Loboc Children’s Choir, Kublai Millan Featured at PH Independence Reception in Australia
The Loboc Children’s Choir, Mebuyan and Kublai Millan share their messages of peace and joy through their artistry during the annual diplomatic reception of the Philippine Embassy in Canberra in celebration of the 120th Anniversary of Philippine Independence. They are joined by Mr. Alistair Coe MLA, Philippine Ambassador to Australia Minda Calaguian-Cruz, and Ambassador Luis Cruz. (Canberra PE photo)
CANBERRA 03 July 2018 – The Philippine Embassy in Canberra, Australia held its annual diplomatic reception commemorating the 120th anniversary of Philippine independence at the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra on 13 June 2018.
“Our country has gone a long way from that momentous day in 1898 but we remain a grateful nation, fully cognizant that the best means to do right by our esteemed forebearers is to leave to the succeeding generations of Filipinos a nation so much better than that we were born with,” said Philippine Ambassador to Australia Minda Calaguian-Cruz.
The event was the culmination of a month-long Philippine Culture and Arts Festival 2018.
Renowned artist from Davao Rey “Kublai” Millan held his exhibit “Down South, Down Under,” featuring pastoral scenes and people from Mindanao and introduced his creative process behind building Mindanao’s most well-known monuments.
Mebuyan, an all-women group originally from Davao, filled the National Portrait Gallery with lively music and their original compositions celebrating Mindanaoan culture.
The Loboc Children’s Choir concluded the event with their performances of English and Filipino songs, bringing nostalgia for Filipino pop music while introducing the Australian community to traditional music from the Philippines. Choir Musical Director Alma Taldo said that the Choir’s desire is to bring joy to all their audiences through music.
Foreign Affairs and Trade Chief of Protocol Lyndall Sachs and Alistair Coe MLA were among the honored guests during the event.
The Philippine Culture and Arts Festival 2018 was made possible through the support of Cebu Pacific Air, Philippine Department of Tourism, Liwayway Marketing Corporation, Special Envoy of the Philippines to Australia Miguel Ayala, House of Hope Foundation for Kids with Cancer in Davao, and Philippine Honorary Consul to Western Australia Michael Gillis. END
For more information, visit www.canberrape.dfa.gov.ph / www.philembassy.org.au or https://www.facebook.com/PHinAustralia/.