I would have preferred to be sitting on the dock of the bay but on 20 January, there I was in a dimly lit Street in Liverpool at Rashay’s Café waiting for the man of the hour, Mr. Luis Oquiñena, Executive Director of Gawad Kalinga. The appointment was set for 11pm that night, and although […]
Early New Year present for six Filipino families by Jaime K Pimentel
SIX Filipino families celebrated the New Year early, officially moving into six spanking-new homes in Sydney’s inner-west late December 2010 as tenants of Kapitbahayan housing cooperative. Four two-storey and two single-storey townhouses in a compound at Robertson Street, Merrylands, NSW went to the families of Nick and Dory Meissner, Nilda Ruiz and daughter, Steve and […]
Kapitbahayan Cooperative under investigation by Benjie de Ubago
A complaint has been lodged with the Common Equity of NSW against the Kapitbahayan Cooperative as managed by Ruben Amores. The complainant alleges unfair management practices and preferential treatment in the selection of its tenants especially for the Common Equity’s new properties at Merrylands and Leumeah. At a time when housing is at a crisis […]
Brisbane – the worst flood in 35 years by Dino Crescini
Calamvale, QLD. 11 January 2011. “It’s the worst flood in 35 years”— thus uttered Jerome Somodio when interviewed by Philippine Sentinel. Based in Calamvale which is about 15 kms away from the Brisbane River, the youthful 29-year-old Somodio said that the river is expected to rise some 5.5 meters greater than its previous level in […]
PHCAA to hold mid-year dinner & dance
All nurses, doctors and everyone engaged in the health care profession are invited by the Philippine Health Care Association of Australia to a mid-year dinner & dance to be held on Saturday, 28th May 2011 at the South Hungarian Club in Glendenning NSW. This was announced by PHCAA President Veron Alcantara during a recent director’s […]
US House bill seeks to correct unjust treatment of FilAm vets by Armando Chavez
SAN MATEO, California, United States—They came as they always did for commemorative events, dressed in their signature veterans’ uniforms, some with medals proudly displayed on their chests. They have been waiting for the day when their courage and commitment to America would finally be recognized, when America would finally keep the promise it made to […]
Young woman seeks help to spread the Gospel
Only 20 years old, Kim Iligan is very passionate about spreading the Good News to young people. A graduate of St. Andrews College in Marayong, she has been heavily involved with various youth groups who attended the 2008 World Youth Day (WYD) in Sydney. Deeply touched by the WYD experience, she went on to attend […]
Applicant complains against Kapitbahayan Cooperative
In a letter sent to Mr. Ian Sinnett, CEO of Common Equity NSW, a tenant applicant alleged that the selection process was flawed and was “conducted in an unprofessional manner.” The applicant further alleged that “tenants have been chosen from their circle of friends, a blatant display of preferential treatment based on ‘who you know’ […]
Masque of the Magi Musical
An Australian composer, Lindsay Aked, had set the poetry of British poet James Fletcher to create a magical look at the homage given by the Three Kings to the Baby Jesus. This was Lindsay Aked’s last work before he died early last year. FAMS Theatre Company presented its world premiere performance produced and directed by […]
Letter to the Editor: Follow-up on Hapag/GK Story
Following the Gawad Kalinga Story published last month, the following statements were received: 18 January 2011. Ms. Yolanda Gacho of Alpha Phi Omega (APO) states: “This is to inform your readers that Ms. Musa is not a member of Alpha Phi Omega (APO). She was involved with the APO Young Ambassador Quest as Chairman, representing […]
Filipino gay group comes out by Jaime K Pimentel
The Filipino Gay and Lesbian Community group, Flagcom, went on air this New Year to launch a segment on a radio program in Sydney’s inner-west. In an interview on 2RDJ-FM’s Radio Sandigan program, Flagcom managing director Albert Prias told broadcaster Violi Calvert that he had agreed to do a 10-minute segment on Flagcom activities relevant […]
A Valentine Special: A Song and True Stories of Love by Armando Chavez
What are you doing the rest of your life? North and South and East and West of your life? I have only one request of your life —that you spend it all with me. This is the opening refrain of what I think is one of the most romantic songs ever written. The lyrics were […]