As part of the recent Philippine–Australia Friendship Day 2018 celebrations at SM Lanang Premier, some of the most amazing Filipino and Australian talents collaborated in a delightful mini-concert that highlighted the cultural exchange between the two countries.
A joint project of the Australian Embassy and SM, the celebration was held in time to commemorate the 72nd year of diplomatic relationship between Australia and the Philippines. Australia first opened its first Consulate General in Manila on May 22, 1946, and the event highlighted the warm relations between the two countries especially the Australia Global Alumni, as well as milestones in bilateral relations and cultural exchange.
The mini concert began with Davao City’s Madayaw Cultural Ensemble performance of the Mindanao Folk Dance, “Vinta”, which highlighted the rich Muslim heritage in the region.
Australian authors Jay Maclean and Carlos Batuto Lopez, who earlier launched their book Fart of a Fly, showed they their skill with music as well as the written word with their keyboard and harmonica duo performance.
Asia’s Queen of Songs Pilita Corrales wowed the audience with her dazzling performance of classic English, Visayan, and Spanish songs. At the same time, she shared with the audience that Australia is like a second home to her because she began her career in the Land Down Under. Today, she has a street named after her and is married to author Carlos Batuto Lopez.
Jeremy Donovan then gave guests a breathtaking performance using the Didgeridoo, a wind instrument developed by Indigenous Australians in Northern Australia, of which he is part. He later collaborated with Davao City band Thea in a performance that highlighted how music knows no boundaries.
No less than Australian Ambassador to the Philippines, Her Excellency Amanda Gorely, attended the launch together with embassy’s Political and Public Affairs Counsellor Clare Duffield together with Davao City Administrator Atty. Zuleika Lopez and Peace Adviser to Davao City Government Hon. Irene Santiago. SM officials led by SM Senior Vice President for Marketing Millie Dizon and SM Lanang Premier Mall Manager Nick Santos welcomed them.
The weeklong festival in Davao featured a series of education, cultural, and sporting activities to celebrate this longstanding and vibrant friendship with Mindanao and with the city of Davao.
The Philippine-Australia Friendship Day 2018 at SM Lanang Premier is one of the many exciting cultural events at SM’s premier malls.