The best of Philippine culture was on show at the Liverpool City Library, Sydney on 4 May 2024 to celebrate the 78th anniversary of Philippine Australian Relations. The event also coincided with Philippine Heritage month. Special guests at the opening of the Cultural Exhibition were: H.E. Philippine Ambassador Ma. Hellen De La Vega, Philippine Sydney Consul General Charmaine Rowena Aviquivil, Liverpool City Council Deputy Mayor Fiona MacNaught and Liverpool Councillor Charishma Kaliyanda MP.
Photo L-R: Dennis Laxamana in traditional farmer’s outfit, Liverpool Cr.
Charishma Kaliyanda MP, Liverpool City Council Deputy Mayor Fiona MacNaught, Philippine Ambassador Hellen De La Vega, Philippine Consul General in Sydney Charmaine rowena Aviquivil and Mao De Vera of Handog Pinoy.
The eclectic collection reflects the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines, entwined with history, age-long customs and traditions imbued with religious overtones.
Sounds of the drumbeats and gongs of the Philippine Cordillerans reverberated throughout the gallery as over 70 guests wound their way through the exhibition to witness the brilliant craftsmanship of Filipino artisans for textiles, earthenware, shell craft, wood craft, fashion accessories plus novelty and decorative items. Included in the exhibition is a fabulous collection of Filipino costumes and garments from the humble ‘magsakasak’ (farmer), to stunning Ternos, the popular Barong, and the indigenous garments of the Ifugao of the north and T’boli tribe of the south. Highlight of the fashion collection was Fe Limjap’s stunning Sinulog festival costume.
Artworks “Synergy” by Mon Coloma, “Ode To Two Cultures” by Michelle Ramas and the “Weaning Madonna” by renowned artist, Marikit Santiago were on display and echoed the theme of bilateral relations between countries. Marikit Santiago who was a guest at the exhibit is a three-time Archibald finalist and is the recent winner of the 2024 La Prairie Art award by the art gallery of NSW which championed women artists. “Thank you for sharing our culture,” said Marikit.
Photo on left is artist, Marikt Santiago with her daughter and her prized painting, “The Weaning Madonna.”
Handog Pin
oy also donated a collection of books by Filipino-Australian authors. These books are now available on loan from the Liverpool City Library at 52 Scott Street, Liverpool NSW.
Donating a collection of books by Filipino-Australian authors. In photo L-R -Elysa Dennis, Liverpool City Library Manager, Liverpool City Council Deputy Mayor Fiona MacNaught, Philippine Ambassador Hellen De La Vega and Mao De Vera.
The exhibition is an initiative of Handog Pinoy under the leadership of Mao de Vera in collaboration with Aguman Capampangan (Marivic Manalo), Banag-Banag (Marissa Bala), Filipino Community Cooperative (Kate Roc Andres), Visayan Association (Jhun Salazar) and UST Alumni Association (Benjie de Ubago). The exhibit was curated and organised by Michelle Ramas and Benjie de Ubago.
The organisers would like to extend their gratitude to Ms Alma Argayoso of Philippine Department of Trade and Industry, Ms. Pura Molinta, Aubrey of AbanEco, Barong at Bestida and Dave Ramas of Hoops Connect. Special thanks to Ms. Liz Angeles of MegaWorld International for their invaluable support to this project.
“This unique collection is a testament to the Filipino‘s talent and creativity. We’re proud to have been able to share this with the rest of multicultural Australia,” said one of the organisers.
Photo: enjoying a game of “Sungka” – Philippine Ambassador Hellen De La Vega and Liverpool City Council Deputy Mayor Fiona MacNaught.
The Philippine cultural exhibit at Liverpool City Library may be viewed for the months of May and June. Photo below shows guests posing with the Sinulog Festival costume.
Photos courtesy of MarissaBala
