Aussie-Filo Workers & Business Club Launches P-Noy Lounge
Councillor Julie Griffiths and Member of Parliament, Ed Husic cut the ribbon during the ceremonies. Photo by Violi Calvert
The Australian Filipino Workers & Business Club Inc [AFWBCI] has come a long way. On Saturday, 28 January 2012, AFWBCI officially launched P-Noy Lounge thereby achieving its vision statement [below] only three years from its formation in 2009.
AFBWCI’s main objective and vision is to build its own club’s multi-purpose community centre to serve as a meeting point for individuals, business entity and cause oriented groups to foster, develop and augment in order to attain the zenith & its hallmarks and to be the vanguard of progress beneficial to the welfare of the Filipino-Australian community and its society.
P-Noy Lounge which is situated in the heart of Blacktown on the first floor at 24 First Avenue, has a capacity of 150 persons and facilities for holding social functions, training courses, seminars, meetings and the like.
The launch was attended by approximately 60 people comprised of Filipino-Australian businesses, local government officials, community leaders, church and media members.
Rev. David Riethmuller of the Rooty Hill Uniting Church as the officiating minister led the group in prayers and blessed the premises. The cutting of the ribbons was undertaken by Councillor Julie Griffiths on behalf of the Mayor of Blacktown City, Alan Pendleton and by the Member of Parliament, Ed Husic.
After welcoming and thanking everyone present at the event, Raquel Pellero presented the AFBWCI officers who were recently elected for a term of two years:
President – Raquel Pellero
Vice Pres.- Miklos Miessner
Secretary – Manuela Guico
Treasurer – Vivian Brewington
Auditor – Aster Soledad
PRO – Mario Aisa
Directors:
Wennie Van Heel
Cleo Baltazar
Edna Ubay
Officers: – AFBWCI Cooperative (2 years term)
CEO – Ariel Satorre
President – Miklos Meissner
Business Manager- Yolanda Polinar
Secretary – Raquel Pellero
Treasurer – Adoracion Meissner
P-Noy Lounge will be manged by the following:
Raquel Pellero as the General Manager
Miklos Meissner – Maintenance Manager
Adoracion Meissner – Financial Manager
Yolanda Polinar – Business Manager
A slide presentation about the AFBWCI, its officers and projects was also shown. Raquel spoke about the formation of the AFBWCI Coop which was initiated on October 2011 by the AFBWCI Board of Directors to advocate for the welfare of the AFBWCI members by providing instant loan with low interest rates. As stakeholders, they can leverage the interest payment through dividends which will be given out every end of the financial year.
Raquel also highlighted another core project of AFBWCI which is the WoW Blacktown Multicultural Fiesta. For the next WoW event, they plan to raffle a brand new car.
Councillor Griffiths gave the main talk congratulating AFBWCI for its achievements and its important role in helping its members to be successful. She also acknowledged the contributions of the wider Filipino-Australians to the community. Short speeches were also made by Charles Lowles [Blacktown Councillor], Alison Rahill [Australian Union Political Coordinator], Con Tontikh [Sports Coordinator, Russian Club], Linda Baesa [former consul officer], Marivic Manalo [outgoing President of PCC-NSW], Elsa Collado [former PCC-NSW President], Espie Bables [Aguman Kapampangan] and Atoy Sayas [Presidential candidate for the Philippine Community Council of NSW]. These were followed by passing collection boxes for donation to the Washi/Sendong aid.
Oliver Gadista [composer/singer and from Sweetmojo band] and Mitchell Badelles [Spokesman for Artists & Friends Linked in Action (ALFA)] spoke about the charity CD project aimed at raising funds for the Washi/Sendong survivors. The CD will have original compositions performed by local artists.
Typical of a Filipino-Australian event, a sumptuous spread was shared by all present. They also enjoyed the performances of AFBWCI Director Cleo Baltazar and guest artist Oliver Gadista. Albie Prias [local artist and from FLAGCOM & Friends] who was requested on the evening to act as Emcee did a great job to keep the program flowing smoothly.
For bookings and reservations of P-Noy Lounge, contact Raquel Pellero on 0401 670 188 or by email: pnoylounge@yahoo.com.au
More photos of the event can be viewed by clicking here.
Live Streaming
