#AUPHWeAreMates: Celebrating 70 years of PH-AU relations
The Philippines and Australia have long been partners. We’ve traded goods since the late 1800s, fought side by side during World War II, and have been good friends ever since. Formal diplomatic relations may not have started until May 22, 1946, when Australia opened its first Consulate-General office in Manila.
PH-AU FRIENDSHIP BBQ. Because why not.
71 years on and this friendship has stood the test of time. It was never properly commemorated, though… until last Saturday, May 20, when the Australian Embassy and the Australian Global Alumni launched the Philippines-Australia Friendship Day at the Globe Iconic Amphitheater in Bonifacio High Street.
Present at the event was the Australian Ambassador to the Philippines, Amanda Gorely, and distinguished Filipino alums who have studied in Australia, led by the National Historical Council of the Philippines (NHCP) Director Ludovico Badoy.
AUSTRALIA GLOBAL ALUMNI POSE for a photo with Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Amanda Gorely (center). NHCP Director Ludovico Badoy is the one on her left, and was instrumental in making this event possible.
MORE ALUMS. Here, Ambassador Gorely poses for a photo with other alums… oh, and Andrew Wolf.
There were fun and games throughout the event, which opened its doors at 11:00 am. Multiple booths lined the Globe Iconic Amphitheater that featured 100% Aussie products. Here are some of them:
TYPO
AUSSIE BEAUTY ROOM. Okay, so it’s not exactly a brand, but it is full of Australian beauty brands…
… that this lovely lady tried out.
There was also a quick rugby workshop led by members of the Philippine Lady Volcanoes and a short presentation from the Philippine Eagles, the country’s Aussie-rules football team.
RUGBY WORKSHOP. A quick rugby workshop was conducted by the Philippine Lady Volcanoes, our very own women’s rugby team.
AUSSIE RULES. Ambassador Gorely talks to two members of the Philippine Eagles, the country’s Aussie Rules football team. Aussie Rules is an Australian special: it’s their twist on American Football, one of which is doing away with the padding.
The night was capped off with performances from Half Sound, Oh! Flamingo, and Razorback.
AMBASSADOR GORELY TALKS ABOUT the relationship between the Philippines and Australia…
… before these chaps, known as Half Sound, came in. Half Sound is a saxophone duo from Australia that often collaborates with local artists, like Tusa Montes (far left) on the kulintangan.
All of these activities culminate today with the grand unveiling of the Philippines-Australia Friendship Day Marker at the Manila Hotel.
We hope to see you at the next Philippines Australia Friendship Day!
Written by Andronico Del Rosario
