Promote, understand and preserve the Filipino heritage in Albany Western Australia
Let us build a future that values harmonious relationships amongst Filipinos and Australians by fostering unity and mutual support amongst the Filipino migrants in Australia. Be a member and join us in our civic, social, cultural, religious and humanitarian projects! Makiisa na kabayan!
About the Albany Filipino Association of Australia Incorporated
The association has started in 2005, where group of Filipino migrants led by Joe Camiquin (2005 President), Bernabe Mercado (2005 Vice-President) and Marina Taylor (2005 Secretary) started to organise a Filipino Association here in Albany, Western Australia and the rest as what they say is now part of the history of the association.
Our Sub-Committees
These are our volunteer-members who help us in our projects and services to our community. If you want to be one of them, please contact the head of the sub-committee or any of the Executive Officers.
Site preparation and after care
Head: Rogene Delima
Roles and Responsibilities
The first and last sub-committee who will stay at the venue of the event to ensure the venue was set up (backdrop, music, chairs and table and projection if needed) before the event and left it tidy after the event
Knows or oculars the venue e.g. first aid kit, entrance and (fire) exits, amenities in the venue
Responsible for the evacuation in case of emergency which includes having the attendance sheet and hi-vis to be seen by the members
Responsible for the crowd control before, during and after the event
Helps the Executive Committee in ushering especially if there are guests
Budget
Head: Lalaine Decapia (current Treasurer)
Roles and Responsibilities
Headed by the treasurer and assisted by the President of the association
Ensures responsible spending and resource allocation
Ensures the association's financial sustainability and success by managing resources effectively and responsibly.
Reviews budget estimates, modifies and approves budget proposals and financial plans of the association
Provides a platform for different event organisers/sub-committees to communicate their financial needs and priorities, fostering understanding and collaboration.
Establishes Budget Guidelines and Policies
Fundraising
Head: Jollie Edwards
Roles and Responsibilities
Research prospective donors/sponsors
Create a strong fundraising message that appeals to potential donors or to the members
Identify and contact potential donors/sponsors
Organize campaigns or events to solicit donations
Maintain records of donor information
Evaluate the success of previous fundraising events
Train volunteers in fundraising procedures and practices
Ensure that all legal reporting requirements are satisfied
Fundraisers 2024-2025: Bingo, Moneyboard and 10 Cents Collection
Religious
Head: Fr Joel Villanueva (assisted by different members from other Christian denomination)
Roles and Responsibilities
Relay to the Filipinos in their religious affiliations the activities that we have in the association
Share the responsibilities in doing the prayer in the association’s events especially during Easter Prayer Service
Encourages our Filipino members to adopt healthy behaviors that are compatible with religious teachings associated to their religious affiliation
Promotes understanding and the harmonious relationships amongst Filipinos and Australians based on their religious belief.
Supports religious projects e.g. Prayer Request and Personal Accompaniment Hotline Number, Prayer Group Ecumenical Meeting
To be spiritual support and prayer warriors of Filipinos living in Albany.
Plans and proposes religious activity/activities that may be acceptable to all.
Promotion
Head: Ronnie Atienza (current PRO)
Roles and Responsibilities
Be present pre- event (planning stage) in each Filipino activities to help disseminate information and increase awareness and other promotional assistance.
Writes articles for newsletter
Manages social media presence using Facebook to improve association’s membership and participation.
Take photos of the event to be used in promoting the event. (Be aware that some members don’t like their photos to be taken or used.)
Advertises all Filipino events through all mediums— print (e.g. poster), outdoor signage (when possible/needed) and digital and social media.
Sports
Head: Ramil Paragoso and Manuel Dela Merced (Basketball League Coordinators)/ Ivy Salan (Women's Volleyball Coordinator)
Roles and Responsibilities
Reserves the venue for the sports being coordinated
Takes care of the sports equipment of the association
Coordinates any Social Media promotion/updates e.g. Albany Basketball League FB Page
Coordinates Sponsorship needed in the sports being organised e.g. uniform, equipment maintenance, awards like medals, trophies
Children's Activities
Head: Celso Aguisando
The head of the sub-committee will make a roster on who will look after the kids on the kids’ area when an event is happening with the parents’ permission and/or supervision
Organises events for the kids e.g. Holloween Party, Christmas Caroling and party
Organises games for kids in each event of the association
Family
Head: Rosalie Bombasi
Roles and Responsibilities
Assists in organising events related to family activities e.g. Holloween Party, Christmas Party, Feb-ibig Masquarade Ball and Palarong Pambansa
Organises games for families in each event of the association
Informs the committee if there are families in our community who struggles and need help e.g. Bereavement Donation
Cultural
Head: Jasmin Habal
Roles and Responsibilities
Promotes awareness, understanding and preservation of the Filipino heritage in the Association.
Assists in organising events that promotes Filipino culture such as Palarong Pambansa, Independence Day, Christmas Pageant, Christmas Caroling, Teatro Pilipino and Sto Nino Folk Dancing or Singing as Choir
Be the ambassador of Filipino Culture in Albany in case the Executive Committee members are not available to attend a function that aims to promote Filipino Culture
Civic
Head: Ronnie Atienza
Roles and Responsibilities
Promotes duties or activities Filipinos need to be part of here in Albany especially as volunteers
Assists in organising events that promotes civic engagement activities such as Beach Clean Up day of Easter, 10 Cents Collection to promote recycling
Be the representative of the association in Albany’s civic engagement activities with or if the Executive Committee is not available to attend the event.
2025 - 2026 Events and Projects
July 19, 2025 Induction of Officers and Fellowship with Bingo fundraiser
Oras: 3pm - 7pm
Headed by: Richard Habal and Rose Ann Garcia
Venue: Stirling Club
Emcee: Hazel Galang
Description: “An induction program is an essential component of promoting good governance in the organisation. A comprehensive induction program helps to create a smooth transition for the organisation when there's turnover.” - Chapter 3: Officer induction | Fair Work Commission (fwc.gov.au)
August 23, 2025 - Buwan ng Wika (Pinoy Henyo Family Day)
Oras: 3pm - 7pm
Headed by: Marina Thompson, Maria Jessa Tapales
Venue: St Joseph's College Gym
Emcee: Richard Habal
Description: Taon-taon ipinagdiriwang ang Buwan ng Wika na ginaganap tuwing buwan ng Agosto. Ito ay isang espesyal na okasyon na naglalayong ipagmalaki at ipakita ang yaman ng wikang Filipino. Ang selebrasyong ito ay nagbibigay-daan upang mapalalim ang pagpapahalaga at pag-unawa ng mga Pilipino sa sariling wika at kultura. (www.twinkl.com)
September 6, 2025 - Rampa Papa (Father's Day Celebration)
Oras: 10am to 6pm (Candidates)
3PM - 6PM Actual event with Audience
Headed by: Ronnie Atienza, Aldrin Villacorta, Arthur Duco
Venue: Port Theatre
Emcee: Jasmin Habal and Fr Joel Villanueva
Description: Each suburb (Baranggay) will choose their Rampa Papa representative for 2025. The candidates will have their photo day before they rehearse for their pageant. The pageant will start at 3pm. Candidates should be ready with their casual attire, Barong Tagalog attire, sports attire and casual attire. There will be a talent showcase and Q and A portion in tagalog.
October 25, 2025 Pre-Halloween Trick or Treat Disco Party
Oras: 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Headed by: Emma Lalaine Decapia, Marina Thompson, Jesa Tapales
Venue: Juniper
Emcee: Jasmin Habal
Description: On Halloween night our Filipino kids will go trick or treat on each table in the hall, everyone can come and join the party for it’s going to be sweet! Wear your best costume for a prize that’s sure to delight! (kids, adults and family categories) The night will end with a disco/just dance.
November (Women's Volleyball League, Caroling for Christmas Charity Hamper and Bayanihan (Preparation for Christmas Pageant)
Headed by: Rena Mae Robin and Ivy Salan
Description:
a. Women's Volleyball League - Recreational league for Asian women players of all ages and skill levels to provide a fun and social way to play the volleyball.
b. Caroling - To sing Christmas carols and spread the happiness by conducting house to house caroling in your suburb on Nov 8, 15, 22 and 29 between 5:00 PM- 7:00 PM, to solicit assistance that you can provide to help our association to raise funds for the Christmas Party on December 1 especially for the kids’ lolly bags and food. The money that will be collected will also be donated to our Filipino Kababayan's charity hampers for charity group in the Philippines.
c. Christmas Pageant float preparation - for Filipinos to meet on Weekends to start making the stuff needed for the float.
December 6, 2025 - Christmas and Year End Party, December 7 Christmas Pageant and Simbang Gabi from December 15 - 23
A. Christmas Party
Oras: 2pm - 6pm
Headed by: Rena Mae Robin, Ivy Salan, Arthur Duco
Venue: Stirling Club
Emcee: Hazel Galang
Description: To celebrate Christmas season which is a wonderful time of the year when our Filipino families get together to celebrate with joy and happiness. It's a time of giving and sharing; loving and forgiving.
B. Christmas pageant
Description: December 6 Decorate the truck, Dec 7 be part of the pageant (kids on the truck with adult supervision and some adults walking/dancing at the front of the truck.)
C. Simbang Gabi
For our Catholic members who want to end their day with faith and devotion: Simbang Gabi, a nine-day series of Masses in celebration of Christmas and the birth of Jesus Christ; A cherished Filipino Christmas tradition.
January 17, 2026 - Sto Nino Festival
A. Novena mass from 8th - 16th of January
Oras: 5:30pm, 17th of Jan 10am
Headed by: Sto Nino Committee
Venue: Holy Family Church
B. Sto Nino Festival
Oras: 9am - 2pm
Venue: Holy Family Church/ St Joseph’s College Gym
Emcee: Bernabe Mercado
Description: To support the annual Feast of Sto Niño in Cebu City, Philippines, which has become a significant cultural event for Filipino Catholics in Australia.
NOTE: If other Filipino members in other Christian denominations got activities this month, please let the officers know so we can support you too.
February 14, 2026 - Feb-ibig Family Ball/ Back to 70's
Oras: 2pm - 6pm
Headed by: Richard Habal, Rose Ann Garcia and Marina Thompson
Venue: St Joseph's College Gym
Emcee: Richard Habal
Description: To dress to impress with 70's outfit! Get ready to groove to the enchanting melodies and dance to the heart's content with live band singing 70's hits. Exciting prizes await the best 70's outfits and the grooviest dancers.
March 21, 2026 - Family Day Palarong Pambansa
Oras: 2pm - 6pm
Headed by: Virginia Ledwith, Rena Mae Robin, Aldrin Villacorta, Ivy Salan
Venue: St Joseph’s College oval
Emcee: Hazel Galang
Description: The 2nd year of annual multi-sport event involving the whole Filipino family inculcating the spirit of discipline, teamwork, excellence, fair play, solidarity, sportsmanship, and other values inherent in Filipino traditional sports like sungka, piko, sipa, hilahan lubid at iba pa. Filipino families will be grouped in Teams: Pula, Dilaw, Puti, Asul (depending on the numbers of familes). Scores will be tabulated and added at the end of all the games. Awards will be given at the end of the day. Will Asul team win again?
March 29 - April 4, 2026 Holy Week and April 5 Easter Sunday Prayer Service then Easter egg hunting followed by Beach Clean Up
Oras: 1pm - 3pm
Headed by: Ronnie Atienza, Maria Jessa Tapales, Arthur Duco
Venue: Emu Point
Emcee: Jasmin Habal
Description: There will be a prayer service to be led by the Religious sub-committee members followed by Easter egg hunting for the kids then family picnic at the beach. It will be ended with beach clean-up. This supports our religious and civic objectives.
May 9, 2026 - Rampa Mama 2026 Mother’s Day Celebration (Sta Cruzan Style)
Oras: 10am to 6pm (Candidates)
3PM - 6PM Actual event with Audience
Headed by: Virginia Ledwith, Rena Mae Robin and Marina Thompson
Venue: Port Theatre
Emcee: Richard Habal
Description: Each suburb (Baranggay) will choose their Ina ng Tahanan representative for 2026. The candidates will have a zumba followed by pamper day and photo day before they rehearse for their pageant. The pageant will start at 3pm. Candidates should be ready with their casual attire, long gown attire, sports attire and Filipiniana attire. There will be a talent showcase and Q and A portion in tagalog.
June 13, 2026 Independence Day Celebration and Teatro Pilipino (Performance)
Oras: 3pm
Headed by: Aldrin Villacorta and Ivy Salan
Venue: St Joseph’s College gym
Emcee: Jasmin Habal
Description: Independence Day or Araw ng Kasarinlán; also known as Araw ng Kalayaan, "Day of Freedom" is a national holiday in the Philippines observed annually on June 12, commemorating the declaration of Philippine independence from Spain in 1898. Since 1978, it has been the country's National Day. This will also be the debut performance of our Albany Teatro Pilipino. After the prayer service, amendment of the constitution especially about the Election and a salo salo, the Teatro Pilipino’s performance will end the night.
June 27, 2026 - AGM and Election of Officers 2026-2027
Oras: 3pm - 6pm
Headed by: Richard Habal and Rose Ann Garcia
Venue: St Joseph's College Gym
Chairperson: Richard Habal
Description: AGM should be done to have the receipts of 2024-2025 president and treasurer’s report; presentation of the annual report; election of commitee members; appointment of auditor the following financial year; and any other business placed on agenda prior to the commencement of the meeting.
July - Induction of Officers and Fellowship
Oras: 3pm - 7pm
Headed by: Richard Habal and Rose Ann Garcia
Venue: St Joseph's College Gym
Emcee: Hazel Galang
Description: “An induction program is an essential component of promoting good governance in the organisation. A comprehensive induction program helps to create a smooth transition for the organisation when there's turnover.” - Chapter 3: Officer induction | Fair Work Commission (fwc.gov.au)
Help our Filipino Kababayans in Batangas especially this coming Christmas.
By supporting our association through financial contributions, we can give hampers to at least 10 Filipino families who are in need in the Philippines this coming Christmas.
Our Team
Richard Habal
President (2025-2026)
Rose Ann Garcia
Vice President (2025 - 2026)
Marina Thompson
Secretary (2025 - 2026)
Jesa Tapales
Asst Secretary (2025 - 2026)
Lalaine Decapia
Treasurer (Budget Sub-Committee Head 2025 - 2026)
Ronnie Atienza
PRO (Promotion Sub-Committee Head 2025-2026)
Ivy Salan
Board Member (Sports Sub-Committee Head - 2025-2026)
Virginia Ledwith
Board Member (Site Preparation and Aftercare Sub-Committee Member - 2025-2026)
Arthur Duco
Board Member (2025-2026)
Aldrin Villacorta
Board Member (2025-2026)
Rena Mae Robin
Board Member (202-2026)
Feedback from members for the recently done events
Oct 19, 2024 Induction of Officers and Fellowship
What did you like most about the event?
“Well organised.”, “Plenty of food”, “Bayanihan was really evident.”, “Masaya”, “The induction” , “The raffles and Bingo” , “Overall”, “...seating arrangement.” “Venue,decor...”, “Games”, “Being together” , “We enjoyed the whole event”
Share with us your highlights of the event.
“Solo Photo with Mayor 😂”, “Overall well prepared’, ”New set of officers are setting the bar high for the coming years. Well done.”, "The unity and the generosity of the Filipino.”, “Let’s spread our love to one another to be stronger bind of the Pilipino community here in Albany and some other places .”, “Seeing the newly officers being inducted and the bingo was so much fun I had participated ” , “Very nice foods n venue”, “All events”, “Getting together with friends and enjoyed the event.”, “I like the way how you guys calling the table numbers to line up for the food. Less crowded and less queuing.”, “Fund raising and the induction”, “Participation of the kids.”, “We enjoyed all of it.”
Frequently Asked Questions
In 2005 Albany Filipino Association of Australia Incorporated was officially formed and registered, with a singular mission to assist our Filipino migrants here in Albany, WA.
You can nominate yourself to be part of any sub-committees that we have or just let the officers know on how do you want to help e.g as sponsor in one of our events or by donating gifts/prizes for our fundraising or raffles.
You can donate with cash or through our Westpac account BSB:036-168 ACC NO:352506 Reference: eg J. Rizal Donation for (name of event/project)
Yes, for according to the constitution, Membership fee is payable by the 30th of June each year. Members may pay their fees up until the start of the Association’s Annual General Meeting. Membership not renewed by this time will cease and members will have to reapply for membership as specified above.
Contact Us
Phone
+61439911236Operating Hours
Monday - Friday from 5:30 - 9PM
Saturday - 9AM - 9PM
Sunday - Right to Disconnect
Note: If the matter is really urgent, don't hesitate to contact any of the officers any time and we will try our best to accomodate you ASAP.