PRESS RELEASE

Philippine Embassy, Canberra

1 Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT 2600
www.philembassy.org.au    *Tel. No. 02-6273-2535*

01 December 2024, CANBERRA – The annual Pasko sa Canberra held on 01 December 2024 at the Philippine Embassy grounds ushered in the Christmas celebration in Canberra. The event, organized by the Filipino Community Council of ACT (FCCACT) in collaboration with the Philippine Embassy in Canberra, attracted more than 2,000 people to enjoy the delicious Filipino flavors and celebrate the rich festive traditions of the Philippines. Also present at the event were Consul General Charmaine Rowena C. Aviquivil and officials from the Philippine Consulate General in Sydney

Making the occasion even more special was the presence of the Philippine Ambassador-designate to Australia, H.E. Antonio A. Morales, who arrived in Canberra that very morning after a long-haul flight from the Philippines. The Ambassador- designate joined in the festivities for his first public engagement in his new role. He expressed his gratitude to the FCCACT officers, and staff members for their efforts in bringing the celebration to life and thanked the attendees who braved the rain to join the festivities.

“The bilateral relations of the Philippines and Australia are at their strongest. Our greatest strength lies in our people. We have over 400,000 Filipinos who call Australia their home, making them the fifth largest migrant community. The Philippines has established a strong and dynamic presence here in Australia,” Ambassador-designate Morales said in his remarks.

The Ambassador-designate underscored the strong people-to-people connections between the Philippines and Australia and the critical role of the diaspora in promoting and showcasing the culture, heritage, and warmth of Filipino hospitality.

The program featured a dynamic lineup of musical performances and traditional dances that captivated the audience including solo performances by Josh Lui, Jojo Sebastian, Robyn Russell, Aniah Nogaliza, Sean South, and Aria Wallace, as well as musical renditions by the Musika Ibarra Band.

The Philippine Cultural Society (PCS) performed Pastores Camalig, Balse Na Pagbati, a Christmas medley, and line dancing, which were major crowd favorites. Other lively performances included dance routines by the ACT Filipino Australian Social and Cultural Association (ACTFA-SCA), the Philippine Australian Association of the ACT and Monaro Region Inc. (PAA), and the Filipino Language School of Canberra (FLS). The audience also joined in the festivities, dancing and singing along with the performers, creating an engaging and interactive atmosphere. The Philippine Embassy added an interactive element by hosting a booth with a trivia challenge about the Philippines with winners receiving Filipino products as prizes.

Food stalls offering Filipino delicacies such as lechon, barbecue, bibingka, and puto bumbong were a hit, providing a taste of the Philippines that appealed to all. The Pasko sa Canberra 2024 was a reminder of the power of community, generosity, and inclusivity shared by the Filipino and Australian communities. END