History
1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007
1995
- Mr. Mauro Somodio arrived in Brisbane from Melbourne to assume his new position as a Migrant Liaison Officer of the Dept. of Employment, Education & Training assigned at the CBD Brisbane. He immediately organised the Bb. Pilipinas Quest in cooperation with the Filipino Community Council of Queensland Inc.(FCCQ), an event which has been already done by the Ilonggo Association of Victoria since 1987.
1996
- The first Bb. Pilipinas quest in Queensland was won by Miss Fe de los Santos and the Bb. Pilipinas Charity was won by Miss Christine Gonzales.
- More than $13,000.00 was raised by the said quest and deposited in the Building Fund Account of FCCQ Inc.
- The Filipino-Australian Foundation of Queensland (FAFQ) was born with the following founding members to wit: Vic & Josie Bacud, Leony & Fely Santos, Mauro & Cecille Somodio, Fred & Loida Morante, Amado Rubio, Ceres & Lucy de los Santos, Beth Adams, Ruth Palamani, Ely Aclan, Edel Suede, Ella Zapirain and Orly Vargas.
- Mauro Somodio was the first elected President. Dixie Morante, the first Youth Chairman and Orly Vargas as the Adviser.
1997
- Miss Fe de los Santos, Miss Christine Gonzales and Mr. Orly Vargas were guests during the Dinagyang Festival.
- Mr. Dano Albana and Leonardo Feronal were the first recipients of the Queensland scholarship.
- The Filipino-Australian Foundation of Queensland was incorporated in September.
- Mr. Allan Soriano won the first Ginoong Pilipinas-Australia, Miss Karen Debels, the second Bb. Pilipinas-Australia, Mr. Rodolfo (Woody) Aladdin, the first Ginoong Pilipinas-Australia Charity and Miss Merlynda Connelly, the second Bb. Pilipinas-Australia Charity.
1998
- The first batch of the FAFQ Inc. delegates arrived in Manila and Iloilo. The delegation was headed by Mr. Mauro Somodio.
- The first Filipino-Australian Business Partnership Forum was held at the Central Philippine University (CPU) with speakers from Australia, namely: the Hon. Alan Grummitt, Honorary Consul-General of Brisbane and Mr. Nicolas Coppel, Deputy Chief of Mission, Australian Embassy in Manila representing the Australian government.
- Mr. Allan Soriano, G. Pilipinas-Australia and Miss Karen Debels, Bb. Pilipinas-Australia lectured at the CPU student body on "Physiotherapy in Australia", "Study and Career Prospects & Tourism Industry in Cairns and Employment Opportunities."
- The FAFQ Inc. awarded scholarship grants to five (5) students: Crussett Evaristo, Karen Tabiano, Christine Ruth Quisido, Sheila Marie Canonicato and Christine Cortez.
- The first winners of the Mr/Miss Teen Philippines-Australia & Mr/Miss Teen Philippines-Australia Charity were won by Mr. Joseph Treasure and Miss Deborah Anderson.
- Partnership program was established between FAFQ Inc. and Dept. of Tourism, Manila and Iloilo, Central Philippine University and the Iloilo City government.
1999
- Mrs. Fely Santos, the newly-elected President was head of the delegation to the Philippines.
- Mr. Joseph Treasure, Mr. Teen Philippines-Australia and Mr. Teen Philippines Australia Charity awarded three (3) scholarship grants at Leyte Normal University, and Miss Deborah Anderson, Miss Teen Philippines-Australia and Miss Teen Philippine-Australia Charity awarded fifteen (15) pupils at Malaya Elementary School, Pililla, Rizal.
- Amigo Terrace Hotel sponsored the float during the parade at the Dinagyang Festival.
- Six (6) scholars were awarded, namely: Irene Beduria (Iloilo province), Iris Clemente (Iloilo City), Merly Altis (Antique), Maridel Ambos (Capiz), Mary Grace Gabales (Guimaras) and Nida Festin (Negros Occidental).
- The Australian delegates visited the cancer patients at "Munting Paraiso", PGH.
- FAFO Inc. organised the "Pista sa Nayon" at the Yeronga Park. Mr. Greg Crisostomo, Negros Producers Association’s products.
- Miss Krisna Ann Baguio won the Bb. Pilipinas-Australia and Bb. Pilipinas-Australia Charity and Mr. Kim Delaney won the G. Pilipinas-Australia and G. Pilipinas-Australia Charity.
- Malaysian Air Lines donated two (2) free return tickets to the winners.
2000
- Mrs. Josie Cabarroguias Bacud, Treasurer of FAFQ Inc. headed the delegation.
- Engr. Vic Bacud, lectured at the CPU College of Engineering attended by senior civil engineering students in Western Visayas.
- Miss Krisna Ann Baguio was proclaimed Miss Dinagyang International.
- Krisna awarded scholarship grants to six (6) pupils at Tigbauan Elementary School, six (6) students at CPU. Mr. Kim Delaney, G. Pilipinas-Australia awarded two (2) scholarship grants at the Visayas State College of Agriculture, Baybay, Leyte.
- The FAFQ Inc., Bb. Pilipinas-Australia Krisna Ann Baguio was invited to the island of Guam to participate in their annual Sta. Cruz-an parade. She was accompanied by Mr. & Mrs. Mauro Somodio. Filipino Ladies of Guam, Chit Brocka, President, Mr. Vernon Prieto, Marketing Manager, Air Nauru and Guam Hilton were major sponsors.
- FAFQ Inc. celebrated the second "Pasko sa Nayon" at Sunnybank High School Auditorium honouring the Filipino elderly in Queensland.
- Miss Angelina Corstorphan won the Miss Teen Philippines-Australia, Miss grace Eilleen Crawford and Miss Glynis Christine Missen both won the Miss Teen Philippines-Australia Charity.
2001
- Mrs. Mary Ann Boehme, Acting President headed the Philippine delegation. The group visited for the first time the Hospicio de san Jose and met the Australian Ambassador to the Philippines, Mr. John Buckley. They also visited the House of Representatives headed by Speaker Arnulfo Fuentebella. The group visited Villa Escudero, Laguna, witnessed the Ati-atihan festival in Kalibo, Aklan and visited the world’s famous Boracay Island Resort.
- Miss Grace Crawford donated cash for the "Adopt-a-Classroom" project at Balabag High School, Boracay and Rosario Integrated School in La Union to support various projects of the Deaf and Mute Special education Learning Center. Miss Glynis Missen donated money to build the water supply and stage at Garita Elementary School, Cavite City. Miss Angelina Corstorphan was featured in several Philippine magazines. The group also awarded six (6) scholarship grants at CPU.
- Mrs. Edel Suede, acting VP of FAFQ Inc. was chosen as one of the awardees for Filipino Women Achievement Awards night held at the Brisbane Convention Centre.
- William Lines Super Ferry provided the float for the Australian beauties in the Dinagyang Festival.
- Mr. Jude Trio won the G. Pilipinas-Australia, Mr. Joanes Kienzl, the G. Pilipinas-Australia Charity. Miss Sandra Mae Somonsen won Bb. Pilipinas-Australia while Jesse Ann Pateno won the Bb. Pilipinas-Australia Charity.
- Mrs. Lolita M. Treasure was elected FAFQ President for the year 2001-03.
2002
- VP Cecilia J. Somodio was the head of the delegation to the Philippines, composed of Ginoong Pilipinas-Australia 2001 - Jude Trio; Ginoong Pilipinas-Australia Charity 2001 - Joanes Kienzl; Binibining Pilipinas-Australia 2001 - Sandra Mae Simonsen; Binibining Pilipinas-Australia Charity 2001 - Jessse Anne Pateno; 1st Runner-up Binibining Pilipinas-Australia 2001 - Liza Maree Willis; and their parents Mrs. Rose Simonsen, Mrs. Gloria Kienzl, Mrs. Liza Willis and Jason Kienzl.
- Joanes Kienzl (Ginoong Pilipinas-Australia Charity) donated a flagpole in Sta Cruz Magalang Pampanga Elementary School.
- Visited Hospicio de San Jose and Asilo de Molo - PGH - Cancer Unit - donated toys, medicines, clothes, food, etc.
- Visited Coconut Palace - accompanied by Chit Elemos and Jean D. Balgos.
- Jesse Anne Pateno - Bb Pilipinas-Australia Charity 2001 awarded ten poor but deserving pupils of the Alejo Posadas Memorial Elementary School in Ajuy, Iloilo as graduation gifts.
- VP Cecilia J. Somodio gave some toys, chocolates and food supplements to tertiary malnourished children of Ajuy and set of nebulizer and medicines were also handed over to Ajuy Rural Health Unit and its Municipal Government headed by Mayor Jett C Rojas.
- Jude Trio - G. Pilipinas-Australia 2001 - gave out grant-in-aid scholarships to 7 deserving students in Tigbauan Elementary School, Tigbauan, Iloilo.
- Lecture: Aged Care in Australia - CPU College of Nursing by VP Cecilia J. Somodio.
- Six scholars were awarded came from Iloilo City, Antique, Aklan, Capiz, Guimaras, Negros Accidental.
- Attended Kasadyahan Parade and Dinagyang Festival.
- Lecture/Workshop: Spectrum of Philippine Dances and Music in the Philippines and Araw ng Kalayaan, Song & Nationalist Fervour: The Philippine Experience 1898-1998, Prof Edru Abraham, University of the Philippines, Diliman.
- Dinner with Mr and Mrs. Larry Ong in Lapaz, Iloilo City
- Visit to Doane Baptist Christian School
2003
- Mrs. Lolita Treasure, Head of the Delegation. Members of the delegation are the following: Mrs. Pacita Owen; Miss Benjeline Joy Nopre, Miss Teen Philippines-Australia 2002; Mr. Filip Melgin, Mr. Teen Philippines-Australia Charity 2002; Miss Amy Owen, Miss Philippines-Australia Charity 2002; Miss Louise Anne Watts, 1st Runner Up, Miss Teen Philippines, Australia 2002; Angelina Elsey; Shirley Iseppi; Elizabeth Melgin; Leeisa Melgin; Angie Nopre; Michael Nopre; Bruno Tomasov; and Reggie Watts.
- Visit to Kalibo, Boracay, Batan Museum
- Grant-in-aid scholarships. Lalab Elementary School, Batan, Aklan
- One Scholarship-grant-in aid donated by Ms. Angelina Elsey
- Six grant in aid scholarships awarded to poor and deserving students in Western Visayas
- Visit Pangasinan, Baguio City and Philippine Military Academy
- Visit Cancer Ward, PGH, Hospicio de San Hose
- Visit Abo Farm, Camarines Sur Partido Science High School, Partido State University
- Meeting with Congressman Felix Fuentebella Jr.
- Donated 15 medicine trolley’s to the Mariano Funtebella Hospital in Sangay, Partido, Camarines Sur
- Visit Atulan Island, one of Bicol’s beautiful tourist island paradise
- Visit Matias Yusay Elementary Schhol and donated grant-in-aid scholarships
- Met Dr. Juanito Acanto, Governor Niel Tupas, Mayor Mansueto Malabor and Director Edwin Trompeta.
- Participated in Kasadyahan parade with float organised by Jaro Rotary Centreline
- Attended the Dinagyang Festival and the Iloilo International Night.
- Visit with Mr. and Mrs. Larry Ong, strong supporter of FAFQ Inc. in the Philippines.
2004
- Head of the Delegation, Ella Zapirain. Members of the delegation:
- Bb Pilipinas Australia and Charity 2003, Miss Aizabel Caacbay
- G Pilipinas Australia and Chairty 2003, Mr Mark Collie
- Mrs Malou Collie
- Mrs Janalyn Caacbay
- Mr Wilfredo Caacbay
- Ms Christine Gonzales.
- Visited Megaworld International and stayed at Richmonde Hotel.
- Visited Mexico, Pampanga, and went St Joseph Academy and donated 39,000 pesos for school’s project and student’s aid program.
- Experienced warm hospitality tendered by faculty and staff St Joseph Academy headed by Mrs Bautista and the Knight of Columbus, Mexico, Pampanga.
- Visited, Iloilo City and had courtesy call with CPU President, Dr Juanito Acanto, DOT Regional Director, Edwin Trompeta, Gov Niel Tupaz, Sta Barbara Mayor, Mr Isabelo Maquino. Toured historical places and churches, such as Magdalena Jalandoni House, Asilo de Molo Orphanage, Jaro Church, Molo Church and Sta Barbara church.
- Experienced harvesting milkfish(bangus) Tim Arandela’s fish farm.
- TV Interview, CPU alumni TV Station.
- FAFQ Inc. awarded Grant-in-aid scholarships to the following deserving work students.
- Jeneline Encarnacion, Mardien Ambos, Rhea Gabales, Merylen Altis, Lovely Lagarto, and Rolin Cervantes.
- Attended International Night.
- Rode in the float prepared by the CPU College of Agriculture Alumni Association during the Kasadyahan parade.
- Watched the World Famous Dinagyang Festival.
- Visited Solana, Cagayan and donated $A500.00 for the improvements of the school library.
2005
- Head of the delegation: Mrs Gloria Kienzl. Members:
- Miss Teen Philippines Australia 2004, Miss Rachelle Licera
- Mr Teen Philippines Australia 2004, Mr Elgin Bedia
- Mr Jun Licera
- Analyn Licera
- Junalyn Licera
- Mr Elmer and Maria Teresa Bedia
- LA Bedia
- Clar, Elmer Loverney and Isaiah.
- Visited Megaworld International properties and stayed at Richmonde Hotel.
- Interviewed at Bombo Radio Iloilo and CPU Alumni TV Station and granted Grant-in aid scholarships to the following students:
- April Jane Jordan
- Andrew Palomar
- Rowena Conta
- Maria Socorro Tanales
- Vicente de la Fuente Jr.
- Renante Fernadez
- Ma. Aiza Clarito
- Joy Bihag
- Armado Hisuan Jr.
- Jason Gem Villaruel
- Diana Silga
- Rode in the float during the Kasadyahan Parade and watched Dinagyang Festival.
- Attended International Night.
- Played Soccer with Barotac Nuevo team and defeated the HS soccer team of CPU DHS
- Donated funds for the Barotac Nuevo Football Club
- Courtesy call with CPU President Dr Juanito Acanto, DOT Regional Director Edwin Trompeta, Provincial Administrator of Iloilo, Mr Manuel Mejorada, and Barotac Nuevo Mayor, Hon Pedro Hautea
- Interviewed at (MTB) Magandang Tanghali Bayan, ABS-CBN, hosted by Arnel Ignacio
- Visited Olongapo City Elementary School, where cash awards were given to ten(10) outstanding students
- Donated baseball gloves to Olongapo Elementary School baseball team
- Visited Olongapo City, Olongapo City Museum, Subic Bay, Butterfly Garden Subic Bay
2006
- Head of the delegation: Engr Vic Bacud. Members of the delegation:
- Mr Roland Lagarnia, G Pilipinas Australia 2003
- Mr Ricson Ambatali, G Pilipinas Australia Charity 2003
- Miss Ressie Jane Palad, Bb Pilipinas Australia 2003
- Miss Maria Bernie Schofield, Bb Pilipinas Australia Charity 2003
- Mrs Josie Bacud
- Mr Mark Bacud
- Mr Ric Ambatali.
- Attended dinner with the CPUAA Metro Manila Chapter, headed by Engr Rey Cordova
- Visited ABS-CBN and watched Wowowee program
- Courtesy call to CPU President, Dr Juanito Acanto, Gov Niel Tupaz, DOT Regional Director Edwin Trompeta
- Interviewed at CPU Alumni TV Station, and awarded grant-in aid scholaships to the following students; Alvin Alarcon, Guilly Daquido, Shane Datinguinoo, Joselito Estember, Marjurie Tarrazona, Eddie Fernandez, Christine Hisanan, and Gerlita Salmonte
- Visited Iloilo City and attended Kasadyahan parade, rode in the float prepared by the CPUCA alumni group
- Attended International Night
- Visited Asilo de Molo
- Watched the world famous Dinagyang Festival
- Visited Guimaras Island Mango Plantation
- Visited City of Santiago, Cagayan Valley
- Renovated Our Lady of Immaculate Concepcion Church, Bannawag Norte, City of Santiago, Cagayan Valley
- Visited San Roque, Northern Samar and courtesy call to the Governor and DOT Director
- Presented Grant –in –aid cash awards to needy primary and high school students in San Roque
- Attended USA Medical and Dental Mission dinner at Governor’s residence
- Interviewed with the local Radio Station DYSM
- Witnessed parade, thanksgiving mass, International Night
- Distribution of clothings, food and toys
2007
- Head of the delegation: Mr Jerome Somodio. Members of the delegation:
- Mr Evan Ybarzabal, Mr Teen Philippines Australia 2006
- Miss Clara Conde, Miss Teen Philippines Australia 2006
- Florante, Evelyn, Flora Lyn & Floravel Ybarzabal
- Jun, Gina, JC & Liz Conde
- Mauro, Cecilia and Macela May Somodio
- Mrs Teresa Stekly,
- Attended dinner with CPUAA Metro Manila Chapter
- Visited ABS-CBN and watched Wowowee program
- Courtesy call, CPU President, Dr Juanito Acanto, DOT Regional Director, Mr Edwin Trompeta, Iloilo City Mayor, Mr Jerry Trenas
- Interviewed, DYRI, Lapaz, Iloilo City
- Interviewed at the CPU Alumni TV Station, and granted, Grant-in aid scholarships to the following students: Rey Catague, Girlie Vicena, Niel Epelepsia, Roy Prader, Anabelle Seguisa and Loel Mamon
- Visited A Montes Elementary School and donated funds for the school library new book shelves
- Visited Asilo de Molo Home for the Aged, and entertained the elderlies and turn over FAFQ donations
- Donated funds to Barangay Sambag, Jaro for the provision of a new foot path to houses
- Visited the “Children’s Village” in Norzagaray, Bulacan where victims of abuse and domestic violence were sheltered and rehabilitated. Distributed souvenirs from Australia.
- Visited the Intensive Care Unit of PGH, Manila and donated a humble amount to a very needy family
- Donated funds to Gawad Kalinga Brisbane, for educational scholarship of a needy student in the Philippines
- Visited Gawad Kalinga, Manila
- Visited the world famous Boracay Beach, Malay, Aklan