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The 65th Leyte Gulf Landings Anniversary (Australia Celebration) and Philippine Liberation Day Ball was held on the 23rd October 2009 at the All Saints Catholic Parish Hall in Liverpool, NSW.
The anniversary celebration was attended by well over 100 people which included the following guests: Reverend Father Bill Wright and Father Anthony of All Saints Parish, the Honourable Wendy Waller, Mayor of Liverpool City Council and her family, Mr Andy Ball, Second Secretary of the United States Consular General in Sydney, Vice Consul Anthony Reyes of the Philippine Consulate General in Sydney and Returned Soldiers League (RSL) NSW Branch Vice-President, Mr John Haines AM.
It was a night of going back in time with the guests being served by the ladies dressed as female sailors, like in a Navy-style function, the ladies looked quite cute too. Joining us in the anniversary was the Blacktown City Community Band, who performed many numbers to include the three national anthems of the respected countries represented.
The highlight of the evening was the 'Ceremonial Laying of Wreaths' in commemoration of those who gave their lives to the cause of freedom, and to them we owe a sincere debt of gratitude.
The guest performers during the liberation ball were Ms Karen Valdez, Ms Mikayla Valdez, Ms Cynthia Gordon and Mr Emerson Tuazon, who all entertained the VIP's and visitors. The Visayan Cultural Dance Group also danced and thrilled the audience with their Hawaiian Dance number.
The past and present officers of the Philippine Community Council of NSW and its affiliate organisations were also present during the anniversary celebration.
Richard J. Ford JP - Press Relations Officer for the Visayan Association of Australia Inc. and EVESTCCO-Eastern Visayan Community, also Vice-President (External) of Fil-Oz Liverpool and Districts, and a Director of the Calapenos and Friends Association. |