A very meaningful and memorable event gathered together the Filipino-Australian community and friends on August 9, 2025 at the Liverpool Catholic Club. This was the Tribute to Fathers & Mothers 2025 undertaken by the National Affiliation of Responsible & Reliable Associations (NARRA) and Plaza Filipino.  The event celebrated fifteen exemplary fathers and mothers who have been shaping tomorrow’s community through their valuable sacrifices, achievements and contributions to initiatives that benefit the Filipino-Australian community here in Australia and back in the Philippines.


In this 11th annual celebration, the Honourees whose advocacy perfectly aligns with the organisations’ mission to create a thriving hub for the Filipino-Australian and others to benefit generations to come, are as follows:

Fathers:

  • Engramar Sampang Bollas - Leads a community of software engineers, which assists non-profit organisations
  • Jess Diaz – Community advocate and local government leader
  • Randy Hipolito – Community organiser and cultural ambassador
  • Eugene Urriza La Compte – Dedicated community volunteer
  • Jaime Guadalupe Lui – Business and community leader
  • Eric Paguio Prevendido – Cultural preservation advocate
  • Fred Reyes - Leads spiritual activities, visits the sick, and helps the needy

Mothers:

  • Mary Ann Alfonso – Community educator and mentor
  • Lhaurie Borbe – Youth development advocate
  • Dolores Lim Cruz – Community welfare pioneer
  • Dorothy Ann Baena Del Villar – Public service leader and community champion
  • Leilani Angeles Henson – Cultural bridge-builder
  • Liz Mateo Lallana – Community organiser and volunteer leader
  • Raissa Mae Crease Arayenza – Cultural arts champion
  • Thelma Gatlabayan Santos – Family and community advocate

There was a festive atmosphere as the attendees arrived in their elegant Filipiniana, Barong or other formal wear and with happy chatter to friends they have not seen for a while or to new acquaintances.
The event was graced with the attendance of special guests Hon Consul General Charmaine Rowena Aviquivil, Sir  George Prudente, Vice Consul Diana Marie Jimenez-Leomo, Cultural Officer Rowena Garcia; Community Bank Galston Representatives Mr Savio Pereira, Branch Manager and Mr Mevan Fernando, Senior Lender; Mr & Mrs Fortunato Ligato, Director of Liverpool Catholic Club and friends,and Grace Liston, PCC NSW President. It was heartwarming to see officers and members of community organisations and media groups such SBS Filipino represented by Edinel Magtibay Dearden, and Radyo Bayanihan Broadcaster Charles Chan.
Before the program proper, the major sponsors who made the event possible, spoke.   These were Jimmy Lopez for the Australian Funeral Plan, Pauline Peralta of Kreative Travel and Paola Llorando of Remitly.

At 5pm, the formalities started with the singing of the Philippine National Anthem and the Australian National Anthem.  The Invocation was said by Fr Domingo Barawid who is Westmead Hospital Chaplain and Camillian Disaster Service Australia (CADIS Australia Ltd) Executive Director.
After the announcements by voice overs, the Master of Ceremonies then took the floor to keep the program going smoothly and lively.  This was none other than was Ronna Guzman, President of the Philippine Australian Multicultural Association Inc. (PAMAI) and NARRA PRO. 
First up for a talk was Marcus Rivera, President of NARRA who after acknowledging the attendance of the special guests and all present, delivered an inspiring Welcome and Opening Remarks. Here are excerpts being shared with permission:
“Tonight we celebrate our honoured fathers and mothers who responded to our call. You believed in our shared dream of having our own cultural home when it was just an idea. You supported us when the path seemed uncertain. You invested your faith, your resources, and your energy into something bigger than yourself.
Thank you for being our inspiration and demonstrating that selfless service to family and community creates the most meaningful legacy of all. Your vision, your sacrifice, and your unwavering support have brought us to this moment where Project 500 is no longer just a dream - it's a plan in motion, supported by partnerships, driven by volunteers, and funded by a community that believes in its potential.
As we celebrate you tonight, we also celebrate the values you have instilled in us: respect, perseverance, community spirit, and the courage to dream big. These values drive everything we do at NARRA Co-operative. Thank you for showing us that when we work together, when we support each other, and when we commit to something greater than ourselves, there is no limit to what we can achieve.”
This was followed by another inspiring talk given by Hon. Consul General Aviquivil.  We are also glad to share with permission of her message:
“This annual tribute is more than just an event—it is a reminder of the values we hold dear: pagmamahal sa pamilya, malasakit sa kapwa, at pagiging responsableng miyembro ng komunidad.  Furthermore, it is a testament to the spirt of bayanihan that defines us as Filipinos.  By recognizing the achievements and contributions of these remarkable mothers and fathers, we affirm the vital role that parents play not only in shaping their children’s future, but also in nurturing the Filipino spirit here in Australia.

The Consulate is also heartened to know that tonight’s event supports a noble cause:  which is that of raising funds for PAACI: Project 500—an inspiring vision to establish the first Filipino-Australian Cultural and Innovation Centre in Sydney. Such a centre will serve as a genuine representation of our heritage, a hub for creativity and innovation, and a place where generations of Fil-Australians can meet and consider as home.  It will strengthen our community’s presence, showcase our culture, and inspire pride in our identity as Filipino-Australians.  I look forward to seeing the impact of this worthy project on our community. 

This evening’s program is made even more meaningful with the induction of the new officers of the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) Australia Chapter. To the incoming officers, I extend my warmest congratulations. Your election is both an honor and a responsibility—to lead with integrity, inspire your members, and continue the tradition of excellence that PICPA stands for.”
The entertainment at the first part of the evening was provided by ASG Dancers, Zion Lallana, duet by Zion Lallana with Asia Cook, and a solo by Asia Cook.  The Re-Groove Band also provided music for dancing of the public.
Ronna called on Violi Calvert, NARRA PRO to invite to the front for their induction by Consul General Aviquivil, the 2025 Officers of Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) Australia Chapter.   These include:

President - Ricardo de Vera
Vice President - Rodegelio Orantia
Secretary - May Reyes
Treasurer - Agnes Aclan
Asst Treasurer - Josephine de los Reyes
Directors - Dax Aguilar,
Diosdado Morales, Violeta Perez
Internal Auditor - Leo Ceniza
PRO - Juliet Navarro
Immediate Past President - Jaime Lopez
There was great excitement and cheering amongst by the supporters as the honourees were introduced.   Violi Calvert read brief excerpt of their bios as they were called to the front and were presented their plaques as Honourees.

Three presentations subsequently followed.  Michelle Baltazar, Former President, Plaza Filipino spoke about the judging criteria for the assessment of the Honourees; Albert Prias, former President, NARRA Co-op Ltd undertook the PAACI Project 500 presentation; and Charles Chan, Former President, PAMAI and Director, NARRA Co-op Ltd spoke about the NARRA Co-op Membership Drive.
A duet performance was enjoyed next, carried out by Meong Dado and Aristotle Ortanez.
This was followed by the exciting part of the evening, with the various awards being announced.   The atmosphere was very electric with anticipation and much cheering by the supporters and all present. 
Congratulations to all Honourees and those who were awarded special titles.
SPECIAL LEADERSHIP AWARDS
Councilor Jess Diaz and Councilor Dorothy Ann Del Villar


FATHER OF THE YEAR AND CHARITY FATHER OF THE YEAR 2025
Eric P. Prevendido
MOTHER OF THE YEAR AND CHARITY MOTHER OF THE YEAR 2025
Leilani Henson
CHARITY FATHER OF THE YEAR 2025 FIRST RUNNER UP
 Fred Reyes
CHARITY MOTHER OF THE YEAR 2025 FIRST RUNNER UP
 Lhaurie Borbe
CHARITY FATHER OF THE YEAR 2025 SECOND RUNNER UP
Eugene La Compte
CHARITY MOTHER OF THE YEAR 2025 SECOND RUNNER UP
Dolores Lim Cruz
ROLE MODEL FATHER OF THE YEAR 2025
Fred Reyes
ROLE MOTHER OF THE YEAR 2025
Lhaurie Borbe
MOST ACHIEVED FATHER 2025
Engramar Bollas
MOST ACHIEVED MOTHER 2025
Dolores Lim Cruz
MOST POPULAR
Eric Prevendido
Leilani Henson
BEST DRESSED
Mathew Haddad
Mathel Santos
The awarding was followed by a musical performance by Zaebriel Orayenza who enthralled the audience.  Then Plaza Filipino President, Josephine Tada gave the Closing Remarks.  She thanked the sponsors, the special guests, and all involved and congratulated all the Honourees and awardees.
The evening had more excitement for all, as the much awaited Special $25 Draw undertaken on the spinwheel on the screen and the $2 raffle prizes were being drawn from the barrel.  The special prize of a SaladMaster Kettle worth more than $1,000 donated by Lady Lauriz Buitizon of GoodNews SaladMaster was won by Jefferson Lopez. The major prizes of $500, $300 and $200, and twenty consolation prizes were all drawn and given to the respective winners.
The evening was capped with more dancing with the music provided by Re-Groove Band. If I were to pick the Queen of the Dancefloor, I would pick Daisy Cumming who were able get Vice Consul Diana Marie Jimenez-Leomo and Consular Officer Rowena Garcia to join in the public dancing.
It was great to see everyone smiling and enjoyed their experience on the evening.  They were also happy knowing that they contributed towards the realisation of the dream to have a cultural, arts and community centre for the Filipino-Australians and the wider community for the generations to come.  There is still a lot of work to be done but with the support of all, this dream would come true.  
Congratulations to Chi de Jesus, Creative Director and his production team comprised of Annabel Ung, Isaiah Lazaro, Ballina Gee, Leigh Dearden and Darryl O’Brien (photographer), and special kudos to the officers and members of NARRA and Plaza Filipino.  Thank you to the sponsors – Australian Funeral Plan, Kreative Travel and Remitly, and all who joined us in the memorable event.
See you at the next NARRA event.  Nominations are now open for Ambassador for Culture and the Arts who will be recognised at The Pamana Ball on February 1, 2026 at the Liverpool Catholic Club.  Check out the nomination form and updates on this event through the ACI Central, NARRA and Plaza Filipino FB pages.

Photo and videography: Darryl O'Brien Photography
Complete set of photos can be accessed here.