Philippines to shine in first-ever Sydney Christmas Parade
Posted on November 20, 2007
MANILA, Nov. 19 (PNA) — The Philippines will take part for the first time in the inaugural of the Sydney Christmas Parade on Nov. 25 in Australia.
Spectators will experience the unique Filipino celebration of Christmas.
“The Philippines is known to have one of the most colorful and longest Christmas celebrations in the world. We plan to showcase our country’s flair for festivities in this parade and encourage Australian travelers to come to our islands and experience the year-long merriment and warmth of our people,†said Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano.
DoT Undersecretary for Tourism Planning and Promotions Eduardo Jarque, Jr. will lead the Philippine delegation comprised of performers, the design and construction team for the float and DoT representatives.
The department has gathered a team of designers, carpenters, painters, animators and electricians to work on a float that showcases the musical instruments, costumes, decorations and other elements of the Filipino Christmas.
“The float will feature the country’s Spanish, American, Chinese and other influences that have inspired the way we celebrate Christmas today: from the caroling, the cuisine, to the gift-giving traditions,†said Rica Bueno, DoT Team Asia Pacific’s Marketing Head.
DOT Team Asia Pacific, which is tasked to oversee the preparations for the parade, has also contracted the services of world-renowned Bayanihan Philippine National Folk Dance Company.
A contingent of 25 Bayanihan dancers, singers and musicians is set to give viewers a glimpse of the various sights and sounds of Philippine history, art and culture.
The Philippines will be among the over 60 floats and street performances from other countries and around Australia that will be part of the celebration. Modeled after the famous Macy’s Thanksgiving parade in New York, the very-first Sydney Christmas Parade is expected to draw an audience of over 450,000 is expected.
The pageant will wind along a 1.9km route starting from Wynward and ending at the Santa’s Village at Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour for a post-parade party.
The Bayanihan artists will be staging three sets of performances at the Darling Harbour show.
The department will also launch during the post-parade party its “So Much, So Near†raffle draw where a fully-hosted trip to the Philippines awaits the winner and his guest. The prize includes round-trip airfare and billing at the five-star Sofitel Philippine Plaza, Manila.
Durano said the department’s participation in this major event and the raffle are part of the new strategy to promote the Philippines as a destination that offers ‘so much, so near’ to the Australian tourist population.
“Our marketing salvo capitalizes on the exceptional cultural mix, the world-class beaches and warm hospitality found in our islands which are highly accessible, making the country the ultimate getaway for Australia’s travel market,†Durano explained.
Australia currently ranks as the country’s 7th largest source of visitor arrivals. A total of 76,048 Australian tourists came to the Philippines between January and September 2007. This figure reflects a 9.7 percent growth rate over the same period last year. (PNA)
» Filed Under Events, Festivals, News
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3 Responses to ”Philippines to shine in first-ever Sydney Christmas Parade”
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Natural first time, Inaugural eh. Talaga nga naman ang PNA oh, sir Byahilo, pagsabihan mo nga sila.
hahaha lahat naman yata mag shi-shine sa parade na yan kasi nga first time. ahahah. misleading news headline. AHEHE
mga pilipino talaa mga pilosopo tasyo…laging nagdudunong-dunungan…crab mentality