by Benjie de Ubago

It may have been winter outside, but the PAGASA Association’s ‘Christmas in July’ event radiated warmth.  Incumbent president, Jhun Salazar touched everyone with his welcoming attitude at the Cabravale-Diggers Club last Saturday, 26 July 2025.  “It is about bringing the community together for a worthy cause,” said Jhun, beaming with pride.

PAGASA, a Filipino term that translates to hope and stands for Philippine Australian Global Alliance & Advocacy.  It is a non profit organisation  that aims to promote harmony and social cohesion .  It also aims  to foster cooperation and empower their members.  It was once a part of the APCO group.  Now, PAGASA is a stand alone association, rebranded and thriving in the community.

Special guests were Consul General Charmaine Rowena  Aviquivil  and Ms.  Dai Le, MP for Fowler, a Liverpool district.

Providing the entertainment mix of yuletide and pop hits for the evening were: the voices of Yam Malaqui-Reyes, Bernedette Harrison, the Visayan Association Dancers and the Baile Internationale Dancers who sure got everybody into a dancing mood. Thrown in for good measure were performances from the  Samoan Community group and a  Mandolin folk musical. Edinel Magtibay Dearden of SBS hosted the event.

Five artists were honoured on the night with the “Mars Cavestany Artista ng Bayan.” Criteria was a combined ten year of arts and community service  The awardees included:  Jude Santos Gonzalez for his stagecraft and scenography, interior and fashion design;  Rado Gatchalian, a passionate Rizalista for his endless poems and rhymes, his Filosopher FB Page; Alexa Tocalo for her many cultural productions, talent promotion and she is a member of Sonata singing group; and Armando Reyes for his theatre work, stage management and design especially his stage play ”Her Son Jose Rizal”; and last but not least, Ms. Linda Geronimo-Santos for literature, legal expertise and community service.  Linda recently published book “, her legal expertise, community service and she was a councillor of Blacktown City Council.

PAGASA 2025 Honorees – Winners of the Mars Cavestany ‘Dakilang Artista ng Bayan” include: (L-R), Rado Gatchalian, Linda Geronimo-Santos, Alexa Tocalo and Jude Gonzales.

(L-R) Consul General Charmaine Rowena Aviquivil, awardee, Linda Geronimo Santos, Ms. Dai Le, MP and Jhun Salazar, PAGASA president.

All proceeds from the event go to their ‘HOPE’ (Human Outreach Program for Everyone)                projects. The PAGASA association has turned corners and continues as a thriving community group under the leadership of the undeflatable, Jhun Salazar.