PHL Consulate General Campaigns for Puerto Princesa Underground River and OAV Registration at 23rd Fiesta Kultura in Sydney

15 October 2011-The Philippine Consulate General in Sydney reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that it participated in the Fiesta Kultura 2011 held at the Fairfield Showground in Prairiewood, New South Wales (NSW) last October 02.

The Consulate had a booth at the Fiesta where visitors could vote online for the Puerto Princesa Underground River as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, obtain information on the forthcoming overseas absentee voting (OAV) registration from 31 October 2011 to 31 October 2012, participate in the Consulate's survey of Filipinos in New South Wales, and inquire about consular services and other Philippine initiatives and projects.

The whole-day event featured entertainment, trade and tourism fair, Filipino food festival, amusement rides, and a dance battle featuring hip hop breakers.

The Filipino performers at the Fiesta included Heart Evangelista, Sam Milby, Giselle Sanchez, and Daniel Matsunaga.



The Fiesta also included an exhibition of works of Filipino artists and various Philippine arts and crafts.

The day's program was capped by the Ms. Philippines-Australia pageant. Of the eight candidates, Diana de Borja was judged Ms. Charity Queen Australia 2011 and Stephanie Rose was crowned Ms. Philippines-Australia 2011.

Ms. De Borja was sponsored by the Philippine-Australian Friendship Association, while Ms. Rose represented the Ilocano Association. Among the members of the distinguished panel of judges was Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno.

This is the 23rd year that the Philippine-Australian Sports and Culture (PASC) Inc., led by its President, Mr. Manny B. Castillo, has organized the Fiesta Kultura.



Despite the inclement weather, Mr. Castillo said that the total number of participants in the Fiesta -- organizers, exhibitors, performers, visitors and guests - reached approximately 20,000.

Proceeds raised in the annual Fiesta are donated by PASC to various charities in Australia and in the Philippines, including orphanages and shelters, and a scholarship foundation.

In coordination with the Sydney Dental Hospital, PASC has also been donating medical and dental equipment to several Philippine government hospitals and local health units.