PH Embassy in Canberra Celebrates 127th Anniversary of PH Independence
Ambassador Antonio A. Morales delivers his keynote address before members of the diplomatic corps and Australian government officials, during the reception commemorating the 127th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine independence, held at Hotel Realm, Canberra on 24 June 2025. (Canberra PE photo)
CANBERRA 07 July 2025 — The Philippine Embassy in Canberra commemorated the 127th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine independence with a reception held on 24 June 2025 at Hotel Realm, Barton. The celebration brought together Australian government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, Filipino community leaders, business representatives, and friends of the Philippines in honor of the country’s historic milestone.
The multi-year’s celebration carried the theme “Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan.” (Freedom. Future. History.), a reflection on the Philippines' hard-fought past, its aspirations for the future, and its evolving place on the global stage.
The formal program commenced with a warm welcome from Ambassador Antonio A. Morales, who was joined onstage by Mr. Jonathan Muir, Chief of Protocol of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, as both officials delivered their respective toast remarks.
In his keynote address, Ambassador Morales paid tribute to the Philippines’ legacy as one of the earliest republics in Asia and its continued efforts to uphold democratic values and regional stability. He also underscored recent milestones in the Philippines–Australia relations, including the elevation of bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership in 2023, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s historic address to the Australian Parliament in 2024, and a growing agenda of cooperation across defense, economic development, climate action, and education.
“As vibrant democracies, we are deeply committed to upholding the rule of law, advancing inclusive development, and contributing to regional security, stability and prosperity,” Ambassador Morales said. “It is this alignment of values and purpose that continues to guide our growing cooperation.”
The Ambassador further shared updates on the Embassy’s engagements across Australia and concurrent jurisdictions of Nauru, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. He emphasized the Philippines’ commitment to playing a constructive role in the Indo-Pacific as it pursues a seat at the UN Security Council for 2027–2028 and prepares to assume the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026—a year that will also mark the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Australia.
Special guest and long-time friend of the Filipino community, Mr. David Smith MP, Federal Member for Bean and Norfolk Island, delivered heartfelt remarks celebrating the growing partnership between Australia and the Philippines. He praised the Filipino diaspora for its invaluable contributions to Australia’s multicultural identity, noting that the Filipino community continues to enrich not only through culture and tradition, but through compassion, resilience, and a deep sense of community.
Guests were treated to a curated selection of Filipino dishes, including kinilaw (marinated barramundi in lime chili), lumpiang sariwa (fresh spring roll), chicken adobo skewer, sisig empanada (pork pastry), kaldereta chorizo canape (slow-cooked beef) and sotanghon guisado (chicken, prawn, glass noodles).
The Embassy also partnered with 7000 Islands, a purveyor of premium Philippine beers and spirits in Australia to provide guests with of unique and award-winning Filipino beverages including the Engkanto Brewery’s High Honey Ale, Live It Up Lager, Paint Me Purple Ube Lager and Mango Hazy IPA.
The celebration served as a tribute to Philippine independence as well as a reaffirmation of the Philippines’ role as a principled, forward-looking, and trusted partner in the Indo-Pacific region. END
Ambassador Antonio A. Morales underscores the Philippines’ evolving role as a strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific and highlights key milestones in Philippines–Australia relations during his keynote speech at the reception marking the 127th Anniversary of Philippine Independence, held at Hotel Realm, Canberra on 24 June 2025. (Canberra PE photo)
Ambassador Antonio A. Morales (left) offers a toast together with Chief of Protocol Jonathan Muir (right). (Canberra PE photo)
Mr. David Smith MP, Federal Member for Bean and Norfolk Island, delivers his remarks highlighting the contributions of the Filipino community to Australia’s multicultural society during the reception celebrating the 127th Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence, held at Hotel Realm, Canberra on 24 June 2025. (Canberra PE photo)
Ambassador Antonio A. Morales (center) is joined by Mr. Jonathan Muir (4th from right), Chief of Protocol, and Mr. David Smith MP (4th from left, Federal Member for Bean and Norfolk Island, along with ASEAN Heads of Mission, during the reception commemorating the 127th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine independence held at Hotel Realm, Canberra on 24 June 2025. (Canberra PE photo)
Ambassador Antonio A. Morales (2nd row, center) is joined by Chief of Protocol Mr. Jonathan Muir (2nd row, 5th from right), Mr. David Smith MP, Federal Member for Bean and Norfolk Island (2nd row, 5th from left), and fellow Heads of Missions in Canberra during the reception celebrating the 127th Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence, held at Hotel Realm on 24 June 2025. (Canberra PE photo)
For more information, visit https://www.philembassy.org.au or https://www.facebook.com/PHinAustralia/.