PH Consulate General in Sydney Celebrates 125 Years of Philippine Independence with National Day Reception
SYDNEY 29 June 2023 – In celebration of the 125th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine independence under the theme “Freedom, Future, and History,” Philippine Consul General to Sydeny Charmaine Rowena C. Aviquivil hosted a reception on 13 June 2023 at the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Some 200 guests from the New South Wales Parliament, Sydney local government representing Lord Mayor Clover Moore, the Consular Corps, leaders and members of the Filipino community, officers of the Australia Philippines Business Council and business sector representatives, travel agency partners of the Philippine Department of Tourism, the academe, think tanks and media joined in the festivities.
In her remarks, Philippine Consul General Charmaine Rowena C. Aviquivil highlighted the warm and deep ties between the Philippines and Australia, as well as the meaningful personal relations between the peoples of the two countries, emphasizing the enormous contribution of the Filipino community. “Philippine and Australian officials alike, including those I have met in my engagements, have also attested that the Filipino community’s inherent talent, diligence, and creativity, together with their desire to be good and productive members of their respective local communities, has only added to the strength, richness, and diversity of Australian society,” Consul General Aviquivil remarked.
In her response, Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier and Parliamentary Secretary for the Arts Honorable Julia Finn MP stated that “the Filipino community in Australia holds a very special place in our nation... [and] has greatly enriched New South Wales and the entire nation.” Honorable Julia Finn represented New South Wales Premier Chris Minns during the reception.
Attendees and guests were treated to a special cultural performance of dancers Mr. Ernest Hojilla and Ms. Lilibeth Munar with the songs "Bayan Ko" by Mr. Freddie Aguilar and "Pen Pen De Sarapen" by Mr. Bobby Dulay. The formal program was capped by performance of Mr. Marcus Rivera who sang "Magsimula Ka" by Mr. Leo Valdez and "Sa Ugoy ng Duyan" by Mr. Lucio San Pedro.
An exhibit of native weaves from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao and traditional Filipiniana attire was also on display. END
For more information, visit https://www.sydneypcg.dfa.gov.ph/, https://www.facebook.com/PHLinSydney, or https://www.instagram.com/phlinsydney/.