26 June 2014 - The Philippine Consulate General in Sydney and family members, led by Consul General Anne Jalando-on Louis, gathered at the official residence for a solemn flag-raising ceremony followed by a Filipino breakfast to celebrate the anniversary of Philippine Independence on June 12.

On 15 June, the Consulate General hosted a flag ceremony program and breakfast at the Consulate General’s Bulwagang Rizal attended by around 150 Filipino community leaders, media practitioners and other guests from New South Wales (NSW).

During the program, the Independence Day messages of President Benigno S. Aquino III, Vice President Jejomar C. Binay, Jr., Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario and Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory L. Domingo were read.

Filipino acapella group, “Juan Ride” from the Central Coast of NSW led the singing of the Philippine National Anthem. This was followed by a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance to the Philippine Flag and an invocation. “Juan Ride” also sang Filipino compositions, “Isang Dugo, Isang Lahi at Musika” and “Now that I Have You” during the program.

In her remarks, Consul General Louis discussed the theme of this year’s commemorative celebration of Philippine Independence, “Pagsunod sa Yapak ng mga Dakilang Pilipino, Tungo sa Malawakan at Permanenteng Pagbabago.” She encouraged the community to emulate the Filipino heroes and to work together to contribute to nation-building and to the growth and development of the Philippines.

Special Trade Representative Emmanuel Ang presented an overview of the Philippine economic performance and the business opportunities in the Philippines, noting that international credit rating agencies have raised the country’s credit ratings in recognition of the Philippines’ increasing global competitiveness. The presentation had a resounding impact on the audience. Many attendees said that they were heartened to learn about developments in the Philippines including its competitiveness in areas such as business process outsourcing, shipbuilding, auto parts manufacturing, and food processing.

The Consul General acknowledged the Filipino entrepreneurs in NSW, many of whom support industries and job creation in the Philippines. She congratulated these entrepreneurs for their successful ventures in Australia after years of hard work and determination, and remarked that they serve as an inspiration to their countrymen both in Australia and in the Philippines.

Among the guests were Mr. and Mrs. Reynaldo and Raquel San Juan of LaMesa Restaurant in Sydney, Chef Ricky Ocampo of Café Manila Restaurant in Kirribilli, Mr. Alex Chan of Boon Chocolates, Mr. Arthur Sta. Barbara of the SBC Group, Ms. Marilyn Miranda of Melchrischel Bakery and Mr. and Mrs. Ben and Edith Bongat of Benedith’s Cakes.

In addition to Filipino community leaders and media partitioners and entrepreneurs, also present at the event were several Filipino AusAid scholars studying in Sydney as well as students of the Filipino Language class in Bankstown, NSW, and their teacher, Ms. Nerissa Revesz.

Before the guests enjoyed the Filipino breakfast prepared by the Consulate General, Sr. Ruth Gulani, AR led the prayer. Guests partook of the breakfast consisting of daing na bangus, tapang baka, fried danggit, estrelladong itlog, and sinangag and for dessert, turon, minatamis na saging, ensaymada, pan de sal and cake. The SBC Group, Majestic Import and Export Pty. Ltd., Melchrishel Bakery and Benedith’s Cake contributed food items which made it a truly Filipino breakfast.

The above activities form part of the month-long celebration in NSW of the commemoration of the proclamation of Philippine independence. END