One of the much-awaited significant events being held in the Filipino-Australian community and in many other parts of the globe is the celebration of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence. On June 13, 2026, the Philippine Consulate General Sydney hosted the Reception for the celebration of 127th Anniversary of this important part of Philippine history.
That evening, the temperature was only 12-13 degrees C, with some scattered showers. However, the weather conditions did not deter community leaders happily making their way to The Surry Rooftop in Surry Hills where the celebration was being held. The Honourable Consul General Charmaine Rowena C. Aviquivil, who looked elegant in her lovely blue sequinned Filipiniana, led the Consular officials to welcoming everyone. She was joined in the official welcoming line-up by Mr George Prudente, Consul Sheila Marie C. Tario, Vice Consul Diana Marie D. Jimenez-Leomo, and Tourism Director Purification Pura Molintas. The welcoming officials greeted warmly, shook hands as the guests were ushered in and had photos with them.
In addition to the Fil-Aus community leaders and members of the media who were enjoying the networking before the official proceedings started, there were several special guests who graced the occasion. The Consular Corps were comprised of: Bangladesh Consul General Md Shakhawat Hossain, Czech Republic Consul General Zuzana Slovakova and other officers, Ireland Consul General Rosemarie Keane, Japan Consul General Osamu Yamanaka, Korea Consul General Yong Jun Choi, Peru Consul General Jose Alberto Ortiz Artola, US Acting Consul General Steve Knode and Vietnam Consul General Than Tung.
There were also other officers representing: Canada, China, Indonesia, Thailand and Timor Leste.
The NSW and Australian Government Officials included: Hon. Anoulack Chanthivong MP (Guest of Honour); Hon. Robert Kok Councillor, City of Sydney; Hon. Stephen Bali MP, Member for Blacktown; Hon. Tim James MP, Member, Legislative Assembly; Ms. Karen Hunt Deputy Mayor, Campbelltown (rep. of Mayor Lound); Cr. Barbara Ward, Ku-ring-gai Council; Cr Karissa Subedi, Wagga Wagga Council and Mr. Crispin Conroy, Director, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, NSW.
There was a festive atmosphere with the happy chatter, and people enjoying finger food being served around and drinks from the bar before the talented and charismatic emcee, Mr Marcus Rivera announced the start of the official program. The enthusiastic singing of the Philippine and the Australian national anthems set the nationalistic appeal of the occasion.
Marcus Rivera introduced the Honourable Consul General Charmaine Rowena C. Aviquivil who was first to speak. Firstly, she acknowledged all the special guests and welcomed all present. We are pleased to share, with permission, some excerpts of her inspiring talk.
“Tonight, we commemorate the 127th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence under the theme: “Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan.”—Freedom. Future. History. These three words are not merely slogans — they are the threads that bind the Philippine’s past, present, and future. They call us to remember the courage of our forebears and to embrace our role in building a just, inclusive, and forward-looking Philippines—where freedom is protected, our future is secured, and history continues to be made.
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The spirit of the Katipunan, whose initials echo in this year’s theme, continues to inspire us and represent not only resistance, but also unity, courage, and deep love for the nation. These are values that we, as Filipinos, carry with us—whether at home or abroad. In this era of rebuilding and global transformation, we take pride in being part of a country committed to peace, innovation, and progress under a rules-based international order.
… As we also mark the 79th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Australia this year, I would like to express our deep appreciation to the Australian government—our steadfast partner and friend—for its enduring support and strong commitment to our bilateral ties. We are especially grateful for the warm welcome extended to the Filipino community across Australia, and for embracing us in the spirit of multiculturalism that defines this great nation.”
The speech by Hon Consul General Aviquivil was followed by her introducing the Guest of Honour, The Hon. Anoulack Chanthivong to the attendees. The Hon. Chanthivong is the Member of the Legislative Assembly, Member for Macquarie Fields, Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading, Minister for Industry and Trade, Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology, Minister for Building, and Minister for Correction. In his remarks, Hon. Chanthivong congratulated the Philippine Consulate officials and Filipino-Australians on the celebration of the 127th anniversary of the proclamation of the Philippine Independence. He also congratulated and thanked the Filipinos for their contributions in multiculturalism and the progress of the Australian society.
The speeches were followed by a formal toast by Hon Consul General Aviquivil and Hon Chanthivong. The toast which drew much cheering was firstly for the celebration of the proclamation of the Philippine Independence, as well as for the continuing strong Philippine Australian friendly and trade relations. Then the usual photo opportunity with the Guest of Honour; the Australian Government Officials; and the Consular Corps was undertaken.
The entertainment provided on the evening added to the festive atmosphere of the event. Filipino Chaplaincy Young Adults Choir wowed the audience with their well-blended beautiful voices as they sang a patriotic song “Isang Dugo, Isang Lahi, Isang Musika” and a lively fun OPM song “Ewan” composed by Louie Ocampo and popularised by the Apo Hiking Society.
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Aside from superbly ensuring the program ran smoothly and in an enjoyable way, Mr Marcus Rivera who is a well-known a versatile singer and actor having performed in classical music, musical theatre, stage, cabaret, film, and TV enthralled the audience. His rendition of three songs showed his unique interpretations and emotive delivery he is recognised for: "Hanggang" by Wency Cornejo, “Bukas na Lang Kita Mamahalin” by Jimmy Borja; and “Perhaps” (Quizas) by Osvaldo Farres.
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After the program finished, the reception continued on for another half hour with people enjoying more networking and photo ops. Attendees were also delighted to receive on their way out a small ‘bayong’ (traditional Filipino handwoven bag, made from natural materials such as palm tree leaves) with give-away items, courtesy of Bayani Imports, Kapamilya Imports, Ostindo International P/L, Pag asa Asian Food Imports and SBC Foods P/L. 7000Islands supplied the Engkanto beers such as Ube Lager and Honey Ale, whereas Goree Park supplied the piccolo-sized bottle of white wine.
Congratulations to the Philippine Consulate General Sydney for a successful and meaningful celebration of the 127th Anniversary of the Proclamation of the Philippine Independence.
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