Chamber of Commerce and Industry Australia Philippines Incorporated

First All Filipino Art Exhibit

30th March 2009

His Excellency Vice Admiral Ernesto Hernandez de Leon, ambassador of the Philippines to Australia, opened the First All Filipino Art Exhibit here in Brisbane, sponsored and hosted by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Australia Philippines Incorporated. Together with Luba’s Art Gallery and Flair Orientale, the chamber had a collection of up and coming contemporary Filipino artist Carlos Rocha, resident Filipino/Australian artists Nora Welsch and Conrad Ramirez, as well as personal art collections of local members of the community.

the CCIAP gathered together a good number of Australian and Filipino business people and professionals – friends and supporters of the Chamber – to welcome and meet His Excellency. Also present were the Philippine consul general and his wife – Alan and Wendy Grummitt, Ms, Sallyanne Atkinson – representative of the State government for South East Asia, Councillor Graham Quirk – representing the Lord Mayor Campbell Newman, Richard Palk – state director of DFAT, and Ms. Julie Attwood – member of parliament for Mt. Ommaney. After the opening cocktail exhibit at the art gallery, we all proceeded to the Courtyard for an open air Filipino buffet dinner, welcome speeches and entertainment.

Left photo - Phil. Ambassador Ernesto de Leon opened the First All Filipino Art Exhibit.

Right Photo - (Left to Right) CCIAP President Teresa Keating, Agnes Whiten, Consul General Alan Grummitt and Ambassador Ernesto de Leon.

Teresa Keating, president of CCIAP, welcomed the ambassador and all the guests that evening and reiterated the importance of a cultural exchange between both the Philippines and Queensland in order to promote better understanding and cooperation between the two countries. Alan Grummitt introduced the ambassador as a man of many talents – having been a rear admiral in the Navy and now taking on an ambassadorial post. The ambassador pledged his support for the business community here in Queensland , offering to help and support the chamber in all their undertakings. Nick Kirke, Vice president CCIAP, gave a rousing introduction to our guest speaker – Ms Sallyanne Atkinson. Sallyanne has been a supporter and friend of the Chamber since it’s conception and is tireless in her efforts to improve and promote business relations between Queensland and the Philippines.

Left photo - Ms Sallyanne Atkinson introduced the guest speaker.

Right Photo - Presidential Table (Left to Right) Councillor Graham Quirk, CCIAP President Teresa Keating, Sallyane Atkinson, Ambassador de Leon, Consul General Alan Grummitt, Ambassador Ernesto de Leon and Richard Palk.

David Greenwood , our master of ceremonies for the night, steered the function perfectly and everyone enjoyed their sumptuous buffet dinner, the music provided by Kevin Moreno and Nelson and “ thank you's by Connie da Cunha.

The night was near perfect – with the weather cooperating, the ambiance of the beautiful Italian courtyard and the twinkling tree lights. It was truly a night to remember and the quality and variety of the Filipino art on display was unsurpassed. There was just the right amount of formality – mixed in with informality – to allow everyone to relax, have a good time and enjoy themselves.

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry Australia Philippines Incorporated, together with Luba’s Art Gallery and Flair designer Furniture have committed themselves to help promote Filipino art and design by sponsoring more art shows and exhibits here in Brisbane. This is just the first of many more to come. There will be a constant flow of art from the Philippines - the next one being “flowers of the world” – coming next month. So, keep you eyes and ears posted for our next event.