CANBERRA 03 July 2018 – The Philippine Embassy in Canberra, Australia joined the rest of the world in celebrating the 120th anniversary of Philippine independence with a flag-raising ceremony and a Davao-inspired cultural program, at the official residence of the Philippine Ambassador on 12 June 2018.
More than 50 members of the Filipino-Australian community in Canberra joined the celebration.
The official residence was filled with the paintings of visual artist Rey “Kublai” Millan with his exhibit “Down South, Down Under,” featuring pastoral scenes and people from Mindanao. During the program, Millan shared his work with local municipalities in putting up monuments, and the positive social and economic changes as a result.
Millan’s exhibit in Australia is in support of the House of Hope Foundation for Kids with Cancer in Davao.
Mebuyan, an all-women group, performed original songs weaving Filipino folk and indigenous traditions with contemporary music, creating a joyous musical atmosphere during the Philippine Independence Day celebration.
The exhibit of Millan and performances of Mebuyan were made possible by Cebu Pacific Air, House of Hope Foundation for Kids with Cancer, Special Envoy of the Philippines to Australia Miguel Ayala, and the Department of Tourism of the Philippines.