Proclaimed as the winner is the team, led by Ross Aguilar, who defended that teaching our own language to our children as one's own language is a reflection of our personality, a strong pillar of being a Filipino.
The Balagtasan 2016 held at the Maxx Webber Library in Blacktown, western Sydney was organised by the Tagalog Association of Australia and attended by members of the said association and members of the Filipino community. See photos below.
Participants of the Balagtasan 2016 with Councilor Jess Diaz (left), actor Felino Dolloso (5th from left) and Lakandiwa Danny Peralta (7th from left) Source: SBS Filipino/A. Violata
(L-R) Lakandiwa Danny Peralta with the winning team - Ross Aguilar, Rolly Metierre, Cecille Aguilar and Obet Dionisio Source: SBS Filipino/A. Violata
The team, led by Max Lopez, who stands that Filipino language should not be taught to our children took 2nd place for the debate. Source: SBS Filipino/A. Violata
Officials of the Tagalog Association of Australia led by president Rolly Metierre (3rd from left) and vice president Lillian Delos Reyes (2nd from left) Source: SBS Filipino/A. Violata
Blacktown Councilor Jess Diaz announces the winners of the debate. Source: SBS Filipino/A. Violata
Actor Felino Dolloso congratulates the winners and participants of the debate and the organisers Source: SBS Filipino/A. Violata
Tagalog Association's Danny Peralta and Lillian delos Reyes award the plaque of appreciation and give flowers to Philippine Consul General Anne Jalandoon-Luis Source: SBS Filipino/A. Violata
Some of the audience during the event Source: SBS Filipino/A. Violata
Aside from the main event, there were also several performances by members of the Filipino community in celebration of the 'Buwan ng Wika' which is being celebrated in the Philippines every month of August.
The Sydney Sonata Singers Source: SBS Filipino/A. Violata
Musician Rene Tinapay and Filipino advocate Rado Gatchalian recite and sings an original poem 'Bagong Pilipinas Source: SBS Filipino/A. Violata
Singer-actor Marcus Rivera Source: SBS Filipino/A. Violata
Performer Albert Prias Source: SBS Filipino/A. Violata
Rie Manaloto (left) and Andreo Cruz-Dimaano of FilOzArt Source: SBS Filipino/A. Violata
Andreo Cruz-Dimaano of FilOzArt performing with brother Aron on the piano. Source: SBS Filipino/A. Violata
Cariñosa Dancers led by Ilocano Association's Elsa Ringor-Collado Source: SBS Filipino/A. Violata
VSD Dancers performing Pandanggo sa Ilaw Source: SBS Filipino/A. Violata
The Yapak Band Source: SBS Filipino/A. Violata
(from left) Lillian delos Reyes, Albert Prias and Marcus Rivera Source: SBS Filipino/A. Violata
