25 August 2015 - On August 12, Filipino students performed the traditional Philippine dance, “Pandanggo sa Ilaw,” at the University of Sydney Quadrangle during the inaugural commemoration of ASEAN Day organized by the Sydney Southeast Asian Centre (SSEAC) of the University of Sydney.

The performance of the Filipino students, who are scholars from various Philippine government agencies under the Australia Awards Scholarship program, was warmly applauded by the University of Sydney faculty members and students who took part in the ASEAN Day program.

The performers comprised Ms. Jorybelle A. Masallo, Ms. Daizyree A. Baran, Ms. Netherlen C. Salatrero from the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA); Mr. Joel B. Perez from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM); Ms. Marife C. Leon from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Ms. Ernanita D. Cabebe from the Office of the Governor, Provincial Government of Davao del Norte; Ms. Hanna R. Mayor from the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA); and, Mr. Ariel Posadas. All are taking up their masteral studies in the University of Sydney.

Consul Marford Angeles congratulated the students on their excellent performance and thanked them for contributing their talent and time despite their busy schedules to present to their fellow students a glimpse of Philippine culture. He said that their participation also illustrates the importance that the Philippines places on its membership in ASEAN.

Consul Angeles thanked University of Sydney lecturer and Philippine Country coordinator for SSEAC Dr. Sandra Seno-Alday for coordinating with the Philippine Consulate General in Sydney on the cultural performance by the Filipino students. Consul General Anne Jalando-on Louis earlier broached the idea of commemorating ASEAN Day to Dr. Seno-Alday.

There were also performances by students from other ASEAN member countries such as Indonesia and Myanmar, as well as students from Japan, a Dialogue Partner of ASEAN. Various student organizations of the University of Sydney supported the ASEAN Day celebration by putting up booths to sell food and other items. END