Message from the PHCAA President, Ella Martirez 2006 Annual Convention of the Philippine Nurses Association of America Honolulu Hawaii, USA 27-29 January 2006 Aloha! to all. Leonie, my daughter and myself, just arrived from Honolulu last night. It was a very rewarding trip and a fascinating experience to be on the Island, together with your colleagues from different parts of America and the Philippines. I am very proud to let you all know that I was applauded several times in the 3 day Convention, with 180 delegates and even during the Gala Night, with 500 guests that included the big names of Honolulu. This was the first time in the Nurses’ International Conference where another country (Australia), aside from Philippines and the various States of America were represented. During our break time, everyone approached me for networking and expressing their desire that one day we can host the convention. I responded with a "why not?” but requested to allow some time since we are just a newly formed organisation. I did have a one-on-one conversation with several PNA Chapter Presidents and the Dean of College of Nursing (UP and UE), as well, who were very optimistic in uplifting the curriculum standard of Nursing Education in the Philippines. I would like to ask all Filipino-Australian nurses to encourage everyone to participate in one of our executive meetings and express their ideas. Nursing profession is not limited to Australia alone but is practiced internationally by Filipinos all over the world, including Muslim countries. Which is more the reason why we should interconnect with international organisations. I'll be announcing together with Wally for a date that will be convenient for all of us. This will also be posted in the PHCAA website: www.phcaa.org.au. My best regards to all. Mahalo! Ella Martirez, BSN, RN President Ella Magallanes Martirez (President of PHCAA) with Tina Salvador and Emilyn Ramones, past and present President of PNAA Hawaii Chapter.