PRESS RELEASE

Philippine Embassy, Canberra

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

07 February 2026, CANBERRA – The Philippine Embassy in Canberra participated in the 2026 National Multicultural Festival (NMF) as part of the ASEAN Village, joining the more than 400,000 visitors in celebrating cultural diversity in the Australian Capital Territory.

In celebration of National Arts Month, the Embassy featured the “Hope and Endeavor” exhibit at the Philippine booth. The exhibit presented 13 printed reproductions of selected artworks by Filipino artists from 1955 to 1982. The display introduced festival-goers to key periods in Philippine visual art and promoted the Philippines’ campaign for the UN Security Council to a broad public audience.

This year, the Embassy brought Filipino childhood to the ACT and visitors tried their hand at Tumbang Preso, which is a traditional Filipino street game. Festival-goers were invited to knock over a can using a slipper (tsinelas), with those who succeeded in a single attempt receiving a prize of Filipino snacks or drinks.

Visitors to the Philippine booth also enjoyed complementary Filipino food items, received informational tourism pamphlets, and posed for photos at the Embassy’s photo booth.

As part of the ASEAN Village program, Filipino performers Michelle Choya Ang and Roschelle Luzares presented the Cordillera Banga Dance. Originating from Northern Luzon, the dance is traditionally performed by women balancing clay pots on their heads, reflecting strength, balance, and the rhythms of daily life in Cordillera communities.

The Embassy likewise supported Filipino community groups performing across various festival stages by attending and engaging with their presentations throughout the festival.

The National Multicultural Festival is an annual event in Canberra that brings together multicultural communities to share their heritage through food, art, music, and performance. – END –