PRESS RELEASE

Philippine Embassy, Canberra

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

Filipino Shop in Perth serves as hub for Filipino migrants and workers

Ambassador Hellen De La Vega (3rd from left) visited Ms. Melissa Aguasa (4th from left), owner of Melissa’s Filipino Shop and Kusina Republik in Huntingdale, Western Australia.

06 June 2022, CANBERRA – Melissa’s Filipino Shop in Huntingdale, Western Australia has become the go to place of Filipino migrants, workers and students in Western Australia for their grocery needs and other services. Philippine Ambassador to Australia Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega visited Ms. Melissa Aguasa, the owner of Melissa’s Filipino Shop, Breadtime Bakeshop and Kusina Republik on 31 May 2022 during her visit to Western Australia. Melissa’s Filipino Shop, which sells food and other products from the Philippines, was awarded in the 28th Belmont and WA Small Business Awards in October 2021.

Ambassador De La Vega congratulated Ms. Aguasa on the success of her business and thanked her for her support to the Filipino community in Perth including the Filipino seafarers and international students who were stranded in Australia at the height of the pandemic. Melissa’s Filipino Shop provided care packages to the stranded Filipinos and led fundraising efforts for other Philippine advocacies. She also actively liaises with the Honorary Philippine Consulate in Perth in reaching out to the Filipino community.

Ms. Aguasa said that she opened a bakeshop and a Filipino eatery in response to the demand for Filipino food in Huntingdale. She has expanded Kusina Republik with the opening of a food truck in Westfield Carousel. -- END