Photo: George Gregorio (www.philippinetimes.com.au)

The Philippine Community Council of Victoria Inc. (FCCVI), the umbrella body of all the Filipino organizations in Victoria, celebrated the 111^th year of Philippine Independence Day wearing the Filipino traditional costumes.

The celebration was held at 105 Reception, Footscray on the day of the Philippine Independence, 12 June 2002 attended by the different Filipino community organizations all over the state of Victoria.

The guests speakers for the evening were Hon George Lekakis, the chairperson of the Multicultural Commission; Hon. Raul Hernandez, Philippine Consulate Victoria, and Cr. Sel Sanli, the Deputy Mayor of the Council of Maribyrnong.

All the guest speakers had a good word for the initiative and hard work undertaken by the FCCVI executive committee and its community members in the preparation of the said event.

Mrs Norma Serrano, the FCCVI chairperson, highlighted in her speech the objectives and the current projects of the FCCVI through power point. She also acknowledged the dedication of the executive staff and the staunch support of the member organizations.

The audience was serenaded with romantic Filipino songs rendered by Rolly Limun, a composer/singer and an additional welcome to the Filipino community in Melbourne. He and his family migrated to Australia a few months ago.

A number of Filipinas looked stunning in their well-trimmed Baro’t Saya, glittering Patadyong and colourful butterfly sleeves. Equally dashing were Filipinos and other nationals in their resplendent Barong Tagalog.