Broadcast Archive 2014
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Note: Pre-recorded interviews contained within the live broadcasts are usually the shortened versions of the original full length interviews. You can find the full length interviews in the "Interview Archive".
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#094 Broadcast, Saturday 27th December 2014
1) The importance of Rizal Park to the Philippines. During Christmas and New Year Rizal park is a hub of national celebrations. For people visiting Manila at any time during the year, but particularly during the Christmas and New Year period, Rizal Park is a must see destination which holds a special and important part in the Philippine national soul and consciousness.
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In addition to Christmas and New Year celebrations, the 30th December every year is a national holiday in the Philippines called Rizal Day.
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#093 Broadcast, Saturday, 20th December 2014
1) Christmas in the Philippines is always a joyous occasion for great celebration.
The photo on the left is of the famous Quiapo Church - one of the most visited Basilicas in the Philippines and home of the Black Nazarene - where a large overflowing crowd attends aSimbang Gabi (Night Mass) which is a devotional nine day series of masses from 16th to 24th December. Simbang Gabi Masses occur just before sunrise. |
The Simbang Gabi originated during Spanish rule in the Philippines. It was held in the early hours of the morning for the benefit of Filipino farmers who started their work before sunrise so as to avoid working too much under the hot tropical oriental sun.
The Simbang Gabi became a distinct part of Filipino culture as compared to the rest of the Hispanic world where it was more common to hold evening masses. The last day of the Simbang Gabi, which is Christmas Eve, is called Misa de Gallo (Spanish for"Rooster's Mass").
The Simbang Gabi became a distinct part of Filipino culture as compared to the rest of the Hispanic world where it was more common to hold evening masses. The last day of the Simbang Gabi, which is Christmas Eve, is called Misa de Gallo (Spanish for"Rooster's Mass").
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#092 Broadcast, Saturday, 13th December 2014
1) Congratulations to the City of Vigan, Philippines for being named as one of the New 7 Wonder Cities of the World.
RFA previously profiled Vigan city, which is the capital city of the province of Ilocos Sur in the northern Philippines. Firstly, thanks to many from the RFA audience for voting for this great city and helping lift its profile.
Vigan was originally called "Bee Gan", which means beautiful shore. When the Spanish conquistadors came arrived in the area in 1572, they interchanged the "V" sound for "B" and called the city Vigan.
Vigan is a World Heritage site, due to it being one of the few remaining Hispanic places in the Philippines where its structures remained intact. Now, as one of the new wonder cities of the world it will attract many more tourists.
If you have never been to this historic city then be sure to visit. Following on from the 'catchy' official Philippine tourist slogan, "It's More Fun in the Philippines", it could also be said "It's More Wondrous in Vigan", particularly after the recent global announcement.
2) Australia's Biggest Filipino Christmas party at the Embassy in Canberra last weekend was a sensational success.
There are many great photos on the RFA website of the sensational Philippine Embassy Christmas Party 2014 within the palatial gated embassy grounds next to Capital Hill. There was hot entertainment, sizzling food, a big crowd and radiant sunshine.
At the event were professional national and international entertainers, a VIP from Sydney who arrived directly from the Philippines the same morning, Australian-Filipino Beauty Queens, an official delegation of the Filipino Community Council of Victoria (FCCVI) from Melbourne, a local Australian Capital Territory (ACT) politician and party deputy leader, as well as a large crowd from around the ACT and Australia.
RFA previously profiled Vigan city, which is the capital city of the province of Ilocos Sur in the northern Philippines. Firstly, thanks to many from the RFA audience for voting for this great city and helping lift its profile.
Vigan was originally called "Bee Gan", which means beautiful shore. When the Spanish conquistadors came arrived in the area in 1572, they interchanged the "V" sound for "B" and called the city Vigan.
Vigan is a World Heritage site, due to it being one of the few remaining Hispanic places in the Philippines where its structures remained intact. Now, as one of the new wonder cities of the world it will attract many more tourists.
If you have never been to this historic city then be sure to visit. Following on from the 'catchy' official Philippine tourist slogan, "It's More Fun in the Philippines", it could also be said "It's More Wondrous in Vigan", particularly after the recent global announcement.
2) Australia's Biggest Filipino Christmas party at the Embassy in Canberra last weekend was a sensational success.
There are many great photos on the RFA website of the sensational Philippine Embassy Christmas Party 2014 within the palatial gated embassy grounds next to Capital Hill. There was hot entertainment, sizzling food, a big crowd and radiant sunshine.
At the event were professional national and international entertainers, a VIP from Sydney who arrived directly from the Philippines the same morning, Australian-Filipino Beauty Queens, an official delegation of the Filipino Community Council of Victoria (FCCVI) from Melbourne, a local Australian Capital Territory (ACT) politician and party deputy leader, as well as a large crowd from around the ACT and Australia.
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#091 Broadcast, Saturday, 6th December 2014
1) Congratulations to Ding Roces from Sydney for receiving the prestigious Pamana ng Pilipino Award of the 2014 Presidential Awards. President Benigno Aquino III will be handing out the awards at Malacanang Palace to honour the contribution of overseas Filipinos.
Mr Roces, who was previously interviewed by RFA at the beginning of 2014, has won a prestigious Philippine Presidential award for his great contributions to both Australian and Philippine societies. Mr Roces is a Freelance Artist and Writer, Blogger, Journalist, Book Illustrator, Historian, Anthropologist and Former Editor of Austral Asia's quarterly geographical magazine called "Geo". President Benigno Aquino III will be handing out awards in recognition of the contribution of overseas Filipinos at Malacanang Palace this Friday 5th December. 2) Congratulations also to Renato Perdon from Sydney for winning the coveted Migrant Advisory and Media (MAM) Award for best book category. His winning book was "Connecting Two Cultures: Australia and the Philippines" which was released this year.
RFA has been proud to promote different historical literature written by Mr Perdon because it is always of a very high academic standard which appeals to all sections of society who are interested in learning more about the fascinating and rich cultural connections between two great Asia Pacific friends and neighbours. |
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#090 Broadcast, Saturday, 29th November 2014
1) There is a communications revolution coming to a remote rock, tree, mountain, village or ocean wave near you. This will have great benefit for both developed countries with vast rural areas as well as developing countries such as the Philippines.
The Philippines has 7,107 beautiful tropical islands, with 2,000 of them populated. There is no island that this new service will not reach. |
Google's 4G (4th Generation) network balloons have already been trialed in New Zealand and will be trialed in remote areas of Australia next month during the 2014 Christmas period. Two thirds of the world currently has no internet access, and many amongst the remaining one third have low speed and low quality unstable connectivity. Google's "Project Loon" as it is called, aims to change this and seek global dominance in the provision of a high speed reliable internet service.
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#089 Broadcast, Saturday, 22nd November 2014
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 on to become a Hollywood superstar and "Governator" of California after making his debut in bodybuilding.... |
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#088 Broadcast, Saturday, 15th November 2014
1) 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. |
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#087 Broadcast, Saturday, 8th November 2014
1) 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. 2) RFA Interview: 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 in the Philippines and Australia over the last 20 years. Natalia is currently 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, October 2014. 3) RFA Interview: 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. |
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#086 Broadcast, Saturday, 1st November 2014
1) 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 out 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. |
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#085 Broadcast, Saturday, 25th October 2014
1) 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. |
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#084 Broadcast, Saturday, 18th October 2014
1) RFA Interview: Miss Heritage Australia 2014 winner, Jennifer Hunt, from the Gold Coast, Queensland.
Jennifer Hunt, of mestizo (mixed) Filipino and Anglo Australian heritage, recently contacted RFA to share the news that she has been crowned Miss Heritage Australia 2014. 2) RFA Interview: Renato Perdon, Historian, Author, Newspaper Editor, Professional Translator and Former Cultural Consultant to the Philippine Presidential Commission on Culture and the Arts. 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. |
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#083 Broadcast, Saturday, 11th October 2014
1) Congressman Jose 'Lito' Atienza Jr. is a man of the people who is full of energy and enthusiasm. During the Marcos dictatorship Congressman Jose 'Lito' Atienza Jr. was imprisoned for being a strong critic of the Marcos regime. He played a role in the downfall of the Marcos regime. He later served three terms as Mayor of Manila for almost a decade (1998-2007). He later became Philippine Environmental Secretary. [See Interview number #077 in the "Interview Archive 2014" section of this website for more information about the life and political history of this great patriotic Filipino.] Josie Musa, popular Sydney radio personality and producer for the Adhika Filipino Radio program, and Gloria Ross, Director and main broadcaster RFA, jointly interview Congressman Atienza at the Fiesta Kultura 2014.
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2) Listen to interviews of politicians, participants and organisers for the fantastic Fiesta Kultura 2014. Congratulations to this year's stunning Miss Australia-Philippines contestants. Special acknowledgement and congratulations go to the new Miss Philippines-Australia 2014, Glyssa Perez from Sydney (6th from the left) and the Miss Philippines-Australia Charity Queen Hannah Arnold from Canberra (5th from the left) in photo below.
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#082 Broadcast, Saturday, 04th October 2014
1) 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. |
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#081 Broadcast, Saturday, 27th September 2014
1) 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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#080 Broadcast, Saturday, 20th September 2014
1) 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.
2) 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. |
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#079 Broadcast, Saturday, 13th September 2014
1) RFA Interview: Naval Commander of the BRP Ramon Alcaraz, Captain Ernesto Baldovino, in Darwin Harbour, Australia. 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 (photo by People's Television Network (PTV), Philippines).
2) Australia's biggest, and one of the world's biggest flower festivals. The Famous Floriade Canberra with official opening Saturday 13th September 2014. Let a million flowers bloom! Yes, literally speaking. In Canberra at the Floriade Festival, a million flowers blooming of many different colours is a reality and a feast for the eyes and a wonderful smelling sensation at the beginning of every spring season when the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) holds this world renowned flower extravaganza. |
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#078 Broadcast, Saturday, 6th September 2014
1) 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 entitled "Plants that Eat Metal". This is an ecological discovery which can help naturally cleanse soils around mining sites.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.
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#077 Broadcast, Saturday, 30th August 2014
1) 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 she 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.
2) FILCCA is the peak Filipino organisational body in Australia and they are putting on a fabulous event at the luxurious Novotel Hotel in Paramatta, Sydney, 24th to 26th October 2014. Full details can be found in official FILCCA documents, which have been uploaded onto the RFCA website for your online convenience. |
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#076 Broadcast, Saturday, 23rd August 2014
1) 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.
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 in 1974. 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. |
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#075 Broadcast, Saturday, 16th August 2014
1) Marisa Vedar, lives in Melbourne, the capital city of the state of Victoria. She 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 Australian Taxation Office (ATO) Ambassador for the Filipino Community to communicate new Superannuation Laws. Marisa was chosen by the Philippine Ambassador to deliver a speech on behalf of the Filipino Community during the visit of President Benigno S Aquino III to Australia in 2012. As Deputy Chairperson of Gawad Kalinga Australia she is very active in poverty alleviation.
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#074 Broadcast, Saturday, 9th August 2014
Photo: Mr Maribbay next to a commemoration plaque of Jose Rizal.
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1) Dante Maribbay from Perth, Western Australia (WA) is the current President of the peak Filipino community organization in Western Australia, FCCWA. 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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#073 Broadcast, Saturday, 2nd August 2014
1) RFCA Interview: 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". 2) Co-broadcaster for this week is Dr. Joey Nantes. Dr. Nantes is a medical practitioner/ physician. She is currently doing further studies at the Australian National University (ANU). Welcome aboard Dr Nantes! |
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#072 Broadcast, Saturday, 26th July 2014
1) 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.
Atty. Rafael-Banaag now works with the Philippine Office of the Ombudsman, whose core mission is to fight corruption in the Philippines. The official slogan of the Ombudsman office is "Manindigan Kontra Katiwalian", which means to "Standup against Corruption". Marie is also currently studying a Master of Law degree at the globally prestigious Australian National University (ANU). Atty. Rafael-Banaag is also a champion of eco-tourism in the Philippines. 2) Plan to lower compulsory teacher retirement age from 65 to 60 in the Philippines to allow younger teachers more opportunities to get jobs. 3) An Anglo-Australian family with two children lived in India for 3 years so their children could learn more about the hardships of living in a country with greater poverty, and to develop a more resilient attitude towards life. |
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#071 Broadcast, Saturday, 19th July 2014
1) The Philippine economy: This week President of the World Bank, Jim Yong Kim, in a meeting with Philippine President Benigno Aquino III, Tuesday 15 July 2014, declared he believes the Philippines will be the next Asian economic miracle. Mr Kim said, “Can the Philippines be the next Asian miracle? [After] coming here, I think there is no question that is the case.”
2) Scholarship to the children of Nestle ice cream sellers in the Philippines. |
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#070 Broadcast, Saturday, 12th July 2014
1) Filipino Community Council of Australia (FILCCA) excellence awards to recognize Filipinos and community organisations around Australia for their outstanding achievements, efforts and noble work.
2) Reading and reflections on an excerpt from Renato Perdon's "Kulturang Pilipino" (Filipino Culture) regarding Filipino wedding traditions from pre-Hispanic times to the modern era. |
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#069 Broadcast, Saturday, 05th July 2014
Photo above: [Left to Right]: Gloria Ross, Director RFCA and Prof. Nicole Curato, RFCA Co-Broadcaster
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1) 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. 2) Thanks to Prof. Curato (Nicole) who joined RFCA for the first time this week as a co-broadcaster. Prof. Curato gave an inspiring and popular interview to RFCA which was broadcast earlier this year on the 3rd May. Nicole has 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 ranked among the top academic institutions in the world. She is also an academic media favourite in the Philippines. |
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#068 Broadcast, Saturday, 28th June 2014
1) 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. |
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#067 Broadcast, Saturday, 21st June 2014
1) RFCA interview with Perlita Swinbank (right of picture). Perlita 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 (left of picture), recently said at a Philippine Cultural Society (PCS) ACT event that Perlita was a Doyen of community leaders.
2) New overnight passenger rooms for the international airport at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila. 3) The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) budget for 2014. Related sectors for discussion are Health, Roads and Transport, Correction Services and Community services such as the wonderful National Arboretum. |
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#066 Broadcast, Saturday, 14th June 2014
1) Elin Anisha Guro, of the proud Maranao (also spelt Meranao) people in Mindanao, has been educated both in the Philippines and in New York, USA.
She is currently at Melbourne University, Australia, undertaking a PhD in Culture and Communication. She is passionate about her rich cultural heritage 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 homeland and help her people. She recently gave an inspiring speech at the Philippine Heritage Day in Canberra, 31st May 2014. The Philippine Ambassador of Australia attended this event. It was an honour to hear someone such as Ms Guro with such humble leadership, vision, courage, integrity, culture and positive infectious energy who wants to contribute to the social cohesion and development of the Philippines. 2) "Philippine Independence Day Celebration Ball". Saturday, 14th June 2014, start 6.30pm till late, Corinna Ballroom, Southern Cross Club, Woden. Organised by the Filipino Community Council of the ACT (FCCACT). |
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#065 Broadcast, Saturday Morning, 7th June 2014
1) The Philippine Embassy of Australia recently announced in an official communique to Filipino Community Leaders and media around Australia that Vigan City, in the Province of Illocos Sur, is a candidate for one of the new 7 wonder cities of the world. They have invited Filipino Australians and friends to vote for this wonderful city.
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2) 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. |
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#064 Broadcast, Saturday Morning, 31st May 2014
1) 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's Australian tour represents the first time she has performed outside of Israel.
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#063 Broadcast, Saturday Morning, 24th May 2014
1) Listen to the RFCA interview with Sir Dr. Floro Quibuyen, Knights Of Rizal (KOR) at the Canberra Labor Club. Dr. Quibuyen provides a passionate insight into the life of Jose Rizal, the Filipino national hero (full version in "Interview Archive").
2) Free Wifi in metro Manila public areas. 3) Find out about the 20 happiest countries in the world, according to a survey by the internationally renowned Gallup poll company, and where the Philippines and Australia sit within this ranking. |
Photo Above: Canberra Labor Club (Sunday 18th May 2014) (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.
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#062 Broadcast, Saturday Morning, 17th May 2014
1) Sir (KOR) Dr. Floro Quibuyen is a guest speaker at the Canberra Labor Club, Bleconnen, Sunday 18th May, for the Rizal Youth Forum.
He is a renowned Filipino academic. He holds a PhD 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 Filmmaking. 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" (first edition, 1999). 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.” |
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#061 Broadcast, Saturday Morning, 10th May 2014
1) Dr. Erlidia Lee Clark living in Fiji is helping communities and schools in the Philippines through her connections with Mr Nicamil (Nico) Sanchez, the President of the Australian Catholic University (ACU) Postgraduate Association. This is a great story about international connections of Filipinos living abroad who are able to help their fellow
'Kababayans' (Filipino compatriots).
2) A cultural segment on the month of May celebrations of Santakrusan festival across the whole of the Philippines.
3) Upcoming community events in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and around the nation continent.
'Kababayans' (Filipino compatriots).
2) A cultural segment on the month of May celebrations of Santakrusan festival across the whole of the Philippines.
3) Upcoming community events in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and around the nation continent.
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#060 Broadcast, Saturday Morning, 3rd May 2014
1) 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.
2) The Filipino-Australian community in Canberra and the surrounding Capital Country region are such a busy and dynamic community. Below is a summary of great and diverse Filipino events which are now on the 'social radar'.
2) The Filipino-Australian community in Canberra and the surrounding Capital Country region are such a busy and dynamic community. Below is a summary of great and diverse Filipino events which are now on the 'social radar'.
- "Mother's Day Fund Raising Dinner", Saturday, 10th May 2014, 6pm, Lanyon Vikings Club, Smart Casual. Organised by the ACT Filipino-Australian Social & Cultural Association.
- "Rizal Youth Forum - Topic: Rizal's legacy for the 21st Century", Sunday, 18th May 2014, 2.30pm to 5.30pm, Canberra Labor Club, Belconnen. Organised by the Order of the Knights of Rizal (KOR).
- "Philippine Heritage Day - Traditional Dances, Cultural Exhibits and Song Performances", Saturday, 31st May 2014, 1pm to 5pm, Theo Notaras Multicultural Centre. Organised by the Philippine-Australian Association (ACT) of the ACT and Monaro Region, New South Wales (NSW).
- "Philippine Independence Day Celebration Ball". Saturday, 14th June 2014, start 6.30pm till late, Corinna Ballroom, Southern Cross Club, Woden. Organised by the Filipino Community Council of the ACT (FCCACT)
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#059 Broadcast Saturday Morning, 26th April 2014
1) Fr. Beltan 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, 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. [Full interview available in "Interview Archive"].
2) Message from Consul Grace Bulos, Philippine Embassy Canberra. Consul Bulos talks about the Overseas Voters' Registration, as well as the poster making competition to commemorate the 150th birthday anniversary of Apolinario Mabini. |
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#058 Broadcast Easter Saturday Morning, 19 April 2014
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#057 Broadcast Saturday Morning, 12 April 2014
1) DOH Secretary Senator Enrique Ona has passed 3 landmark legislations: the Phil Health, the Sin Tax Bill and the Reproductive Health Bill. Under the Philippine health system, 77.86 Million Filipinos are now insured and able to seek health and medical treatments with minimal out-of pocket expenses. Those who are the poorest, such as the ones who are recipients of Conditional Cash Transfers (CCT), receive free health care under this system.
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#056 Broadcast Saturday Morning 5 April 2014
1) RFAC Interview: 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. 2) New local, national and international sports feature by RFCA's sports reporter Mike Versoza. He has been a team captain for different basketball teams and is an active participant in various ACT tournaments. Mike is a Marketing and Communications professional in Canberra. He has a Bachelor of Science, Management in Communication Technology, from Ateneo de Manila University. |
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#055 Broadcast Saturday Morning, 29 March 2014
1) 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. |
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#054 Broadcast Saturday Morning, 22 March 2014
1) The Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex (CDSCC) nestled within the south west side of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) is a jewel in the NASA crown. There are only three deep space communication centres in the world. One is in Goldstone, California, the second is in Canberra and the third is in Madrid, Spain.
Charles Bolden, the Chief of NASA, who attended the 50th anniversary of the deep space network in Canberra, 19th March 2014, paid tribute to US-Australian space collaboration: ''For the past half-century you've provided a critical communications lifeline for numerous NASA human and robotic missions.'' Dr. Elachi, the Director of the USA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) mentioned that he wants to develop an "inter-planetary internet" so anyone can sit down and communicate with spacecraft. |
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#053 Broadcast Saturday Morning, 15 March 2014
1) A new $150 million Australian research centre in Canberra is being set up to target space junk in Earth's orbit. The Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for Space Environment Management, based at Mt Stromlo Observatory in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), will bring together work by researchers and industry groups from Australia and overseas. The centre will develop ways to track and remove more than 300,000 pieces of space debris in orbit.
2) Co-broadcaster Mike Verzosa: Mike is a Marketing and Communications professional in Canberra. He has a Bachelor of Science, Management in Communication Technology, from Ateneo de Manila University. He has been a team captain for different basketball teams and is an active participant in various ACT tournaments. |
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#052 Broadcast Saturday Morning, 08 March 2014
1) Radio Television Malacanng (RTVM)- Philippine Presidential Flagship Media Service - interview with Director General, Sec. Joel Villanueva. Sec. Villanueva was elected into public national office at the age of 25. He became the youngest member of the 12th Congress. He is a passionate and hardworking politician who is a symbol of the new leadership talent within the Philippines who can inspire and further empower a country. He is a hero of the anti-corruption movement as he was elected Secretary General of the regional anti-corruption body, Southeast Asia Parliamentarians Against Corruption (SEAPAC).
Sec. Villanueva has a passion and resolute commitment to empower Filipino youth. He is the National Chairman of Kristiyanong Kabataan para sa Bayan (KKB). KKB is one of the biggest youth organizations in the country. Its effectiveness as an organization empowering the youth led to the foundation of its international sister, the Christian Youth for the Nations which has chapters in 48 countries. 2) PA Factor and Friends talent contest in the ACT to be held the following weekend on 15 March 2014. |
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#051 Broadcast Saturday Morning, 01 March 2014
1) RFCA interview with Canberra's Iron Man Astronomer, Barry Armstead who made headlines by building his own observatory and iron man suit.
2) RFCA studio guest speaker Consul and First Secretary Jim Tito Balgos San Agustin, Philippine Embassy of Australia. Consul Jim talks about Philippine contributions to Australia which has been historically collated, as well as the 40th anniversary of the Australia-ASEAN dialogue partnership. |
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#050 Broadcast Saturday Morning, 22 February 2014
1) Jerome Poblete provides a live studio interview talking about the Canberra Pinoy Cyclists &
Mountaineers (CPCM). This group was officially established by Dante Apolinar in July
2013. 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.
2) Special guest announcer: Dr Vince Daria, Neuroscientist/ Physicist from the Australian National University (ANU). |
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#049 Broadcast Saturday Morning, 15 February 2014
1) A memorial ceremony for Filipino Mariners and Filipino-Australians who died in the bombing of Darwin on the 19th February 1942 will be held at the East Point Military Museum in Darwin on the 18th February 2014. Among the attendees will be the Chief Minister of the Northern Territory of Australia, the Hon. Consul Philippine Consul General of the NT, the Philippine Ambassador to Australia, and the First Secretary from the Philippine Embassy of Canberra.
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#048 Broadcast Saturday Morning, 8 February 2014
(Live from the Multicultural Festival Canberra)
1) Interview with Noonee Doronila, who is a highly talented and respected individual within the ACT Australian-Filipino community, around Australia and the Philippines. Noonee is currently the President of the Philippine-Australian Association (PAA) of the ACT and Monaro Region (NSW). 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.
2) Live broadcast from the Multicultural festival of Canberra 2014, including special message from the leader of the ACT, Chief Minister Katy Gallagher, MLA and the Director of the Multicultural Festival, Nic Manikis. |
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#047 Broadcast Saturday Morning, 1 February 2014
1) The Dayola family from the Philippines were granted Australian Citizenship earlier this week on Australia Day, the 26th January 2014. The citizenship ceremony was at Commonwealth Park on the shores of the beautiful Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra, during a sparkling blue sky summer day.
They were personally granted this by Australia's leader, Prime Minister, the Honourable Tony Abbott. This was in front of a large crowd. The Australian Parliament House on Capital Hill formed an impressive backdrop to the event on the other side of Lake Burley Griffin. The army, navy and air force were in their full splendour for the citizenship ceremony as they conducted a military parade which was received by the constitutional and ceremonial head of Australia's military, Governor General of the Commonwealth of Australia, Her Excellency the Honourable Quentin Bryce AC CVO. 2) ACT Chief Minister Katy Gallagher has called on new Canberrans urged to update their address with Medicare to win $10,000. The ACT government's incentive is that every year that an ACT resident is not counted, the ACT Government forgoes over $2,500 in GST funding. Update now for a chance to win $10k... |
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#046 Broadcast Saturday Morning, 25 January 2014
Photos:
Top left - Marlene Tucker during a Philippine Presidential Radio TV (RTVM) interview 2012. Top right - Marlene at home after an RFCA interview, January 2014. Above: Qantas aircraft which is regulated by the International Air Services Commission. |
1) Interview with Marlene Tucker who is the Executive Director of the Australian International Air Services Commission. 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 since the late 1990s. 2) Special guest broadcaster, Prof. Ronnie Holmes, President of Pulse Asia, the most respected and largest political polling company in the Philippines. 3) Survey on poverty in the Philippines. 4) Australia day celebrations in the community. |
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#045 Broadcast Saturday Morning, 18 January 2014
1) There are many Sinulog festivals happening in Canberra and around Australia. Sto.Nino means "Baby Jesus". Sinulog is a word from the Cebuano language of the Philippines meaning strong current flow which describes the forward-backward movement of the dance. This is a fluvial (water) festival which can depict the movement of a boat on the water. The dance steps involve 2 steps forward and 1 step backwards.
2) Community service announcements and happenings around Canberra. |
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#044 Broadcast Saturday Morning, 11 January 2014
1) Radio TV Malacanang (RTVM) interview with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Kim Henares provides information about a new web based system that allows taxpayers to file their taxes online. Commissioner Henares also discusses recent reforms on tax revenue and expenditures and the accompanying positive results that have been measured in comparison to previous years. The new receipting system that must be used in every business transaction is also discussed.
A strong tax collection system makes for a strong nation so a government can pay for education, health care, roads, defence, law enforcement and overseas embassies such as the one in Canberra, Australia, just to name a few of the many benefits. 2) Upcoming Sinulog festivals around Australia, including Hobart, Tasmania and Bathurst, New South Wales (NSW). |
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#043 Broadcast Saturday Morning, 04 January 2014
1) Interview with Alfredo "Ding" Roces. He 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. You can read a more detailed article in the "Interview Archive" about the Roces family history and notable individuals within the family, such as Rafael "Liling" R. Roces Jr., Joaquin "Chino" Roces and Alejandro "Anding" Roces. Also mentioned is the recent opening of the Casa Roces fine dining restaurant and gallery. 2) Other community radio announcements and news around Australia. |