Perth hosted the first leg of the landmark Philippines–Australia Business Mission this week, with Melbourne set to continue the program tomorrow as efforts advance to deepen ties in trade, tourism, education and cultural exchange between the two countries.
The Philippines–Australia Business Mission 2025, featuring Iloilo, is built around the themes of trade, tourism and transformation. Supported by the Philippine Consulate in Perth and the Philippine Consulate General in Melbourne, the initiative highlights Iloilo City’s growing role in regional cooperation and public–private collaboration.
Delivered by Masterplan Global in partnership with Study Square, the mission brings together leaders from government, business and the community to build what organisers describe as an “ecosystem of experience for people, progress and purpose”. Cebu Pacific is the official airline partner of the Iloilo delegation. The Philippine Department of Tourism, CITEM, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce Iloilo, MICE Alliance, TIEZA, City of Iloilo and the Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc. have also extended their support.
The Perth program, held on Thursday, 20 November, featured the Miss Mi x La Meza Iloilo collaboration dinner hosted by Novotel Perth Murray Street under the Accor Group. The immersive culinary experience showcased Iloilo City – the Philippines’ only UNESCO City of Gastronomy – with a menu led by Chef Alex De Leon of Miss Mi and Chef Ariel Castañeda Jr. of Richmonde Hotel Iloilo. Perth Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds attended the event, signalling growing local interest in strengthening trade and cultural links with Iloilo.
The Melbourne leg of the mission will take place tomorrow, 22 November, beginning with a Business Forum at Mantra on Russell, followed by an Ilonggo Dinner at Palay by Fhred Batalona in Fitzroy. The program aims to bring Australian and Filipino stakeholders together to discuss opportunities in trade, investment and tourism, while offering a firsthand experience of Ilonggo cuisine and culture.
Community backing has come from both cities, with efforts in Melbourne led by the Ilonggo Association of Victoria alongside Filipino–Australian community leaders.
By spotlighting Iloilo and bridging sectors across borders, the Philippines–Australia Business Mission 2025 seeks to lay the groundwork for long-term partnerships centred on innovation, inclusivity and cultural diplomacy.
