The celebration of the 125th Philippine Independence Day happened with the Grand FilCom Gala Night at the Palladium in Crown Melbourne, Victoria, on 11 June 2023. Filipino community leaders and business owners, the Consular Corps, academics and representatives from the Victorian government attended the event, theme of which was “Freedom, Future, History”.
The night began with the singing of the Philippine National Anthem, Lupang Hinirang, led by the emcees of the night, Bryan Yap and Paola Cetra. Consul General Maria Lourdes Salcedo, also adviser of the 1-2-5 Organising Committee, gave the welcome address. She mentioned that May 2023 marked the 77th year of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Australia. She acknowledged the longstanding friendship between the two nations, going as far back as the 1800s.
Cultural Showcases and Distinguished Guests: Highlights of the Event
Consul Ralph Vincent Abarquez then introduced guest of honour Colin Brooks MP, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, representing the Premier of Victoria, who delivered a speech. He noted, “The Philippines certainly has a proud history of struggle and resilience in its passionate desire for freedom and independence; and it looks to the future with optimism, one that is shared and enhanced with Australia through strong regional friendship”. Colin Brooks MP called the Filipinos strong, courageous and determined, and in applying these characteristics in their respective fields, Filipinos contribute to the economy and cultural diversity of Victoria.
Attendees witnessed spectacular cultural performances by Cordillera Victoria Igorot Association who rendered an Igorot dance called Sissiwit and the Nocturnal Dance Company who danced the “Filipino Ethnic Swag” and Tinikling. A folk interpretation performance of “Pasayawa Ko Day” by Jerson and Leila Baladjay of Samahan ng mga Pilipino at Australian sa Gippsland (SPAG) was also presented, along with dancers from the Filipino Australian Association of Ballarat. The Kababaihang Rizalista Inc (KRI) Victoria Chapter led the Cariñosa. Meanwhile, Amamngpintor’s on-the-spot painting diversified the art forms seen all night long.
Greetings were extended from special guests, John Pesutto, Leader of the Opposition, and Dr. Samantha Ratman, Leader of the Greens. Remarks from Consul Jan Sherwin Wenceslao closed the event before more public dancing was enjoyed to music sang by Mary Ann Van Der Horst and the Impact Band.
Acknowledgment
- Groups, organisations and associations represented in the 125 Harmonized Philippine Independence Day Gala Night
- Samahan ng mga Pilipino Australian in Gippsland (SPAG)
- Skylark Foundation
- Pilipino Association of Victoria Inc.
- Filipino Care Australia
- Ambassador Club of Australia/Melbourne
- Filipino Community Council of Victoria Inc. (FCCVI )
- Cebuano Association of Victoria Inc.
- Filipino Association of Victoria Inc. (FAVI)
- Pampagueno Club of Victoria Inc.
- Circulo Capizeno of Melbourne
- Australian Filipino Community Services (AFCS)
- Friendship of Elderly Filipino -Australians Victoria Inc. (FEFAVI)
- Kababaihang Rizalista Inc. Victoria Chapter
- Australian Multicultural Support Group
- Filipino Australian Seniors
- Bubble Bees Australia
- Australian Council for Multicultural Entrepreneurs
- Bridge Builders for Australia
- 5B’s Humanitarian
- Knox Community Chess Inc.
- Filipino Australian Association of Ballarat Inc.
- Filipino Australian Lawyers Associations.
- Ilonggo Association of Victoria Inc. (IAVI )
- Gawad Kalinga Australia
- Ilocano Association of Victoria
- Barangay TeleRadyo
- Katipunan Australia
- Pinoys in Melbourne
- Soriano-Orodio Foundation
- Australian Filipino Nurses Association of Victoria
- Pilipino Elderly Association of South East Region (PEASER )
- Cald Seniors of Victoria Inc.
- Young Generation
- Damayan
- The Empowered Australian Multicultural Society (TEAMS )
