On Sunday, 1 February 2026, NARRA Co-operative Ltd, in collaboration with Plaza Filipino Inc., proudly hosted its annual celebration of kababayan achievers and fundraising event, the Pamana Ball & Recognition Night: Ambassador for Culture and the Arts 2026, at the Liverpool Catholic Club in Prestons, NSW.
The evening was sold-out, bringing together Filipino-Australian community leaders, organisations, families, and supporters for a night that honoured service, celebrated excellence, and strengthened our shared commitment to culture and community.
Community champions
H.E. Antonio Morales, Ambassador of the Philippines to Australia joined Consul General Charmaine Rowena Aviquivil in presenting recognition awards to our 2026 Honourees. Also in attendance were Consul Shiela Tario and Vice Consul Diana Jimenez-Leomo from the Sydney consulate with MP Julia Finn, Member for Granville; and Liverpool City Council Councillor Fiona Macnaught, representing Liverpool City Council Mayor Ned Manoun.
Finn, who is also the the Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier and the Parliamentary Secretary for the Arts were among the speakers on the night.
Following the invocation by Josephine Tada, immediate past president of Plaza Filipino, NARRA President Marcus Rivera gave his welcome remarks. "Pamana means legacy in Filipino, and tonight is legacy in motion. It’s what we inherit, what we live, and what we choose to build together for the next generation of Filipino Australians. We thank you for being here because your presence tonight isn’t just attendance. It’s support, it’s belief, and it’s bayanihan," he said.
Ambassador Morales was the event’s keynote speaker. "The year 2026 is a milestone, marking the 80th anniversary of Philippines-Australia relations. At the heart of our strategic partnership lies our people-to-people connections. These are connections that you, through your dedication and leadership, continue to deepen and sustain," he said.
"Congratulations to all the awardees, and may this evening inspire continued support for Filipino culture and the arts."
A program rich with culture and pride
Guests were treated to cultural presentations featuring past ambassadors and performers, including Annabelle Regalado Borja, Zaebriel Orayenza, Christopher Booth, dancers (Carmenchu Gresham, Juliet Vella and Jhoey Brown), and the Australian Mindanao Dancers (Emmanuel Recio Anie Gonzales, Rhodora Williams, Rheanil Cultura, Richard, Liza Guerrero Mellie Valdez, Rita Agustino, Jo Silvestre and Emmanuel Hulten).
Borja, who missed receiving her award last year, was presented her plaque after her performance.
Other performers who shared their talents were 2026 honourees Joan-Paula Conducto, Asia Cook, Joshua Santos and Nigel Guarin.
Central to the evening was the recognition of the year's ambassadors and honourees, individuals whose work and fundraising efforts have helped uplift community initiatives and support NARRA’s long-term vision.
The 2026 award recipients are:
* Ambassador of Culture and the Arts Champion – (Highest Grand Winner)
BERNADETTE MAUREEN OALIN-LUBINA
* Ambassador of Culture and the Arts Luminary – (Second Highest Grand Winner) - JOAN PAULA-CONDUCTO
* Charity Champion (Highest Fundraiser) BERNADETTE MAUREEN OALIN-LUBINA
Charity Luminary (Second Highest Fundraiser) JOAN PAULA-CONDUCTO
* 1st Runner-Up – Ambassador Fundraiser JOSHUA SANTOS
* 2nd Runner-Up – Ambassador Fundraiser GRENESSIL HISTON
* 3rd Runner-Up – ASIA COOK
* 4th Runner-Up – Ambassador Fundraiser FRANCES HELENA
* Most Achieved Ambassador ERLINDA GERONIMO SANTOS
* Most Popular Ambassador (Audience Choice) - NIGEL GUARIN
* Community Role Model Ambassador - NERIA SOLIMAN
* Community Role Model Youth Ambassador - RENE BELLA DELA CRUZ
* Leader Ambassador - FRANCES HELENA
* Youth Leader Ambassador - JOSHUA SANTOS
* Best Filipiniana - DAISY MUNDY Best Barong - JUN CAPILI
The raffle draws: over $10,000 in prizes
We held the draws for two types of raffle tickets. The $25 tickets were put in two draws – on Friday, 30th January where the major prize was Saladmaster utensils worth $1,000 donated by GoodNews Cooking Saladmaster and a number of consolation prizes, and on Sunday, 1st February for the cash prizes totalling $10,000 and several consolation prizes. Both draws were done digitally.
The $2 tickets were put in the tiambolo; with first lot of winners drawn by Consul Sheila Tario with consolation prizes, and the second lot of winners with the major prizes totalling $1,000 plus consolation prizes drawn by Vice Consul Diana Jimenez-Leomo winners.
Winning numbers were published on the NARRA FB page. NARRA Treasurer, Jaime Lopez was overall in charge of raffles, with the assistance of Josephine Tada and Carmen Fraser. "Congratulations to all winners, and heartfelt thanks to the sponsors and every supporter who purchased a ticket. Every entry helped strengthen our fundraising efforts and move our community vision forward," said Lopez. The total amounts of funds raised, including sponsorships, table bookings and raffle sales, will be announced next week.
Looking ahead: Project 500, ACI Central, and Donate a Brick
The night also highlighted NARRA Co-operative’s flagship project, PAACI: Project 500, the group's long-term commitment to building the Filipino-Australian Cultural Home by 2032. presented by Joel Tungcab, NARRA vice president and committee officer John Tantoco.
Michelle Baltazar, grants and sponsorships officer, launched the ACI Central Program Calendar for 2026, sharing what’s ahead for community programming, cultural learning, and connection.
Manny Roux, the newly-elected president of Plaza Filipino gave the closing remarks followed by community dancing to cap a very enjoyable occasion.
It takes a village
The production team that powered the event was fronted by Ronna Guzman (President of the Philippine Australian Multicultural Association Inc – PAMAI) who not only carried her tasks superbly but also looked fantastic in her gown by Bing Cristobal, organised by Charles Chan Immediate Past President of PAMAI.
Chi de Jesus, NARRA program and creative director led the production team which ensured executing a meaningful and enjoyable program enjoyed by all. The team comprised of spinner/DJ - Emerson Tuazon, script assistant - Julie Galletti, stage managers Jay Daniel and Lorraine Hong and runner, Jonathan.
NARRA multicultural engagement officer Caroline George provided Voice Over announcements and shared information on the youth honourees, with Violi Calvert (this writer), NARRA media liaison/publicist, sharing information on the adult honourees.
The multimedia team was lead by Bob Reyes, official photographer, assisted by Charles Chan on video and Darryl O’Brien on social media videography.
The organisation's next fundraising event, Tribute to Fathers & Mothers 2026, will be held on Sunday, August 30. Forms and guidelines will be available on the NARRA Facebook Page for nominees and candidates.
The Australian Filipina is a media partner of NARRA Co-operative Ltd and Plaza Filipino.
Photo credits: Bob Reyes Photo Gallery by: MIchelle Baltazar Photos of the event are on ACI Central FB Page
