24 January 2024, NEW SOUTH WALES – Philippine Ambassador Ma. Hellen De La Vega joined the Filipino community in Central Coast NSW in celebrating the Sinulog Festival on 21 January 2024. The Festival commenced with a mass officiated by Filipino priests, Rev. Fathers Raul Balute, Alex Bernardo and Teody Medina, followed by a procession and Sinulog dances by the community. Hon. David Harris, Minister for the Central Coast NSW of the Parliament of NSW, also participated in the celebration. . Close to 500 attendees were present at the Festival held for the first time at the St. Peter’s Catholic College in Tuggerah.

In her remarks, Ambassador De La Vega commended the Filipino community for their faith and commitment to promoting and sharing to the multicultural communities in New South Wales their devotion to the Señor Sto. Niño (Child Jesus). She encouraged attendees to continue nurturing the excellent people-to-people connections between the Philippines and Australia.

The Sinulog, which means “graceful dance” that represents the “sulog” current of a river in Cebu, is a ritual prayer-dance festival honoring the Señor Sto. Niño which is said to be the baptismal gift of Ferdinand Magellan to Queen Humaymay of Cebu in 1521 and represents the welcoming of Christianity in the Philippines. Known as the “Mother of all Festivals”, the Sinulog Festival in Cebu features beautiful dances and colorful costumes becoming a famous tourist attraction.

The Embassy congratulates all Filipino community organizations across Australia on their successful celebration of Sinulog. The Sinulog Festival is held every third Sunday of January in Cebu in the Philippines. -END-