16 March 2013 – The Australian Capital Territory, Canberra, marked its 100th year anniversary on March 12.
Several activities were organized since February and throughout this year to celebrate the territory’s centenary. The highlight of the activities was the whole day “WELCOME HOME” Project along Lake Burley Griffith on Monday, March 11, which was participated in by the different nationalities and cultures in Australia including the Philippines.
The Learning Filipino Together (LFT) represented the Philippines by organizing a display of Philippine products, information and tourism materials, Narra chairs, as well as the Philippines’ basic mode of transportation, the Jeepney.
The Philippine flag and a huge wooden artwork of the word “Tahanan” were also displayed. Filipino kids also performed the tinikling and other folk dances. Each of the different cultures tried to portray their respective home environment in this Canberra Centenary HOME Project.
The LFT participated also in the WELCOME Project through an hour timeslot at the WELCOME Project to greet people opening the door with the welcome banner “Mabuhay” and speak some of our cultural and basic greetings like “Magandang umaga/hapon po,” “Kumusta po kayo”.
Philippine Ambassador to Australia Belen F. Anota and other staff supported LFT by providing various Philippine products. Visitors to “Tahanan,” including Ambassador Anota and her staff, enjoyed the afternoon.
Ambassador Anota met and thanked LFT for organizing the Philippine representation to the Canberra centenary celebrations.
The centenary events was culminated by a SkyFire Fireworks at 9:00 p.m. along Lake Burley Griffith. END