This year’s Philippine Independence Day commemoration hosted by the Philippine Consulate General in Sydney was a resounding success, highlighting the nation’s rich cultural heritage while bringing to the fore its close relations with the local Filipino-Australian community.
Held on June 13 at the Harbourside Room of the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA), guests enjoyed sweeping views of the Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House.
With the harbour illuminated by the light displays from the Vivid Festival and the postcard-perfect venue, the reception held the rare distinction of being the most elegant yet spectacular of all the Philippine Independence Day celebrations that dotted the community calendar this year.
Drinks and canapes flowed as some 200 guests filled the room, with several groups posing for photos in the open balcony with the Opera House as their backdrop.
Master of Ceremonies Marcus Rivera, a local actor and musical theatre artist facilitated the night’s entertainment program, while wowing the crowd with his performances of Filipino classics ‘Magsimula Ka’ and ‘Sa Ugoy ng Duyan’.
The consulate also invited the community’s top talents Ernesto Hojilla and Lilibeth Munar to showcase contemporary and folk dances to the tune of ‘Pen Pen de Sarapen’ and ‘Bayan Ko’.
Representatives of the NSW Parliament and Sydney local government representing Lord Mayor Clover Moore were in attendance, led by the Hon. Julia Finn MP, Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier and Parliamentary Secretary for the Arts and representative of the NSW Premier Chris Minns; the Hon. Paul Joseph Hugh McDermott, MP, Parliamentary Secretary to the Attorney General and Member for Prospect; Mark Joseph Coure MP, Member for Oatley; Jordan Lane, MP, Member for Ryde; Matt Cross, MP, Member for Davidson; and Martin Speakman, MP, Member for Cronulla and Leader of the Opposition.
Representing Asian heritage in government were Councillors Robert Kok, Rey Manoto, and Jess Diaz.
Pouring in from all corners of the local community were officers and members of various community organisations, including the Philippine Community Council of New South Wales (PCC-NSW) led by President Cesar Bartolome; Alliance of Philippine Community Organisations Official (APCO Official) led by President Charles Chan, and Alliance of Philippine Community Organisations (APCO) led by President Jhun Salazar.
Also in attendance were officers and members of the Australia Philippines Business Council and business sector representatives, guests of the Philippine Department of Tourism, and media.
In her welcome speech, Consul General Charmaine Rowena Aviquivil said the 125th celebration of Philippine Independence Day was an opportunity to look back at the nation's forebears, including Philippine revolutionary hero Jose Rizal, while looking ahead.
"We remain determined in pursuing a path towards a prosperous, peaceful, and equitable future, while forging ahead to achieve middle power status and become the 16th largest economy by 2040," she said.
The Consul General drew on economic data that reported the country's GDP growth of 7.6% last year, beating government forecasts of 6.5 to 7.5% amid various natural disasters and post-pandemic.
“Moreover, the economy grew by 6.4% in the first quarter this year, which is beyond the average estimates of analysts and despite inflation.”
“Bearing this in mind, the Philippines will continue to advocate for principles of human rights, equality, and liberty, which we share with Australia.”
Responding to the Consul General's rousing speech, the Hon. Julia Finn spoke about the close relationship between the Philippines and Australia, and the government's appreciation of the Filipino-Australian community, particularly those who worked in the healthcare sector during the early years of COVID.
“The Filipino community in Australia holds a very special place in our nation,” she said, recognising that it is now the fifth largest migrant group in Australia.
Through the support of the Philippine Department of Tourism and the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) led locally by Consul Commercial Alma Argayoso, guests enjoyed an exhibit of native crafts, textiles and traditional wear from various parts of the Philippines.
Not merely a commemoration of the Philippines' independence, the event was an unforgettable display of Filipino hospitality and pride fluorishing in Australia.