innkeepers informed them that they cannot provide lodging for different reasons. The ritual ended after they find a little stable. A dramatic instrumental song was played in saxophone by a young choir member while a solo rendition of “Fall on your knees” signals the birth of a little boy called Jesus – the reason of our being and celebration. It’s worth experiencing and witnessing the act with all the costumes, props and even the sound effects such as birds singing, cry of shepherds and knocking at the doors. Together with two little boy shepherds, the nativity scene was the main attraction until the end of Holy Mass celebration.
Singing Christmas carols followed after the Panuluyan with six participating choirs rendered their own awesome presentation. Dressed in Filipinianas and festive season’s colours, the carols were lively and joyful.
A few highlights during the Holy Mass celebration were the participation of eight individuals from Tagalog, Ilocano, Pampanga, Bicol, Cebu, Iloilo, Samar and Zamboanga who read the prayers of the faithful in their own dialects. During offertory, a choir group dressed in different Filipino costumes lined up in procession and offered various gifts such as wines, fruits and Filipino delights. Again, all the participating choirs sung meaningful songs during the mass.
At the end of the mass, Efren Altez, coordinator of Brisbane Chaplaincy thanked all the people who helped and contributed in the Christmas Celebration a reality. Special mention goes to the participating choirs of Da Hoy’s Family, Ipswich Chaplaincy, Ed Perez Family & Maximilian Kolbe, Our Lady of Fatima, Singles for Christ and Youth for Christ. He was also very thankful and emphasized the participation of youths who are actively serving and sharing their talents as they are the future of the chaplaincy. And most importantly, he thanked all who attended for giving life and meaning in the Christmas celebration – “we are from different regions but one in spirit,” he added.
Filipino celebration is not complete without fellowship. One lechon was provided by the chaplaincy and thanks to all who brought foods to share with. It was truly a Filipino festivity.
Assistance to Edna Altabano
Edna worked as a domestic helper under Arab employers in Abu Dhabi for more than a year. She has been serving for 9 people in a house (Arab couple plus children). She is not treated fairly by her employers: wakes up at 5:00am and works until 1:00am; and her monthly salary is so low. Edna had made attempts to run away from her employers but was afraid for she might be accused falsely of something.
Her employers came to Gold Coast for a holiday last August and Edna was with them and they stayed at Morrocan Hotel at Surfers Paradise. Edna ran away from the hotel and escaped from her employers while her employers were packing up their things back to Abu Dhabi. She was roaming around at Pacific Fair Shopping Centre and stayed overnight near a public toilet. She met Filipinos the following day and she finally landed in the good hands of our Gold Coast Chaplaincy officers. Police listed her as a missing person.
Edna holds no personal documents except a photocopy of her passport. She comes from a very poor family in Mandaon, Masbate. Edna is 42 years, a single mum with two children. She is the only one supporting her kids in Masbate, plus her own mother.
Edna was able to fly back to the Philippines last September 30. The Philippine Embassy in Canberra granted her a new passport and shouldered air fare ticket thru Air Brunei to the Philippines.
Our appreciation goes to the Gold Coast Filipino Chaplaincy especially to Mary Anne Boehme (Coordinator) who assisted Edna from day one contacting government agencies and offered free accommodation.
Through the appeal letter from Fr Marce, CFACB was able to raise money in the amount of $1,000. The money was given personally to Edna before she left to the Philippines.
Once again, thank you to all groups and invidivuals who contributed to Edna. God knows your reward for your kindness and generousity
WYD08 Filipino Canadian Pilgrims Dinner Party
A group of 30 Filipino-Canadian Pilgrims who attended World Youth Day in Sydney were welcomed at the Saint Carthage Church in Gordon Park by the Filipino community on 23rd July. It was a huge attendance for a regular Wednesday Mother of Perpetual Help Novena Mass which was celebrated by Father Marce and concelebrated by two Filipino priests: Father Mario Lorenzana and Father Jojo Arreza from the group of Canadian pilgrims.
Fr Marce emphasized the homily that Pope Benedict shared during the WYD mass in Sydney. According to the Pope, “There is so much emptiness in the world today”. This means in our present world, people prioritize the material things in life. The Pope reminded us to put God first in our lives to achieve real peace and happiness.
Fr Marce reiterated maintaining our faith in God. “Being part of a pilgrimage takes a lot of sacrifice,” he said. Further expressing that the sacrifice pilgrims encounter is worth it if you are searching the true meaning of life. The future of church lies in the hands of the youth, the next generation and possibly our replacements so we’ll encourage them to hold onto their faith.
After the mass, the young pilgrims and their host Filipino families were introduced individually to the community. They are very grateful to the families who were able to accommodate them for more than a week, most of whom reside in the North Brisbane. “We love to share our culture and feel the spirit of Filipino hospitality, even though most families are working class,” he said. Canadian pilgrim group leader Bruce Weinert thanked the Brisbane Filipino-Australian community for the warm welcome.
Fr Marce was very grateful for the surprise presence of some Filipinos from Caboolture and Ipswich. Most of the chaplaincy officers were also present and boasted the welcoming spirit of the night. As usual the food was abundant, with everyone bringing something to share.
Filipino Skilled Workers Welcomed
On 31st May 2008, a welcome party was organised by the Catholic Filipino Chaplaincy of the Archdiocese of Brisbane for all Filipino Skilled workers at the Chinese Community Centre in Runcorn.
Approximately there were 392 registered Filipino Skilled Workers who responded to the invitation, out of the more than 600 Filipinos who attended the event. In line with our cultural heritage and Filipino values, the event aimed to show our friendliness and hospitality to these brave and hardworking kababayans.
The guests who attended came from as far as Caboolture in the North, Gold Coast, Ipswich and Western suburbs and nearby Brisbane areas. There were also few university students who attended.
A local Filipino visitor, Arnold Feril was very much surprised to see not only so many Kababayans but also so many food served on the table. He concentrated on dinuguan and alimasag. Although he said he was not able to move around the table as many were looking "inspecting" the so many diverse food. Yon pala ang problema sa napakaraming mapagpipilian na masasarap na pagkain. People stared at and moved very slowly. Ang pagkaing inihanda ay masarap na at napakarami pa. The sweets or dessert are excellent. He intentionally forgot that he is a diabetic and consumed two plates of sweets as servers come and go giving more to already full and satisfied guests. And on top of this, it is all free "at no cost" plus may "disco pa!! In summary, busog na at enjoy pa ang mga inbitado. At saka mayroon pang mga beer na ipinamigay na libre pa rin. Wow! and Wow! That night Arnold and wife Ned stopped and reflected. They asked each other "In our twenty years stay in Brisbane did we attend a party or gathering that big, well attended with so many diverse food, lots of drinks and people were allowed to enjoy themselves and still free"? No charge! We can't remember any, said Arnold and Ned.
The night gave Arnold and Ned an opportunity to meet new friends and to renew or catch up with old friends. The emcee had difficulty asking people to keep quite so he can start his talk, it took several persuasions before the crowd listened and kept quiet. From Arnold's perspective, he like that "noisy environment". It is a healthy sign that people are definitely talking to each other. It was a "lively" night. Old timers want to meet and talk to newcomers specially those who do not have their loved ones with them. People communicated with each other, sharing their stories and experiences.
Congratulations and thank you to the organisers, added Arnold.
Thank You, Benefactors to Rolly's Family
Father Marce Singson expresses his sincerest thanks and appreciation to those who have helped the bereaved family of the late Rolando Cortez.
A thank you letter disseminated to all 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, 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 chaplain 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.
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