On December 4, 2020 NARRA (National Alliance of Responsible and Reliable Associations) launched Christmas 12 Songs album which was created to raise funds for NARRA.
The event was also the joint Christmas celebrations of officers and members of NARRA, Plaza Filipino, FLAGCOM, APCO, Sedgwick Housing, Adhika, Filipino Women's Support Group MacArthur and FILOZ Liverpool. Also in attendance were Blacktown City Councillor Allan Green and Mrs Green.
NARRA's President, Albie Prias, welcomed everybody to the event which was held in Pabico and wished everyone an enjoyable get together while observing the recommended protocols to prevent the transmission of COVID 19.
The sumptuous dinner enjoyed by all was followed by the launch of the CD. Oliver Gadista who spearheaded the initiative and who also composed an original song in it, recorded and mastered the CD, shared what inspired him to undertake the project and thanked the artists who gave their time to do the recording in addition to their work and family commitments.
The artists of the album who were in attendance performed their songs in the CD: Albie Prias (Jingle Bells), Pacific Diva (It Came Upon a Midnight Clear), Marucs Rivera (The First Noel) and David Michael White (Angels We Have Heard on High).
NARRA's Promotion and Marketing Committee members Michelle Baltazar, Marcus Rivera and Ballina Gee shared with the audience what training programs are planned to be held in ACI, as well as the fundraising initiative "Heart of Australia" which is led by Daisy Cumming.
The festive Christmas party included the raffle of donated prizes and the exchange of kris kringle presents. There was also singing of Christmas carols. The other highlight of the event was the awarding of the Best Costume decided by clapping of the audience. This was followed by the cutting and sharing of the cake donated by Carmenchu Gresham.
Before the party ended Albie Prias commented: "I would like to express my thanks to all for being here to launch our CD and to be part of our Christmas get together. I also want to thank those who decorated the venue, arranged prizes and sold the raffle tickets. Thanks to all for the support. We have been through challenges because of COVID 19 and we are thankful that we remain healthy. We look forward to next year with all the exciting projects we are planning to hold. Have a blessed Christmas and a fantastic New Year."
The emcees of the event were Charles Chan and Violi Calvert; photography by Bob Reyes.
For more photos of the event, check out the ACI Central Facebook page.