Month: July 2008

US$1.5 billion Casino in RP

He scrapped plans to build what would have been the world’s tallest casino in Las Vegas. Now James Packer is about to sign a deal to build a US$1.5 billion (AUD1.6 B) hotel and casino complex in the Philippines. According to the South China Morning Post, the announcement was made by Rafael Butch Francisco, President […]

Poverty in the Philippines

I think the root problem of many Filipinos is that their frustration at their inability to climb out of the poverty hole has been replaced by acceptance and resignation. They don’t really care about the coming of THE messiah. They care more about what giveaways the self-proclaimed messiah-of-the-month will be tossing their way. They don’t even […]

Coffee anyone?

After a meal, I usually yearn for a hot cup of cappuccino. It somehow gives me that satisfying feeling of relief. It also keeps me awake. At WestPoint Shopping Centre, I usually go to Gloria Jeans because they give me a ten per cent discount upon presentation of my Seniors Card. I therefore pay a […]

Bizzy – Bizzy

by Benjie de Ubago The Blacktown Street Parade at the end of May kicked off a busy period for the community.  At the festival, I followed a group of men in suits and found myself sitting up on stage watching the parade go by.  But I made a few friends along the way and even […]

MPC sinks into more debt

by Benjie de Ubago The old Multi-Purpose Centre (MPC) site at Duke Street, Rooty Hill was not sold prior to the purchase of the new Schofields location.  The first buyer backed out and a new one had requested for an extended settlement which is expected to eventuate sometime in September 2008. This left the MPC […]

Family breakdown in Australia

by Menchie Montierro What happens when there is a family breakdown?  As anyone knows, partners, and even children divorce each other.  Parting ways is the easy way out. In one renowned global establishment in Australia, numbers may provide clues to its family history: with 8 employees starting-up in July 2004 (3 from overseas and 5 […]

Filipinos swell with pride at FAME launch

The Filipino Australian Movement for Empowerment (FAME) was officially launched last 12 June 2008 to coincide with the celebration of the 110th Anniversary of Philippine Independence. Guests who attended were overwhelmed with pride as the silent Filipino achievers were recognized in a special presentation. Most of them were not even known in the community. Congratulatory […]

More comments about the MPC

I cannot say I am really part of the Multi-Purpose Centre (MPC) as there has never been any resolution (passed) by the Trustees appointing me. I was invited to attend one of their meetings in May and noted that there was a change in name from MPC to Filipino-Australian Cultural Centre. The original Trustees set […]

MPC, PACF, PACC: What’s in a name?

Whatever they call it – Multi-Purpose Centre, Philippine Australian Community Foundation, Philippine Australian Community Centre – if it’s the same people running it, it is really the same banana. Now they are even offering FREE membership to THEIR foundation. But of course, people have to pledge a minimum donation of $10 per person per month. […]