Podcast: radio show 30 May 2012

Ely

Jose

4EB gains new members at Ipswich Barrio Fiesta

Edgar, Oliver, Erwin, Robert

Joti, Edgar

Joshua, Sarah

Gene, Allan

Edgar, Elsa

Hello to those we have met at last weekend's Ipswich Santacruzan and Barrio Fiesta. It was nice to see everyone there in lieu of their Brisbane's counterpart.

Thanks most especially to the Ipswich Chaplaincy for welcoming us at the event and more power to them for organizing such great celebration.

We have gained a few new members and we truly welcome them to our 4EB family. It was a privilege to be there - Ipswich first ever Barrio Fiesta . The 4EB members who were there include Elsa, Edgar, Joshua and Sarah.

If you have not yet considered being a member of this great community radio station, please think about it as we begin a new financial year. If you become a 4EB member now, your membership will really benefit from the full year cycle.

You can either pay cash of $25.00 a year, $15.00 for concession and students or credit  card on the phone by ringing 0732408600 during office hours.

At the moment we have 45 members. They are the reason why we exist at 4EB 98.1 FM and be able to broadcast in Filipino language every Wednesday from 10 to 11PM.

If we reach 65 members, we can then apply for another hour of programming per week.

Filipino Radio Brisbane can be heard through your Tune In app on your ipad, iphone or ipod. It is also streamed live on the Internet through its website www.4eb.org.au

Filipino Radio Brisbane 98.1 is a fiesta of OPMs, local talents, informative talk and entertaining discussions. It also welcomes your personal greetings as well as updates for your organisations.

Our next outside van appearance will be at the Gold Coast Fiesta on Sunday June 17, 2012.

Call the convenor Erwin on 0420983188 if you have any question.

Dress up in the 80s party

Fancy going into a dress up dancing party?

Everyone is welcome to the 'Come into the Groove: Chaplaincy Night 2012' on Saturday 16th of June 2012.

This gathering for all Filipinos in Brisbane is a dress up party to the theme of the 80's.

Sing to the tunes of Abba, Material Girl, Telephone and other reminiscing music of the growing up years.

It will be held at the Chinese Community Centre, 80 Nemies Road, Runcorn.   Cost is $10.00.

Performing live are the BFC Band, All for Good Band and DJ Gary.

See you there. Don't be late. It starts at 6:00 in the evening.

For more information, contact the coordinator of Brisbane Chaplaincy Amante Alvaran on mants@tpg.com.au.

A girl named Jessica

By Bing Mesias

Want to know what the Filipinos' shining moment is at this time of rising unemployment, indignation over China's claim of the Scarborough Shoal and the divide brought about by a man named Corona? UNITY, that's what! Unity of a people divided, and a tiny wisp of a girl named JESSICA made it so. Jessica, that's who. Jessica and her songs. And as she sang, we stood as sisters and brothers for once, we finally are ONE!

For so long have we been divided- a people who think in terms of tribes, of regions, of faith. For so long have we thought of ourselves as Catholics and as Iglesias, as Tagalogs and as Warays and Ilocanos...even as them from Mindanao think of "imperial Manila" and those from Manila lumped everyone from the South as all Muslims. We were as different and as divided as our 7,100 islands. And then wham! Came a girl with a golden voice and we stood spellbound and mesmerized as we listened to her songs. And as we listened and listened and listened, we suddenly realized that yes, we are after all just one people born of the same skin from the same country under one God. WE ARE FILIPINOS! And glory be, proud to be one! How is that? And all because of a girl named Jessica- all of 16, she of the tiny frame which belied her very strong voice. How she could bellow as we, mouth agaped, silently prayed that no vocal chord breaks, please God!

I have often heard and seen from close range too, so many instances of how we Filipinos think of ourselves as tribes and not as one people.A friend long emigrated to the US says that Filipino "TNTs" are very often sent home not because they were caught but because it's their compatriots themselves who report them to the immigration authorities. How often have I heard such remarks as "Kita lang mga bisdaks ("bisayang dako" ) dili lang apilon nang mga Tagalog." This from a group in countries where there is a large group of " Pinos" like Hongkong and even Australia. How one Filipino friend who wanted to organize his compatriots because they must act as one, being in a foreign land, saw his efforts often thwarted - and all because a few others did not want him to lead and be recognized in his efforts. Instead of bonding, of embracing, of organizing because doing so would be to their best interest, another group torpedoed his every effort. In desperation, he reached out to another group- the Chinese community, who is now his group's strongest supporter. How does that reflect on us? What does that make of us as a people?

It's oft said that we Filipinos will never succeed in any endeavor that we pursue in a foreign land. And the strongest reason is not lack of initiative nor the perseverance needed, not even because we aren't intelligent because we are all these, and more, but because we never speak with one voice. We are so divided that another's success is often torpedoed by another - the "crab mentality" so-called. We don't want to see the success of another, we become so jealous that we do everything that we can to ensure the failure of the other group. Instead of working as one to make their presence felt, each one goes his own separate way - "kanya-kanya". Or if they do bond, it's with their own tribe- the Ilocanos with their fellow Ilocanos, the Ilonggos with theirs, and so on.. So we have the "Kahirups" the "Kapampangans" etc. celebrating their own festivals, isolating themselves from the rest. Even abroad, we bring our own myopic way of seeing ourselves as a people. We are Tagalogs first before we are Filipinos.

And so back to this so-called "crab mentality" - this seeming obsession to see another fail. Are we really crabs?

I said it before and I'll say it again - don't we ever malign the crabs, poor them! It is not enough that we eat them, we even insult them. Fact, true or not, them poor crabs don't pull each other down, they have more sense than that. They actually push each other up to get out of the mess they are in, although in their clumsy effort they only succeed in getting each one down instead. But the effort is there, they see the need to help each other even if they all just end up on our dining table. Now I ask- is it the same with us?

The infamous Corona, him of the bleeding heart for the oppressed judiciary, has so polarized the nation that we have now been divided to those for or against him. Thanks heaven for one Jessica - the Philippines' brightest star on the horizon who for one glorious moment, has taken the Filipinos, from Luzon to Mindanao, from California to Dubai, from Saudi Arabia to Hongkong to bond as one people. We all screamed our lungs out, hysterically trying to get the choicest ringside view for the girl's final day while nodding and smiling to one another in camaraderie as sisters and brothers would, and should. The oneness that for so long we have prayed for we finally saw in the last few weeks as we all rooted for Jessica. This unity that even the late Cory with her praying thousands did not accomplish, because there were still Marcos loyalists to the very end as they fled the country. The unity that "the Pacman" could not do even as he quoted the Bible, because there were many who sneered at the man too, saying how he so craved for vain glory that he doesn't know when to quit when the quitting is good.

She might have lost, but for one shining moment we rediscovered ourselves as Filipinos. Thanks God for Jessica!

(Editor's note: Bing Mesias is a resident columnist of Filipino Radio Brisbane. A former trainor and corporate public relations specialist for the Department of Labor, Mesias's extensive interests include governance, women's issues, cultural exchange and Filipino identity. This is her fourth week of writing witty articles. She will appreciate your comments below. -FRB)  

Filoz liven up University of Queensland

Filipinos and Filipino-Australians at the University of Queensland Cultural Fiesta 2012

Filipinos never cease to bring positive spirits where ever they go.

At last week's University of Queensland's Cultural Fiesta, Filoz have shown positive spirit of cultural harmony through their fabulous display of Filipino costumes, food and charm.

Zoilo Belano, the president of Filoz-UQ has proudly said that the vibe of the group was sensational and the spirits of Filipino cooperation, ingenuity and fun were evident. 

"Salamat sa Bangalan family sa pagpapahiram sa amin ng mga Filipiniana Costume na isinuot namin sa Fiesta," Belano said, thanking the Bangalan Filipino family for lending them some Filipino costumes.

A significant number of its members are transient residents of Brisbane as they primarily spend their stay in Australia towards the completion of their studies or researches.  

"Salamat din sa lahat ng tumulong at sumuporta sa Filoz UQ sa amin. Naubos lahat ng mga paninda namin; nagpabili kami ng dinuguan, adobo at iba pang pagkaing pinoy," Belano also thanked other supporters of the group and mentioned the success of their food stall, that, their Filipino dishes were all sold out.

Filipino Radio Brisbane congratulates the current officers of Filoz-UQ:

President: Zoilo Belano (Jong)
V President: Francesca Gaspar (Fran)
Secretary: Janina Kristine Manalo (Nin)
Treasurer: Rose Obligado (Rose)
Auditor: Rose Anne Lagman (Rose Anne)

Business Managers:
1 Timothy Royce Dangerfield (Tim)
2 Donna Lampa (Donna)

Chairperson, Cultural Committee: Cathleen Sanchez (Cathleen)
Chairperson, Sports and Recreation: Djoan Kate Tungpalan (Kate)

The abovementioned officers will serve until October 2012.

There are approximately 90 members within the Filipinos and Filipino Australians UQ. Their activities this year include Welcome Party, Larong Pinoy on May 12, 2012 and Cultural Fiesta on the 22nd of May 2012.

To contact Filoz UQ, please visit their Facebook page: Filoz-UQ

Filipino show is now on digital radio

The proposed logo of the new portal of Filipino program on digital radio: FRB Global

Exciting news for all Filipinos in Brisbane and around the world!

Filipino Radio Brisbane will now broadcast Filipino music and talk in English through 4EB Global!

Filipino Radio Brisbane Global will be heard via live streaming through www.4eb.org.au and through your digital radio every Saturday 7-9a.m., Brisbane time, from 9th June 2012, and weekly thereafter.

FRB Global will proudly feature all Filipino songs and literature in English.

We welcome your suggestions and contributions for the show. Please email us on info@filipinobrisbane.com or call us on 0420983188.

We are searching for local bands and talents which we can feature in the show.

FRB Global will be added radio entertainment for Filipinos in Brisbane and around the world on top of its Pilipino counterpart on the analogue 98.1FM band which airs every Wednesday 10-11PM.

We welcome sponsors, advertisers and donors from anybody!

Be a member of the Filipino Team at 4EB-FM, and join us in this exciting opportunity. Volunteer as researcher, broadcaster and panel operator. Contact the office on 07 3240 8600.

More power to all Filipinos in Brisbane and around the world! This is for you all!

-FRB Team

Filipino: finalist for Lethbridge Art Award

Brisbane based artist Anthony Quidong

Yellow Creek, by Anthony Quidong

This year's list of Lethbridge Art Award sees the name of the Brisbane-based Filipino artist Anthony Quidong.

His art work 'Yellow Creek ' (pictured), oil on canvas, 60x50cm, $1000, will be included for the Finalist Exhibition at Lethbridge Gallery, 136 La Trobe Terrace, Brisbane, phone 3369 4790.

The opening event will be held on the evening of June 16th.

Anthony hails from the Visayan region in the Philippines. Watch this space for an upcoming interview with the artist.

Ipswich Barrio Fiesta and Santacruzan this weekend

Ipswich Fiesta and Santacruzan (May 27). 

Join in the fun at this year's Ipswich Barrio Fiesta and Santacruzan Festival, this Sunday 27th May 2012. The venue will be at the grounds of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church, 35A Robertson Road, Eastern Heights.

Event line-up includes a celebration of the Holy Mass in the morning before festivities follow from the middle of the day. It's a free event. For full details and for ways to participate, such as to set-up display and food stalls, please contact Pres. Thelma Woodman, the coordinator of the Catholic Filipino-Australian Chaplaincy group can be reached on 0439728267.

Woodman extends her gratitude to her  officers and members at the Filipino-Australian chaplaincy of Ipswich.

Everyone worked hard so that the pageant - the group's fundraising event became successful.

"In the last seven years," Woodman said, "the chaplaincy has helped Filipino migrants in need. We wish to be able to continue this exercise for a long time, for the benefit of those in need."

"Good bless, everyone, and welcome to our Fiesta on Sunday," she added.

Radio 4EB Van will be there. 

Filipino Leaders Conference

Filipino Leaders Conference (28 July)

FRB invites you all to attend the first Filipino Leaders Conference on the 28th of July  at 180 Bryants Road, Cornubia, inBrisbane. Open for all members and officers of any Filipino organisations.

It is about re-invigorating new Filipino leadership and community spirit. The theme of this inaugural event is: 'Leading with integrity and transparency for a happier community'

Registration is now open! $20.00 only. Email your reservation through info@filipinobrisbane.com or phone 0420983188.

Speakers include Dr Derlie Mateo-Babiano (UQ), Mr Zoilo Belano (Phil Chris Uni), Jose Miciano (Griffith Uni), Elijah Buol (ECCQ), Rev Marce Singson and Ms Agnes Whiten (ECCQ).

FRB invites businesses and organisations to sponsor this big event for opportunities to be known and connect with the Filipino audience. Your products and services will made known through our Facebook (filradiobne), twitter (@filradiobne), website (www.filipinobrisbane.com) and radio (98.1FM www.4eb.org.au) media.

Be a part of the circle of Filipino-Australian leaders for the 21st century and update your skills and perspectives on effective community dynamics.

See you there.

Podcast: radio show 23 May 2012

Radio Show 23 May Filipino 10PM by radiophilippines

The sterling performance of the century

By Bing Mesias

The drama of the century! Clap, clap! What a spectacular performance never before seen after the late Charlton Heston of Spartacus (?) than that emoted by the highest magistrate of the land, His Royal Highness, the Chief Justice Renato Corona. His impeachment trial seen on live tv yesterday had all the works needed for a movie hit : tears ( a few cynics insist they were crocodile tears), a very accusing speech and the last! An aborted escape- aborted only because alert security people closed the exits, but just on time! So he belined for the nearest infirmary instead, and came out in a wheelchair FOR EFFECT! More clap, clap! But that's going ahead of the Corona saga.

In a 3-hour spectacle which left his audience both inside the Senate and on TV like myself so bored we could cry, the man attacked various personalities who weren't there to defend themselves - Ombudsman Conchita Morales Carpio and " The Pinoy" himself. He assailed the Basas too, while tracing the history of his wife's illustrious family, a Basa herself, to the Katipuneros of old, which was irrelevant, immaterial etc. etc to the case, if I may say so myself. By so doing, he succeeded in making not a few in the audience yawning and fidgeting in their seats, wondering when his monologue would end. Complete with an emotion-filled, cracking voice and the wiping of a few tears, the sterling performance of the chief magistrate left me with 2 choices: to either holler for "More, more!" or sidetrip to the computer to check on my email while he endlessly went on and on with his soliloquy ( I chose the latter). Even presiding judge, Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile asked several times how many minutes more would it take him to finish his opening statement, looking very bored himself, but no! Clearly, the man would not be denied of his shining moment when all eyes in the whole archipelago and of his compatriots following his saga abroad were on him. The moment was clearly his, and he was all bent to squeeze every bit of drama from this, his day. Nobody, but just nobody including the presiding judge, could take the glory off him _ he wouldn't allow it, so everyone be damned!

To those who aren't familiar or haven't heard of the latest in the old country, the hottest "in" news today are : 1. The Chief Justice' impeachment trial for graft, among others; and 2. The Scarborough Shoal which China is salivating over. TWO, just 2 : the rest like the ever-growing unemployment rate or the return of Sam Milby after auditioning in Hollywood, don't take center-stage, sorry Sam.

And so there he was- this crying, big hulk of a man, accusing the Basas, the President and the Ombudsman among others; of maligning his good name, how dare they! There he was in a more than 3-hour drama, doing an opening statement which from all intents and purposes he did not want to end except in a melodramatic walk-out which went pffttt instead of his expected big bang. He thinks disdainfully how these bunch of idiots in Congress could even have the nerve to bring him to trial for the crimes which they attribute to him, "destroying" the judiciary in the process. Unthinkable! Just unthinkable!

But does his supporters, many of them in the judiciary, or the man himself, think that by bringing him to trial for his supposed dollar and peso accounts, his accusers are in effect, destroying the judiciary? That he is above the law and to cast aspersion on his good self is a sin like no other?

So is being in the judiciary putting the man above the law? But if so, why does the highest law of the land- the Constitution itself, provide that the president, the members of the several commissions in the country and yes, the chief justice himself; among others; be removed from office by impeachment if they are UNASSAILABLE?

He should not be impeached because to do so would destroy the judiciary? SO WHO WILL GUARD THE GUARDS?

(Editor's note: Bing Mesias is a resident columnist of Filipino Radio Brisbane. A former trainor and corporate public relations specialist for the department of labor, Mesias's extensive interests include governance, politics, women's issues and cultural exchange. This is her third week of writing thought-provoking articles. Enjoy! -FRB)  

Community updates: is there a Brisbane Barrio Fiesta?

Barrio Fiesta,  Brisbane (not available) The annual Barrio Fiesta in Brisbane, which usually occurs on the long weekend of June may not be happening this month. The organiser Filipino Communities Council of Queensland, Inc. (FCCQ) seems to be experiencing difficult times at the moment which halts the planning of the significant event. Many people in the community are saddened by the absence of the Fiesta as it has been a traditional celebration of Filipinos in conjunction with the country's Independence Day celebration every 12th of June. Hopefully, FCCQ will be able to withstand the current adversity it is going through and solve the problem it is facing.

Kultura Pilipino: Sayaw Tayo - (July 28) is a presentation of Philippine cultural dances on July 28, 2012 at 6PM, Acacia Ridge Hotel, 1386 Beaudesert Road, Acacia Road. Tickets prize: $20.00 includes finger food. For more information, please ring Mauro on 0404663978.

Filipino Fiesta - Philippine Festival (June 17) is the annual event hosted by the Filipino-Australian Community of the Gold Coast. Various presentations of fun and surprises. They include dance and choir groups of the Catholic Filipino Chaplaincy, Filipino Food and Promo stalls as well as non-stop guest appearances. Sunday June 17, 2012, from 10:00 to 5:00PM. Jupiter's Pavilion Parklands, Corner Smith Street and Parkland Drive, Gold Coast. Exit 66 from M1. For more information, please call Mary Ann on 0416 331 233.

4EB-FM OB Van at the Fiesta (June 17). The Filipino broadcasters of Radio 4EB-FM 98.1 will be coming to the Gold Coast Fiesta on Sunday 17th of June. They will be distributing promotional materials to encourage all Filipinos to join the only Filipino language radio program in Brisbane. We need to have 32 more members to be able to broadcast another hour of programming. So thank you in advance for your support. The annual membership is $25.00 and $15.00 for concession. See us there on Sunday 17 June 2012. If you can not find us at the festival, call us on 0420 983 188 and we'll make sure we'll meet at the Fiesta.

Redlands Bayfest (June 16) is the annual feast of food, wine and music, organised by the Rotary Club of Redland Shire. Incoming President, a Filipino, Ritche Andit will be sworn in. Bayfest will be held on Saturday, 16th June at the Grand View Hotel, Redland Point. This year's event is a project by the Rotary Club  to raise funds for the people in need in Fiji.

Zillmere Multicultural Festival (June 2). Enjoy a wide range of quality festival activities for the whole family. From music and dance, to stories, arts, crafts, games and food from across the globe... The Zillmere multicultural festival will be held on Saturday 2nd June 2012 at O'Callaghan Park, Zillmere Road, Zillmere.

World Refugee Day Lantern Parade (June 8).  Walk for Refugees is the highlight of this year's World Refugee Day in Brisbane. On Friday, 8th of June, 2012, at 5:30PM, everyone is invited to participate in the lantern parade at the cultural forecourt, the Parklands, Southbank, near the wheel of Brisbane. This is an initiative of Welcome to Australia and is an opportunity for all Australians to celebrate all that we have in common, to call for an end to the politics of fear and division and to recognize that we've all come from different beginnings to be part of the Australian journey.

New QLD Minister for Multicultural Affairs: Glen Elmes. On 16th April, before parliament met, it was announced Glen Elmes would be the new State Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Multicultural Affairs and Minister Assisting the Premier. Minister Glen Elmes' contact details are: atsi@ministerial.qld.gov.au, phone 07 3235 4562, fax 07 3224 2494.

Filipino Radio show now on Digital Radio. Arrangements are now underway so that another Filipino Radio show through 4EB-FM will broadcast in the digital format 4EB Global, sharing the world with you. Watch this space!

Plant Sale and Community Day (June 2). Brisbane North Institute of TAFE is once again holding the popular Grovely Plant Sale on Saturday 2 June 2012. Grab a green bargain with plants of all shapes and sizes, herbs, natives and exotics plus colourful flowering shrubs from as little as 70 cents, all lovingly reared by the TAFE horticulture students. Go to Grovely campus, Fitzsimmons Street, Keperra, from 9am to noon. Contact 131248.

Filipino Leaders Conference (July 28). Professional development of this sort is a great opportunity for our community leaders and members to refresh and reinvigorate their skills and talents. This year's event will be graced by the following speakers: Professor Mateo-Babiano and Mr Zoilo Belano from the University of Queensland who will talk about the ethical and philosophical foundations of Filipino leadership and Mr Elijah Buol from ECCQ who will deliver a talk on the accountabilities and reporting responsibilities of Filipino leaders. $20.00 fro a whole day event and open to all Filipino-Australian members and leaders of various organisations. Phone 0420983188 to register. Seats are limited. A project of the Filipino Radio Brisbane.

Logo-making competition

We are in search of better designs for our official logo. Can you make us a good logo?

What we are looking for:

• Reflective of the spirit and ideals of Filipino Radio Brisbane
• Representative of optimism within the Filipino culture and society
• Evocative of the experiences of Filipino living and working abroad
• Suggestive of the City of Brisbane
• Attractive and effective as a logo design

The winner will become the official logo of the Filipino Radio Brisbane. Winning design will be published in our blogsite www.filipinobrisbane.com. The designer will receive a certificate of recognition and will receive two movie tickets.

Thank you to our prize donor: Franklin Painting of Beenleigh. For commercial and domestic painting services, re-paints, decorating and wall papering, please ring first class tradesman Dennis Franklin on Mobile 0413 643 572. Free quotes are available.

This competition is open to all Filipino-Australians in the Southeast Queensland region. A Filipino-Australian is a person who is Philippine-born, a naturalized citizen of Australia and/or one parent is Philippine-born.

Entries must accompany the entry form below and are to be emailed to Raul Wong-Roa, Research and Development, Filipino Radio Brisbane, info@filipinobrisbane.com.

Entries close at 11:59PM on June 11, 2012. Winners will be published at midday of the Philippine Independence Day, June 12, 2012.

_________
Entry form:

Filipino Radio Brisbane Logo Competition
www.4eb.org.au/filipino

Attach copy of the logo here:


Contestant's name:
Address:
Telephone Number:
Email address:

I declare that if my logo design is chosen by Filipino Radio Brisbane as one of the top 3, I give its full copyright to Filipino Radio Team of 4EB-FM.

Signature:

Date:

Podcast: radio show 16 May 2012

If you missed last night's show, here is the podcast.


(If player does not appear above, click here)

Erwin, Mar and Jose, with Jong taking the photo during our radio show at 4EB-FM 98.1 on 16 May 2012

We talked about the worthy top 10 travel destinations in the Philippines.

We had updates for the Fiesta at the Gold Coast on June 17 through an interview with the President of the Filipino-Australian Association, Gold Coast, Mary Anne Boehme.

The 4EB-FM OB Van will be there to be with our community's biggest event this year! See us live, in person. Be a member so that our show can broadcast at more extended times.

We also spoke to our resident pharmacist Ritche Andit from Thornlands pharmacy, a Filipino chemist from the Philippines who gave us tips on how to prevent winter bugs come our way this cold weather.

We have community updates and some 'crazy' songs for you. "Mag exercise tayo tuwing umaga, tuwing umaga, tuwing umaga! Bangin ka ba kasi nahuhulog na ako sa iyo. Puspuro ka ba, kasi para match tayo.

Of Laws and Men

This week, we reintroduce our resident writer Bing Mesias as she explores some thought-provoking insights on justice, law, the infallibility of law and the experiences of overseas Filipino workers. Please use comment box below to tell other readers what you think. Enjoy! (FRB)     

By Bing Mesias

"Dura lex sed lex"

The law may be harsh but it is the law.

More and more now, I think of the laws made by men, for men, as stories of Filipino overseas workers doomed to die in foreign lands get into the news.  There they are - the pilgrims of the world, the Filipino overseas workers!  Found in almost every corner of the earth now, they venture into a harsh world sans family and friends, in lands often too alien from the land they were born into.    

Having put a few years into the study of law but dropping along the way, finding the school expenses too stiff for my pocket,  difficulty in juggling career and study,  and more importantly - an ageing mind not amused anymore with the endless articles I had to memorize,  I quit.  But quitting does not stop me from thinking about  the world of law now and then, although well do I know that "little knowledge is dangerous."   So yes,  I still venture into some legal nuggets sometimes, remembering the few that stuck in my mind but treading softly and perhaps a bit diffidently too.  I  know that the few I've learned aren't  enough for me to rush headlong into the serious business of what is legal and what is not without getting myself stuck in a hole too deep from which I may not be able to get out of,  in the end.  And because tales of  overseas Filipino workers judged guilty are endless, Filipinos whose fates are now forever sealed as they wait behind bars for doomsday, here I am thinking more and more about the punishments that men meted against their fellow men, from the medieval ages to the present.  Sagas of these unfortunate countrymen have set me into thinking, well into the night.  Do they indeed deserve to die? "What thoughts run in their minds as they lie behind bars, with no thought of being set free?  What hopes, if any, do they still harbour?  What dreams, nay; nightmares, keep them awake through the night as they cling to the pictures in their minds of  families they left behind?  What thoughts of their childhood do they still remember as they wake up to the reality of being in a strange land, just waiting for the " final day? "

Through the ages, punishments/ sanctions meted out by men against men varied, but not one less harsh and horrible than the other.   Sanctions too horrible to contemplate were made by men following what they thought was fair and just.   " An eye for an eye."    

Take a few :  Beheading ( from guillotine and/or other sharp weapons), boiling in a cauldron of water, tying into posts stuck in anthills and left to the elements,  thrown into a river of crocodiles, cutting off a thief"s  limbs for stealing, burning in a stake   (Joan of Ark was the most famous example)  hanging,  poisoning, drowning  and yes, the very usual punishment during Jesus' time- nailing to a cross.  To be more "humane"  (?) we have today the modern - day electrocution and very recently, lethal injection.

Finding themselves alone with no friend nor family to turn to,  bewildered and afraid, these overseas workers commit what they would not perhaps  have committed were they back home.  Verdict:  GUILTY!  An eye given for an eye.

And so he/she comes  home, that one wish now finally fulfilled, to be reunited with family and friends.  Back to the " green, green grass of home," as a line from a song goes. Only,  he comes home, not the smiling and triumphant hero to the family but a cold and stiff unknown sealed in a box.  A little reminder that yes,  once there was a man with so much hopes and dreams out to challenge the world and who is now home at last.   Sad!

It's not for me to say now that man should not punish another for  a crime done.  Nor that sanctions should be done away with because experience has shown that they are not really enough deterrents for a crime not to be committed.  But this I do say..

"LAWS DON'T MAKE THE MAN.  IT'S MAN WHO MAKES THE LAWS, FOR MAN."  He can unmake them, do away with them or even just soften them to suit what's best for him and his elk.   He should not be a slave to them, bow to them obediently, just because "IT IS THE LAW".   It is harsh?  So who makes them anyway?

Ipswich Filipinos set for another year of community leadership

Convivial Filipino ladies at the 2010 Filipino Night, Goodna, Ipswich. (Photo, from  http://division2news.blogspot.com.au )  

words by Erwin Cabucos and Eden Rolfs

When the Filipino Community in Ipswich elected their new set of officers a couple of weeks ago, it was a little chilly yet a sunny and beautiful day.

A number of members and visitors came with a variety of food to share. Nine Drew brought dinuguan and puto, Jenny Draney brought delicious serving of Ginataang tilapia, pancit and tinolang manok, and Tim and Yolly Mackenzie indeed made everyone satisfied with lechon as part of their 13th wedding anniversary celebration.

As the group chose their community leaders, a true community spirit was shown, guided by their chosen theme 'Bayanihan and Pagkakaisa'.

Congratulations to the new set of officers of the Ipswich Filipino-Australian Association, Inc for 2012-2013. Major committee members include:

President: Eden Rolfs

Vice President: Fred Abarra

Secretary: Mariefe Blucher

Assistant Secretary: Marie Lou Morris

Treasurer: Nena Drew

Assistant Treasurer: Tess Murrell

Food treat at this year's IFAA AGM did not rest at the formation of their leaders, but it went on even after the fiesta-like gourmet meals. Tessie Murrell donated scrumptious ube and chocolate cake as well as glutinous rice cake as dessert for everyone to enjoy.

The president of the Filipino Communities Council of Queensland Mena Edmondstone attended the event and she announced that the Brisbane Barrio Fiesta will occur this June, awaiting further confirmation.

IFAA also thanked Harry Rolfs for the souvenir photos of the Miss Charity Quest he donated to the group.

Listen to our May 9 Mothers' Day Radio Program

If the player does not appear, please visit this link: http://filradiobne.podomatic.com/

Our Mothers' Day special was graced by Bing Mesias and Vhing Bangalan, both Filipino mothers currently living in Brisbane. The studio was quite full: 4 from the Filipino programming team: Jose, Raul, Erwin and Ely and 3 visitors from the Brisbane Filipino Community: Ricky, Glen and Jay.

Discussion revolved around their experiences on motherhood challenges and achievements, differences between Filipino and Australian parenting and distant parenting.

You can listen and download or save the program onto your own computer. Simply click 'download' and get your own copy of the show. And don't forget to browse the photos below to see who's who during the program. Be a member of Filipino Radio and make this radio show longer in air-time. Email us on info@filipinobrisbane.com or text 0420983188.

L-F: Jose, Erwin Raul and Ely

L-R: Vhing, Bing, Jose, Raul, Ely, Glen

(sigh) 10 more minutes before the show

Nice smile, Jay.

L-R: Ricky, Vhing, Bing and Jose

When cultures clash...

Filipino Radio Brisbane's resident writer Bing Mesias

By Bing Mesias

I've been to Australia for the umpteenth time ( the last 3 were for a 1-year visa) and more and more, I get to realize how great is the divide between Australia's western culture and that of the Filipinos' eastern upbringing. How these differences caused not a few marriages between people so madly in love at first to have plunged into it, to crumble before their very eyes a few years later. "How could a love that seemed so right go wrong?" as the line of a song goes? So differently brought up, how so wide the gap that even the best of love can not surmount in the end. Truly sad indeed!

The reasons:

1. Filipinos are so family-oriented that after marriage, he/she "marries" the whole family, so to speak. No "ifs" and "buts" - it's a given, no explanations given, no reasons accepted. It is assumed.

Thus, a Filipina married to an Aussie is expected not to turn a blind eye to anything happening in the home country- she is expected to "help". And that " anything" can cover almost "everything" - an illness in the family (even to a relative far removed) a fiesta where the family is expected to celebrate every year so as not to "offend" the patron saint, a graduation of a favorite nephew, the immediate repair of the roof blown away by typhoon Sendong... ad infinitum. Not to help would be taken as "uncaring" - even if the family back home doesn't say it in so many words. "She has changed."

Now take the Aussie partner. How many times has the line " I married only you, not your entire family" or something to that effect, been repeated between married couples coming from 2 different cultures hereabouts? The husband can't understand why they still have to take care of people so many miles away when he hasn't given a cent to his Mom/ Dad since he earned his first salary at age 17. He never gave, and neither did they ask. Now, herein lies the first divide. In Australia, the oldies get a pension and are very well provided for by the government, to include their medical needs. In the Philippines, people in their sunset years are left to fend for themselves... and of course, the children are there to call anytime when needed. Very often, they need not even call, in the first place.

2. In the Philippines, money is scarce, but when money is there, people splurge as if there were no tomorrows. So they blow everything away during town fiestas, during birthdays.. "God will provide". Such faith in the Divine Providence has carried the Filipinos off through every storm they met in life. Deep faith and resiliency to bounce back has made us as a people weather every storm, be this natural or man-made.

Now let us take the Aussies. They work hard so they hoard (pardon the term) every cent they make. It may be millions but "I worked hard for it. I'LL KEEP IT. " Reason why a career woman holding a top government position in the Philippines decided to give up her marriage to a wealthy Aussie businessman only 2 years after their marriage. It was always " my, mine this, mine that" she heard from him, it wasn't "our money" , it was only "his", she said. Same reason why Jo (not her real name) can only cry as she told her husband of her family in the evacuation center after Sendong, but never a reaction from her husband. Or why Lina will in the end, turn to cleaning schools and her Aussie neighbors' houses 3 times a week to earn money for her little "wants" - the wants that every woman her age desire too. Her husband pays the bills and buys the groceries, true; but returns to the shelves the lipstick and the nailpolish she so wanted to wear to another Pinay's birthday party. In the shop, all she does is watch what he puts in the cart, she never has a say in what to buy. So deep within she starts to resent and asks a thousand "whys" - whys which in the end can cause a split, sometimes irrevocably so.

I can go on and on citing more differences between the 2 cultures- there is a wealth of materials to still unearth, but what need is really there to cite some more? That there definitely is a clash is very plain to see. The next question is : What to do about it?

How to close the gap between the couple who saw the world just painted pink when they started? As the world gets smaller and more and more people of different races meet and fall in love, so will these differences grow.

Solution?

Must there be a serious talk first between would-be groom and his embassy before a marriage takes place? And so does the girl with her embassy? A talk about the culture of the other and what to expect in future? And then between the 2 parties themselves meeting with the embassy people? Sort of a marriage guidance/seminar?

Well, why not indeed, if it would help? No solution is too big nor too small to try if it would offer even the smallest chance to close "THE GAP". While marriage is a very private thing and should only be between the two of them, should a marriage be left to chance and perhaps ruined in the end because of wrong expectations?

Because come to think of it, when cultures clash, can divorce be far behind?

Gold Coast looks forward to hosting the Philippine festival on June 17

The Filipino-Australian Community Gold Coast and the Catholic Filipino-Australian Chaplaincy Gold Coast invite everyone to their upcoming events:

Friday June 1, 2012 at 6PM Santacruzan Coronation night, Scared Heart Church, 50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters, near Broadbeach, Gold Coast.

Sunday June 3, 2012 at at 10:30AM Santacruzan Parade, Sacred Heart Church 50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters, near Broadbeach, Gold Coast.

Sunday, June 17, 2012, 10:00AM Philippine Festival, Jupiters Pavilion Parklands, cnr Smith St and Parkland Drive, exit 66 M1. http://www.filipinobrisbane.com/2012/05/filipinos-en-masse-to-gold-coast-fiesta.html

Contact Mary Ann on 0416 331 233 or Jo 0414 068 323

Tara, luksong tinik tayo

Luksong Tinik: a traditional Filipino game. Photo from www.redlan67.blogspot.com.au. 

Hands mounting in front of you, challenging you to jump on. C'mon, get into it and get through that obstacle.

On May 12, 2012, join in the crowd who will play traditional Filipino games at Larong Pinoy Sportsfest. Do not be shy, come along, bring your friends and family and meet everyone.

There will be patentero, pitik-bulag, takyan, luksong tinik, pinoy henyo, tumba lata, and other childhood reminiscing games - all these for fitness and fun!

The Larong Pinoy Sportsfest is organised by the Filipino and Filipino-Australian Students of the University of Queensland.

They ask that we bring a plate to share, a whole lot of laughter and good spirit just in case you don't make the challenge.

It will be good for kids or second generation migrants who wish to learn pinoy games they have missed out on from not having grown up in the Philippines.

Jong Belano, the group's president asks if everyone could bring $2.00 (for an individual) and $5.00 (for family of 4) to help augment costs for prizes and food.

Gear up, wear your tsinelas!

Mark your GPS now: Guyyat Park, St Lucia. See you there at 9:00am for the 9:30 kick off.

For more information, contact Nin 0401587 610, Kate 04663 663 772, and Fran 0437 377 182.

Community updates: IELTS tutorial, Barrio Fiesta, Noynoy Aquino in Australia and Luksong Tinik!

Jay and Anne Suede, at their last year's wedding where a Filipino custom of pinning money notes on the dancing newly wed was practised. Photo courtesy by the Suedes from their wedding album.

1. Congratulations Jay and Anne on your fabulous wedding, from all of us at the Filipino group at 4EB 98.1FM.

2. President Noynoy Aquino is set to have been scheduled to visit Australia in September and hopefully to conduct dialogue with the Australian and Filipino communities  in Brisbane. Watch this space for more updates.

3. IELTS tutorial are available for the prospective members of the Filipino Program at 4EB 98.1FM. As part of our membership drive, we will gladly offer our services to whose who wish to learn IELTS more within a private setting. Your payment of $15.00 (for students) and $25.00 (for regular ones) will go directly towards your membership to 4EB to help the Filipino group become a stronger program in this station. We don't profit from this exercise. We simply want the Filipino Radio being able to continue its broadcasting objectives. Your tutors are IELTS passers who are currently successful in their respective fields. We will go through areas of writing, reading, listening and speaking using effective review materials. Interested? Email us on info@filipinobrisbane.com.

4. Filipino Mass at the Gold Coast every first Sunday of the month. Venue: Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters, Gold Coast. For the complete information of all Filipino Masses in Brisbane, please visit:  http://www.bnefilaustchaplaincy.org.au/events.html

5. Filipino Fiesta at the Gold Coast: Sunday June 17. Read separate article from www.filipinobrisbane.com.

6. Barrio Fiesta in Brisbane is currently being planned. Details will be finalised soon. Watch this space. For enquiries, call, the president of the Filipino Communities Council of Queensland Mrs Mena Edmondstone on 0416 689 900.

7. Brisbane Filipino Community 2nd Anniversary Mass and get together, Senior Citizens Hall Indooroopilly (near shopping centre), 3PM, Sat 14 May. Open to the public. For more info, please contact 0439 647 717.

8. Larong Pinoy (Filipino Sportsfest) - Bring back those childhood memories! Play Luksong tinik, sipa takraw, patentero. On 12 May 2012, 10AM - BYO Food, Only $2 Registration Free. If you're going and you have any questions, you can text: Nin at 0401587610.

9. Sayawan nang bonggang bongga! Philippine Cultural Dances Presentation. Sayaw Tayo, at 6PM on July 28, 2012 at the Acacia Ridge Hotel, 1386 Beaudesert Road, Acacia Ridge. Hosted by the Filipino Foundation of Queensland. Ticket: $20.00 includes finger food. Ring Mauro on 0404663978.

Filipino Actor has a lead role in an Australian Film

Stills from the new movie Seeing the Elephant where Filipino actor  Felino Dolloso appears in a lead role.
from www.seeing-the-elephant.com

words by Erwin Cabucos

What Baz Luhrmann excludes in his Australia masterpiece are the multifaceted lives of Australians from the non-English speaking background.

Yes, there is a Chinese cook who serves them in the outback but the plot arcs essentially revolve around the grandiose lives of the British settlers, the drovers, blowflies, dust, beers and Waltzing Matilda.

Perhaps, immigrants stories had to be marginalized in that film, as it was a decisive portrayal of the Australian frontier, romanticizing the popular source of the Australian national identity, but not in the new Australian feature film: Seeing the Elephant.


Directed by Iranian/Australian director Amin Palangi, Seeing the Elephant is a multi-plot story of 'generations involving a strangely familiar yet ignored world of desperadoes in search of the good life'.

The stories are magnetized to the elusive desire for the 'good life' which only takes human courage, faith, humility and resilience to be possibly attained.

There's a fastidious Vietnamese family who dislike heir daughter's lover - a story which eventuate to an absurd revelation. Also, an Iranian uni student who is seemingly imprisoned by the strictness of the parents, a dying Pakistani father with a daughter asking for one thing he can not possibly give, a Spanish daughter who denies her mother's death...

There's a Filipino father, confused and troubled by his own unspeakable past and for his son's life, now faced with a life-determining decision.

Felino Dolloso, a Filipino Australian actor stars in a lead role in the film.

Copies of the film will be available through the Distribution Inquiries on 02 9897 5744 or email amin.palangi@ice.org.au.

Seeing the Elephant promises to be one of those stunning films, beautifully crafted to depict good story lines, with more intelligence to tackle socially and culturally significant aspects of the Australian nation.

Other memorable Australian films which explore stories of immigrants in Australia include Strictly Ballroom, Romper Stomper, Priscilla Queen of the Desert (briefly with the presence of the Filipino club dancer), Looking for Alibrandi, The Japanese Story and Death in Brunswick.

Gold Coast Pinoys hold pageant to support less fortunate children

Reyna Elena Coronation Night, June 1, 2012, 50 Fairway Drive, Clear island Waters, near Broadbeach

Words by Erwin Cabucos

The Gold Coast chapter of the Catholic Filipino-Australian Chaplaincy gladly presents their annual fundraising event to support their organisation's temporal needs and the 'Give a Life' project of the Cancer Pediatric Ward of the Philippine General Hospital in Manila.

The event is called the Flores de Mayo and Santacruzan Reyna Elena 2012 Quest Gold Coast.

Flores de Mayo and Santacruzan ideas originate from the custom of catholic Filipinos in the Philippines which celebrate the ritualistic month of May.

May (Mayo in Filipino) is a summer holiday month in the Philippines, regarded as the Month of Flowers. In this part of the world, May is also typified by the onset of the rainy season which goes through to July. The rain brings sustenance to the vegetation of the tropical country, making flowers bloom in their spectacular colours, such as the purple bougainvilla, the red hibiscus, the yellow daisies, the golden chrysanthemums, to name a few.

Because it is a summer month, May is also spent by many catholic parishes in the country to teach the Church's catechism to many young children who are on school holidays. The Flores de Mayo instructions run during weekdays and has affiliated prayer and devotion events in their respective churches during Sundays.

Furthermore, call it coincidence, but May also witnesses a multitude of feast days within the hundreds of Catholic parishes throughout the country, such as San Isidro Labrador - the patron Saint of the farmers and St Helena - the Roman Empress mother of Constantine who was essential to the conversion of her son, among others.

Legend says that Roman Saint Helena traveled to Calvary in Israel to find the cross on which Jesus died. She found three crosses and she asked her ill servant to lie on all of them and that which made her cure would be Jesus'. Indeed she got healed and the chosen cross was brought back by her son to Rome. Hence, Santa Cruz, the Holy Cross, is celebrated in conjunction with the feast of this Empress saint.

Hence, what a nice way to celebrate patron saints festivities, the culmination of the Flores de Mayo catechetical classes and fun activities for the children on holidays. Many churches hold fundraising events in line with doing a quasi-beauty pageant to search for Miss Reyna Elena (Queen Helena). The winner is paraded in town, some on carriages, with arches and baskets of flowers around her. The winner always looks lovely and smelling nice amidst the abundance of floral arrangements.

The combination of all these elements of rain, flowers, faith learning, bible reading, prayer, summer activities, royalty image of St Helena, the saints' motherly and fortitude virtues, helping others, beauty, community gathering, parade - help create this ritual spectacle, ambience, fragrance that truly mark the unique nature of Flores de Mayo and Santacruzan of the Filipinos.

It is in this context that Filipino migrants find this nostalgic and energy-oozing event worthy to celebrate. Perhaps in today's situation, the money that it will bring towards the children with cancer at the pediatric oncology ward of the Philippine General Hospital is indeed inspiring - a cause, worthy of support by everyone.

This year's ticket is only $2.00 and the coronation night will be held at the Casey Hall of the Sacred Heart Parish, 50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters, The Gold Coast. Please come along and join the fun of our Flores de Mayo and Santacruzan festivities. Tickets are sold now.

Inquiries may be directed to Mary Ann Boehme on 0416 331 233 or Jo Carreon on 0414 068 323.

Filipino Fiesta at the Gold Coast

"Let's have fun, pinoy style," says the flyer of this year's Gold Coast Filipino Fiesta.

As the Filipino Fiesta in Brisbane is still going a little unsure, the Gold Coast Filipino Community has once, again, come up with a much decided announcement of the yearly June long-weekend much awaited event.

This year's Gold Coast Filipino Festival will be held on Sunday, 17th of June from 10am until 5pm at Jupiter's Pavilion, Parklands, in the northern part of the Gold Coast.

The decision to choose the said venue has considered the proximity of the two communities of Brisbane and the Gold Coast where freeway users can simply take the exit 66 from the M1. It is at the corner of Smith Street and Parkland Drive.

The Filipino Australian Community of the Gold Coast has organised this entertaining event with a variety of performers including Iza Bray, Adele Tu, Irma Courtney, Joel Gonzales, Liz Conde, Cinegang Band, with the presence of "Chedi" from Smokey Mountain. 

This year's fiesta at the Gold Coast will also be graced by Catholic Filipino Chaplaincy dance and choir groups, Filipino food and promo stalls as well as some non-stop special guest appearances and surprises.

Fil-Oz Gold Coast reminds attendees that there will be a Filipino Mass at 10am in the venue to bless the start of the event.

The entrance fee is only $10.00 per adult, $25.00 for family and free for children who are 7 years and under.

Inquiries can be made through Mary Ann on 0416 331 233 or Letty on 0413 051 828.

Podcast: radio show 2 May 2012 Labour Day Episode

(Go to this link, http://filradiobne.podomatic.com/entry/2012-05-03T02_46_22-07_00, if player above does not appear)

Pakinggan natin ang ating mga kababayan na sina Nerie, Edgar, at Giel sa pagbahagi ng kanilang mga karanasan bilang mga 457-visa holders.

Ikaw ba o ang iyong kapamilya ay dumating na gamit ang 457-visa? May pagkakapareho o pagkakaiba ba sa mga panauhin ang iyong napagdaanan mula pag-alis mo ng Pilipinas at pagdating mo dito sa Australia? Ano ang mga benepisyo at kawalan kapag 457-visa ang gamit?

Maaari rin kayong magpunta sa aming Facebook page, www.facebook.com/filradiobne.

Maraming salamat!

L-R: Elsa, Edgar, Giel, Erwin, Nerie, Raul

Raul and Jose, in between music

L-R: Nerie, Edgar and Giel, currently on working visa in Brisbane

Erwin, on panel

L-R: Nerie, Giel, Edgar, Jose, Raul, Ely, Erwin