On September 20, 2025 the National Affiliation of Respectable and Responsible Associations (NARRA) held a get-together to thank the honourees who participated in the recent Tribute to Fathers and Mothers 2025. The happy occasion was held at NARRA’s premises of Arts & Culture (ACI) Central in Campbelltown.
The special guests included Community Bank Galston representatives led by Savio Pereira, Lady Lauriz and Romme Buitizon from Salad Master Good News Cooking.
Long time officer and supporter Daisy Ann Cumming gave the invocation which, while imploring divine blessing and guidance on NARRA’s initiatives, also touched everyone’s hearts to be involved wholeheartedly in realising the dream to have a cultural and community centre of our own.
This was followed by a very warm welcome from NARRA’s president, Marcus Rivera, who has been the driving force behind so many of our community initiatives, and whose leadership continues to inspire all. He expressed the group’s gratitude to the honourees who participated in the last tribute event. He also delivered an equally passionate appeal to all for their support and promotion of the group’s goals.
The heart of the day’s gathering was recognising our exceptional Tribute to Fathers and Mothers 2025 Honourees. It was acknowledged that several honourees are serving and involved in other community oganisations so they were not able to attend. The honourees present at the event were Councillor Dorothy Ann Villar, Eric Provendido, Leailani Henson and Dolores Cruz Lim.
The founding president and now treasurer of NARRA, Jimmy Lopez provided financial report on the last event. He explained that while the raised funds were only small, the event was a good vehicle that promoted the next events and initiatives.
As an additional part of the thank you event, NARRA’s vice president Joel Tungcab did an exciting presentation on the Philippine-Australian Arts, Culture, and Innovation (PAACI) - 500 Project. He underscored the goals of the project which mainly are: to provide a dedicated space for preserving, promoting and celebrating Philippine arts, culture, and traditions and serve as a hub for community engagement, fostering interaction and understanding among various cultural groups.
NARRA also aims to support innovation and creativity through cultural and artistic programs, workshops and events.
Sponsor a Brick campaign
John Tantoco and Josh Santos, project leads of NARRA’s exciting campaign ‘Sponsor a Brick’ campaign also presented the details of how people and businesses can literally help build the foundation of the cultural home. They explained that every brick that individuals and corporate groups sponsor, will carry their names — or the name of someone they wish to honour. They also listed the various levels of sponsorships available: Foundation Brick $1,000; Heritage Builder $10,000; Cultural Pillar $50,000 and Legacy Block Partner $100,000.
After the presentations, Daisy Cumming spoke passionately from the floor to encourage everybody to put their wholehearted support behind the projects. She challenged everyone to give their full support so that the goal of having our own cultural and community centre would be achieved.
A break in the presentations allowed the attendees to enjoy the delicious refreshments prepared by the Good News Cooking Salad Master team. While food was served Lady Lauriz Buitizon spoke about the projects that their team is involved with and invited people to either visit their showroom or host a presentation at their homes to avail of a special gift.
There was some excitement when the draw of the $25 raffle ticket for the special prize of a return PAL ticket to the Philippines, which was donated by Pauline Peralta of Kreative travel was undertaken. The winner was Edna Crowe. The two tickets to Fiesta Kultura donated by Paola Llorando of Remitly were drawn. The winners were Bernadette Malvizo and Violi Calvert.
The break was followed by a presentation from Chi De Jesus, program director, who outlined the exciting programs that will be undertaken at ACI for the remainder of the year. These include sessions on parol (lantern) making, and the hanging ceremony will be done with a choir singing Christmas songs.
Josephine Tada, president of Plaza Filipino spoke to give her thank you message and appeal for the support of everyone present to help make the dream of having our own cultural and community centre a reality.
The last part of the event was the inspiring closing remarks by Marcus Rivera. "This gathering may be ending, but our work continues. Together, we're not just building a cultural centre - we're creating a legacy for future generations," he said.
Violi Calvert, this writer, was Master of Ceremonies, and thanked everybody for spending the afternoon at the event and for their enthusiasm throughout the program.
There was an excited buzz and chatter in the room, and friendly farewells as people left the venue, each one of them glad to be part of a meaningful endeavor that would leave a lasting legacy for the community.
