Albany Filipino Association - Heritage and Unity

About Us

The Albany Filipino Association is committed to promoting, celebrating, and preserving the rich Filipino heritage in Albany, Western Australia. Our mission is to foster unity, connection, and mutual support among Filipino migrants, while sharing our vibrant culture with the wider community. We invite everyone to join us in our civic, social, cultural, and humanitarian activities.

The Association was established in 2005, when a group of Filipino migrants—led by Joe Camiquin (President), Bernabe Mercado (Vice‑President), and Marina Taylor (Secretary)—came together to form the Filipino Association in Albany, Western Australia. The rest, as they say, is history.

Learn More

Objectives

Heritage

To promote awareness, understanding and preservation of the Filipino heritage in the Association.

Harmony

To promote understanding and the harmonious relationships amongst Filipinos and Australians.

Unity

To foster unity and mutual support amongst the Filipino migrants in Australia.

Support

To support, (within the limits of its resources), civic, social, cultural, religious and humanitarian projects.

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

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

https://www.wallstreetmojo.com/budget-committee/

Fundraising

Head: Ronnie Atienza

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 202-2025: Bingo, Moneyboard and Rose

https://www.truity.com/career-profile/fundraiser

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/ies 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: Rose Ann Garcia

Roles and Responsibilities

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.

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 member

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.

Family

Head: Rena Mae Robin

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.

Youth

Head: Kiarra Hurley

Roles and Responsibilities

Engages the Association’s young people by including them in decision- making processes on their involvement in the Association’s activities especially on WA’s Youth Week on April.

Supports youth’s leadership by empowering young people to take on leadership roles and contributing to the development of Association’s services and programs.

Facilitates youth engagement by ensuring that the Association's youth have a voice and that their contributions are recognised and valued.

Sets clear roles by establishing specific roles and responsibilities for each sub-committee members to ensure effective functioning and accountability.

Adapts to the Association’s needs by flexibly working within the structure of the Albany Filipino Association of Australia Incorporated to meet the unique needs and interests of the youth members.

2025 - 2026 Events and Projects

July 19, 2025 Induction of Officers and Fellowship with Bingo fundraiser

Time: 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

Time: 3pm - 7pm

Headed by: Marina Thompson and Maria Jesa 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)

November 1, 2025 Post-Halloween Trick or Treat Disco Party

Time: 4:30pm - 6:30pm

Headed by: Emma Laline Decapia, Marina Thompson and Maria 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 (Caroling for Christmas Charity Hamper and Bayanihan Preparation for Christmas Pageant)

Headed by: Rena Mae Robin and Ivy Salan

Description:

a. 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.

b. Christmas Pageant float preparation - for Filipinos to meet on Weekends to start making the stuff needed for the float.

December 20, 2025 - Christmas and Year End Party, December 7 Christmas Pageant and Simbang Gabi from December 15 - 23

Time: 4:00pm - 6:00pm

Headed by: Rena Mae Robin, Ivy Salan and Arthur Duco

Venue: Stirling Club

Emcee: Hazel Galang

Description:

a. 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 5 Decorate the truck, Dec 6 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 Masses from 8th - 16th of January

Time: 5:30pm. 17th of January 10:00am

Headed by: Sto Nino Committee

Venue: Holy Family Church

B. Sto Nino Festival

Time: 9am - 1pm

Emcee: Hazel Galang

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 21, 2026 - Post-Valentine Feb-ibig Family Ball/ Back to 70's & 80's

Time: 4:00pm - 6:00pm

Headed by: Richard Habal, Rose Ann Garcia and Marina Thompson

Venue: Lower Kalgan Hall

Emcee: Jasmin Habal

Description:

To dress to impress with 70's and 80'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

Time: 3:30pm - 5:45pm

Headed by: Virginia Ledwith, Aldrin Villacorta, Rena Mae Robin, Ivy Salan

Venue: Emu Point

Emcee: Richard Habal

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?

April 11, 2026 - Filipino Youths' It's Bowling Time

Time: 4:00pm - 6:00pm

Headed by: Kiara Hurley

Venue: Wild West Bowling

Description:

Youth Week is a meaningful opportunity for young people to connect, celebrate community, and recognize the value of their shared and individual journeys. Bowling provides a relaxed, inclusive environment where youth can bond naturally, encouraging conversation, laughter, and teamwork beyond formal settings. Anchored on the theme “Strength in Our Stories,” this activity highlights how diverse life experiences—family, faith, challenges, and joys—shape who we are and how we grow stronger together as a community. Funded by Department of communities.

Filipino Mother's Day - It's Bowling Time

Time: 4:00pm - 6:00pm

Headed by: Virginia Ledwith, Marina Thompson and Rena Mae Robin

Venue: Wild West Bowling

Description:

A community celebration that promotes social connection, wellbeing and cultural pride. The project increases community engagement by bringing Filipino mums together in a fun, inclusive setting that encourages participation across age groups. It supports health and wellbeing through light physical activity and positive social interaction, while recognising and celebrating mothers and caregivers.

June 13, 2026 Independence Day Celebration

Time: 4:00pm - 6:00pm

Headed by: Aldrin Villacorta and Ivy Salan

Emcee: Hazel Galang

Venue: TBA

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

Time: 5:30pm - 6:00pm

Headed by: Richard Habal, Rose Ann Garcia and Lalaine Decapia

Venue: CWA Hall

Chairperson: Richard Habal

Description:

AGM should be done to have the receipts of 2025-2026 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.

Team

Richard Habal

President of the Albany Filipino Association, dedicated to fostering community engagement and cultural pride.

Rose Ann Taylor

Vice President, focusing on social initiatives and youth programs to empower the next generation.

Emma Laine Decapia

Treasurer, managing the association’s finances with transparency and integrity.

Marina Thompson

Secretary, ensuring effective communication and organization of community events.

Maria Jesa Tapales

Assistant Secretary, responsible for supporting the Secretary in maintaining accurate records, preparing correspondence and meeting minutes, and assisting with the efficient administration and communication of the Association.

Ronnie Atienza

Public Relations Officer (PRO), responsible for promoting the Association’s activities and initiatives, managing public communications, strengthening community engagement, and maintaining positive relationships with members, partners, and the wider public through various media platforms.

Ivy Salan

Board Member – Sports Sub‑Committee Member, responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing sports‑related activities and events that promote teamwork, wellbeing, and active participation among Association members and the wider community.

Virginia Ledwith

Board Member – Site Preparation and Aftercare Sub‑Committee Head, responsible for coordinating site setup and pack‑down for Association events, ensuring venues are safe, organised, and well‑maintained, and overseeing post‑event clean‑up and aftercare in line with Association standards and community expectations.

ArthurDuco

Aldrin Villacorta

Rena Mae Joy Robin

Board Member – Family Sub‑Committee Head, responsible for planning and coordinating family‑focused activities and programs that promote inclusivity, wellbeing, and strong connections among families within the Association, while encouraging participation across all age groups and supporting a family‑friendly community environment.