PHL Independence Day events in Metro Sydney

June 9, 2012 Filed under Community Posted by TFA Staff

Celebration in Metro Sydney of the Philippines’ 114th year of Declaration of Philippine Independence kicked off this morning at the Parramatta Town Hall.

Parramatta Mayor Cr Lorraine Wearne and other Parramatta City Council officials joined Consul-General Anne Jalando-on Louis, consular officers, community leaders and members of the public to mark the 114th year of the Declaration of Philippine Independence. (photos)

In her message, Parramatta Mayor Wearne acknowledged the growing presence of Parramatta residents who are of Philippine origin.

Mayor Wearne said that the Filipinos in Parramatta now represent about 6% of the district’s population.

Banag-Banag, Lagmar Lavistre of the Bethlehem Community Singers, dance duo Victor Valdez and Mellie Connelly, and Filipino composer Oliver Gadista were this morning’s entertainment number performers.

Parramatta Mayor Wearne hosted a morning tea at the Town Hall’s auditorium after the flag-raising ceremony.

A related but separate Philippine Independence Day celebration event was staged in the afternoon by Australia Philippines Chamber of Commerce in Blacktown City.

Also holding a Philippine Independence Day related event is Alliance of Philippine Community Organisations (APCO) with a Freedom Ball at the Bankstown Sports Club Auditorium.

Outside Metro Sydney, the Filipino community in Bathurst commemorated the occasion last Saturday June 2. Other events are also lined up next week.