Interview Archive 2014
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RFA audio resources in this online "Interview Archive" are the
original full versions of the shortened interviews which were broadcast via the live airways. RFA is proud to provide you with a comprehensive historical audio record of great Filipinos and friends, living in Australia, the Philippines and around the world. |
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INDEX
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#086-RFA Interview: 22 November 2014
Mr Australia, Mr Western Australia and Mr Philippines
Paul de Ocampo, from Perth, Western Australia
Owner and Manager of Body N Beauty Fitness Studio
HOT LOOKING "SINGING BODYBUILDER' WITH COOL MOVES
Paul de Ocampo has won the title of Mr Australia twice, Mr Western Australia eleven times and Mr Philippines once.
Mr de Ocampo comes from a highly talented family. His mother was a beauty queen, his father was a martial arts expert and his grandfather a leading scientist who received a Philippine Presidential award. Mr de Ocampo has picked up the combined talents of his parents and grandparents to be gifted with "Beauty, Brawn and Brains". His idol is Arnold Schwarzenegger who he met in the USA. |
During his interview with RFA it is clear that he possesses the high level social and communication skills, as well as the legendary cool confidence of his idol "Arnie" who went onto become a Hollywood superstar and "Governator" of California after making his debut in bodybuilding.
Mr de Ocampo, a father of three children, is about to produce his first Rap music this weekend in addition to 2 video songs he released earlier this year, one of which, "Machong Pinoy, Seksing Pinay (Macho Filipino, Sexy Filipina) [by the "Singing BodyBuilder"], has become the national body building anthem in the Philippines.
RFA has already interviewed the young and beautiful Ms Australia 2013, Jennifer Hunt, the classy and sophisticated Mrs Australia 2014 Cora Bojarski, who are both of Filipino heritage. Therefore, RFA is proud to also introduce to you and profile Mr Australia two times winner 2003 and 2011 Paul de Ocampo. Also a Filipina-Australian, Marlisa Punzalan just won Australia's XFactor 2014.
Consequently, it seems obvious that Australia's top beauty, brawn and singing talent titles are being dominated by Filipino-Australians who have, so to speak, "Show business in the Blood" and who have "Came, Assimilated and Triumphed".
This has been of benefit to both Australia and the Philippines. Australia, as a modern cosmopolitan democratic nation occupying an entire continent, prides itself on its multicultural assimilation and regards people from all countries as their own and proudly celebrates their achievements. The Philippines also benefits because talented people such as Mr de Ocampo and other title winners mentioned above, who highly value their Filipino heritage, create more quality connections with other countries, as well as creating more international awareness about and respect for the Philippines. The Philippines has one of the largest diasporas in the world, with approximately 12 million Filipino born people living outside the Philippines. In addition to this there are many millions of others born outside the Philippines with Philippine heritage.
Mr de Ocampo, a father of three children, is about to produce his first Rap music this weekend in addition to 2 video songs he released earlier this year, one of which, "Machong Pinoy, Seksing Pinay (Macho Filipino, Sexy Filipina) [by the "Singing BodyBuilder"], has become the national body building anthem in the Philippines.
RFA has already interviewed the young and beautiful Ms Australia 2013, Jennifer Hunt, the classy and sophisticated Mrs Australia 2014 Cora Bojarski, who are both of Filipino heritage. Therefore, RFA is proud to also introduce to you and profile Mr Australia two times winner 2003 and 2011 Paul de Ocampo. Also a Filipina-Australian, Marlisa Punzalan just won Australia's XFactor 2014.
Consequently, it seems obvious that Australia's top beauty, brawn and singing talent titles are being dominated by Filipino-Australians who have, so to speak, "Show business in the Blood" and who have "Came, Assimilated and Triumphed".
This has been of benefit to both Australia and the Philippines. Australia, as a modern cosmopolitan democratic nation occupying an entire continent, prides itself on its multicultural assimilation and regards people from all countries as their own and proudly celebrates their achievements. The Philippines also benefits because talented people such as Mr de Ocampo and other title winners mentioned above, who highly value their Filipino heritage, create more quality connections with other countries, as well as creating more international awareness about and respect for the Philippines. The Philippines has one of the largest diasporas in the world, with approximately 12 million Filipino born people living outside the Philippines. In addition to this there are many millions of others born outside the Philippines with Philippine heritage.
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#085-RFA Interview: 15 November 2014
Philippine Honorary Consul General for Victoria (VIC), Australia,
Professor Felix Pintado, Chief Executive Officer (CEO),
Royal Freemasons Ltd., Victoria, and
Fm'r CEO of Dental Health Services VIC and Latrobe Hospital
The youthful looking, dynamic and distinguished Hon. Con. Gen. Prof. Pintado was recently named as the new Philippine Hon. Consul General for Victoria, Australia's second most populous state. He is of Spanish-Filipino heritage and moved with his family to Australia in the early 1970s.
Prof. Pintado has made outstanding work achievements since coming to Australia, rising to the top ranks of his chosen career path in health services management. He is currently the CEO of the Royal Freemasons Ltd in the Australian state of Victoria. The Royal Freemasons Ltd is one of Victoria’s most respected aged care providers. He held senior executive positions in specialist and general public health services in New Zealand and Victoria, including the CEO of Dental Health Services VIC and Latrobe Regional Hospital, VIC. |
Prof. Pintado is a man of the people and during his RFA interview he talks with passion and humility about health care services and his role serving the Filipino-Australian community, particularly in Victoria.
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#084-RFA Interview: 8th November 2014
Dr Raul Landeo, Former elite Taekwondo athlete, Coaching and Sports Education and Development Manager for Taekwondo Australia, Australian Institute of Sport Panel Selector.
Dr Raul Landeo from the Australian Catholic University (ACU), Strathfield, recently conducted an "Emerging Taekwondo Athlete Clinic" in Sydney's western suburbs for the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS). The AIS is Australia's elite training ground for future Olympians. Dr Landeo and AIS sports science staff from the AIS Combat Centre in Canberra are currently traveling to different Australian cities to identify Australia's young Taekwondo talent. Listen to the RFA interview with Dr Landeo at the Global Taekwondo Centre in Western Sydney to learn more about the Olympic selection program.
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#083-RFA Interview: 8th November 2014
Natalia Sangalang
Taya Taekwondo Head Instructor
Administration and Finance Director Sports Taekwondo, NSW
Natalia Sangalang is a Filipino-Australian who has risen through the ranks of Taekwondo over the last 20 years. She has competed and won in local, regional and national tournaments. She was also the National Team player representing the Philippines in the welter weight division from 1990 to 1994. During that time, she was also a member of the Philippine National Demonstration Team and the elite Blackbelt Club of the Philippine Taekwondo Association. Natalia is now the Taya Taekwondo Head Instructor in Sydney. She has also taken on the important position of Administration and Finance Director Sports Taekwondo, New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Natalia travels the world with Taekwondo. The photo on the left was taken February this year at an international tournament in Montreal, Canada. RFA interviewed Natalia at the Global Martial Arts Centre in Western Sydney.
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#082-RFA Interview: 8th November 2014,
Abby Sangalang, Filipino-Australian Taekwondo Elite Athlete
World Junior Championship Contestant in Taiwan 2014
Abby Sangalang recently trialed for the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) "Emerging Taekwondo Athlete Clinic" held at the Global Martial Arts Centre in Western Sydney. She has already proven herself as an elite young sports woman for New South Wales (NSW) and Australia by participating in the World Junior Taekwondo Championships in Taiwan earlier this year. If she is selected by the AIS she will receive a fantastic opportunity to train at the prestigious AIS Combat Centre in Canberra where Australia's Taekwondo Olympic athletes are trained.
Photo top left: At the World Championships in Taiwan, 2014. Abby weighed in at 44.8kg. Photo below left: Global Martial Arts Centre in Sydney. Photo below right: Stadium in Taiwan where the World Junior Taekwondo Championships 2014 were held. |
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#081-RFA Interview: 1st November 2014,
Brian Lorenz,
International Singing and Dancing Extraordinaire:
DESTINED FOR BROADWAY!
Who do you get when you combine the good looks and showmanship of a youthful Elvis Presley, the style and attitude of Frank Sinatra who did it his way, and the classic sophistication and booming operatic voice of Luciano Pavarotti with a dynamic professional Filipino-Australian entertainer? You get a singing and dancing superstar sensation called Brian Lorenz!
Brian performed to a sold concert in Sydney last Sunday. The audience which was made up of Filipino and European Australians were simply mesmerised. Brian was also supported at times by dancing girls who gave the dynamically charged concert a mixture of a classy French cancan performance and an opening musical scene from a James Bond film called "The Spy Who Loved Me". The brilliant Brian had no time to think about any behind the scenes imaginary spy who might love him, because in front of his face was a packed audience who all loved him anyway. Brian also talked about his debut album which was on sale, before, during and after the event. He personally signed copies of his album for those who purchased it. |
RFA predicts Brian is one day destined for the grand stages of Broadway, New York and Las Vegas. However, Brian nobly has not forgotten his Filipino heritage as he has donated his time and talent to perform for free at the big "Pasko sa Canberra" (Christmas in Canberra) event on the spacious grounds of the gated Philippine Embassy, primely located next to the Capital Hill Parliamentary circle and across the road from the residence of the Prime Minister of Australia.
Be sure to attend the Embassy event on Sunday, 7th December 2014 and watch Brian. Copies of his debut album may also be for sale on the day.
Be sure to attend the Embassy event on Sunday, 7th December 2014 and watch Brian. Copies of his debut album may also be for sale on the day.
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#080 - RFA Interview: 25th October 2014
Atty Aida Garcia, Lawyer and Registered Migration Agent
President Filipino Communities Council of Australia (FILCCA) Awarded One of the 100 Most Influential Women of the Year
by the Filipina Women's Network (FWN)
Atty Aida Garcia, who resides in Adelaide, the capital city of the state of South Australia (SA), is currently the President of the Filipino Communities Council of Australia (FILCCA). Atty Garcia along with her dedicated FILCCA executive team from around Australia have organized this week's national FILCCA conference to be held at the Novotel Hotel, Parramatta, Sydney.
Atty Garcia also recently received a prestigious award as One of the 100 Most Influential Women of the Year from the Filipina Women's Network (FWN). This award ceremony was held earlier this month at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel, Metro Manila, Philippines. It was part of the 11th Filipina Leadership Global Summit. The Filipina Women's Network is a San Francisco based non-profit professional association for women of Philippine ancestry committed to improving the status of Filipina women worldwide. FWN convenes programs and activities that enhance public perceptions of Filipina women's capacities to lead and to build the Filipina community's pipeline of qualified leaders in the private and public sectors worldwide. FWN provides Filipina women with opportunities to share practical career and business experiences. This focus on actual career and business experiences, rather than theory, from practitioners, corporate managers and leaders, along with peer networking, are the distinguishing features of FWN. Atty Garcia has distinguished herself in Adelaide, SA, and Australia with her tireless and noble civic engagement and professional work. She is passionate about Filipinos maintaining and building their cultural connections and identities in Australia, so as to be of benefit to both Australia as a proud multicultural nation and also to the Philippines. |
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#079 RFA Interview, 18th October 2014
Jennifer Hunt, Miss Heritage Australia 2014,
Formerly Miss Australia 2013
Head line: Jennifer Hunt crowned Miss Heritage Australia 2014.
[Extract from Miss Heritage Australia 2014 document] "... The Miss Heritage title is about using heritage as a tool for sustainable development throughout the world. The International Queen will have the responsibility of encouraging Heritage Eco-Tourism; promoting awareness grouped into economic, environmental, social, and cultural impacts; and encouraging the restoration and sustainability of heritage sites. The 25 year old, [Jennifer] who works as an Ovarian Cancer National Campaign Manager is currently running her Campaign, #iheartmyearth that will aim to spread environmental and public health awareness about our amazing Heritage site, the Great Barrier Reef..." To view the full official document please click the file link on the right. |
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#078 - Interview, 18th October 2014
Renato Perdon, Historian, Author, Newspaper Editor,
Former Cultural Consultant to the Philippine Presidential Commission on Culture & the Arts, & Professional Translator
Mr Renato Perdon, who was previously interviewed and profiled by RFA in 2013 has recently released a new book titled "Connecting Two Cultures - Australia and the Philippines", Manila Prints, 2014.
This is a superbly written book with some great reviews from Alfredo R. Roces, Writer and Painter, Sydney, His Excellency Bill Tweddell, Australian Ambassador to the Philippines, Dr. Maria Serena I. Diokno, Chair, National Historical Commission of the Philippines and Randolf S. David, Emeritus Professor of Sociology, University of the Philippines. Please also refer below to a review, written by Gloria Ross, Director RFA, which has been published in Mr Perdon's latest historical book. " I'm very impressed with this latest book on the relationship between the Philippines and Australia. The author has a remarkable talent with a particular focus on exploring the symbiotic connections between his mother country and adopted country. He has worked as a prominent archivist in both countries. This significantly contributes to his primary source research which is of an impeccable standard. He infuses this material with well crafted analysis which provides the reader with a thought-provoking, high quality experience as they endeavor to learn more about the multifaceted similarities and evolving connections of these two close Asia Pacific regional countries." You will also find other works of Mr Perdon in the "Music, Movies & Literature" section/page of the RFA website. |
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#077 - Joint interview by Radio Adhika (Syd) and RFA, 11 Oct 2014
Congressman and Former Mayor of Manila Jose "Lito" Atienza Jr.
Photos: Top Left: Official photo of Congressman Atienza Jr. standing proudly in front of the Philippine flag.
Top right: (Left to right) Josie Musa, popular Sydney radio personality and producer for the Adhika Filipino Radio program, Congressman Atienza Jr. and Gloria Ross, Director and main broadcaster RFA. Above: Gloria Ross being presented with a book "Light from my Father's Shadow - A Son Celebrates a Legacy of Public Service", written by Congressman Atienza Jr. Bottom: Congressman Atienza Jr. with some of the dedicated organisers from the Fiesta Kultura. ------------------------------------------------------------- |
Congressman (Member of the House of Reps, Philippines) Jose "Lito" Atienza Jr. recently visited Australia's largest Filipino event, the Fiesta Kultura, in Sydney, 6th October 2014.
Congressman Atienza Jr. is a man of the people who is full of energy and enthusiasm. He was born in the district of San Andres Bukid four months before the outbreak of World War II. Congressman Atienza's father, Jose J. Atienza Jr., was a distinguished public servant to three Philippine Presidents. He attended Ateneo de Manila University and completed an architecture degree at the University of Santo Thomas. He started his political career in 1968 when he organised the Democratic Youth Movement. He was also one of those who survived the Plaza Miranda bombing in 1971. As a democrat he was a strong opponent of the Marcos dictatorship and he was arrested twice during the implementation of Martial Law under the Marcos regime. He also established social development projects such as the "Mahal Ko si Lolo, Mahal Ko si Lola" (I Love My Grandfather, I Love My Grandmother) foundation in 1976, a model for today’s Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA). In 1984, he also founded the "Kababaihan ng Maynila," (The Women of Manila) a women’s livelihood organization. In 1992 while serving as Vice-Mayor, he established the "Home for the Angels," a child care center for abandoned and abused infants |
He served a three-year three-term limit as Mayor of Manila from 1998 to 2007. During his term as Mayor of Manila he got a chance to put his architectural skills to great use as he became a champion of urban renewal. Congressman Atienza implemented the successful "Buhayin ang Maynila" (Revive Manila) program, renovating most of Manila’s decaying public facilities. After stepping down as Mayor of Manila in 2007 he was named the Philippine Environment Secretary in the Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Government.
Today he is a Buhay Party List member in the Republic of the Philippines House of Representatives. He is also the host of the TV Filipino Drama Anthology "Maynila", on the major commercial television and radio GMA Network. This is also broadcast on GMA Life TV, which is an international cable TV station, which is GMA Network's secondary international channel to GMA Pinoy TV.
Congressman Atienza Jr. is very proud of his book "Light from my Father's Shadow - A Son Celebrates a Legacy of Public Service". This is a great read for those wishing to learn more about Philippine political and public service history through the eyes of a Filipino patriot who has achieved so much good in service of the great nation of the Philippines.
Today he is a Buhay Party List member in the Republic of the Philippines House of Representatives. He is also the host of the TV Filipino Drama Anthology "Maynila", on the major commercial television and radio GMA Network. This is also broadcast on GMA Life TV, which is an international cable TV station, which is GMA Network's secondary international channel to GMA Pinoy TV.
Congressman Atienza Jr. is very proud of his book "Light from my Father's Shadow - A Son Celebrates a Legacy of Public Service". This is a great read for those wishing to learn more about Philippine political and public service history through the eyes of a Filipino patriot who has achieved so much good in service of the great nation of the Philippines.
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#076 - RFA Interview, 4th October 2014
Professor Alonzo A. Gabriel,
Food Scientist, University of the Philippines (UP)
Awarded one of the Ten Outstanding Young Persons of the World
Professor Alonzo A. Gabriel is a scientist and lecturer of the highest quality. This year he has been awarded the Centennial Professorial Chair Award from the University of the Philippines (UP), which is considered the Philippines' premiere university. He was congratulated and commended by the Philippine Senate for being a recipient of one of the ten outstanding people in the Philippines for 2013. He was also recently announced in September 2014 as one of the 10 outstanding young people in the world by the highly respected Junior Chamber International (JCI), based in the USA.
Prof. Gabriel talks to RFA from his academic office at the UP about his life, education, achievements and awards. He mentions about his passion for food science which is helping both poor people in the Philippines as well as other countries around the world. He is full of energy and is a great academic leader on the world stage, thus making the great nation of the Philippines very proud. |
Attached (right) is Philippine Senate Resolution 875 of congratulations and commendation.
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#075 - RFA Interview, 27th September 2014:
Attorney (Atty) ANDRÉ “RAJ” PALACIOS
World Bank Anti-Corruption Senior Lawyer in Washington DC,
Fm'r Asst. Sec. for the Philippine Chief Presidential Legal Office, Fm'r Special Asst. to the Philippine Ambassador for the
World Trade Organisation (WTO)
Behind the youthful good looks of Atty Andre "Raj" Palacios is a highly experienced and dedicated lawyer with many years of accomplished experience in the Philippines and around the globe.
He currently lives in Washington DC and works as an anti-corruption senior lawyer for the World Bank Sanctions Board Secretariat. He handles anti-corruption cases in development projects financed by the World Bank which aims to end extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity. Atty Palacios has worked as Chief Advisor to Philippine Senator Juan Edgardo Angara, Special Assistant to the Philippine Ambassador for the World Trade Organisation (WTO), based in Geneva, Switzerland, as well as an Assistant Secretary for the Philippine Office of the Chief Presidential Legal Office (CPLO). In addition to this he was a Prosecution Lawyer assisting 11 prosecutor congressmen in the trial against former Philippine President Joseph Estrada. |
Atty Palacios is a true global Filipino who travels around the world regularly, including to Canberra - which was built similar to the plan of Washington DC. He has a burning passion for seeking justice and helping Filipinos in his mother country to rise out of extreme poverty. Be sure to listen to this great interview conducted between the two great capitals of Canberra in Australia and Washington DC in the USA.
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#074 - RFA Interview, 20th September 2014
Prof. Maria Serena Diokno, Chairperson of the Philippine National Historical Commission and former Vice President for Academic Affairs at University of the Philippines (UP)
Prof. Maria Serena Diokno, was recently a key note speaker at an International Conference on Philippine Studies at the Australian National University. This event was attended by top Philippine academics from around Australia, the Philippines and the world. She is currently the Chairperson of the Philippine National Historical Commission, a Professor of History and former Vice President for Academic Affairs of the University of the Philippines (UP).
She is also a founding member and executive director of the Southeast Asian Studies Regional Exchange Program (SEASREP) Foundation, an organisation of Southeast Asian scholars aimed at promoting Southeast Asian studies. In addition to this, the highly dynamic Prof. Diokno talks about administering projects relating to the modernisation of historical museums in the Philippines, with a particular focus on Dapitan, the place where the Philippine national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal was exiled by the Spanish occupiers. |
Photo above: Prof. Diokno in front of a conference courtyard at the Australian National University (ANU).
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#073 - RFA Interview, 20th September 2014
Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer
Chief Philippine government negotiator for
the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB)
Prof. Coronel-Ferrer, pictured on the left as a keynote speaker for an international conference on Philippine Studies, at the Australian National University (ANU), September 2014, was the chief Philippine government negotiator for the new peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Mindanao, a major island in the southern Philippines.
In March 2014, with great national fanfare, she signed the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB). This agreement aims to bring peace to this part of the Philippines which has witnessed ethnic and religious conflicts over hundreds of years. |
Prof. Coronel-Ferrer is a professor of politics at the University of the Philippines where she also served as director of the Third World Studies Centre and convenor of the Program on Peace, Democratization and Human Rights. She also co-led a civil society-initiated drafting of a National Action Plan (NAP) for a UN Security Resolution.
She is the first woman in the world to have signed a major peace agreement as a chief government negotiator. It is also notable that women have played a major role in the negotiation of this latest promising peace deal by helping to bridge the divide between different religions, such as Christianity and Islam. Living side by side under a political system of harmonious co-dependence and regional autonomy will hopefully create an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust into the long- term future so that all those involved can live tranquilly and productively.
The Philippines is the 12 largest country in the world with over 100 million people, and this peace agreement, if successful in the longer term, will be a great template of conciliatory negotiation for the rest of the world by demonstrating how greater autonomy in the outlying regions can strengthen the territorial integrity, as well as economic, social and political development of the existing nation state. Thus, such nation and civic-building solutions are a win-win for all involved in the negotiation process.
She is the first woman in the world to have signed a major peace agreement as a chief government negotiator. It is also notable that women have played a major role in the negotiation of this latest promising peace deal by helping to bridge the divide between different religions, such as Christianity and Islam. Living side by side under a political system of harmonious co-dependence and regional autonomy will hopefully create an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust into the long- term future so that all those involved can live tranquilly and productively.
The Philippines is the 12 largest country in the world with over 100 million people, and this peace agreement, if successful in the longer term, will be a great template of conciliatory negotiation for the rest of the world by demonstrating how greater autonomy in the outlying regions can strengthen the territorial integrity, as well as economic, social and political development of the existing nation state. Thus, such nation and civic-building solutions are a win-win for all involved in the negotiation process.
Photo above: Peace agreement ceremony at the Malacanang Presidential Palace in Manila, 27th March 2014.
Front row left to right: MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal, Malaysian Facilitator Tengku Dato’ Ab Ghafar Tengku Mohamed, and Chief Philippine Government Negotiator Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer.
Back row left to right: MILF Chairman, Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III and Philippine Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles.
Front row left to right: MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal, Malaysian Facilitator Tengku Dato’ Ab Ghafar Tengku Mohamed, and Chief Philippine Government Negotiator Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer.
Back row left to right: MILF Chairman, Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III and Philippine Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles.
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#072 - RFA Interview, 13 September 2014
Naval Commander of the BRP Ramon Alcaraz,
Captain Ernesto Baldovino,
Darwin Harbour, Australia
Photo
Captain Baldovino, People's Television Network (PTV) Philippines. |
Captain Ernesto Baldovino is the Commander of the Philippines' newest and most capable warship, the BRP (Barko ng Republika ng Pilipinas) (Ship of the Philippine Republic) Ramon Alcaraz.
The Ramon Alcaraz, purchased from the USA, was only commissioned last year and one of its first major duties was to assist with the distribution of aid for the victims of Typhoon Haiyan, the largest hurricane in the world to ever hit land. Captain Baldovino is commanding the BRP Ramon Alacaraz for military exercises off the shores of Darwin, the Northern Territory of Australia. Darwin is a major military hub for the Australian army, navy and air force, as well as being a permanent base for the American military. Captain Baldovino is one of the Philippines' most respected naval officers. During his interview with RFA the Captain presents as a humble, practical, very capable and focused commander. He is a great military leader who wants to further the Philippine relationship with the Australian military because he believes Australia shares a common objective with the Philippines as a friend and ally in seeking and maintaining peace in the strategic South East Asian maritime region. |
Captain Baldovino also mentions how the Philippines is now a rising naval power due to its strong economic growth. A previous story by RFA about the President of the World Bank stating in July 2014 that he believes the Philippines will be the next Asian economic miracle, also confirms the economic fundamentals behind Captain Baldovino's assertion. As such both the Australian Navy and Philippine Navy are sure to work together more in the future during joint exercises, and undoubtedly Captain Baldovino will continue to play a major role in this relationship as a senior naval commander.
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#071 - RFA Interview: 6th September 2014
Dr Augustine Doronila, Environmental Chemistry and Restoration Ecology. Specialist in "Plants that Eat Metal"
Dr Doronila, from Melbourne University, who has worked as a horticulturalist in Italy and Switzerland, is a world leading environmental and ecological scientist. He recently visited the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra and delivered a highly enlightening presentation to the Philippine Studies Group (PSG) entitled "Plants that Eat Metal". This may sound like it's from a horror movie, as depicted by Warner Bros. in the picture above (bottom right), however this is a serious ecological discovery which can help naturally cleanse soils around mining sites.
The Rinorea niccolifera metal hyperaccumulation plant - pictured top right - absorbs nickel in its leaves at levels from 7,000 to 18,400 parts per million. This endangered 8-meter-tall plant grows in nickel-rich soils that cover less than 500 square kilometers of Luzon Island. It could be used to clean up pollution and even mine minerals from the soil.
The discovery of this heavy metal-munching hyperaccumulation plant in Luzon has made headlines around the world. The multi-billion dollar mining industry is also paying attention to this discovery. The "Australian Mining" online news site in May 2014 quoted Dr Doronila as saying: "Hyperacccumulator plants have great potentials for the development of green technologies, for example, 'phytoremediation' and 'phytomining'."
The Rinorea niccolifera metal hyperaccumulation plant - pictured top right - absorbs nickel in its leaves at levels from 7,000 to 18,400 parts per million. This endangered 8-meter-tall plant grows in nickel-rich soils that cover less than 500 square kilometers of Luzon Island. It could be used to clean up pollution and even mine minerals from the soil.
The discovery of this heavy metal-munching hyperaccumulation plant in Luzon has made headlines around the world. The multi-billion dollar mining industry is also paying attention to this discovery. The "Australian Mining" online news site in May 2014 quoted Dr Doronila as saying: "Hyperacccumulator plants have great potentials for the development of green technologies, for example, 'phytoremediation' and 'phytomining'."
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#070 - Interview: 30th August 2014, Mrs Australia, Cora Bojarski
Winner of the Global United Lindberg pageant, Ambassador for Global United for Community Services 2014 held in the USA
Mrs Australia 2014 Cora Bojarski, of Mrs Australia Quest (MAQ), has an amazing heart-warming story to tell from growing up as an orphan in the Philippines to working as a leading operating theatre and emergency nurse in Sydney's busiest hospitals. She is a coordinator for many fundraising activities. One such activity where she is the Coordinator of Ceremonies is for the NSW Cancer Council's Relay for Life. Cora is passionate about supporting cancer charities as multiple members of her family - including her mother when Cora was just 3 years old - died of cancer in the Philippines. Cora's role as Mrs Australia has enabled her to engage in a greater promotion of cancer charities, such as for ovarian cancer.
In Cora's interview with RFCA she is very humble and softly spoken as she reflects on her life journey from orphaned poverty, to the hardships of study, her amazing work in Australia at the frontline of an emergency operating theatre, to being Australia's representative on the world stage in the USA as she went on to win the Global United Community Services Award. Cora is a proud Australian and Filipino. |
Australia today is a great example of a cosmopolitan society, like the USA, which has absorbed cultures from all around the world to create its own unique identity. Filipinos have greatly contributed to the Australian multicultural mix in so many positive ways. Both Australia and the Philippines are much richer for Cora's work, noble community service leadership in supporting worthy charities, as well as for her caring joyful spirit which has helped brighten the lives of many people around her.
Educational Background
Educational Background
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Marian College of Nursing, Manila Philippines
- Post Basic Operating Theatre Course- Specialising in the operating theatres -Liverpool Hospital, NSW
- Workplace and Assessment Training Course- TAFE College, NSW
- Diploma Remedial Massage Theraphy - Australian College of Natural Theraphy
- Diploma of Business- Captain Cook College, Sydney NSW
- Diploma of Management to commence by October 2014
- Vice- Pres. of the Visayan Association of Australia - Current
- Vice-Pres.(External) Fil-Oz of Liverpool and Districts-Current
- Speaker Cancer Council of NSW -Current
- Ambassador Cancer Council of NSW -Current
- Coordinator of the Ceremonies- Relay for Life Fairfield City Council- Current
- Emergency Services Team member of NSW - Australian Red Cross - Current
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#069 - Interview: 23rd August 2014
Amando Doronila,
Current Columnist for The Philippine Daily Inquirer,
Former Sub-Editor of The Melbourne Age Newspaper and
Former Editor-in-Chief of The Manila Chronicle
Veteran hard-hitting journalist Amando Doronila is legendary in the modern history of the Philippine press. He worked as a fearless political columnist who contributed to the fall of the dictator Marcos in 1986. He was also the former editor-in-chief of The Manila Chronicle.
Mr Doronila tells how he fled the Philippines in the early 1970s when Marcos declared martial law. Free thinking journalists were in fear that if they criticized the government of the day then they could be persecuted, thus making them concerned for their safety. Mr Doronila accepted a job as a columnist with The Melbourne Age newspaper, which is a flagship national newspaper in Australia and also one of Australia's most influential newspapers. He became a sub-editor of The Age newspaper. |
With high spirit and a delightful sharp wit - characteristic qualities which Mr Doronila still possesses in abundance - he recalls how he became a topic of discussion on the international leadership stage. When the Prime Minister of Australia, Gough Whitlam, visited the Philippines in February 1974, Mr Whitlam mentioned Mr Doronila to President Marcos. Australia deeply respected the journalistic skill and integrity of Mr Doronila which saw him quickly establish his journalistic talent and reputation in his adopted country. He currently spends his time living both in the Philippines and Australia, with homes in both countries. Mr Doronila is considered by many influential and educated people as one of the deans of Philippine journalism.
As some people grow older, their mind and spirit grows even stronger, and Mr Doronila is a great example of growing old with intellectual rigour and dignity.
As some people grow older, their mind and spirit grows even stronger, and Mr Doronila is a great example of growing old with intellectual rigour and dignity.
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#068 - RFCA Interview: 16th August 2014
Marisa Vedar from Melbourne, Victoria
Past President of the
Filipino Communities Council of Australia (FILCCA), and
Deputy Chairperson of Gawad Kalinga Australia
Marisa, who lives in Melbourne, the capital city of the state of Victoria, is a highly energetic and enthusiastic individual involved in many Filipino activities around Australia. She was previously a member of the Filipino Ministerial Consultative Committee during the previous Labor Government and also ATO Ambassador for the Filipino Community to communicate new Superannuation Laws. She was chosen by the Philippine Ambassador to deliver a speech on behalf of the Filipino Community during the visit of Philippine President Aquino in 2012. As Deputy Chairperson of Gawad Kalinga Australia she is very active in poverty alleviation. Marisa is currently taking further studies with the School for Social Entrepreneurs in Melbourne with the hope of starting a new initiative.
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#067 - RFCA Interview: 9th August 2014
Dante Maribbay, President of the Filipino Community Council of Western Australia (WA) and Officer of the Filipino Communities Council of Australia (FILCCA)
Photo above: Dante Maribbay next to a plaque of Jose Rizal, the Philippine national hero.
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Dante Maribbay from Perth, Western Australia is the current President of the peak Filipino community organization in Western Australia. He is also assisting with the organization of the upcoming Filipino Community Council of Australia (FILCCA) national conference to be held in Sydney, New South Wales (NSW) on the 24th to 26th October 2014.
He received the Filipino Australia achiever of the year award WA 2012, during the FILCCA national conference held in Perth, the capital city of WA. Mr Maribbay, has a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Education, from the Technological University of the Philippines (TUP), and received a Master's degree at the University of the Philippines (UP). He was the Secretary General of the Transport Service Cooperative. In Australia he has worked as an Education and youth support officer. |
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#066 - RFCA Interview: 2nd August 2014
Jennifer Hunt, Miss Australia 2013 title winner
and Miss Earth Philippines 2014 contestant:
National and International Charity and Pageant News update
Miss Australia 2013, of Miss Australia Quest, Jennifer Hunt, talks to RFCA again about the her latest national and international news relating to charity and beauty events. Jennifer, is of mestizo (mixed) Philippine and Anglo Australian heritage. She was recently a candidate for the Miss Philippines Earth quest. She returned to Australia and has been involved in charity events and conferences, including the high profile international AIDS conference, also attended by former US President, Bill Clinton, in Melbourne, where she was an "Ambassador for Positive Runway".
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#065 - RFCA Interview: 26th July 2014
Attorney (Atty.) Marie Rafael-Banaag,
Philippine Office of Ombudsman and
Former Mayor of Natonin, Mountain Province
Atty. Marie Rafael-Banaag is a high achiever with a wide variety of political and professional experience. Atty. Rafael-Banaag was Mayor of Natonin, Mountain Province, Philippines.
Natonin is North of Baguio City, the famous capital city of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), also referred to as the beautiful, cool summer capital of the Philippines. The Cordillera mountains is home to world famous beautiful & vast rice terraces. Natonin prides itself with its mossy forest and extensive rice terraces like Banaue & Batad in Ifugao, South- West of Natonin. Also, the impressive Sagada cave and hanging coffins which are only a few of the wonders of The Cordilleras, are nearby. Atty. Rafael-Banaag now works as an investigative lawyer with the Philippine Office of the Ombudsman whose core mission is to fight corruption in the Philippines. The official slogan of the Ombudsman's office is "Manindigan Kontra Katiwalian", which means to "Standup against Corruption". |
She is currently studying a Master of Law degree at the globally prestigious Australian National University (ANU), after receiving a leadership grant from the Australian Government. Atty. Rafael-Banaag is also a champion of ecotourism in the Philippines.
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#064 - RFCA Interview: 5th July 2014
Jonathan Capal, Director Asia Pacific at Developing Markets Associates (DMA) and Project Manager of Send Money Asia (SMA).
Remittance Specialist Improving Transparency and Financial Literacy for Migrants
Jonathan Capal is a Director of Asia Pacific at Developing Markets Associates (DMA) and Project Manager for an Australian Federal Government initiative called Send Money Asia (SMA) which has a major goal of reducing the cost of remittances to Asia. The SMA project has been developed and managed by the project partner, DMA.
The SMA website provides important information on the many choices migrants living in Australia have when sending money to countries such as the Philippines, China, India, Indonesia and Vietnam. Jonathan, who is very passionate about his work, has spent his career working to make a difference to the lives of those in emerging countries. He enjoys working with all the stakeholders on SMA and DMA projects, from government, industry and community leaders, as well as the communities they serve. He is responsible for seeking out new business opportunities for the company. His focus is on registering new remittance and financial education projects to bring progress for migrant communities across the region. Working with High Commissions and Embassies, Jonathan is able to initiate conferences which focus on promoting investment and trade opportunities. |
Web Link: http://www.sendmoneyasia.org/
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#063 - RFCA Interview: 28th June 2014
Luis Oquiñena, Executive Director Gawad Kalinga
Luis Oquiñena, the new Executive Director of Gawad Kalinga (GK) (which means to "Give Care") visited Canberra and gave an impassioned speech at the Australian National University (ANU) about the great work of this hard working and highly respected charity organization. GK is a Philippine-grown poverty alleviation and nation building organization that is transforming the Philippines and also revolutionising the concept of community development.
Mr. Oquiñena inspired the Philippine Studies Group (PSG) audience at the ANU. He is a very engaging speaker who talks from the heart. Whilst in Australia's capital Mr. Oquiñena talked to various influential federal politicians which has increased the profile of GK amongst Australia's top government decision makers. Mr.Oquiñena noted in his presentation that the Australian government recently granted GK $1 million. |
Luis Oquiñena's message to RFCA on 30th June 2014:
"Please continue to generate good stories that can inspire greatness in our people."
RFCA's message to Mr Oquiñena,
"Please continue with your noble nation building efforts to lift Filipino people out of poverty and help them prosper."
"Please continue to generate good stories that can inspire greatness in our people."
RFCA's message to Mr Oquiñena,
"Please continue with your noble nation building efforts to lift Filipino people out of poverty and help them prosper."
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#062 - RFCA Interview, Saturday 21st June 2014,
Perlita Swinbank, Vice President External Affairs,
Filipino Community Council of Australia (FILCCA)
Perlita Swinbank is currently the Vice President, External Affairs, of the Filipino Community Council of Australia (FILCCA), which is the peak organization representing Filipino communities in all Australian states and territories. The Philippine Ambassador to Australia, Her Excellency Belen F. Anota, recently said at a Philippine Cultural Society (PCS) ACT event that Perlita was a Doyen of community leaders.
Perlita has a fascinating story to tell from her humble beginnings in Samar, in the Visayan region of the Philippines. She studied in Manila and became a teacher. She taught both in Manila and in her home province. She read books about Australia and fell in love with the country. She indicates in the interview that as a young lady she had an idealized vision of an island continent with vast land and open spaces, as well as handsome men in the cities, and rugged hard working men in the country side. She visited Canberra and married a man with a combination of both, whose family were one of the largest citrus growers in Australia. |
Living in Canberra, Australia's capital city, which is the city of politicians, embassies and national department headquarters proved very beneficial for someone such as Perlita who possessed a good education from the Philippines. She worked as a secretary in one of the many embassies in Canberra, and she also got a chance to travel the world with her husband who received a job working at at a consulate in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. She returned to Canberra after this posting.
She also helped run a business in Canberra for the sale of ex-government furniture. Her son and son-in-law now run this business. She has a passion for helping the Filipino community in both the ACT and Australia. Perlita's story, is a uniquely 'made-in-the-Philippines-and-Australia story'. The Philippines is a country with many open minded and adventurous people with an excellent standard of English who have travelled the world. They have gone to many English speaking democratic nations such as Britain, Canada, USA and Australia which share similar values with the Philippines. Recipient countries such as Australia have benefited greatly from migrants who have come from all countries of the world. Australia has particularly benefited from good-willed, hardworking and well educated migrants such as Perlita. This has benefited both the Philippines and Australia by helping create better connections, mixed heritage, joint loyalties and ultimately greater understanding and respect between the two countries. |
Photo Above:
Perlita Swinbank wearing a red dress and jusi shawl with the Philippine Ambassador to Australia, Her Excellency Belen Anota wearing a blue Filipiniana costume, at the Philippine Independence Day Celebration Ball, organised by the Filipino Community Council of the ACT (FCCACT) held on Saturday, 14th June 2014 |
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#061 - Interview: Elin Anisha Guro
Maranao People from Mindanao and the Legendary Sarimanok Bird
Saturday Broadcast 14 June 2014
Be sure to listen to this great interview with Elin Anisha Guro, of the proud Maranao (also spelt Meranao) people in Mindanao. She has been educated both in the Philippines and in New York City, USA. She is currently at Melbourne University, Australia. She is passionate about her culture and such a pleasure to listen to. She will be the first Maranao woman to complete a PhD outside the Philippines. She intends to return to her home land and help her people. It is an honour to hear someone with humble leadership, vision, courage,
integrity, culture and positive infectious energy.
integrity, culture and positive infectious energy.
Click the file on the right to peruse Elin's impressive CV. This includes being the first to graduate Magna Cum Laude at the Mindanao State University (MSU) in Marawi City, a former Vice Chancelor at MSU, a Fullbright Scholar in New York and many more ...
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Elin Anisha Guro, is a proud Maranao Filipino from Mindanao. She recently gave an inspiring speech at the Philippine Heritage Day in Canberra, 31st May 2014. The Philippine Ambassador of Australia attended this event. The photo on the left shows Elin in her Islamic headdress and distinct Maranao traditional clothing. The photo above shows her with Noonee Doronila, an International Woman of the Year recipient and the President of the Philippine-Australian Association (PAA) of the ACT and NSW Monaro region.
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Photo Below: Elin 4th from the left, with embassy officials, friends and Heritage Day attendees. Her Excellency, Philippine Ambassador of Australia, Belen Anota is second from the left.
Photo above left: The land of the Maranao people in orange on Mindanao Island. It is located around beautiful Lake Lanao, the largest lake in Mindanao and the second largest in the Philippines.
Above right: The Maranao people are famous for their colorful festivals. The festival above shows a dancer dressed as the famous Sarimanok bird, which is a legendary bird from the Maranao people.
Below: A stunning festival with a Sarimanok dancer mesmerizing the crowds.
Bottom: A Maranao festival parade.
Above right: The Maranao people are famous for their colorful festivals. The festival above shows a dancer dressed as the famous Sarimanok bird, which is a legendary bird from the Maranao people.
Below: A stunning festival with a Sarimanok dancer mesmerizing the crowds.
Bottom: A Maranao festival parade.
It's a Festival of Fun in the Philippines!
Message from the Hon. Philippine Consul General in Darwin about Elin Anisha Guro
Date: Thu, 12 Jun 2014 21:52:28 +0930 |
Dear Gloria,
As always RFCA news coverage is full of interesting and inspiring materials, most specially now that of Erin Anisha Guro. She surely epitomises a woman of substance. Her determination to achieve the highest educational level does not only raise the level of respect for her own tribe but also for all Filipino women. She is truly a role model to all us Filipinos regardless of gender. She makes us all stand tall. A salute to Ms Guro and we would hope that her achievement will inspire others in the pursuit of higher education in Australia which in turn will give credit to all women and men in our country ... the Philippines. Thank you for sharing this news to us in all regions of Australia. We wish you all the best in your present and future endeavours. John Rivas Philippine Honorary Consul General, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia. |
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#060 - Interview: Sr Mary Francis Anover, National Coordinator of the Rural Missionaries of the Poor in the Philippines.
Saturday Broadcast 7th June 2014.
Sr Mary Francis Anover is in Australia visiting different cities. Sr. Anover has been internationally recognized for her noble efforts in confronting poverty, natural disasters and social justice issues. She is a strong community voice for the less privileged rural poor and has achieved great results in her community building efforts.
Sr Anover is a member of the Religious Sisters of Mercy and is the newly-elected National Coordinator of the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines (RMP) after pioneering campaigns of the rural poor in the countryside. Whilst in Australia she is raising awareness of the plight of the poor in the Mindanao region where thousands of men, women and children face being displaced from their homes and villages by Australian-owned mining companies. She would also like to see greater accountability and scrutiny of Australian aid money being spent in Mindanao. |
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#059 - Interview: Attorney Kate Andres, Chairperson of the Filipino Community Cooperative Ltd, Sydney
Atty. Kate Andres is the dynamic lady responsible for organising Rose's tour to Australia and securing big name Australian XFactor winner Dami Im to perform back to back with Rose. Atty. Andres was previously a national President for the Filiipino Communities Council of Australia (FILCCA). She currently works as a Corporate Lawyer for Australia's largest retail chain of supermarkets, Woolworths Ltd. She trained in law in the Philippines at Ateneo de Manila University, College of Law. She was an activist in the protests of the 'People Power Revolution' (Edsa Revolution) in 1986. Since coming to Australia and living in Sydney Atty. Andres has contributed greatly to society through her professional and community work. Listen to Atty. Andres' words of wisdom and story this Saturday.
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#058 - RFCA Interview: Rose Fostanes
International Superstar XFactor Israel 2013 Winner
Rose Fostanes is an international Filipina celebrity from Israel after winning that country's inaugural XFactor in 2013 where she has now become a 'household name'. She has been likened to Susan Boyle, the Scottish singer who became an instant overnight celebrity when she won "Britain's Got Talent".
Rose was in Israel, also referred to as the Holy Land, on a working permit from the Philippines as a care giver, and since her performance she has received overwhelming public and high level government support to obtain a singing license to perform for pay in Israel. Rose's Australian tour represents the first time she has performed outside of Israel. She will be performing in the Famous Sydney Town Concert Hall this Sunday, 1st June 2014. Listening to Rose's interview you'll realise what a wonderful, humble and talented lady she is.
Rose was in Israel, also referred to as the Holy Land, on a working permit from the Philippines as a care giver, and since her performance she has received overwhelming public and high level government support to obtain a singing license to perform for pay in Israel. Rose's Australian tour represents the first time she has performed outside of Israel. She will be performing in the Famous Sydney Town Concert Hall this Sunday, 1st June 2014. Listening to Rose's interview you'll realise what a wonderful, humble and talented lady she is.
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#057 - RFCA Interview: Sunday 18 May 2014
SIR DR. FLORO QUIBUYEN, (Knights of Rizal (KOR))
Retired Professor, University of the Philippines Asian Centre
Speaker at the Rizal Youth Forum, Canberra Labor Club, Belconnen
Dr Floro Quibuyen is a renowned Filipino academic. He was a Professor at the University of the Philippines. He holds a Ph.D in Political Science and a M.A. in Anthropology from the University of Hawaii where he also worked as a lecturer. He has won an East-West Centre study grant funded by the US Congress. He also has a Plaque of Recognition for Excellence in Filmaking. Dr Quibuyen has worked professionally in commercial TV in the Philippines, and in community TV and corporate video production in Hawaii.
He is the author of many books. One acclaimed book is called "A Nation Aborted" (editions, 1999 and 2008). It has been rated as “one of the most provocative books on Philippine historiography” for the 1990s decade in the 10-volume Southeast Asian History Readers, published by Iwanami-shoten. A Nation Aborted has received positive reviews from the academic world: Regarding it as “a major contribution to the intellectual biography of Rizal”, Dr. John N. Schumacher, S.J., Ateneo de Manila University’s leading historian on Rizal and the Philippine nationalist movement, writes: “This is an important book for anyone concerned with the thought of the nationalist movement leading to the Revolution of 1896, and its modification as the result of the American conquest and occupation. Correctly, to my mind, it centers its attention on Rizal and his vision of the nation..." Dr. Jaime B. Veneracion, one of the University of the Philippines’ foremost historians and an award-winning author, declares: “A Nation Aborted is the best book on Rizal over the past half century.” |
Dr. Christine Doran of the Northern Territory University, Australia, writes:
"This thoughtful, incisively argued and theoretically informed book has much to offer those interested in the nationalist movement in the Philippines, and in particular its early doyen, Jose Rizal. I recommend this book as a valuable contribution to Rizal studies. It demonstrates the creative potential inherent in the author's diverse academic background in cultural studies, including politics, anthropology and film, video and television production."
"This thoughtful, incisively argued and theoretically informed book has much to offer those interested in the nationalist movement in the Philippines, and in particular its early doyen, Jose Rizal. I recommend this book as a valuable contribution to Rizal studies. It demonstrates the creative potential inherent in the author's diverse academic background in cultural studies, including politics, anthropology and film, video and television production."
For more details regarding
Dr. Floro Quibuyen's great achievements and profile please click the PDF document below.
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Above: Sir Dr. Floro Quibuyen in action at the Canberra Labor Club, Belconnen, providing a passionate presentation about Jose Rizal and his great community building efforts.
Below left: Consul (2nd Secretary) Grace Garcia Bulos, Philippine Embassy of Australia, Canberra.
Below right: (Left to Right): Gloria Ross (RFCA Director), Eleonor Regalado (PA to the Philippine Ambassador of Australia), Sir Ariel Pattugalan (Knights of Rizal Commander for the Canberra Chapter), Consul Grace Garcia Bulos, (2nd Secretary Philippine Embassy), Sir Dr. Floro Quibuyen and Sir Philip Ranoso, Knights of Rizal Sydney Chapter.
Below left: Consul (2nd Secretary) Grace Garcia Bulos, Philippine Embassy of Australia, Canberra.
Below right: (Left to Right): Gloria Ross (RFCA Director), Eleonor Regalado (PA to the Philippine Ambassador of Australia), Sir Ariel Pattugalan (Knights of Rizal Commander for the Canberra Chapter), Consul Grace Garcia Bulos, (2nd Secretary Philippine Embassy), Sir Dr. Floro Quibuyen and Sir Philip Ranoso, Knights of Rizal Sydney Chapter.
Below: Knights of Rizal chapter members from Canberra and Sydney, as well as family and friends.
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#056 - RFCA Interview: Saturday, 3rd May 2014
World-Leading Sociologist Dr Nicole Curato one of the
10 outstanding individuals in the Philippines for 2013,
talks about the large Filipino Diaspora.
Above left: Dr Nicole Curato, far left being interviewed by Gloria Ross, RFCA, at the globally prestigious Australian National University (ANU), Canberra, where she has made significant contributions to the field of Sociology.
Above right:Dr Curato in the Philippines during an interview with Maria Resa, CEO Rappler, the social news network.
Below: Nicole Curato, in a beautiful blue dress, standing next to the Philippine President Benigno Aquino III, receiving an award as one of the top 10 outstanding individuals in the Philippines for 2013.
Above right:Dr Curato in the Philippines during an interview with Maria Resa, CEO Rappler, the social news network.
Below: Nicole Curato, in a beautiful blue dress, standing next to the Philippine President Benigno Aquino III, receiving an award as one of the top 10 outstanding individuals in the Philippines for 2013.
Photo below: Dr Curato, front and centre, at the ANU, after providing a presentation to the Philippine Studies Group (PSG). Nicole's highly talented and proud husband, Raj, is on the far left of the photo.
Behind the stunning good looks of Dr Curato is a highly articulate, analytical and engaging sociologist with a world class knowledge on her subject matter. She is currently working at the University of Canberra. She is also a favourite academic media personality in the Philippines for her illuminating thoughts about society and political economics. Nicole has established herself as one of the Philippines' most
influential social and political intelligentsia.
Nicole has been an assistant professor of sociology at the University of the Philippines-Diliman. She worked as a post-doctoral research fellow at the Centre for Deliberative Democracy and Global Governance at the highly acclaimed Australian National University (ANU) which is consistently ranked as one of the top academic institutions in the world. At the ANU she contributed greatly to research on the theory, practice and methodology of deliberative democracy. She finished her PhD in the University of Birmingham and MA Sociology (with distinction) at the University of Manchester. Nicole’s research on qualitative research methods and deliberative democracy has appeared in many leading journals.
Listen to the RFCA interview, Saturday, 3rd May 2014, to learn about Nicole's views on the Filipino diaspora.
influential social and political intelligentsia.
Nicole has been an assistant professor of sociology at the University of the Philippines-Diliman. She worked as a post-doctoral research fellow at the Centre for Deliberative Democracy and Global Governance at the highly acclaimed Australian National University (ANU) which is consistently ranked as one of the top academic institutions in the world. At the ANU she contributed greatly to research on the theory, practice and methodology of deliberative democracy. She finished her PhD in the University of Birmingham and MA Sociology (with distinction) at the University of Manchester. Nicole’s research on qualitative research methods and deliberative democracy has appeared in many leading journals.
Listen to the RFCA interview, Saturday, 3rd May 2014, to learn about Nicole's views on the Filipino diaspora.
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#055 - RFCA Interview: Saturday 26th April 2014,
Fr. Benigno Beltran, Manila's E-Learning Hero Priest
educating the young and poor
RFCA is privileged to have Fr. Beltran back on the program. Fr. Beltran was profiled and interviewed by RFCA for Christmas 2013. He published a book "Faith and Hope on Smokey Mountain", which is a story of love, compassion, adversity, social justice and spiritual triumph atop one of the largest metro garbage dumps in the world where many people scavenge for a living.
The highly educated Fr. Beltran, who has a Doctorate in Theology from the Gregorian University in Rome, has a burning passion for educating youth who have limited opportunities due to economic disadvantages. He uses his great talents, as well as highly respected leadership qualities and skills to provide them with greater opportunities. He is considered a tech-savvy priest. He therefore comes with an understanding of the 20th century and an active open mind to embrace the new technologies of the 21st century. |
Refer to the great article on the right by Fr. Jim Mulroney which has appeared both in the Far East magazine and the Colombo Mission magazine. Here is a notable quote from this article:
"Since the early 1950s, the dump has been home to a burgeoning population of rag and bone merchants. Now an innovative Divine Word priest, Fr. Benigno Beltran of the Risen Christ parish, is introducing a new computer lingo into the daily conversation with words like bandwidth, e-trading and income streams. This enterprising, tech-savvy parish priest has known his scavenger parishioners for the past 27 years. He believes, too, that they are stuck in the Industrial Age while globalization has rocketed the world into the Information Era." Fr. Jim Mulroney. |
From Smokey Mountain
to Silicon Mountain.
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When the practical Fr. Beltran talks about the 'cloud', he is most likely not referring to the weather or the mysterious heavens, but rather to the divine guidance which can be found in developing the human potential of the young, poor and disadvantaged, by giving them a 21st century education. The 'cloud' is about building bridges between the 20th century age of industrialization and the 21st century age of the information revolution.
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#054 - RFCA Interview Saturday 5th April with Dr. David R. M. Irving, Ethnomusicologist, Historical Musicologist and Organologist, Australian National University (ANU) Lecturer, Canberra
Dr. David R. M. Irving is a world leading ethnomusicologist, cultural
historian, and performer.
With youthful good looks, a passion for his study and a well-spoken educated voice from Cambridge, Kings College London, Dr. Irving is a humble all-round nice gentleman with an amazing in-depth knowledge of the connections between musical history in Manila and the international Galleon trade.
It's a great pleasure listening to David impart this rare specialized
knowledge. He is a cultural gem for the study of Philippine history.
Learn how Manila was the first truly international city in the world, connecting the continents of mainland Chinese Asia, North and South America, and Europe with the largest ships in the world for that time period. These ships were the Spanish Galleons. Manila was the main international trading hub and last stop before China. With trade came cultural influences as music left its indelible mark on Philippine culture. You can hear his interview
with RFCA this Saturday, 5th April 2014.
Dr. Irving studied violin and musicology at the Queensland Conservatorium and the University of Queensland, and completed his Ph.D. at the University of Cambridge. He held several posts at Cambridge, King’s College London, and the University of Nottingham before moving to the ANU in 2013. The ANU School of Music is an internationally renowned centre of musicology, and with the presence of Dr. Irving this prestigious distinction is further cemented. As a baroque violinist, he has worked with many leading early music orchestras in Australia and overseas.
His research revolves around the role of music in intercultural exchange, colonialism, and globalisation from c.1500 to c.1900, with a particular focus on Southeast Asia. His first book, Colonial Counterpoint: Music in Early Modern Manila (Oxford University Press, 2010), examined musical practices in the Philippines under Spanish colonial rule between 1565 and 1815 (the period of the trans-Pacific galleon trade), and was named one of eighteen ‘Books of the Year’ by BBC History Magazine in December 2010. In 2010 the Royal Musical Association awarded him the Jerome Roche Prize ‘for a distinguished article by a scholar in the early stages of his or her career’.
His current work explores the impact of Portuguese, Dutch and British colonialism on the musical traditions of the Malay-Indonesian Archipelago, c.1500–c.1850. This forms part of the collaborative project ‘Musical Transitions to European Colonialism in the Eastern Indian Ocean’ (on which he is a Visiting Fellow), funded by the European Research Council and based at King’s College London. He is also writing a book on European music and globalisation in the early modern world.
Profile Source: ANU website profile of Dr. David Irving
Learn how Manila was the first truly international city in the world, connecting the continents of mainland Chinese Asia, North and South America, and Europe with the largest ships in the world for that time period. These ships were the Spanish Galleons. Manila was the main international trading hub and last stop before China. With trade came cultural influences as music left its indelible mark on Philippine culture. You can hear his interview
with RFCA this Saturday, 5th April 2014.
Dr. Irving studied violin and musicology at the Queensland Conservatorium and the University of Queensland, and completed his Ph.D. at the University of Cambridge. He held several posts at Cambridge, King’s College London, and the University of Nottingham before moving to the ANU in 2013. The ANU School of Music is an internationally renowned centre of musicology, and with the presence of Dr. Irving this prestigious distinction is further cemented. As a baroque violinist, he has worked with many leading early music orchestras in Australia and overseas.
His research revolves around the role of music in intercultural exchange, colonialism, and globalisation from c.1500 to c.1900, with a particular focus on Southeast Asia. His first book, Colonial Counterpoint: Music in Early Modern Manila (Oxford University Press, 2010), examined musical practices in the Philippines under Spanish colonial rule between 1565 and 1815 (the period of the trans-Pacific galleon trade), and was named one of eighteen ‘Books of the Year’ by BBC History Magazine in December 2010. In 2010 the Royal Musical Association awarded him the Jerome Roche Prize ‘for a distinguished article by a scholar in the early stages of his or her career’.
His current work explores the impact of Portuguese, Dutch and British colonialism on the musical traditions of the Malay-Indonesian Archipelago, c.1500–c.1850. This forms part of the collaborative project ‘Musical Transitions to European Colonialism in the Eastern Indian Ocean’ (on which he is a Visiting Fellow), funded by the European Research Council and based at King’s College London. He is also writing a book on European music and globalisation in the early modern world.
Profile Source: ANU website profile of Dr. David Irving
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#053 - Interview, Saturday 29th March, with
Miss Australia 2013-2014, Jennifer Hunt
Also candidate for Miss Philippines Earth 2014
Miss Australia, Jennifer Hunt, of Miss Australia Quest (MAQ) will be traveling to the Philippines at the end of March to participate in the Miss Philippines Earth 2014 beauty pageant. Miss Australia was interviewed by RFCA last September 2013, and since this time she has been very busy.
Jennifer attended the great concert by Jim Paredes in Sydney, October 2013 with Gloria Ross, Director and Main Broadcaster of RFCA. Jim is music royalty in the Philippines as he was one of the "Apo Hiking Society" founders of "Original Pilipino Music" (OPM). Jim wrote and sang the famous song, "Handog ng Pilipino sa Mundo" ("The Filipino Gift to the World"), which became the symbolic theme song of the People Power EDSA revolution which brought Cory Aquino to presidential power. Shortly after attending Jim's concert, Jennifer was a judge at the Miss Philippines Australia contest along with Jim. This pageant was part of the largest Filipino community event in Australia, the
Sydney Fiesta Kultura. Jennifer also recently traveled to Lagos City, Nigeria to be a
contestant for the Miss Exquisite Face of the Universe pagaent.
Jennifer is beautiful on the outside and inside. She has an outgoing, bubbly, approachable and warm personality. She works hard for charity and is very passionate about helping the less fortunate and those with sickness. She has been a graceful and distinguished ambassador as Miss Australia and is very proud of her
mixed Anglo and Filipino Australian heritage.
Jennifer attended the great concert by Jim Paredes in Sydney, October 2013 with Gloria Ross, Director and Main Broadcaster of RFCA. Jim is music royalty in the Philippines as he was one of the "Apo Hiking Society" founders of "Original Pilipino Music" (OPM). Jim wrote and sang the famous song, "Handog ng Pilipino sa Mundo" ("The Filipino Gift to the World"), which became the symbolic theme song of the People Power EDSA revolution which brought Cory Aquino to presidential power. Shortly after attending Jim's concert, Jennifer was a judge at the Miss Philippines Australia contest along with Jim. This pageant was part of the largest Filipino community event in Australia, the
Sydney Fiesta Kultura. Jennifer also recently traveled to Lagos City, Nigeria to be a
contestant for the Miss Exquisite Face of the Universe pagaent.
Jennifer is beautiful on the outside and inside. She has an outgoing, bubbly, approachable and warm personality. She works hard for charity and is very passionate about helping the less fortunate and those with sickness. She has been a graceful and distinguished ambassador as Miss Australia and is very proud of her
mixed Anglo and Filipino Australian heritage.
Above: Photos of Jennifer wearing her Miss Australia sash, Jennifer with the Director of the Miss Australia Quest, Karen Sabarre, and Jennifer wearing a white dress.
Below: Jennifer in professional photo shoots.
Below: Jennifer in professional photo shoots.
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#052 - RFCA Special Studio Guest, 1st March 2014
Consul and First Secretary Jim Tito Balgos San Agustin
from the Philippine Embassy of Australia
Photo above (left to right): Consul and First Secretary Jim Tito Balgos San Agustin of the Philippine Embassy in Canberra Australia, Gloria Ross RFCA Director and main broadcaster, and Alvin Mendoza RFCA co-broadcaster.
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Photo above: Consul and First Secretary facing camera on left during the radio broadcast with Alvin Mendoza as the co-broadcaster and Gloria Ross at the main console.
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It was a pleasure and honour to have Consul and First Secretary Jim San Agustin, from the Philippine Embassy of Australia, attend the RFCA studio.
The Consul and First Secretary spoke like a veteran radio performer. He talked about Filipino historical contributions around Australia and the 40th anniversary of the ASEAN-Australia relations. Consul Jim San Agustin also has previous experience as a Consul in Los Angeles, USA, and Vice Consul in Beijing, China. He is currently also the Acting Director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Policy Coordination, Division II - Institutional Policies. |
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#051 - RFCA Interview: Broadcast 1st March 2014
Stairway to the Heavens: Finding peace in the Cosmos
RFCA Interview with Canberra's Iron Man Astronomer and Former United Nations Soldier, Barry Armstead, who has made headlines for building his own Observatory and Iron Man suit.
ADVENTURE, VISION, THE COSMOS AND GOD
Canberra is definitely not a place which is short of interesting characters. Barry Armstead is a highly unique character with a vision. He served as an Australian soldier for the United Nations in East Timor. After returning home to Canberra his life dramatically changed when he physically and spiritually saw the light. The quietly spoken and humble Mr Armstead says many of his friends who also returned from work with the United Nations used their money to buy fancy cars. However, Barry decided to buy a telescope and from that moment his vision changed from keeping terrestrial peace to gazing into the extra-terrestrial. A keen Star Wars fan, Barry admits he has not yet seen any evidence of other life forms in the heavens.
Barry recently shared with RFCA his knowledge about astronomy as he showed Gloria Ross and family inside his magnificent observatory. Barry is also a devout Christian. To Barry his Christianity and astronomy are synergistic. In the interview he shares his opinion about the universe and God, and how his astronomy has helped him come closer to God. It is not unusual to hear today that many other astronomers and scientists are admitting to the possibility of intelligent design and/or a creator. Barry's Iron Man suit looks like the real deal. Today (26th February 2014) the President of the USA, Barack Obama, has made headlines jokingly saying that the USA was building an Iron Man suit when announcing plans for a US Midwestern manufacturing hub. Tony Stark, the big screen Hollywood Iron Man hero, even twittered the President today saying that was meant to be confidential. RFCA will not reveal any confidential information about Canberra's Iron Man suit built by Barry, apart from saying that it looks mighty impressive! Be sure to listen to this great interview from inside the observatory on a starry night. The view of the planet Jupiter, the largest planet in the solar system, and its many moons was inspiring to see. Just as equally inspiring was listening to Barry's story about the science of astronomy, the cosmos and God. |
DID YOU KNOW?
THE ETYMOLOGY (study of the origin of words) FOR "UNIVERSE" AND "COSMOS".
Your choice!
Universe: Is a Latin word, "Universum", from the time of the Roman Empire, meaning "One", or literally "turned into one". Uni means "One" and "Versus" turned or transformed. Thus, the universe represents everything on earth and in the heavens as one entity.
Cosmos: Is an ancient Greek word κόσμος (kosmos). This predates the use of the word "Universe". Pythagoras(Πυθαγόρας), the famous Greek mathematician and Philosopher (570 BC – c. 495 BC) was the first to use the word Cosmos to describe the order of the Universe. The words "Universe" and "Cosmos" have the same meanings, however, Cosmos is more distinctive in describing the "Order of the Universe". The opposite to Cosmos is another classical Greek word called "Khaos", or "Chaos" to use its English spelling. Chaos denotes a gaping void or vast chasm of formless primordial (Latin word) matter. Thus, the cosmos challenges chaos with its heavenly order.
THE ETYMOLOGY (study of the origin of words) FOR "UNIVERSE" AND "COSMOS".
Your choice!
Universe: Is a Latin word, "Universum", from the time of the Roman Empire, meaning "One", or literally "turned into one". Uni means "One" and "Versus" turned or transformed. Thus, the universe represents everything on earth and in the heavens as one entity.
Cosmos: Is an ancient Greek word κόσμος (kosmos). This predates the use of the word "Universe". Pythagoras(Πυθαγόρας), the famous Greek mathematician and Philosopher (570 BC – c. 495 BC) was the first to use the word Cosmos to describe the order of the Universe. The words "Universe" and "Cosmos" have the same meanings, however, Cosmos is more distinctive in describing the "Order of the Universe". The opposite to Cosmos is another classical Greek word called "Khaos", or "Chaos" to use its English spelling. Chaos denotes a gaping void or vast chasm of formless primordial (Latin word) matter. Thus, the cosmos challenges chaos with its heavenly order.
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#050 - RFCA interview with Jerome Poblete of the
Canberra Pinoy Cyclists & Mountaineers (CPCM), 22 February 2014
The Canberra Pinoy Cyclists & Mountaineers (CPCM) was officially established by Dante Apolinar in July 2013. The CPCM has been around unofficially since 2009 with 3 Pinoy cyclists competing in races. The official group was organized to encourage more Pinoy riders to be fit and healthy and at the same time to raise funds.
CPCM is a non-profit group of outdoor enthusiasts that promotes camaraderie and solidarity. Besides keeping fit and healthy the CPCM also has a vision to provide support to Filipino kababayans (fellow countrymen) in need. The group currently has 45 members. They are preparing and training for a few cycling events both on road and dirt. A few events for this coming April are: the five peaks challenge, run by rotary club; the Mont 24 hr Mountain Bike race and the Group challenge ride from Canberra to Sydney.
CPCM is a non-profit group of outdoor enthusiasts that promotes camaraderie and solidarity. Besides keeping fit and healthy the CPCM also has a vision to provide support to Filipino kababayans (fellow countrymen) in need. The group currently has 45 members. They are preparing and training for a few cycling events both on road and dirt. A few events for this coming April are: the five peaks challenge, run by rotary club; the Mont 24 hr Mountain Bike race and the Group challenge ride from Canberra to Sydney.
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#049 - RFCA interview with Noonee Doronila, 8th February 2014:
Current President of the Philippine-Australian Association (PAA) of the ACT and Monaro Region, Acclaimed Playwright, Drama Director and Former ACT International Woman of the Year 2007
Noonee Doronila is a highly talented and respected individual with the ACT Australian-Filipino community, around Australia and the Philippines. She is full of energy and enthusiasm for whatever task she sets herself.
Noonee is currently the President of the Philippine-Australian Association (PAA) of the ACT and Monaro Region (NSW). The PAA is the oldest Filipino-Australian group in the ACT. Noonee has made quite a name for herself in the wider ACT community with her prolific playwrights, as well as being the director of the many dramas of which she is the author. Noonee has been recognized for her great community work when she was awarded the title of International Woman of the Year by the ACT government. Be sure not to miss the RFCA interview with the highly articulate Noonee as she shares her story and words of wisdom. |
FAN MAIL FOR NOONEE:
[Message excerpts] "Fantastic line up of program content. I love and admire Noonee's intelligence and many great talents. I served with her in the PAA where we first met a few years ago and have closely experienced ... her beautiful friendship, enthusiasm, sincerity, wonderful creativity, integrity, compassion and she takes a stand without fear... I admire her not only for her lovely qualities; she is a beautiful person in and out." Emely Mills (7th February 2014) [Emely is part of a seniors' dance group which will be performing at the multicultural festival, Saturday 8.15 in the evening]. |
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#048 - Filipino Family granted Australian Citizenship by the Prime Minister at the Australia Day Ceremony,
26th January 2014, broadcast live around the nation.
WELCOME TO TEAM AUSTRALIA!
Photo above: The lovely Dayola family giving a speech to a nationally televised live audience in Commonwealth Park on the banks of the beautiful Lake Burley Griffin with Parliament House in the background. The Prime Minister of Australia, the Honourable Tony Abbott is third from the right listening to the Dayola family.
Photo below: The Dayola family pictured with the Prime Minister, far left. Next to the Prime Minister is Shiela, Sier, Shariz and Amador Dayola.
Photo below: The Dayola family pictured with the Prime Minister, far left. Next to the Prime Minister is Shiela, Sier, Shariz and Amador Dayola.
Interview special:
RFCA interviewed the Dayola family after the citizenship presentation. Be sure to listen to this week's broadcast to hear the excited family on their memorable day. Besides having their citizenship acceptance speech broadcast live around Australia they also featured on many of the prime time evening news broadcasts. |
Military Parade, Fighter Jet Flyover, Cannons,
Patrol Boat and a Drone As part of the ceremony, the Governor General of Australia, the constitutional head of the Australian military addressed the honour guard from the Army, Navy and Air Force. The crowd were also buzzed by three fighter jets which flew close overhead. Cannons were fired across the lake as a patrol boat and a photographic surveillance drone monitored events. |
Photo above: The constitutional and ceremonial head of the Australian Defence Force, Governor General, Her Excellency the Honourable Quentin Bryce AC CVO, addresses the Australia Day military honour guard from the Army, Navy and Air Force. The National Library is prominently in the background on the south bank of
Lake Burley Griffin.
Lake Burley Griffin.
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#047 - RFCA interview with Marlene Tucker
Currently: Executive Director of the Australian
International Air Services Commission.
Formerly: Philippine Diplomat
(including Special Advisor to the Undersecretary of Philippine Foreign Affairs, Head of Economic Section Philippine Embassy Australia, Vice Consul, Philippine Consulate in Hong Kong)
Saturday Broadcast 25 January 2014
Photo credits:
Above: Marlene Tucker in an interview with Radio TV Malacanang (RTVM) for a Philippine Presidential visit to Canberra, Australia, 2012 Below: Marlene relaxing at home after an interview with RFCA, January 2014. |
RFCA is proud to bring you an interview with a Filipino-Australian who has had a stellar professional career in both the Philippines and Australia. Marlene Tucker is currently the Executive Director of the Australian International Air Services Commission. This is a high profile position. The Commission's primary responsibility is to allocate capacity entitlements to Australian airlines for the operation of international airline services. Marlene is the operational head for ensuring Commission decisions are enacted. Marlene came to the job with great talent, skill, integrity and hard work which she built up over a stellar career in both the service of the Philippine Diplomatic Corps, as well as other roles within the Australian bureaucracy in Canberra.
With love at first smile, Marlene met and married her Australian dentist in Canberra during the time of her diplomatic posting to Australia as the Head of the Economic division for the Philippine Embassy. Marlene and her husband have a lovely daughter and are also passionate art collectors. Migrants coming to Australia from any country and being able to rise to the top executive levels of government demonstrates one of the great strengths of Australian multicultural society. It's great to see that a Filipino has been able to achieve this with such outstanding success. It's a win for both the Philippines and Australia because it helps foster greater professional connections between the two countries. |
Photo above: Qantas, is a founder of the One World alliance of airlines. Qantas is Australia's national flag carrier airline. Its distinctive kangaroo on the aircraft tail is one of the most recognizable aircraft logos in the world. It also has the affectionate advertising slogan "Spirit of Australia". Marlene Tucker, as the Executive Director of Australia's International Air Services Commission, has the operational responsibility for authorising international air service landing and take-off rights, thus making Marlene one of Australia's most 'high flying' senior government executives!
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#046 - RFCA interview with Alfredo "Ding" Roces
Freelance Artist and Writer, Blogger, Journalist, Book Illustrator, Historian, Anthropologist and former editor of Austral Asia's quarterly geographical magazine called "Geo"
Saturday Broadcast 4th January 2014
Photo above left: Portrait of Alfredo "Ding" Roces.
Above right: The front of Casa Roces Malacañan, opposite Malacanang Palace, Manila
Below: The opening of Casa Roces fine dining restaurant and art gallery in 2013. From left to right front row standing near of one of Alfredo's artworks: Alfredo Roces, his brother Jose Miguel "Peping" Roces, the friendly and distinguished next-door neighbor of the Casa Roces, Philippine President Benigno Aquino III, and Alfredo's wife, Irene Pineda Roces.
Above right: The front of Casa Roces Malacañan, opposite Malacanang Palace, Manila
Below: The opening of Casa Roces fine dining restaurant and art gallery in 2013. From left to right front row standing near of one of Alfredo's artworks: Alfredo Roces, his brother Jose Miguel "Peping" Roces, the friendly and distinguished next-door neighbor of the Casa Roces, Philippine President Benigno Aquino III, and Alfredo's wife, Irene Pineda Roces.
Click the document below to view the tremendous achievements and experiences of Ding Roces.
|
To see Alfredo Roces' great Cyberjournal / Blog Spot follow this link below:
http://dingrocespo.blogspot.com.au/
For a more detailed profile on Ding Roces follow this RocesFamily.com link below:
http://rocesfamily.com/sm2002/rocesphils/ding.htm
http://dingrocespo.blogspot.com.au/
For a more detailed profile on Ding Roces follow this RocesFamily.com link below:
http://rocesfamily.com/sm2002/rocesphils/ding.htm
Excerpts from Roces Family contribution to Philippine Society and the Casa Roces
Alfredo "Ding" Roces is a humble, unassuming man of exceptional achievements. You can see this from his extensive CV which has been attached online for your perusal.
Alfredo belongs to the Roces Family Clan of Manila who have a unique place in Philippine media history which dates back to the early 20th century. They were the media moguls of the Philippines. They were neither 'flashy', nor 'showy', but rather quiet achievers of great integrity and substance with outstanding intellectual, journalistic, literary and artistic talent.
The family clan were Filipino patriots who always worked for the greater good of the people. This noble self-sacrificing character which has proven to be indelibly imbued throughout the gene pool of the family clan sometimes came at great personal cost at various stages throughout the Roces family history in the Philippines.
Rafael "Liling" R. Roces Jr., Alfredo's brother, gave his life for the Philippine nation in World War II in the resistance against the Japanese. Rafael was a father of two, journalist, writer, fervent patriot and in the end a martyr for his country at the age of 31. Rafael was head of Free Philippines during World War II (among members Lorenzo Tañada and Justice JBL Reyes). Rafael was awarded the Medal of Freedom, the highest award for a civilian, by the US government. In communication with RFCA Alfredo said of Rafael: "A writer and head of the Civil Liberties Union before the war, he gave his life of immense promise for his country". In honour of his brother's memory Alfredo wrote the book "Looking for Liling: A family history of World War II martyr Rafael R. Roces, Jr."
Joaquin "Chino" Roces, Alfredo's cousin, the head of the Roces print, TV and radio empire, was one of the first to be arrested and detained under the declaration of martial law by the Marcos regime in 1972. He was imprisoned along with Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. Chino was a significant leader of the resistance movement against the dictatorship. After the assassination of Benigno Aquino Jr., Chino was at the forefront of the EDSA revolution, also known internationally as the "People Power" revolution, even being hit by water cannon on the streets. He later helped convince Cory Aquino to run for presidency.
Chino's exemplary record in public service merited him the Philippine Legion of Honor Award. At the Casa Roces Malacañan is the "Kape Chino", in memory of the legendary Chino, where you can buy a great cappuccino. The Kape Chino website also says: "As colorful as the man's life is the food that we serve: overflowing with goodness and bursting with fresh flavors."
Another famous family member was Alejandro "Anding" Roces, Alfredo's brother, who gave great public service to the Philippines throughout his life. He was the Philippine Secretary for Education, 1961 to 1965. In 2001, Alejandro was appointed as Chairman of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB.) He was also bestowed the honor as National Artist of Literature on the 25th of June 2003. A good example of the integrity of the Roces family was when Alejandro was once asked for a piece of advice on becoming a famous literary figure. Alejandro said,
"You cannot be a great writer; first, you have to be a good person"
[Source: http://rocesfamily.com/sm2002/rocesphils/anding.htm ]
Many of the artworks at the Casa Roces Malacañan, are by Alfredo Roces. The Casa Roces is considered one of the best restaurants in Metro Manila. To learn more about the very significant contributions to the Philippine nation by the noble Roces family you can also refer to the book on the Roces Family History, pictured above.
You can also refer to a Manila Bulletin feature, dated 30th December 2013 about Alfredo titled: "Alfredo “Ding” Roces: A hundred-carat diamond." http://www.mb.com.ph/alfredo-ding-roces-a-hundred-carat-diamond/
Alfredo "Ding" Roces is a humble, unassuming man of exceptional achievements. You can see this from his extensive CV which has been attached online for your perusal.
Alfredo belongs to the Roces Family Clan of Manila who have a unique place in Philippine media history which dates back to the early 20th century. They were the media moguls of the Philippines. They were neither 'flashy', nor 'showy', but rather quiet achievers of great integrity and substance with outstanding intellectual, journalistic, literary and artistic talent.
The family clan were Filipino patriots who always worked for the greater good of the people. This noble self-sacrificing character which has proven to be indelibly imbued throughout the gene pool of the family clan sometimes came at great personal cost at various stages throughout the Roces family history in the Philippines.
Rafael "Liling" R. Roces Jr., Alfredo's brother, gave his life for the Philippine nation in World War II in the resistance against the Japanese. Rafael was a father of two, journalist, writer, fervent patriot and in the end a martyr for his country at the age of 31. Rafael was head of Free Philippines during World War II (among members Lorenzo Tañada and Justice JBL Reyes). Rafael was awarded the Medal of Freedom, the highest award for a civilian, by the US government. In communication with RFCA Alfredo said of Rafael: "A writer and head of the Civil Liberties Union before the war, he gave his life of immense promise for his country". In honour of his brother's memory Alfredo wrote the book "Looking for Liling: A family history of World War II martyr Rafael R. Roces, Jr."
Joaquin "Chino" Roces, Alfredo's cousin, the head of the Roces print, TV and radio empire, was one of the first to be arrested and detained under the declaration of martial law by the Marcos regime in 1972. He was imprisoned along with Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. Chino was a significant leader of the resistance movement against the dictatorship. After the assassination of Benigno Aquino Jr., Chino was at the forefront of the EDSA revolution, also known internationally as the "People Power" revolution, even being hit by water cannon on the streets. He later helped convince Cory Aquino to run for presidency.
Chino's exemplary record in public service merited him the Philippine Legion of Honor Award. At the Casa Roces Malacañan is the "Kape Chino", in memory of the legendary Chino, where you can buy a great cappuccino. The Kape Chino website also says: "As colorful as the man's life is the food that we serve: overflowing with goodness and bursting with fresh flavors."
Another famous family member was Alejandro "Anding" Roces, Alfredo's brother, who gave great public service to the Philippines throughout his life. He was the Philippine Secretary for Education, 1961 to 1965. In 2001, Alejandro was appointed as Chairman of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB.) He was also bestowed the honor as National Artist of Literature on the 25th of June 2003. A good example of the integrity of the Roces family was when Alejandro was once asked for a piece of advice on becoming a famous literary figure. Alejandro said,
"You cannot be a great writer; first, you have to be a good person"
[Source: http://rocesfamily.com/sm2002/rocesphils/anding.htm ]
Many of the artworks at the Casa Roces Malacañan, are by Alfredo Roces. The Casa Roces is considered one of the best restaurants in Metro Manila. To learn more about the very significant contributions to the Philippine nation by the noble Roces family you can also refer to the book on the Roces Family History, pictured above.
You can also refer to a Manila Bulletin feature, dated 30th December 2013 about Alfredo titled: "Alfredo “Ding” Roces: A hundred-carat diamond." http://www.mb.com.ph/alfredo-ding-roces-a-hundred-carat-diamond/