The Australian Embassy in the Philippines is set to host the Philippines-Australia Friendship Festival on June 7 and 8 at the Glorietta Activity Centre in Makati, promising a weekend packed with culture, connection, and community celebration.
“This year, we’re bringing the Friendship Festival to the heart of style and business in the Philippines – Makati – thanks to Ayala Malls, Ayala Corp. and ACEN,” said Australian Ambassador HK Yu. “We move the Festival around the country to spotlight the strong and growing ties between Australia and the Philippines.”
Festivalgoers will get to sample Australian food and drinks, enjoy exclusive travel deals from Qantas Airlines, and shop for innovative products created by Filipino entrepreneurs educated in Australia.
Education takes center stage with booths and talks led by top Australian universities, including the University of Adelaide, offering insights on study pathways, scholarships, and career opportunities for aspiring Filipino students. Currently, around 40,000 Filipinos study in Australia, strengthening academic and cultural links.
TV personalities Drew Arellano and Fil-Aussie star Iya Villania will host the opening program, which will spotlight Anko, a popular Australian home and lifestyle brand. Anko will highlight its successful Philippine launch, partnership with Anne Curtis, and the rollout of its Anko Club loyalty program.
Capping off the celebration will be a free concert by P-Pop girl group G22, featuring Fil-Aussie member Jasmine Henry.
Attendees will also have the chance to win roundtrip tickets to Australia, courtesy of Qantas, with destinations like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, or Adelaide up for grabs.
Ambassador Yu emphasized that the event is supported by major Australian companies operating in the Philippines—including Anko, Telstra, Macquarie, AMS Global, and others—who are contributing to job creation and bilateral growth. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
