PRESS RELEASE

Philippine Embassy, Canberra

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

27 June 2026, ALICE SPRINGS – Philippine Ambassador to Australia, H.E. Antonio Morales, concluded the celebration of the 128th Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence with the Filipino community in Alice Springs at a cultural event organized by the Alice Springs Mabuhay Multicultural Association. More than 450 guests attended the celebration, including Member for Braitling, Hon. Joshua Burgoyne.

In his remarks, Ambassador Morales highlighted the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Australia. He reflected on the longstanding friendship between the two countries and the enduring ties forged through generations of migration. He recalled the legacy of the Manilamen, the first Filipino migrants to Australia, whose presence dates back to the 19th century and whose contributions helped shape the development of the Northern Territory.

The Ambassador emphasized that people-to-people connections remain at the heart of the Philippines-Australia Strategic Partnership and recognized the Filipino community in Central Australia as an important bridge in strengthening the bilateral relations. Ambassador Morales thanked the community for supporting humanitarian and disaster relief efforts in the Philippines, its commitment to preserving Filipino heritage and traditions, and enriching Australia's multicultural fabric.

Hon. Joshua Burgoyne paid tribute to the Filipino community's valuable role in the Northern Territory and acknowledged their positive impact to the Territory's economic growth, cultural diversity and community life.

The Filipino community in Alice Springs was the first migrant group in the region to establish a formal incorporated association. Founded in the early 1980s, the Alice Springs Mabuhay Multicultural Association continues to promote Filipino heritage, strengthen community ties and share Filipino culture with the wider Central Australian community. Led by President Jovita Price and Vice President Hilda Reeder, the Association's membership extends beyond Alice Springs to Yulara, Tennant Creek, Renner Springs, Waite River Station and surrounding areas.

The celebration showcased the richness and diversity of Filipino culture through traditional music and dance performances. Guests enjoyed the “Sayaw sa Bangko”, a lively folk dance that highlights the performers' balance and agility as they dance atop narrow benches; the “Cariñosa”, a graceful courtship dance symbolizing love and affection; the “Itik-Itik”, inspired by the playful movements of ducks; the “Sayaw sa Salakot”, which pays tribute to the traditional Filipino woven farm hat through elegant choreography; and the “Pamintok”, a traditional welcome dance of the indigenous Bukidnon and Manobo tribes of Mindanao.- END

#PHAU80YEARS 🇵🇭🇭🇲