12 July 2016 – Bayanihan, the National Folk Dance Company of the Philippines, concluded their tour in Australia on June 21 after a series of performances in Canberra to mark the 118th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence and 70th Anniversary of Philippine-Australia relations.
Following their performance at the National Gallery of Australia for the Philippine Independence Day reception hosted by the Philippine Embassy in Canberra, Bayanihan once again amazed the guests of the Independence Day Celebration Ball hosted by Filipino Community Council of ACT (FCCACT) on June 18. The Filipino community, Australian leaders and local community were treated to traditional music and Filipino dances that showcased the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines.
On June 20, the Philippine Embassy in Canberra and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade co-hosted a well-attended reception to mark the 70th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between the Philippines and Australia. Guests included members of the diplomatic corps, defense, business, think-tanks, educational institutions, former Australian Ambassadors to the Philippines, students in the New Colombo Plan who attended Philippine universities and Filipino business and community leaders. Bayanihan had guests dancing along with them for their final performance in Canberra.
To wrap up their tour, Bayanihan held a dance workshop on June 21 at the Hall Pavilion. The workshop was hosted by the Philippine Cultural Society led by Ms. Feding Donaghue. Members of the Filipino community, Rondanihan, ACT Filipino Australian Society and Cultural Association, Sampaguita Ladies, Folk Dance Canberra, Filipino Language School of Canberra, and other guests were taught the basics of Philippine Folk Dance by Bayanihan in an intensive two-hour workshop.
Bayanihan’s well-acclaimed tour in Australia was made possible by the Department of Foreign Affairs, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Philippine Airlines, the Department of Tourism, Victoria International Container Terminal and Philippine Tours. The Philippine Embassy in Canberra also thanks its donors, Oishi, Mama Sita’s Mixes and Sauces, 7D Mangoes, Don Papa Rum and Cocoa Monster.
The Embassy utilized all these commemorative events to highlight developments in the Philippines, showcase Philippine culture, and promote tourism and Philippine services and products to the various audiences. END