2024 AFAS immersion: 19 Year 11 Students, 5 staff members, 2 parents

and a former teacher of VNC

returned to the islands of the Philippines

reconnect, rediscover and render service

all in the name of solidarity

From November 23-December 7, 26 members of the Villanova Community, Brisbane embarked on an immersion to the islands of The Philippines (Cebu and Bacolod, Negros Occidental).  There were 21 senior students (a mixed number of year 11s and 12s) who committed to complete their service-learning experience in the campus through AFAS (Australian Filipino Augustinian Solidarity) Ministry by joining the international immersion program.   The 5 staff members (Kate Garrone, Amanda Waterson, Adrian Hellwig, Terry Gaffney and Fr Saldie) accompanied the delegation of mostly newbies to international travel.  We all stayed in variety of accommodation from a 2-star hotel (La Fortuna in Cebu) to a 3-star mountain resort (Mambukal in Murcia, Negros Occidental) then to the university student accommodation (CSA-Bacolod) and in a 4-star hotel (L’Fisher in Bacolod) to finish the leg of immersion. 

The two-week program is designed to give opportunity to the Villanovan students and staff members to understand “solidarity” with another culture and people from a developing country like The Philippines.  AFAS has been coming to The Philippines since 1993 (1st immersion).  The 2023 immersion is the 10th immersion with students and staff members and the next one will be this September 2024.

However, before the set dates of immersion could happen, we make sure that the participants will receive proper orientation about the program like cultural orientation, language, food, traditions, faith practises and even health and security matters.   The risk assessment is the top priority when it comes to bringing a delegation outside Australia.  We also had zoom conferences with the students’ community from the schools to be visited to have an initial encounter online with our Villanova participants.  We call the online program “Global Village”.  Contant communication with all the stockholders and coordinators in The Philippines gave more assurance to the parents of the participants and the Villanova community on this post-covid international travels.  Not to mention, there was an earthquake too when we were in Bacolod, but not so serious though.  We were safe.

Mission Day 2022 (August 22-26) has been a successful celebration of Villanova’s work for social justice and support of our scholars in the Philippines. It was coordinated by the VNC ministries (YCS, Vinnies, YAYM, Green Team and the AFAS) and the Student Leadership Team. The week began with Monday Red Candle day. Red candles from the Mohon Candle Factory (owned by the Augustinians in the Philippines) were distributed to Villanova families. The families were asked to light their red candle during dinner and pray in solidarity with our adopted Augustinian families in Cebu and Bacolod especially those who have been struggling financially during the pandemic. On Tuesday, a Mass was celebrated in honor of our patron saint, St Augustine where part of the Mass also celebrated Fr Peter Wieneke’s 50th year of Ordination into Priesthood and his substantial contibution to the mission and vision of our College. It is a great achievement and a momentous time for Villanova community to have a Jubilarian ministering as College Chaplain. A regular feature Mission week is the Sari Sari Store managed by the Year 12 Business students under Mrs Theresa Henry’s direction. The Sari Sari provides typical Filipino treats that would be available in a real Sari Sari store. The highlight of the week however, was the Friday activities where teachers and students took up dares and collected donations for the cause. It was also a Free Dress day!!! Sausage sizzles, burger patties and soft drinks were sold in each school to feed hundreds of hungry students. The Dare to Donate concert at Goold Hall concluded the week-long celebration. The community of Colegio San Agustin-Bacolod, Philippines also sent their video greeting on the occasion of 30 years of friendship with the two colleges. Overall, the Mission week was another history of teamwork and collaboration for the AFAS projects and scholarship programs in the Philippine islands of Negros Occidental and Cebu.

We are back in track!!! A night of entertainment and solidarity!!!

The Villa Cares Flood Benefit, presented by Greg Cooley Wines, Clare Valley, featuring David De Vito and friends will raise much needed funds for those affected by the recent devastating floods.

Join us Friday 29 April 2022, for an evening of delicious food, wine and powerhouse vocals. Tickets through Trybooking here: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/882456

Thank you for who made bookings to attend 'David De Vito & Friends in Concert' at Villanova College.

In light of recent weather events and current warnings issued by the Qld Government the decision to cancel this fundraiser concert for AFAS has been made.

The organisers will be in touch later today via email to advise the path forward regarding refunds or credits for any rescheduled event.

Should you have further queries, please contact Kelli Shanahan at Greg Cooley Wines on 0421 055 799

Mission Day 2021, Red Candle Week and Dare to Donate for AFAS projects

Last August 27, we commenced our Mission day that will run till Sept 2. It is not the usual Mission day program where students will be totally busy selling goodies and food packs to raise funds for our AFAS scholars. For one thing, the Covid restrictions stopped us to do the “normal Mission day fever”, so, no food stalls and no fun fares that would have made the day more festive. We also had no Feast Day of St Augustine Mass with the whole college community for the same reason as no college assembly allowed yet. We only had a liturgy focused on the theme “Why/How we celebrate Mission day!”

The year 10 students were also busy that Friday after the liturgy as they were on task as part of their community service to feed the 1300 hungry students with sausage sizzle. At least there’s a fellowship for the day for everyone. We tried to be in genuine solidarity with our AFAS friends by sharing hopes and prayers for all affected by the pandemic.

The whole Mission day event will be conclude with a Dare to donate activities where students will dare teachers to wear something or do something, of course something noble and yet irregular on a day to day adult life at Villa, and the money of the students put on the dare will go to AFAS funds. How’s that for a challenge! Mr Mark Stower, Principal, already raised $300 for wearing the Wild Cat Mascot for a day!!! Fr Peter was dared to wear the Year 12 school uniform, other staff members were dared to jump off the pool on their formal attire, i was dared to wear a surf shirt by Mr Pascoe’s pastoral group and many more took specific dare for a day! More pix to be shared here!

AFAS at BARRIO FIESTA FILIPINO FESTIVAL 2021

Last June 12, the Filipino communities in Brisbane, Queensland and surrounding suburbs gathered at Rocklea Showground to celebrate the 123rd Philippine Independence Day. The gathering was called Barrio Fiesta Brisbane Filipino festival where people share and celebrate Filipino food, music, dance, and culture. From early morning till late arvo, people were being entertained by Filipino musos and dance troupes. The occasion somehow brought a taste of home for Filipinos who were not able to go back to Philippines during Covid pandemic. There was a sense of relief to those who missed their home country. Gladly, it was a fine day, perfect Queensland winter day and a good turn up of people who share their stories and connections about Philippines. The AFAS Ministry of Villanova College was also invited to set their own stall to promote the wonderful projects that Villanova College did for 28 years. Tony Hindmarsh, Trish McGrath, Fr Peter Wieneke, Theresa Henry and Juanita Jacobs (AFAS Elders) were there to share to the Filipinos in Brisbane what AFAS is about.

Two AFAS Alumni, Bradley Roulant (2019) and Henry Goodwin (2017) also came to share their stories of immersion in the Philippine Islands to those who were in the event. Thanks also to current AFAS president Isaac Langford (year 12) and AFAS members, Mark Byerley (year 11) and Ryan Hegerty (year 10) who gave their time to help promote AFAS that day.  Overall, the occasion was fulfilling because Brisbane friends and supporters came to see us and understood that our ministry is there to help provide better opportunity for young Filipinos back in Philippines through education and livelihood projects.

Fr Saldie Resolado, osa

CONGRATULATIONS TO AFAS SCHOLARS AT DIVINO AMORE ACADEMY (DAA)–MOHON-TALISAY-CEBU

Since 2016, Jeciel Marie S Segismar, Althea Dela Victoria and Noe Novengel Cabanes have attended DAA. Last Friday saw them formally complete their schooling at DAA with the Virtual Moving Up Ceremony and Recognition Day Awards. 

Jeciel and Althea were offered AFAS scholarships in Year 7, 2016 whilst Noe was added in 2018 under the recommendation from School Principal-Sr Janeth upon learning that Noe was ill with Lupus (an autoimmune disease, with systemic manifestations including skin rash, erosion of joints or even kidney failure). Noe’s parents could then use the money saved from school fees for her medical needs. Whilst Noe has finished her schooling at DAA, AFAS recently made a donation towards Noe’s future medical needs. 

AFAS and the Villanova community sent a video to the class of 2020-2021, congratulating all the students and especially the three AFAS Scholars.  This video was aired during the ceremony.

WELL DONE Jeciel, Althea and Noe. The Villanova community is proud of your achievements. All the best for your future.

 Tony Hindmarsh

On Saturday night, February 13, with the stunning view of the Brisbane city skyline before us, over 120 people gathered for the La Forza evening of music.  It was a wonderful community event, and the highlight amongst the soaring voices and lovely wine, was the stories of the Augustinian communities in the Philippines who are supported by the Villanova community through our AFAS and AFAS elder groups.

In particular, Mrs Juanita Jacobs (VNC Coordinator) spoke passionately about our connections with the people living on the island of Kinatarcan, who experienced a devastating typhoon in recent years.  The island is currently COVID free, but there are risks brought about by the necessary travel of the midwife returning to the mainland to sterilise medical equipment a couple of times each week.  The response of those gathered was to make donations so that we can provide this community with a steriliser.  It is a wonderful example of how together we can make a difference.  What was tangible amongst those gathered was the solidarity and strength of the friendships formed across time with our partner groups in the Philippines.

Clearly this is passed onto our students as well, and in the background four students served tirelessly across the evening to make sure that all went smoothly.  A heartfelt thanks to Isaac Langford, Harry Corrigan, Xavier Simondson and Ryan Hegerty for generously serving and assisting in creating a great evening. Big thanks to Mr Tony Hindmarsh, AFAS Director, who flew from Tasmania to coordinate with Mr Greg Coley (Old Boy 1998) to make the event happen, despite the threat of the bad weather.

(Kate Garrone, Dean of Mission and Identity)

Welcome to 2021…

To begin, here’s our 2021 Fundraiser Event.

Save the date: SATURDAY, 13 FEBRUARY 2021

FROM 17:30 UTC+10-21:30 UTC+10

Come and have a good evening!!! Spread the word to your friends!

Tickets $55 pp

Raising funds for the Australian Filipino Augustinian Solidarity (AFAS)

TICKETS: From $55 pp (Group bookings VIP TABLE SEATING available)

BOOK TICKETS: https://www.trybooking.com/674629

VENUE: Under the stars on the Lawns, Villanova College, Seventh Avenue, Coorparoo

GATES/BAR OPEN: From 5.30pm. La Forza show starts 7.00pm, following support act.

CONTACT US: kelli@gregcooleywines.com.au or call Kelli on 0421 055 799

Greg Cooley Wines & Villanova College present

LA FORZA

(Subject to Qld government Covid Restrictions)

Villanova College-AFAS (Australian-Filipino Augustinian Solidarity)

When the Philippines was hit by the coronavirus last March, a lot of people were at high-risk including the AFAS scholars and their families and the Augustinian school communities that AFAS worked with.  When the Philippine government declared a state of calamity in the country, the local governments of Cebu and Bacolod, where AFAS immersion usually takes place, has also announced lock-down simultaneous with other major cities in the country.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and other government agencies extended their relief services to the far distant islands.  Other charities like Caritas Philippines and some church organised charities also helped ease the struggle of the people.  Our very own AFAS coordinators were quick to update the AFAS family here in Brisbane for any chance of giving charity.  Sr Janeth Pagal, DLS (Principal/Coordinator of the Divino Amore Academy, Talisay, Cebu), Ms Judith Fe Pilongo (Coordinator:Basilica del Sto Nino-Cebu) Ms Desiree Diel (Coordinator:CSA-Bacolod) and Sr Arra Joy Mago, OSA (Coordinator:La Consolacion College, Murcia) informed Tony Hindmarsh regarding the relief services that the AFAS family could do for the Filipinos. 

During the height of the Covid pandemic each coordinator consulted their communities with the basic needs of the affected families.   They immediately gathered volunteers to repack food items and dry goods and some volunteers were proactive in giving food relief to our scholars and their families.  Other beneficiaries are the teachers who were experiencing the “no work-no fee policy”.  The safety guidelines were followed during the re packing and distribution of goods to houses and villages as seen on the pictures.  

Inside a bag of relief goods (the yellow bag; see picture) are the basic items that ordinary family could afford to survive a week or two during the pandemic; a 10-kilo rice + few bars of soap (for washing and bathing) and few sachets of shampoo + variety of canned goods (sardines/corned beef/tuna) + a kilo of sugar + packets of coffee/milk/Milo for each beneficiary.  These food items will feed the family at least for a week or two.

The AFAS donated $20,000 to assist the relief program in the said communities.  The Filipino people were grateful for the AFAS’ support and generosity throughout the pandemic crisis period. School was back August 24 throughout the country, and we hope our scholars are coping well. 

2020 Tenori (CANCELLED due to Covid Pandemic Restrictions)

2020 AFAS ELDERS EXCHANGE – KINATARCAN ISLAND

Planning is underway for the 2020 AFAS Elders Exchange to Kinatarcan Island. This exchange differs from the AFAS Exchange in that it is open to staff, parents and Villa Old Boys (Elders)-no school age students are able to participate. The group goes to Kinatarcan Island and undertakes a building/construction project which is totally funded by Villa Old Boys.( In 2016, the group constructed the drying hut (hot house) for the use of drying the moringa leaf and in 2018 a mat weaving facility for all the island community to use.

Whilst the actual project has yet to be determined, we will be guided by Fr Aladdin (who is in charge of what the Augustinians are doing on Kinatarcan) as to where we can assist.

PROPOSED SCHEDULE:-

DEPART                                   Saturday November 28 ARRIVE CEBU                         Sunday November 29

DEPART for Kinatarcin          M​onday November 30 RETURN for Kinatarcin         Wednesday December 9

DEPART Cebu                         Friday December 11 ARRIVE Brisbane                   Saturday December 12

(whilst most days are work days, Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 are lay days. Each day there will be interaction with the local community, the weekend will have a lot more interaction.)

COST $2500- includes all transport, accommodation and food costs

ACCOMMODATION:-

CEBU                                       Fortuna Hotel KINATARCAN                         Dorminatory style

If you are interested in attending and would like more information or would like to enquire about contributing towards the project, please contact Tony Hindmarsh at - thindmarsh@vnc.qld.edu.au

Elders 2018 Project Completed

September 2019 saw the blessing, after Sunday Mass, of the mat weaving hut on Kinatarkin Island. The hut, for use by local women, was the 2018 Elders project. The Elders started work on the hut during their vist and on departure left building materials an wages for the local builders to complete the project.

Mission Day 2019.

Many claimed it the best yet! In Red Candle Week and after celebrating the Mass of St Thomas of Villanova, Mission Day raised the funds used to support education scholarships given to students in the Philippines.

Scholars Graduate.

With the month of April 2019 came the end of the school year in the Philippines. Two AFAS scholars at Divine Love Academy completed their year 10 studies and thus have graduated.

Participants in the last three AFAS Student exchanges are familiar with Sammy and Luke, the young men graduating. On each exchange some Villa boys visited Sammy and his family in their home. Congratulations Sammy and Luke.

PARENT/STUDENT MEETING
for all participants in the
2019 AFAS Student Exchange
Thursday 23rd May, 6.30. V 7.

TOP NIGHT WITH TENORI 9.2.19
Over 100 guests were treated to an amazing performance by Tenori. With clear skies and the city lights as their backdrop, the group entertained their guests for just under two hours.

Their repertoire consisted of old opera favourites, as well as Bridge Over Troubled Waters before moving to songs made famous by Leonard Cohen, the Beatles and who could forget the Dean Martin favourites? If that wasn’t enough, they had the crowd dancing and singing to songs by the Bee Gees rounding out the night with everyone singing Love is in the Air.
Oh what a night!

Thanks to Old Boy, Greg Cooley and Kelli Shanahan from Greg Cooley Wines for co-ordinating the entertainment and wine.  A special thanks must go to the AFAS Elders who were the waiters, bar staff, set up staff and clean-up crew on the night. Proceeds from the night will go towards the AFAS Elders 2020 building project on Kinatarcan Island.

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AFAS Student Parent Information Evening

Thursday, February 7, 2019
5:15 PM
Veritas Room 7

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2019 Fundraiser

December 15th 2018

Elders project members have returned from Kinatarcan Island safe and well. All report a successful venture and value the contribution made to the building of a mat making hut for local women. They report a strengthening of relationships with the local community. All funds raised for this project have been allocated and the building will be completed by local builders. The state of the building as the Elders left is seen below:

September 2018

Mr Tony Hindmarsh has received the architect’s concept and costing for the December 2018 Elders Project on Kinatarcan Island. Total cost to purchase the materials, transport them to the island and pay the builders who will assist the Elders and complete the project is $8000. This amount has been raised and the project is now viable.

The Elders, who will leave for the Philippines on 1st December will themselves meet the costs of their travel and time in the Philippines. All money raised by donation will go towards the project, see below:

The Villa Cares Flood Benefit, presented by Greg Cooley Wines, Clare Valley, featuring David De Vito and friends will raise much needed funds for those affected by the recent devastating floods. Join us Friday 29 April 2022, for an evening of delicious food, wine and powerhouse vocals. Tickets through Trybooking here: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/882456

💚💛 #villanovacollege