The Philippine Consulate Queensland led by Honourary Consul Sheryll L. Gabutero hosted a meet and greet event with the Philippine Ambassador to Australia HE Antonio S. Morales for Gold Coast Filipino-Aussies, on 4th March 2026.   Ambassador Morales who has travelled from Canberra to Brisbane to support Filipinas in its second game in the AFC Asian Women’s Cup 2026 welcomed the opportunity of meeting the Fil-Aussies based in the Gold Coast which is hosting several games.
Singing of the anthem

The event which was held at Euphoria Espresso drew near 90 people who represented 14 community organisations and was supported by nine Fil-Aus businesses. 
The program commenced with the usual singing of the national anthems of Australia and the Philippines was followed by the duet singing of The Prayer by talented performers Daniel Mallari and Elena Windsor.
Hon Consul Gabutero gave the welcome talk where she thanked everyone for attending the event. She introduced afterwards Ambassador Morales.  He expressed pride and congratulated everyone for the contributions to the Australian society in various areas of professions. He mentioned being surprised and disappointment that the Philippines was included in a leaked proposal to restrict immigration from 13 countries deemed "high risk" regarding national security and social cohesion. He said that he has expressed through appropriate channels his concern with the proposal.   He enjoined all to continue their great work which contributes to the strength of the Filipino-Australian relationship which was started by the pioneer pearl divers in Broome many years ago.  He also highlighted the need for Fil-Aussies to be hold positions in the Federal government with Atty Gabutero as a good example to fulfil the role.

                             Hon. Sheryll Gabutero                                               HE Ambassador Morales
A buffet of Filipino dishes which included pancit, chicken inasal, laing, beef, fruits and  was enjoyed by all.  Entertainment was provided by talented performers Daniel Mallari, Elena Windsor and Joy Serrano, with some joining in dancing a popular Tiktok number.  The emcee was Gregory Brown, Manager of D&G Entertainment. Ester Hoy, owner of Ilocano Ti Australia Inc and owner of Euphoria Espresso gave the closing remarks.

                                           Reena Gabutero-Johnson, Elena Windsor, Joy Serrano, Daniel Mallari

The attendees enjoyed the opportunity to meet Ambassador Moraleso and have photos with him Honourary Consul Gabutero and others members of the Consulate, and to network with each other.  This writer and husband John came to Gold Coast to support Filipinas in their AFC Asian Women’s Cup 2026 participation and were fortunate to have an unplanned attendance at the event at the invitation of Daniel and Gregory Brown.  She appreciated the opportunity to meet: Reena Gabutero-Johnson (the mother of Consul Sheryl and Vice President – Queensland Filipino-Australian Arts Association Inc. (QFAAA);  Angela Kristel Laurente, Vice Consul (Third Secretary and Vice Consul) at the Philippine Embassy in Canberra; Dr Elwyn Gabutero, scientist of cancer research and cousin of Consul Sheryll;  Susan Saraza and Mary Ann Boehme, broadcasters of Radyong Pinoy Gold Coast; Gemma Cruz Goutos of Pinay Chica Tayo of 4EB Radio Filipino Brisbane; Shirley Neld, President of Gold Coast Filipino Australian Cultural Ensemble and the lovely singers. 
Great start of the special trip to the Gold Coast which Violi takes as good omen for Filipinas’ games!!   She expresses thanks to Gregory Brown and Daniel Mallari for the meaningful catch up and impromptu attendance to the event; to the Consulate Queensland and all for the warm hospitality.
Gregory Brown, Violi Calvert, John Calvert, Daniel Mallari
Looking forward to watching Philippines vs South Korea game, March 5th and vs Iran on March 8th.  Laban Filipinas!!