May 5, 2023 – The Philippine Consulate in Adelaide gathered Filipino international students for a meet and greet networking, led by Consul Carmen Garcia, a.h. and her team.
Also, in attendance is the newly appointed Consul Ralph Vincent Abarquez who flew in from Melbourne to provide a mobile consular mission for Filipinos in Adelaide from 5th – 8th of May.
Almost 30 Filipino international students from various study backgrounds which includes but is not limited to Automotive, Design, Health Research and Sciences, Information Technology, and Public Policy joined the informal gathering with the Consuls to discuss student life in Adelaide and even career and personal perspectives five years from now.
The new Consul Abarquez extended his warmest welcome to students, emphasizing that they serve as instruments for strengthening partnerships with the Philippines as they showcase their roots through traditional, public, and cultural diplomacy.
Most of the students present in the event only arrived in Australia last year, yet they already see themselves building a career and life in South Australia, however, for some students they would like to take opportunities as they come or as we say in Filipino, ‘sumabay sa agos ng buhay.’
The event paves an avenue to connect student attendees with companies such as On The Run (OTR) through Community Corporate and the Pipeline Project which seeks to support student finances and provide career growth and development.
Networking opportunities are also extended to promote students’ businesses and other volunteering opportunities in research.
It was a very worthwhile experience from sharing side stories about living and expanding oneself in Australia with fellow international students, into even exchanging personal social media accounts to keep in touch.
Also, the friendly vibe and very passionate Consulate Generals with the team totally gave more confidence and hope to Filipino international students in whatever circumstances they are taking.
The highlight of the event would not be complete without the classic Filipino style dinner party, with heaps of conversations with laughter going whether you are standing or sitting in front your hot meal.
This also would be a more-than-once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to establish Filipino networks as early as you are a student, to create more memorable memories together and reach out to each other easily in times of need.
The meet and greet event was initiated after Consul Garcia’s appointment and confidently continues that other Consulates across Australia also started conducting it, which according to her has produced a great ripple effect to bring all Filipinos together in unity.
