The Australia Philippine Chamber of Commerce Inc. (APCCI) held its 2026 Induction of Officers and Trade and Tourism Forum on May 29 at the historic Castlereagh Hotel in Sydney CBD.
The well-attended event gathered Philippine-Australian business leaders, multicultural entrepreneurs, community representatives and guests from various organisations.
The program opened with the induction of new members and the appointment of committee heads and ambassadors of goodwill.
Participation certificates were presented by Hon. Consul Marianne I. Bringas of the Philippine Consulate General in Sydney, assisted by APCCI president Jun Capili, Dr. Jaime Lopez and immediate past president Joel Tungcab, who also served as event host.
Guests were welcomed by Vicki Capili and Maryann Eugenio, while registration was coordinated by Len Puzon, Jane Crame and Jose Mari Crame.
The evening continued with a formal dinner and the chamber’s Trade and Tourism Forum featuring Dave Sharma, Australia’s Federal Shadow Minister for Immigration, as guest speaker. Senator Sharma was introduced by Atty. Tom Baena.
Following his address, Senator Sharma inducted the incoming APCCI officers for 2026:
President – Jun Capili
Vice President – External – Annabelle Tungol
Vice President – Local – Atty. Tom Baena
Secretary – Len Puzon
Treasurer – Randy Hipolito
Directors:
Rodi Orantia, Fiel Santos, Fouad Sucaar, Clr. Eddy Sarkis and Carolyn Manaloto
Public Relations Officers:
Anthony and Net Belista
Immediate Past President:
Joel Tungcab
Advisers:
Dr. Jaime Lopez, Clr. Atty. Jess Diaz and Frank Avati
One of the highlights of the evening was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between APCCI and the China-Australia Free Trade Association (CHAMFA). The agreement was signed by APCCI president Jun Capili and CHAMFA chairperson Sophy Liu.
Attendees also heard presentations from several resource speakers, including Hon. Consul Emmanuel Ang, Philippine senior trade representative to Australia; Cassandra Camonggol, officer-in-charge of the Philippine Department of Tourism in Sydney; Annabelle Tungol of Artea Green Ventures Pty Ltd; CHAMFA chairperson Sophy Liu; and Geraldine Ang, global head of sales and distribution of Hotel 101 Pty Ltd Singapore.
The speakers shared insights on trade, tourism, investment and business opportunities between Australia, the Philippines and the broader Asia-Pacific region.
In his closing remarks, Capili thanked guests and participants for supporting the event and expressed optimism about the chamber’s future initiatives and partnerships.
The evening concluded with networking activities and raffle draws, with prizes including concert tickets, accommodation at the Castlereagh Hotel and bottles of wine.
