Messages of Support and Seasonal Greetings:
(To and From RFA)
RFA, also known as Radyo Filipino Canberra (RFC), and Radyo Filipino Canberra-Australia (RFCA), receives greetings from many of our friends located around ACT, Australia, the Philippines and indeed the world. We are happy to share this with our audience.
Also, RFA welcomes messages of support from all sides of Australia's multi-party democratic system. During our broadcasts we are also happy to conduct live interviews, or play mp3 formatted prerecorded messages from our local and federal political leaders and representatives who wish to address our large Filipino community in Australia's political capital country region and around the country.
RFA is very humbled in regard to the level of support we have received for our radio service. This demonstrates the great level of good will that exists towards the Filipino Australian Capital Territory community, as well as towards Filipinos all around Australia by notable ACT and Federal Australian politicians.
RFA also receives great support from notable Filipino Australians, community members and friends in Australia, the Philippines and around the world.
The hundreds of thousands of Australians with Filipino heritage and the many others who have regular involvement with the Filipino Australian community are proud to contribute to the social, cultural, economic and democratic fabric of this great nation of Australia and RFA is proud to cover some of their numerous activities!
Also, RFA welcomes messages of support from all sides of Australia's multi-party democratic system. During our broadcasts we are also happy to conduct live interviews, or play mp3 formatted prerecorded messages from our local and federal political leaders and representatives who wish to address our large Filipino community in Australia's political capital country region and around the country.
RFA is very humbled in regard to the level of support we have received for our radio service. This demonstrates the great level of good will that exists towards the Filipino Australian Capital Territory community, as well as towards Filipinos all around Australia by notable ACT and Federal Australian politicians.
RFA also receives great support from notable Filipino Australians, community members and friends in Australia, the Philippines and around the world.
The hundreds of thousands of Australians with Filipino heritage and the many others who have regular involvement with the Filipino Australian community are proud to contribute to the social, cultural, economic and democratic fabric of this great nation of Australia and RFA is proud to cover some of their numerous activities!
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Happy New Year 2015 from RFA
[The RFA photo of the fireworks and flag below was chosen as the main photo for the Manila Bulletin's
around-the-world New Year celebration coverage 2014.]
around-the-world New Year celebration coverage 2014.]
Photos above by RFCA: Canberra, in all its cosmopolitan splendor, came alive for the 2014 New Year fireworks.
Next to the beautiful sparkling Lake Burley Griffin on the opposite side of the shore to Canberra central business district (CBD) is Canberra's own International Flag Boulevard. This international flag display in Canberra's Parliamentary Zone colourfully acknowledges the international presence in Australia's national capital. Each flag pole has a plaque at its base identifying the nation whose flag is flying from that pole. The display is arguably the one of the largest in the world and very popular with visitors and locals alike.
The Philippine flag (ang Bandila/Watawat ng Pilipinas), with its distinctive golden sun, is at the centre of the above two photos with the fireworks display and Canberra CBD in the background.
Next to the beautiful sparkling Lake Burley Griffin on the opposite side of the shore to Canberra central business district (CBD) is Canberra's own International Flag Boulevard. This international flag display in Canberra's Parliamentary Zone colourfully acknowledges the international presence in Australia's national capital. Each flag pole has a plaque at its base identifying the nation whose flag is flying from that pole. The display is arguably the one of the largest in the world and very popular with visitors and locals alike.
The Philippine flag (ang Bandila/Watawat ng Pilipinas), with its distinctive golden sun, is at the centre of the above two photos with the fireworks display and Canberra CBD in the background.
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Christmas Greetings (2014) from the
Internationally Famous Manila Chamber Singers
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Thanks to Christine Izha A. Lao, the President of the Manila Chamber Singers (MCS), for sending this beautiful Christmas card below.
RFA previously interviewed Izha and many of the MCS when they visited Australia in 2013. The MCS have won many awards around the globe for their fantastic performances. RFA wishes the MCS a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year as they continue their fabulous choir singing in the Philippines and around the world. |
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Message from Rev. Fr. Benigno Beltran at Smokey Mountain, Manila
Christmas 2013
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Date: 26 Dec 2013
Subject: Re: Radio program 28th December 2013 and web update "Dear Gloria, Merry Christmas! Thank you for helping us in our ministry to the poor and to the planet. May God bless RFCA and everyone working for it. God's peace and blessings. Fr. Ben" |
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Greetings and compliments to RFCA from Vanjo Merano,
Internationally Famous Filipino Chef in Chicago, USA,
Christmas 2013
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Vanjo Merano, from Chicago, USA, sent a Christmas greetings message 'Down Under' to Gloria Ross, Director RFCA. In this email he mentioned how impressed he was with RFCA's substantial media coverage which includes a wide variety of activities: "I was browsing your Radio Filipino Canberra website and got amazed with the tons of activities that you guys are covering." RFCA is honoured to receive such communication from an international celebrity who is an internet phenomenon with close to 70 million hits on his own outstanding cooking site. Vanjo is a Cyber Journalist of the highest order. RFCA is very impressed with Vanjo's online, multimedia and organizational skills, along with his 'awesome sizzling hot' cooking skills!
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Hello to all our American friends, as well as the other vast multitudes of loyalist Panlasang Pinoy fans around the world. Since RFCA posted this message about Mr Merano our cyber communication lines have been running 'extra hot'. Thanks to Vanjo for putting a link to RFCA on his site. See below a message from one of Vanjo's fans here in the 'Land of Oz' who picked up on this story.
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Message of Support from Philippine Hon. Consul General, Northern Territory (NT) of Australia (Darwin City),
John Rivas, Christmas 2013
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Date: Wed, 18 Dec 2013 23:23:02 +1100
"Dear Gloria and all RFCA staff, Wishing All the Staff of RFCA Canberra the joy of this Festive Season and the prosperity in the forthcoming New Year. Your effort, time and commitment in doing this community-focused program are acknowledged with profound appreciation by all of your listeners and email correspondents, including myself and my wife, Edna Rivas. Job well done in 2013. Hope the blessings of the New Year will empower all with enthusiasm and good health as you welcome and embrace the new challenges ahead. We are proud of you for the work you do to our kababayans and your conscious effort in putting Philippine affairs on the Australian map. Maraming salamat po!!! John Rivas Philippine Consul General, NT, ad honorem." |
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Message from the Australian Governor General's Office
to RFCA for the Filipino people regarding the typhoon.
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RFCA has received condolences for the Filipino community affected by the typhoon from Mark Fraser OAM (Order of the Medal of Australia), Deputy Official Secretary to the Governor-General. The following is an extract from this communication dated 13 Nov 2013:
"... can I express how devastated we all are about this terrible tragedy... This is a time of tremendous anguish and suffering for so many of our close friends in the Philippines and our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May I wish you well with your important community broadcasting." |
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Above: The Flag of the Governor General of Australia Right: The residence of the Governor General of Australia, Canberra. |
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The Governor General is the constitutional head of Australia, with powers to open and dissolve Federal Parliament, issue writs for new national elections, appoint a Prime Minster if the election result produces a 'hung parliament', and is the Constitutional Commander and Chief of Australia's military, taking advice from the Federal Government Defence Minster who has responsibility for operational matters. The Governor General also appoints the Chief of the Defence Force and the Chiefs of the three Armed Services.
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Message to RFCA from the
Manager of the Manila Chamber Singers, Ms. Izha Lao,
December 2013
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Christmas and Holiday Greetings, 2013,
from the Manila Chamber Singers
Sent: Wednesday, 25 December 2013
"Dearest Ms. Gloria Ross and RFCA,
On behalf of the Manila Chamber Singers, we send you our sincerest gratitude for making our 2013 a fantastic and memorable one. The Australia Tour was indeed the highlight of our year, and it could not have been possible without you. YOU have been our wonderful gift this Christmas.
Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and a wonderful year ahead!
May your holidays be filled with joy and good cheer and the New Year bring you peace and happiness.
With love,
Manila Chamber Singers
CHRISTINE IZHA A. LAO, President, Manila Chamber Singers"
"Dearest Ms. Gloria Ross and RFCA,
On behalf of the Manila Chamber Singers, we send you our sincerest gratitude for making our 2013 a fantastic and memorable one. The Australia Tour was indeed the highlight of our year, and it could not have been possible without you. YOU have been our wonderful gift this Christmas.
Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and a wonderful year ahead!
May your holidays be filled with joy and good cheer and the New Year bring you peace and happiness.
With love,
Manila Chamber Singers
CHRISTINE IZHA A. LAO, President, Manila Chamber Singers"
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Typhoon Condolence Message: Rev. John and Mrs Becky Blair from the United Methodist Church, Hebron, NH, USA (November 2013)
(John was previously a church minister in Canberra and was also involved with the
outback flying doctor service in Australia.)
Dear Gloria,
Becky and I have been thinking of you and sent a gift to help victims of Typhoon Haiyan, through our United Methodist Church Relief Fund. We now send our condolences to you.
We would hope that great and significant collective actions of support are multiplied in every country, in sending aid to those so devastated by Haiyan.
May those tragically lost be honoured by the hard work of trained specialists, and common citizens' efforts, as health systems are ultimately restored.
We will remember you and the struggles and needs there in the Philippines, in the weeks and months ahead.
Blessings upon you.
Rev. John and Mrs. Becky Blair
Hebron, New Hampshire, USA
Becky and I have been thinking of you and sent a gift to help victims of Typhoon Haiyan, through our United Methodist Church Relief Fund. We now send our condolences to you.
We would hope that great and significant collective actions of support are multiplied in every country, in sending aid to those so devastated by Haiyan.
May those tragically lost be honoured by the hard work of trained specialists, and common citizens' efforts, as health systems are ultimately restored.
We will remember you and the struggles and needs there in the Philippines, in the weeks and months ahead.
Blessings upon you.
Rev. John and Mrs. Becky Blair
Hebron, New Hampshire, USA
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Letter from Hon. Senator Kate Lundy,
Federal Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Sport,
Assisting Minister for Industry and Innovation
Maraming salamat [many thanks] to Senator Kate Lundy for the lovely letter of support she wrote to RFC after her recent live studio interview. Sen. Lundy also mentions :
"... an additional $15 million investment in new measures to support and empower Australia's vibrant and diverse multicultural communities - including the Filipino community. This $15 million package includes funding to improve connections to support services, funding for infrastructure and capital works, and increased resources for language translation." |
It was a pleasure having Sen. Lundy and her staff in the studio to listen to her passionate beliefs and policies for the Australian multicultural community, of which Filipino Australians are an important part.
Click the document link below to view the full letter of support: 
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Hon. Senator Gary John Joseph Humphries, Australian Parliament
Liberal Senator for the ACT
Shadow Parliamentary Secretary to the Shadow Attorney-General
Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Material
Member of Federal Shadow Cabinet
(Previous ACT Government Portfolios: Minister for Police, Emergency Services, Lands, Planning, Environment, Arts, Heritage, Attorney-General, Treasurer, Chief Minister of the ACT)
Thank you Senator Humphries for your support.
RFC is also impressed by Senator Humphries' use of the Filipino language.
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Hon. Andrew Leigh, Member of Parliament (MP), Federal Government of Australia
Labor Member for the Federal Government seat of Fraser, ACT,
Member of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Economics,
Parliamentary Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories,
Speaker's Panel,
Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister (Promoted to this position as a rising Australian political figure of prominence on 25 March 2013) (Congratulations to Dr. Leigh from RFC and the Filipino Canberra Community!).
Dr. Leigh has been in recent communication with RFC. We are hoping to arrange for an interview with Dr. Leigh on our broadcast program.
Dr. Leigh wrote in an email to RFC:
"As someone who spent four years of my childhood growing up in southeast Asia, I know how important it is to stay in touch with news from your home country and expatriate community. Filipino Australians have a long and proud heritage, and I’m delighted that your station helps keep that community spirit alive."
Refer also to separate letter below.
In addition to his position in the Federal Australian Government, Dr. Leigh has a very impressive academic background and has won some notable awards .Prior to entering politics, Dr. Leigh was a professor in the Research School of Economics at the Australian National University (ANU). Dr. Leigh holds an MPA (Master of Public Administration) and PhD from the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, Massachusetts, USA. His academic works have been discussed in the major Australian newspapers, as well as the New York Times, Washington Post and Wall Street Journal. In 2011, Dr. Leigh was awarded the Economic Society of Australia's Young Economist Award. This award, presented once every two years, is given to honour an Australian economist under the age of forty who is deemed to have made a significant contribution to economic thought and knowledge.
Thanks for your support Dr. Leigh and RFC look forward to hearing you on our radio program sometime soon.
Click on the audio below to listen to an interview which RFC conducted with Dr. Leigh.
Dr. Leigh wrote in an email to RFC:
"As someone who spent four years of my childhood growing up in southeast Asia, I know how important it is to stay in touch with news from your home country and expatriate community. Filipino Australians have a long and proud heritage, and I’m delighted that your station helps keep that community spirit alive."
Refer also to separate letter below.
In addition to his position in the Federal Australian Government, Dr. Leigh has a very impressive academic background and has won some notable awards .Prior to entering politics, Dr. Leigh was a professor in the Research School of Economics at the Australian National University (ANU). Dr. Leigh holds an MPA (Master of Public Administration) and PhD from the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, Massachusetts, USA. His academic works have been discussed in the major Australian newspapers, as well as the New York Times, Washington Post and Wall Street Journal. In 2011, Dr. Leigh was awarded the Economic Society of Australia's Young Economist Award. This award, presented once every two years, is given to honour an Australian economist under the age of forty who is deemed to have made a significant contribution to economic thought and knowledge.
Thanks for your support Dr. Leigh and RFC look forward to hearing you on our radio program sometime soon.
Click on the audio below to listen to an interview which RFC conducted with Dr. Leigh.
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Hon. Alistair Coe, Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), ACT
Liberal Member for Ginninderra,
Deputy Leader of the Opposition, ACT Legislative Assembly,
Shadow Minister for Planning and Infrastructure, Transport, Urban Services and Heritage,
Opposition whip.
Email of support to RFC and the ACT Filipino community which we have received permission to publish. Thank you Mr Coe for your kind words and also your support to the Canberra Filipino community over the years.
NB: Sorry ladies but as per Mr Coe's email below he will be away soon on honeymoon, so he is now 'off the market' ... Congratulations to Mr Coe and his lucky and lovely wife Mrs Yasmin Coe. RFC and the Canberra Filipino community wish you both a happy life together. Mr and Mrs Coe may wish to listen to the harmonious Filipino serenade about marriage, with Filipino and English subtitles, which is linked at the bottom of our "Canberra Community News" page.
NB: Sorry ladies but as per Mr Coe's email below he will be away soon on honeymoon, so he is now 'off the market' ... Congratulations to Mr Coe and his lucky and lovely wife Mrs Yasmin Coe. RFC and the Canberra Filipino community wish you both a happy life together. Mr and Mrs Coe may wish to listen to the harmonious Filipino serenade about marriage, with Filipino and English subtitles, which is linked at the bottom of our "Canberra Community News" page.
