PR-16-2025
16 August 2025, MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – The Philippine Consulate General in Melbourne successfully hosted its Buwan ng Wika 2025 celebration on 16 August 2025, featuring Filipino-Australian children’s book authors of the Katha Kollectiv.
The event was co-organized with the Katha Kollectiv and Ms. Janeca Gross of the Children’s Book Council of Australia, made possible through the City of Melbourne Connected Communities grant, and supported by the Filipino Community Council of Victoria Inc. and Mabuhay Playgroup. It highlighted the importance of bilingual children’s books in nurturing language and heritage among Filipino youth in Australia.
Featured authors included Anna Manuel (Leo’s Pet Bug), Tina Bangel (My Lola and My Lolo), Anna Manlulo (A Tiny Slimy Pilgrim), and Dr. Celia Torres-Villanueva (The Everett Quartet and The Moon’s Sweet Embrace). The program combined author presentations, a panel discussion on challenges and opportunities in bilingual storytelling, and a meet-and-greet session with young readers and families.
In his opening remarks, Consul General Jesus S. Domingo underscored the importance of promoting Philippine languages as a way of preserving heritage and identity across generations. He highlighted the Philippines’ role as Asia’s first republic and the contributions of the diaspora, noting that literature and language are powerful tools to connect young Filipinos abroad with their roots. He also emphasized the Consulate’s commitment to supporting cultural initiatives as part of the Department of Foreign Affairs’ four pillars of foreign policy, particularly cultural diplomacy and assistance to nationals.
The authors shared their experiences in writing and publishing, reflecting on how bilingual and multicultural storytelling can build bridges across cultures. They also discussed the practical realities of publishing, from working with publishers and agents to navigating self-publishing.
The event concluded with invitations to follow-up storytelling sessions at Aurora Early Education Learning Center and Halaya Filipino Café. Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with strong interest expressed in more collaborations to raise the profile of Filipino literature in Australia.
The Consulate General affirms its support for initiatives that strengthen Filipino identity among the youth and looks forward to further partnerships with Filipino creatives in Victoria.
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