A Taste of Australia for Cebu’s Who’s Who

Australian Ambassador Steven J. Robinson AO hosted a reception for Cebu’s most influential in celebration of Philippine Australia Friendship Day.

Guests at the high-level reception at Marco Polo Plaza’s ballroom were treated to an Australian-inspired menu by Executive Chef Juanito Abangan highlighting Australian beef, lamb, cheese and wine. Australian premium food brands also had wine and food sampling to the delight of the guests.

The legendary artist Ms Pilita Corrales, whose success began in Melbourne, performed her iconic songs.

The Ambassador toasted to “the enduring friendship between Australia and the Philippines”.

“The Philippines Australia Friendship Day is an annual celebration that we take to different parts of the country,” said Australian Ambassador Steven J. Robinson AO.  “I am very pleased that we are holding this year’s celebration in Cebu.”  The Ambassador cited strong business links, a network of Australia-educated Filipinos and development partnership with community organizations as reasons for selecting Cebu as venue city for this year’s celebration.

In 2016, a Presidential Proclamation declared May 22 each year as Philippine-Australia Friendship Day in recognition of the deep links and enduring friendship between the two countries. 

This year’s Philippine-Australia Friendship Day is part of the larger “Australia Now” celebration across ASEAN.  With a focus on engaging youth, Australia is hosting food, film and forum events across the 10 countries of the region to celebrate Australia’s creative excellence, diversity and innovation.

Philippine-Australia Friendship Day is presented by the Australian Embassy in partnership with Ayala Malls, Austal, Crone Architects, GHD, Greenstone Resources Corp., IDP, Qantas, QBE, and Telstra.