FILCCA

Filipino-Aussie queens given recognition in Australian national awards

By Earl D.C. Bracamonte

Two Binibining Pilipinas queens - Hannah Arnold (International, 2021) and Catriona Gray (Universe, 2018) - were named as part of outstanding Filipino-Aussies for 2021 by the Filipino Communities Council of Australia (FILCCA) national awards.

The FILCCA is the national umbrella organization of Filipino community councils from various states in Australia that recognize Filipino-Aussies who have made outstanding contributions to the overseas community.

Hannah was given the Youth Achievement Award for her efforts to advocate education and the importance of science and technology. As a graduate of Applied Science in Forensic Studies from the University of Canberra, the proud Masbateña has done numerous engagements with the Philippines' Department of Science & Technology (DoST) and her dream to motivate more students from science high schools to become scientists through the Invent School Program. For her campaign and initiative, Hannah was recognized by the award-giving body.

Catriona Gray, on the other hand, was named Filipino-Australian of the Year recipient. For her achievement in pageantry in both the Miss World and Miss Universe stages, advocating for women's rights, as well as her passion in helping impoverished children through her Focus Project in Tondo, Manila; and her outstanding representation of Filipino culture, especially her Web-based series "Kultura 101 with Cat."

The FILCCA also recognized her as NCCA's Ambassador for the Arts and ambassador for indigenous handicrafts of the Philippines' Department of Trade & Industry (DTI).

As a holder of a Master's certificate in Music Theory from the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, the proud Bicolana has released an EP of "Raise Your Flag" with Star Records, and a duet with R&B prince Jay-R of Monica's 1997 upbeat ditty, "Angel of Mine" with another music label.

Cat was also busy hosting pageants this year. After hosting the 2021 Binibining Pilipinas with Nicole Cordoves, she also hosted the 2021 Miss Universe South Africa pageant with Miss Universe 2019 Zozibini Tunzi.

"We are shining a spotlight on some amazing individuals and organization's who have excelled in sports, music, health, education & training, the sciences, entrepreneurship, and absolutely in our communities," enthused H.E. Helen de la Vega, Philippine ambassador to Australia.

The 2021 National Awards was led by Amb. de la Vega, select Australian politicians, FILCCA officers, and a few Filipino community leaders. The virtual event, held last Oct. 20, was the highlight of its 75th anniversary celebration of Philippine-Australian diplomatic relations.