PR-20-2025
The Consulate General in Melbourne organized a handover of Filipino publications to the State Library Victoria on 29 September 2025, underscoring the Consulate’s continuing efforts to promote Philippine heritage and culture in Australia.
Officials from the State Library Victoria – Mr. Ross Coller, Head of Strategic Relations and Dr. Kevin Molloy Manager, Collection Curation and Engagement warmly received Consul General Jesus R. S. Domingo and members of the Katha Kollectiv, a group of Filipino-Australian women authors and creatives.
During the meeting, Consul General Domingo formally turned over “Ang Paglalakbay ni Galo”, a publication of the Department of Foreign Affairs. This bilingual book, written in Filipino and Mexican Spanish, aims to promote awareness about the historical significance of the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade and its significance in the historical relations between the Philippines and Mexico. It highlights the cultural ties and shared traditions between the Philippines and Mexico.
As part of its Gender and Development (GAD) initiatives, the Consulate also facilitated the handover of children’s books authored by members of the Katha Kollectiv. This group is composed of Filipina-Australians from various backgrounds with a common purpose of promoting Philippine Language Month and Children’s Book Week in Australia by raising awareness of children’s books written by Filipino Australian authors.
The group is comprised of Janeca Gross (career public servant, lawyer and mum), Nikki de Lima (Mabuhay Playgroup founder), Anna Manuel (professional storyteller and storycoach), Celia Torres-Villanueva (author/writer/lawyer), Anna Manlulo (founder of Filipino Food Movement Australia based in Sydney and author of Tiny Slimy Pilgrim) and Tina Ranoso Bangel (professional voice coach based in Sydney, author of My Lolo and My Lola).
Among the books donated to the State Library Victoria were:
- Leo’s Pet Bug by Anna Manuel, a heartwarming picture book inspired by a true story that celebrates individuality, confidence, and the joy of being different.
- A Tiny Slimy Pilgrim by Anna Manlulo, which follows Nana the Snail on an unexpected journey along the Camino de Santiago. The story, based on the author’s own experience, highlights adventure, friendship, and cultural discovery
- My Lolo and My Lola by Ms. Tina Ranoso Bangel are two books that explore family traditions through music and food. “My Lolo” (My Grandfather in the Filipino language Tagalog) is a delightful tale celebrating the bond between generations and the music that unites them. My Lola is about a young boy’s Lola (grandmother in the Filipino language) who brings the family together with her delicious Filipino meals such as Lumpia (spring rolls).
The Katha Kollectiv also provided copies of these titles, along with other bilingual books, to the Consulate General’s growing children’s book collection. These include publications in Filipino as well as various Philippine languages including Cebuano, Ifugao, Maguindanaon, and Waray. The collection is open to the public and aims to promote linguistic diversity and cultural heritage among young readers.
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