PRESS RELEASE

Philippine Embassy, Canberra

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

22 September 2026, CANBERRA – The Philippine Embassy in Canberra joined fellow ASEAN Missions in Australia in commemorating the 59th anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) through a musical showcase at the National Carillon in Canberra.

The event was attended by members of the diplomatic corps and senior representatives of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam and Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Canberra (ACC), H.E. Ms Dk Nooraslena Pg Sallehuddin, delivered the opening remarks and underscored ASEAN’s enduring role in promoting regional peace and stability, economic growth, and people-to-people and socio-cultural connections.

The celebration featured an opening performance of the ASEAN Anthem by the ASEAN Women’s Circle, followed by a live medley of traditional and popular songs from ASEAN Member States performed by Senior Carillonist Dr. Thomas Laue. The musical programme showcased the rich cultural diversity and heritage of the region through music, featuring:

  ● Samalindang – Brunei Darussalam
  ● The Night I Met You – Cambodia
  ● Belaian Sayang (Tender Loving Caress) – Indonesia
  ● ຈໍາປາເມືອງລາວ (Champa Flower) – Lao PDR
  ● Rasa Sayang – Malaysia
  ● Man Taung Yate Kho – Myanmar
  ● Anak – Philippines
  ● Geylang Si Paku (Geylang, Land of Ferns) – Singapore
  ● Sabai Sabai – Thailand
  ● Kadalak Suli Mutu – Timor-Leste
  ● MỘT VÒNG VIỆT NAM (Around Viet Nam) – Viet Nam

Representing the Philippines, the carillonist performed “Anak”, the iconic song by Filipino singer-songwriter Freddie Aguilar. The song, which has been translated into various languages, reflects Filipino values of family, unity, forgiveness, and unconditional love.

Guests were also presented with ASEAN commemorative giveaways. Following the musical showcase, the National Carillon was illuminated in red, blue, and yellow, reflecting the colors of the ASEAN emblem.

Australia became ASEAN’s first Dialogue Partner in 1974 and, in 2021, ASEAN’s first Comprehensive Strategic Partner. The Philippines holds the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026 under the theme “Navigating our Future Together.” The year also marks the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) which is a foundational instrument for peace, friendship, and cooperation in the region. - END

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