MAIN PHOTO: David Beach
Over 2,000 people flocked to the Embassy of the Philippines for the annual Pasko sa Canberra (Christmas in Canberra) on 3 December organised by the Filipino Community Council of the Australian Capital Territory (FCCACT).
Pasko sa Canberra is now a Canberra institution that attracts thousands of guests and many stallholders in particular food businesses from as far as Sydney. People queued up for lechon or roast pig as well as other Filipino favourites such as barbecue and street food. Desserts such as halo-halo and Filipino alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages were also famous throughout the day. Filipino talent was on full display with song and dance performances taking place in the Embassy stage from 10:30am to 3pm.
In her remarks, the Ambassador updated the community on the banner activities for 2023 in particular the meeting of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr in Manila where they announced the elevation of relations to a Strategic Partnership. Mr. David Smith MP addressed the community and thanked them for the significant contributions of the Filipino diaspora to Australia.
The Embassy of the Philippines and the Department of Tourism-Sydney hosted a stall where travel destinations in the Philippines were promoted.