GOVPH

PH Consulate General in Sydney Celebrates 127th Anniversary of PH Independence with Reception Honoring Freedom, Culture, and Community

Consul General Charmaine Rowena C. Aviquivil and Honourable Anoulack Chanthivong MP share a toast at the reception in celebration of the 127th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence. (Sydney PCG photo)

SYDNEY 04 July 2025 — The Philippine Consulate General in Sydney hosted a reception on 13 June 2025 at The Surry Rooftop, in celebration of the 127th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine independence, under the national theme “Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan.” (Freedom. Future. History.).

The event brought together members of the consular corps, NSW legislators and representatives from local governments, representatives from the Filipino-Australian community, as well as business leaders and entrepreneurs.

The Honourable Anoulack Chanthivong MP, Member for Macquarie Fields and Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading, Industry and Trade, Innovation, Science and Technology, Building, and Corrections, served as Guest of Honour. In his remarks, he lauded the significant contributions of the Filipino community in Australia and emphasized multiculturalism as a defining strength of the nation.

In her keynote address, Philippine Consul General to Sydney Charmaine Rowena C. Aviquivil reflected on the significance of the country’s independence and the continued progress in Philippines-Australia ties. “We gather not only to commemorate our nation’s freedom but also to celebrate the deepening of Philippines-Australia relations—anchored in shared values, mutual respect, and the growing contributions of our diaspora,” she said.

The Consul General also highlighted the elevation of Philippines-Australia bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership, ongoing trade and tourism growth, and the upcoming 80th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2026. She acknowledged the over 400,000-strong Filipino-Australian community, including 152,000 in New South Wales, as a vital link in strengthening people-to-people connections.

Among the distinguished guests were The Honourable Stephen Bali MP, Member for Blacktown: The Honourable Tim James MP, Member for Willoughby; The Honourable Charishma Kaliyanda, MP, Member for Liverpool; and Mr. Crispin Conroy, Director of DFAT’s New South Wales State Office. Sydney-based representatives of the Philippine Department of Tourism and Philippine Trade and Investment Center-Sydney likewise gave their valuable support to the well-attended event.

Guests enjoyed cultural performances by the Filipino Chaplaincy Young Adults Choir, a lively ensemble of Filipino-Australian youth from across the Diocese of Parramatta, and from Mr. Marcus Rivera, who served as both host and singer for the evening.

The reception also featured a curated display of artworks which were part of the one-man retrospective exhibition of Filipino-Australian artist Mon Coloma, held at the Consulate from late May to early June.

Adding to the evening’s unique Filipino flavor was a special treat: the chance to sample Engkanto Paint Me Purple Ube Lager, a Filipino craft beer that recently won silver in the Best Flavoured Specialty Beer category at the 2025 Melbourne Royal Australian International Beer Awards. Guests also raised their glasses and toasted to Kanto Salted Caramel craft vodka liqueur. Kanto is a delicious blend of distiller Noble Sugar Cane vodka from the Negros island of the Philippines, combined with muscovado and sea salt.

The celebration was a fitting tribute to the legacy of Philippine independence and a commemoration of the enduring friendship between the Philippines and Australia, where freedom is honored, culture is shared, and history continues to unfold through the connections built. END