Philippine Consulate General in Sydney NSW

14/09/2026

PH CONSULATE JOINS SYDNEY COMMUNITY FOR THE PREMIERE OF FORGOTTEN ISLAND

13 September 2026, Sydney - The Philippine Consulate General in Sydney joined the local community for the advance screening of DreamWorks Animation's "Forgotten Island," a riveting story of two friends who find themselves in the mythical island of Nakalimutan, a place where creatures of Filipino lore dwell and memories disappear.

The movie boasts a stellar cast that includes Liza Soberano (Raissa), H.E.R. (Jo), Dave Franco, Leah Salonga, Dolly De Leon, Manny Jacinto, Ronnie Chieng, and Jo Koy, among others.

Forgotten Island will be available for screening in Australia on 17 September 2026. END

14/09/2026

PH CONSULATE JOINS NUESTRA SEÑORA DE PEÑAFRANCIA DEVOTEES FOR NUSPAS FIESTA 2026

12 September 2026, Sydney - On behalf of the Consulate General of the Philippines in Sydney, Consul General Greg Marie C. Mariño joined members of the Filipino community as they celebrated the Feast of Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia (Our Lady of Peñafrancia) at the St. John of God Parish Church in Auburn, New South Wales.

The crowd waved yellow and white handkerchiefs as devotees solemnly made their way into the church, carrying the statue of Our Lady on their shoulders. The event was organized by the Nuestra Senora de Penafrancia - Archdiocese of Sydney (NUSPAS), with a program that included a fluvial procession on the Parramatta River, a concelebrated mass, and a community fellowship and cultural program.

Speaking during the community fellowship, Consul General Mariño underscored the significance of “Ina” as the patroness of the Bicol region and the foundational values carried by Filipinos wherever they go. “By bringing this cherished devotion from the banks of the Bicol River to the shores of Australia, you do something truly remarkable: you bring a piece of home with you,” she remarked.

The history of the Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia in the Philippines can be traced to the 18th century. Since then, the tradition has grown and become an integral part of the Bicol region’s cultural and religious life. END.

14/09/2026

14/09/2026

The Philippine Consulate General in Sydney warmly welcomes the historic announcement that FIRST LIGHT, an extraordinary debut feature film by Filipino-Australian director James J. Robinson, has been officially selected as Australia’s entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards (Oscars 2027).

14/09/2026

PHILIPPINE-AUSTRALIAN CO-PRODUCTION ‘FIRST LIGHT’ SELECTED AS AUSTRALIA’S OFFICIAL OSCARS ENTRY

SYDNEY, 14 September 2026 - Marking a landmark achievement in shared storytelling between the Philippines and Australia, FIRST LIGHT, the acclaimed debut feature film by Filipino-Australian director James J. Robinson, has been officially selected as Australia’s submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards (Oscars 2027).

As the first-ever Filipino-Australian co-production and Australia’s first Tagalog-language submission, this historic selection arrives at a deeply meaningful moment, celebrating 80 years of strong bilateral relations, cultural connection, and enduring friendship between the two nations.

Written and directed by rising star James J. Robinson, FIRST LIGHT explores postcolonial trauma, institutional corruption, and spiritual doubt through his unique artistic vision, examining his cultural heritage and religious background. The film brings together an extraordinary ensemble of legendary Philippine screen icons, including lead Ruby Ruiz, "Diamond Star" Maricel Soriano, Rez Cortez, and Philippine National Artist Kidlat Tahimik.

The Philippine Consulate General in Sydney was proud to actively extend its full support to the film during its screening at the Sydney Film Festival, where it captured runner-up for the GIO Audience Award for Best Australian Film. This success was further matched at the Melbourne International Film Festival, where Robinson was honored with the prestigious $50,000 Blackmagic Design Best Australian Director Award.

FIRST LIGHT is produced by Christelle Lou Dychangco and Jane Pe Aguirre of Clou Media Productions, alongside GabriellePearson of Majella Productions, with principal production funding from Screen Australia in association with the MIFF Premiere Fund, and support from the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), and VicScreen. END

09/09/2026

RALLYING FOR THE SEAS: PH CONSULATE LAUNCHES MANA MO 2026 CELEBRATIONS

Dressed in blue for the ocean, the Philippine Consulate General joined the Department of Foreign Affairs and Philippine foreign service posts worldwide in a simultaneous flag-raising ceremony on 07 September 2026 to launch Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANA Mo).

Anchored on the theme “Karapatan sa Karagatan, Sama-sama Nating Alagaan,” this year’s commemoration reaffirms the country’s firm resolve to defend its legitimate maritime rights under international law while championing environmental stewardship, cooperation, and shared responsibility.

Consul General Greg Marie C. Mariño read the message of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., marking the occasion. The ceremony also included the official message of Foreign Affairs Secretary Maria Theresa P. Lazaro, who highlighted the special resonance of this year's observance as it coincides with the 10th Anniversary of the landmark 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award, saying, “This milestone reflects our shared commitment to promoting a rules-based order and deepening public appreciation of the Philippines’ twin-anchors of maritime foreign policy: the 1982 UNCLOS and the Arbitral Award,” Secretary Lazaro emphasized. “May this year’s celebration remind us that our seas are the symbolic blue ink that flows deep inside every Filipino.”

Throughout September, the Consulate is observing by wearing blue every Thursday and will host a special public lecture to deepen the community’s appreciation of the nation’s maritime heritage.

Established under Proclamation No. 316, MANA Mo is celebrated every September to instill a deep sense of ocean stewardship across the global Filipino community. END

08/09/2026

Karapatan sa Karagatan, Sama-Sama Nating Alagaan

08/09/2026

PH CONSULATE JOINS BANAG-BANAG’S 32ND ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

29 August 2026, Sydney - The Philippine Consulate General in Sydney joined the Filipino community in celebration of Banag-Banag Inc.’s 32nd Anniversary at the West HQ in Blacktown, NSW. Dubbed “Nights on Broadway,” the event featured local Filipino-Australian talents in Broadway-inspired musical performances.

Consul General Greg Marie Mariño congratulated Banag‑Banag Inc. for remaining one of the most enduring Filipino community organizations in NSW. She commended the organization for its active contributions to Australian society, which enrich Australia’s multicultural fabric and deepen the enduring bond between the Philippines and Australia.

“Looking around this room tonight, I am deeply impressed by the incredible talent, elegance, and beauty presented by our community. Filipino talent has always carried a unique warmth and brilliance, and evenings like this allow us to showcase that richness with immense pride, while inviting our broader Australian community to celebrate alongside us,” she stated.

Banag-Banag Inc. is a non-profit organization established by Bisaya-speaking Filipinos living in New South Wales, Australia.

07/09/2026

The Board of Foreign Service Examinations (BFSE), pursuant to the provisions of the Foreign Service Act of 1991 (R.A. No. 7157) and the Revised Administrative Code of 1987, announces the conduct of the 2027 FOREIGN SERVICE OFFICER (FSO) EXAMINATIONS to recruit candidates for appointment to the position of Foreign Service Officer, Class IV.

Read more about this here: https://tinyurl.com/34me9cun

04/09/2026

CONSULATE CELEBRATES BICOL INC.’S COMMITMENT TO AID DISASTER RELIEF AND YOUTH EDUCATION

SYDNEY, 29 August 2026 - The Philippine Consulate General in Sydney joined the Bicol Communities League Incorporated (Bicol Inc.) for its annual Dance-O-Rama fundraiser, celebrating the organization’s long-standing dedication to community support. Representing Consul General Greg Marie C. Mariño, Vice Consul Diana Marie D. Jimenez-Leomo praised Bicol Inc. for leveraging music and fellowship to sustain vital grassroots initiatives, including its Calamity Fund and the Adopt-A-School Project, which directly benefit young students and disaster-affected communities in the Philippines.

Highlighting the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Australia, Vice Consul Jimenez-Leomo emphasized that the vibrant people-to-people connections nurtured by organizations like Bicol Inc. play a crucial role in strengthening the enduring friendship between both nations. She also took the opportunity to encourage eligible Filipino citizens within the diaspora to actively participate in the country’s democratic processes by registering for overseas voting at the Consulate General in Sydney ahead of the 2028 Philippine National Elections. END