Philippine Consulate Queensland

The Philippine Honorary Consul to Queensland, Atty. Sheryll Gabutero’s attendance to the Lord Mayor’s reception of Queensland Consular Corps held 10 August 2023 hosted by the Right and Honorable Councilor Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner at Brisbane City Hall.

The President of Filipino Communities Council of Australia Inc (FILCCA) Ms Cecelia Flores from Canberra visiting the Philippine Consulate Queensland Office, 31 July 2023. Left to Right: Say Limpin (Honorary Consulate staff), Cecelia Flores (President of FCCACT – Filipino Community Council of ACT), Atty. Sheryll Gabutero (Honorary Consul to Queensland), Feli Lacorte (VP External Affairs of FCCACT – Filipino Community Council of ACT), Evelyn (Member of FCCACT – Filipino Community Council of ACT) and Gemma Goutous (Honorary Consulate staff)

The Philippine Honorary Consul to Queensland Atty. Sheryll Gabutero’s attendance to Parangal Annual Gala, 125 years independence and celebration of previous presidents of Fil-Aust Community of Gold Coast by Filipino Australian Community of Gold Coast Inc, 29 July 2023.

The Philippine Consulate Queensland was invited to attend and speak to the Australia Awards Introductory Academic Program Ceremony held at the University of Queensland Atrium in Brisbane City, 14 July 2023. 24 Scholars from 12 Asia/Pacific countries celebrated with a mini graduation for completing their 4 week preparation prior to commencing their formal studies. The scholarship was sponsored by Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in partnership with University of Queensland. ​ This year, there were 5 scholars from Philippines, the biggest number among the cohorts. These students were carefully picked by their respective governments to advance their expertise to become future senior officials in their fields. Every scholar was given a chance to share something about their 4 weeks of student life here in Queensland. ​ Among the VIP attendees were Ms. Connie Lo, Deputy Director, Queensland State Office of Department of Foreign Affiars and Trade; Ms. Nicole Andronicus, General Manager, International Relations and Multicultural Affairs, Brisbane City Council; Ms. Sarina Hobbin, Acting Director, Study Queensland, Trade Investment Queensland, Mr. David Widjaja, Vice Chairman, Australia Indonesia Business Council (QLD). ​ Honorary staff of the Philippine Consulate Office, Ms. Gemma Guotos and Mrs. Jesusa “Say” Limpin delivered a speech on behalf of Consul Sheryll Gabutero regarding student matters.

The University of Queensland Australian Awardee Scholars from the Philippines with the Philippine Honorary Consul to Queensland Atty. Sheryll Gabutero, 13 July 2023.

Ateneo Blue Eagles had their friendly games with Queensland NBL1 teams as part of their overseas training sessions. ​ GOLD COAST 2 July (Training) – Somerset Collage 3 July (Friendly Games) – Ateneo VS Seahawks 5 July (Friendly Games) – Ateneo VS Rollers BRISBANE 9 July (Friendly Games) – Ateneo VS Spartans 11 July (Friendly Games) – Ateneo VS Red City IPSWICH 12 July (Friendly Games) – Ateneo VS Ipswich

Mrs. Josie Villacorta President of Filipino-Australian Teachers Association of Queensland Inc (FATAQ) holding its first fund-raising social event after 3 years due to covid, in celebrating ‘Christmas in July’ with special guest, Councilor Kim Marx and Consul Sheryll Gabutero with community friends.

Saturday, 8 July 2023, Philippines Australia Multicultural Association (PAMA) had its first information session headed by the President of the organisation, Mr. Jomar Nivea. The session was attended by Stella Martey, Araceli Reyes (Treasurer), Bill Burger, Maria Humberdross, Dr Raquel Galman, Allan Galman, Louie Galman, Mariz Galman, Warren Grainger (Secretary), Bon Arribas, Jomar Nieva (President), Councillor Andrew Fechner (Chairman of Community, Culture, Arts and Sports of Ipswich City Council), Joshua Daniel, Mila Daniel, Odette Bandarian, Regina V Cooper, Martin Bandarian

Philippines Business Forum arranged by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Philippines, with representatives from Bases Conversion Development Authority, Clark International Airport Authority, Philippine Economic Zone Authority, Poro Point Management Corporation, and Subic Clark Alliance Development, Australia Philippine Business Council, hosted by Ashurst Lawyers Thursday, 29 June 2023. The Philippine Honorary Consul to Queensland, Atty. Sheryll Gabutero delivered the welcoming remarks written by the Ambassador of the Philippines to Australia, H.E., Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega to the Business Forum Networking drinks at Littles Lawyers. Tour of Brisbane Airport Corporation last Friday, 30 June 2023.

Dovetail Social, Highgate Hill launched Calamansi Cider Crush, a unique blend of Philippine lime and Victorian DV cider, alongside a scrumptious Philippine degustation menu. Guests were entertained by singer/guitarist, Kareem Acdal and actors Albert Hontilano and Camille Bianca who showcased a traditional Filipino play, 25 June 2023.

Thursday, 22nd June 2023, the Philippine Consulate Queensland attended the reception of USS America (LHA 6) hosted by the United States of America, Consul-General Ms. Christine Elder of United States Consulate-General Office, Sydney, along with 500 guests on the flight deck of USS America for a port visit in Brisbane. Captain Shockey Snyder, Commanding Officer of USS America alongside USS Marines, U.S. 7th Fleet, and USS Sailors, conducted the routine port visit to strengthen the relationship between the United States and Australia. Her Excellency the Honorable Dr Jeannette Young, Governor of Queensland, together with the Queensland Consular Corps, Australian military officials and Brisbane community leaders were present at the reception. The Honorary Consul was honored to have met fellow Filipino-Americans onboard USS America (LHA 6) and Public Affairs officer, Mr. Benjamin Hamilton.

On the 18th June 2023, our Honorary Consul, Atty. Sheryll Gabutero was invited to give a message to students at the Keng-Tudor Park Community Recreation Centre at the Members of Church of God International (MCGI) congregation.  The morning program was in celebration for the Elderly and Widows, taking a glimpse at their past and present lives in light of biblical undertones. Our Consul participated in the afternoon festivities with the welcoming of Filipino students into the community mentoring on how to navigate in a new environment, establishing new connections and widening their circle of network that can assist in their  educational, accommodation, and employment opportunities.  Our Consul was also invited to open MCGI’s Free Store; a program created by Brother Eli Soriano and Brother Daniel Razon. It is a one-of-a-kind free store chain where vulnerable members of the community may avail their basic needs like food, groceries, clothing and footwears as well as other household needs.  All items inside the MCGI Free Store are donations from brethren in the Church of God International. The Philippine Consulate Queensland would like to thank Mr. Rob Wenceslao of UNTV News and Rescue for the invitation and Members Church of God International for organizing the event.

In celebration of the 125th Philippine Independence Day last 18th of June 2023, the Filipino-Australian Community Gold Coast Inc. held its 2023 Gold Coast Philippine Festival – Handog Ng Pilipino – Love * Peace * Unity at Broadwater Parklands, Marine Southport headed by Maryanne Boheme. The program was composed of presentations from different Filipino communities produced by D&G Entertainment Productions and speeches were given including from our Honorary Consul Atty. Sheryll Gabutero, Rob Molhoek MP and Cr. Brooke Patterson.

The Philippine Consulate held an event to commemorate 125 years of Philippine Independence on the 12th June 2023. 125 years ago, on the 12th of June 1898 the Philippines declared independence from Spain. The theme for this year is ‘Kalayaan, Kinabukasan, Kasaysayan’ which means ‘Freedom, Future, History’. ​ During part of the event, the Consulate focused on the ‘future’ aspect of this theme with business and investment opportunities of the Philippines being showcased by Mr Rafael Toda, President of Australian Philippine Business Council, and a video from the Philippine Government Department of Trade and Industry highlighting Philippines as one of the most dynamic economies in the East Asia and Pacific region. ​ Further details can be found at https://www.sbs.com.au/language/filipino/en/article/philippines-is-open-for-business-qld-consulate-advocates-for-economic-freedom/q79tvsnjz

On the 10th and 11th of June 2023, Dalby Filipino-Australian Community Association Inc. hosted their very own 125th years of Independence. The Philippine Consulate Queensland Office was represented by Ms. Reena Gabutero-Johnson and gave a speech in behalf of the Consul. It was participated with other ministers and other Filipino community organizations.

On the 11th of June 2023, Barrio Fiesta Brisbane hosted the 125th Philippine Independence Day called “KALAYAAN – 125” at Rocklea Showgrounds. The Philippine Consulate Queensland Office participated in the event by Mr. Alex Aclan giving a speech in behalf of the Consul and other volunteers involved showcasing their talents in the program. The event was filled with Filipino-spirit, introducing the Filipino-culture to the Land down under.

FABS Filipino Australian Brisbane Society Inc. hosted its 125 years of Philippine Independence as a free event, on the 3rd June 2023 at Kingston Butter Factory Cultural Precinct in Logan.  Our Honorary Consul gave a speech in our nation’s history and congratulating FABS of the success of the event. The event showcased Filipino dances and stage performances to reminisce the birth of our nation and national identity.  

On the 27th of May the Philippine Consulate Queensland attended the annual United Nations Association of Australia, Queensland, Peacekeepers Ceremony. This year marked 76 years of service and sacrifice by UN Australian Peacekeepers.

On the 27th of May, 2023 the Philippine Consulate Queensland along with Vietnamese Women’s Association of Qld – Hội Phụ Nữ Việt Nam Qld and Filipino-Australian Foundation of Queensland Inc. (FAFQ Inc.) held a community forum raising awareness of domestic violence in line with Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month at Forest Lake Community Hall.

The Philippine Consulate Office celebrated the opening of its new and permanent office location in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, 8th May 2023. The opening included a blessing by Father Marce followed by a dinner with prominent leaders from the Filipino community, along with their representatives, local Filipino businesses, and friends of the community. ​ The Philippine Consulate Office acknowledges the support of the community and extends gratitude to all volunteer staff, Gemma Cruz-Goutos, Say Limpin, Imelda Jordan, Ann Andea, Edgardo Aclan, Daniell Kent, Shemaiah Buenvenida, Teisa Lanivia, Veronica Rowe and Dolores Campang who have devoted their time and service to the Philippine community.

As part of the Commemoration of ANZAC Day celebration, the annual ANZAC Day Mass at the Cathedral of St. Stephen was held on 25 April 2023.  The Philippine Consulate Queensland Office was represented by Mrs. Jesusa ‘Say’ Limpin. Mrs. Limpin is also a Liturgical Minister at the Cathedral and read the first reading during the mass. The mass was presided by The Archbishop Mark Coledridge. ​ The morning was well attended by government officials led by H.E. Jeannette Young AC PSM , Governor of Queensland, Queensland Premier Anastasia Palaszczuk, Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll, Opposition Leader Mr. David Crisafulli, members of the Consular Corps, Army and Navy Corps.

Attendance to VIP dinner at Land Force Convention 2022, held in Brisbane Convention Centre with Chief of the Philippine Army, Commanding Lt. General Romeo S. Brawner Jr. (Second from right) and his wife, Madam Melody Brawner, Assistant Defence & Armed Forces Attache to Australia Colonel Alex. Gigantonoe (far right), Defence and Armed Forces Attache to Australia Colonel Romeo Bautista (second from left), and Major Brenn Fabros (far right) of the Philippine Army.

The Philippine Consulate Office attended a ‘Meet and Greet’ with some Filipino Community Leaders last Sunday, 26 September 2022 that was hosted by Filipino Australia Foundation of Queensland (FAFQ inc) at Beryl Roberts Park, Coopers Plains, the following community leaders attended:-* Elmer Bedia of the Filipino Australian Football Federation* FATAQ (Filipino Australian Teachers Association Queensland)* CCIAP (chamber group of commerce industry Australia Philippines)* QFAAA (Queensland Filipino Australia Arts Association)* Illocano Association Toowoomba Filipino Group* PAMA (Philippine Australia Multicultural Association)* FABICCQ (Fil-Australian Business Industry & Community Council)The Philippine Consulate’s services and socioeconomic agenda were discussed at the meet and greet as well as the plans of the current Philippine president’s administration. The Consul also introduced herself to the community and discussed the mission and objectives and short- and long-term goals of each organisation represented by community leaders. It is the Consulate’s offices first of biannual meetings with community leaders.

Dinner with Secretary of Department of Environment and National Resources (DENR) of the Philippines, the Honourable Secretary Maria Atonia Yulo-Loyzaga (second to right) and Undersecretary and Chief of Staff Marilou G. Erni (second to left) and Consul and First Secretary for Philippine Embassy (Canberra), Ma. Corina Reyes (far right) attendance to Brisbane for the Philippine’s participation in the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction 2022 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Center with more than a delegation of 20 + members from the Philippines, at Banc restaurant.

16th September 2022On behalf of the Philippine Community, The Philippine Consulate attended the Queensland Government House to sign the official book of condolences for Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, in the presence of Her Excellency, the Honourable Dr. Jeannette Young AC PSM, Governor of Queensland.

Proudly participated in the 2024 Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers on 21 September 2024, showcasing Filipino culture and community spirit with a beautiful float in the Grand Central Floral Parade. The Philippine Consulate in Queensland was invited to attend and participate with Honorary Consul Sheryll Gabutero and Consular Officer, Jesusa Say Pamittan Limpin, along with Events by Nikki founder Nikki Domingo enjoying the day’s parade.The Filipino community float was awarded the winner of the ‘Community Walking Group’ and is a testament to the passion and unity of our community. Special thanks to Anecito Dumat President of the Darling Downs Filipino Australian Community Inc for organising the community float and to Agnes P. Cabe, President of the Federation of Filipino Communities Council of Australia (FILCCA) and President of FABICCQ Roberto Garcia for their support and collaboration whereupon a scrumptious Filipino lunch was shared with float participants and the Filipino community.Thank you to everyone who made this day a success! We look forward to continuing to share our culture and achievements with the broader community.#ToowoombaCarnivalOfFlowers2024 #FABICCQ #FilipinoPride #GrandCentralFloralParade #PhilippineConsulateQLD #CommunitySpirit

On the 20th September 2024, Hon. Consul of the Philippines to Queensland, Atty. Sheryll Gabutero, was honored to be a speaker at the 3rd Regional Conference of the Alpha Phi Omega (APO) Administrative Region of the Pacific (ARP) held from 20th – 22nd September in Gold Coast. Hosted by the Alpha Phi Omega Queensland Alumni Association, this event brought together APO alumni and leaders from across Australia and New Zealand, reinforcing the fraternity’s commitment to its core principles of Leadership, Friendship, and Service.As a long-standing organization inspired by the values of the scouting movement, APO continues to engage in meaningful community service worldwide. Honorary Consul Gabutero commended the group for their dedication and emphasized the importance of projects that benefit the local and international community.The welcome dinner, held at the beautiful Gold Coast Recreation Precinct, provided an excellent opportunity to discuss future initiatives and celebrate the achievements of APO members who continue to uphold the fraternity’s mission of building a better world.A heartfelt thank you to Alvin Palermo (President, APO QLD), Lindsay Therese Abcede-Sese (Head of Events Committee, APO), all members of APO and the APO Queensland Alumni Association for organizing this memorable event and for their unwavering commitment to service!#AlphaPhiOmega #LeadershipFriendshipService #APOQueensland

Honorary Consul Atty Sheryll Gabutero had the pleasure of attending the prestigious Logan Business Distinction Awards 2024, held at the Logan Entertainment Centre. This incredible event, organised by the Logan Chamber of Commerce, recognises outstanding achievements and contributions from businesses across the Logan region.On invitation by Bendigo Community Bank CEO Kate Wakeling and Relationship manager Lyn Shadbolt, Atty Gabutero was thrilled to be part of the evening, which brought together the region’s top entrepreneurs, business leaders, and community figures. The event was also graced by Logan Mayor Mayor Jon Raven and Mayoress Ali Raven, who congratulated the finalists and winners on their accomplishments.With over 80 categories honoring businesses across various sectors, from manufacturing to non-profits, the awards highlight the entrepreneurial spirit and innovation thriving in Logan. The major business of the year was awarded to Simply Beans Coffee Roast Specialists. #LoganBusinessAwards2024 #CommunitySpirit #Entrepreneurship