07 December 2005 - Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Franklin Ebdalin spent early Christmas with Filipino-Australians or FilOz in Australia in the biggest ethnic Christmas festival ever witnessed in Canberra.

Undersecretary Ebdalin visited Canberra and Sydney on official mission. While in Canberra, he opened Pasko sa Canberra 2005 on 4 December with the Hon. Bronwyn Bishop, Member of Parliament, a former Minister for Defence and a very good friend of the Filipinos.

Undersecretary Ebdalin also launched Bahay Pilipino, a project to build a multifunction Philippine building within the Embassy grounds. The Undersecretary said that the rich culture of Filipino migrants in Australia, estimated at 104,000 or the third largest non-European immigrant community, contributes to the success of Philippines-Australia relations.

In his remarks, the Undersecretary said that Filipinos in Australia must have their own place to appreciate not only their Filipino heritage but also their future as a people. He challenged the FilOz to build a place to enable their Australian families and friends to embrace more closely Filipino traditions.

"Bahay Pilipino will be the dwelling that will welcome everyone into the hearts and minds of the Filipinos," Undersecretary Ebdalin added.

Taking their cue from the Undersecretary, the people in the crowd patronized the opening sale of the Bahay Pilipino Kalayaan Draw at the Pasko sa Canberra 2005. The draw will give away as its first prize a condominium unit in Meycauayan, Bulacan donated by l-Remit, a global money remittance company.

Ambassador Cristina Ortega said that Pasko sa Canberra, on its second successful year, is the Philippine Embassy's contribution to the vibrant ethnic mosaic of Australia. Various events were organized throughout the day in cooperation with the Filipino community in the Australian Capital Territory.

This year's theme Pista sa Nayon showcased Filipino food, songs, dances, costumes, fiesta traditions, Santacruzan, games, arnis demonstration and gift-giving for the children. It was also an exhibit of Philippine processed food and Christmas decors courtesy of the Philippine Department of Agriculture and the Centre for International Trade Expositions and Missions. These goods made their way from the Philippines to Australia through the sponsorship of Philippine Airlines and Qantas Airways. Of the 23 exhibit booths, 13 were from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane.

Pasko sa Canberra is a showcase of Filipino culture, and a symbol of unity among Filipino-Australians and of friendship between Filipinos and Australians. And not to be missed out amidst the merrymaking is the true spirit of Christmas, that is, giving.

According to Ambassador Ortega, proceeds of Pasko will go to Adopt-a-Classroom Project in the Philippines, Bahay Pilipino and Read-Philippines Project. END