21 June 2016 - The Philippine Consulate General in Sydney hosted a reception and performance of the Bayanihan, the National Folk Dance Company of the Philippines, at the Science Theatre of the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Kensington Campus, in Sydney, in commemoration of the 118th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence and the 70th Anniversary of the Establishment of Philippines-Australia Diplomatic Relations on June 14,.
The event was attended by around 380 guests, comprising Australian federal and state government officials, members of the Consular Corps, representatives from the academe, the private sector, art institutions, and the Filipino community in NSW.
The Hon. David Clarke, Member of the NSW Legislative Council and Parliamentary Secretary for Justice, represented NSW Premier Mark Baird at the event. Other Australian officials present were Hon. Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, Federal Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Hon. Greg Donelly, Member of the NSW Legislative Council, Hon. Edmond Atalla, State Member for Mount Druitt, and Ms. Marnie Wright, Deputy Director, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade NSW State Office.
In his message, Hon. Clarke congratulated the Filipino people on their 118th year of independence and highlighted the importance of remembering the Filipinos’ struggle for freedom and self-rule. He noted the values of democracy and rule of law shared by the Philippines and Australia, which, he said, have served both countries well in 70 years of diplomatic relations.
Consul General Louis noted in her speech that the theme for this year’s celebration of the 118th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence, “Kalayaan 2016: Pagkakaisa, Pag-aambagan, Pagsulong,” emphasizes strength in unity, the Filipinos’ caring nature which leads to our desire to help and to give, and how the Philippines’ advancement as a nation stems from these values. She said that 2016 is a significant year in view of the commemoration of the 70th Anniversary of the Establishment of Philippines-Australia diplomatic ties, which celebrates the long-standing relations between the two countries. She noted the important role played by people-to-people contact in strengthening diplomatic relations and underscored the contributions of Filipinos to the growth and development of Australia.
Consul General Louis also said that the Consulate takes pride in bringing the Bayanihan, the National Folk Dance Company of the Philippines, to Sydney to showcase Philippine culture and history through music and dances.
The performance of the Bayanihan was met with praise and acclaim by the Australian guests and members of the Consular Corps. The Filipinos present said that the performance reinforced their pride and love for their Filipino heritage.
This Philippine Embassy in Canberra and the Philippine Consulate General in Sydney collaborated with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Philippine Airlines (PAL) to bring the Bayanihan to Australia. The Victoria International Container Terminal, an ICTSI Group Company, and Philippine Tours also supported the project. Local sponsors included the University of New South Wales (UNSW), island2island beverage company, exclusive distributor of San Miguel Beer in Australia, the Philippine Community Council of New South Wales (PCC-NSW), and Imago Productions. Members of the Filipino community that lent their support to the project include Mr. and Mrs. Rey San Juan of LaMesa Philippine Cuisine; Mr. and Mrs. Arturo Sayas; Dr. Raul and Arlene Amor; Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Sta. Barbara; Mr. and Mrs. Mauricio de Vera; Mr. and Mrs. Ferdinand Francisco; Mr. Ian Bell and Mr. Bob Reyes.
On June 11, the Bayanihan performed at the Philippine National Day Ball organized by the Filipino community umbrella organization, Philippine Community Council of New South Wales (PCC-NSW), in cooperation with the Philippine Consulate General in Sydney, at the Rosehill Gardens in Rosehill, NSW, The event was attended by around 400 guests, including Australian federal and state officials, representatives from the private sector and the Filipino community in NSW. Hon. Kevin Connolly, Member for Riverstone, represented Premier Baird and conveyed his congratulations to the Filipino community on behalf of the NSW State Government. He noted the vibrant and active participation of the Filipino community in activities that enrich the multicultural fabric of Australian society.
Also present at the Philippine National Day Ball were Hon. Julie Owens, Member for Parramatta represented Federal Opposition Leader Bill Shorten; Ms. Prue Car, Member for Londonderry, represented State Opposition Leader Luke Foley; Hon. Michelle Rowland, Member for Greenway, and local city council officials, Blacktown Deputy Mayor Jacqueline Donaldson, Deputy Mayor of Blacktown City, The Hills Shire Deputy Mayor Yvonne Keane, and Blacktown City Councillor Jess Diaz. END
