06 December 2022, CANBERRA – The Embassy of the Philippines in Canberra opened its doors once again to Pasko sa Canberra (Christmas in Canberra) on 4 December 2022 after a two-year pause as a result of the pandemic. Over 3,000 guests visited the Embassy grounds to get their fill of Filipino food and watch the local display of Filipino talent.

Organized by the Filipino Community Council of the Australian Capital Territory (FCC-ACT), Pasko sa Canberra is an annual celebration that signals the start of Christmas festivities in Australia’s capital city. Guests lined-up to buy Filipino and Christmas favorites including lechon (roast whole pig), barbecue, bibingka and puto bumbong (rice cakes). A host of cold Filipino alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks became very popular during the warm day. Local talents from around Canberra and nearby Sydney provided fun and entertainment.

In her remarks, Ambassador of the Philippines to Australia Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega congratulated the Filipino community for the successful return of the event. The Ambassador said, “The Embassy is proud to be a part of this initiative and will always share in your mission of bridging closer relations and building further understanding between the Philippines and Australia.” The Hon David Smith, Federal Member for Bean, and Mr. Brendan Smyth, ACT Commissioner for International Cooperation, delivered remarks during the opening ceremony. They underscored the importance of the friendship of the Philippines and Australia and thanked the Filipino community for bringing Filipino Christmas to Australia.

The Embassy of the Philippines and the Department of Tourism-Sydney hosted a stall where travel destinations in the Philippines were promoted with the support of Philippine Airlines. END