Maharlika Inc.

Maharlika, Inc. knocked 2008 off with a picnic at the Royal National Park last Saturday, the 22^nd of November 2008, instead of the usual dance party.

2008 was a very busy year. The most memorable event was its participation during the World Youth Day here in Sydney last July 2008.  With the use of three pairs of bamboo poles, the group danced the “Tinikling” (Bamboo Dance), choreographed by Mayven Reodica.  Out of the 17 countries that were represented during the Cultural Day, Maharlika, Inc was the first to dance and was asked to perform twice by the audience. The youth who participated were Lorraine Ladia, Normandy Maghacut, Inah Agcaoili, Carla Benitez, Rafael Maghacut, Gabriel Aureus, Darren dela Rosa, Leo Ladia.,Vincent Maghacut, and Carlos Aureus. Mark Diaz helped in the distribution of the Filipino flags.

Maharlika, Inc also held its annual fund raising event on the 19^th of July at Parramatta RSL, a “Masquerade Party”. The function was attended by the current board members of the Philippine Community Council, officers and members of the different affiliates, and families and friends who had been supporting the cause of Maharlika, Inc. The event coincided with the induction of the officers of Maharlika, Inc who took the oath under Rey Manoto, the President of the Philippine Community Council.

The youth group led by Lorraine Ladia and Elizabeth Passion also organized “Kaoz 08”, a disco dance party on the 27^th of September at St. Patrick’s Hall, Summer Hill.  Other youth officers involved were Rafael Maghacut, Gabriel and Carlos Aureus, Carla Benitez, Leandro Ladia, Normandy Maghacut, Darren dela Rosa,  John Candava and Vincent Maghacut.  Some of the youth who attended and helped in organizing the event were Tyrell Navaro, Kenneth Cruz, Christopher Ho, Richard Ramos, Sam Popovic, Chanell Galanto, Joshua Pineda, Mara Magente, Patricia Ilas,  Mydee Daito and Chesca Oliva.  The disco party was supervised by Leonard Ladia and Wilma Pasion who were in-charge of the light and music and entertainment like parlour games, raffles and dance competitions. Gift vouchers were donated by Best and Less Pty for the prizes.

Maharlika, Inc also had a reunion with Fr. Ed Orilla, who just came back from Europe and was treated with a lunch at Doy Tao on the 6^th of October 2008.  Fr. Ed is the spiritual adviser of Maharlika, Inc. and was instrumental for the use of the Enmore Parish Hall where the members hold their weekly social events and practices. 

Other involvement of Maharlika, Inc.included its participation in the Royal Easter Show in March, flag raising ceremonies and cultural show in June, in coordination with the Philippine Community Council –PCC-NSW and affiliates, Council and school activities like the Sto. Nino Feast in January at St Brigids Church and the Marrickville Public School “Around the World” in September , Open Day in Penrith in August ,  Ghost Fisher’s Parade at Campbelltown in November  and many others.