Chamber of Commerce & Industry Australia-Philippines

19/06/2026

MEDIA RELEASE: A proud moment of leadership, partnership, and purpose.

President Connie da Cunha’s acceptance of the Plaque of Recognition on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Australia Philippines (CCIAP) Inc. was more than a ceremonial honour — it was a reaffirmation of our commitment to strengthening Australia–Philippines economic collaboration, empowering communities, and elevating Filipino‑Australian contributions across Queensland.

The Recognition was conferred by Consul Sheryll Gabutero a.h. of the Philippine Consulate Queensland and presented by Queensland Premier David Crisafulli MP during the commemoration of the 128th Philippine Independence Day and the 80th Anniversary of Australia–Philippines Diplomatic Relations at Queensland Parliament’s People’s Hall.

Held on 15 June 2026, the celebration brought together distinguished leaders including Philippine Ambassador to Australia H.E. Anthony Morales; Hon. Congresswoman Irene Labadlabad Philippines House of Representatives, Hon. Milton Dick MP, Speaker of the Australian House of Representatives; Queensland MPs: Hon Fiona Simpson MP Minister for Women and Women's Economic Security, Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Minister for Multiculturalism, Charis Mullen MP, Rob Molhoek, and Peter Russo; Chamber members Gina Luck, Rejoice Guevara-Thomson, Honey La Rosa Binny, Jachin O Navarro, Fely Rosantina Christiansen, Ces Vill, Chona Allen, Chris Ramos CA, Esther Wilson; and with Filipino community leaders.

The Philippine Consulate Queensland serves as the Philippine government’s primary representative office in Queensland, operating under the Philippine Embassy in Canberra. Its core mandate is to safeguard the welfare of Filipino citizens, deliver essential consular services, and foster diplomatic and economic ties. Through its community engagement efforts, the Consulate promotes Philippine culture, supports the Filipino‑Australian community, and collaborates with Australian authorities to strengthen bilateral partnerships*. Its work forms a vital foundation upon which organisations like CCIAP build opportunities for trade, investment, and community development.

Grateful for this recognition — and even more inspired to drive impact, deepen bilateral partnerships, and champion the Filipino‑Australian community.

*Sources:
🔗 The Embassy | Philippine Embassy of Canberra Australia https://www.philembassy.org.au/the-embassy
🔗 https://www.facebook.com/philippineconsulateqld/

05/06/2026

Happy Queensland Day! 🥳

Today we celebrate the spirit, strength, and sunshine of our great state.

WHAT IS QUEENSLAND DAY?
Queensland Day marks the historic moment on 6 June 1859 when Queensland officially separated from New South Wales and began charting its own path as an independent state.

It’s a day to honour our state pride — and to celebrate the incredible people, places, cultures, and stories that make Queensland the vibrant place we call home.

Learn more: https://qldday.initiatives.qld.gov.au/

01/06/2026

Congratulations to our Chamber’s Secretary Roma Abarquez in advocating the Filipino tradition and culture while championing and supporting the Philippines’ fashion industry and raising funds for charity. A truly “Reina de las Profetas” (Queen of the Prophets).

01/06/2026

Come one, come all and let’s celebrate together! Bring your friends, your family, and your community spirit as we capture memories at Brisbane’s* iconic landmarks. Be in the picture—be part of the moment we share.

* In early 2026, Brisbane has been ranked the best city in the world to raise a family, according to a new global index comparing 50 major cities across safety, green space, cost of living and child-friendly amenities.

Thank you Jason Cordi and The Philippine Times (Australia) for helping us increase awareness.

22/05/2026

ANNOUNCEMENT 📣

Today, 22 May 2026, marks the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Australia and the Philippines—a partnership built on shared values, mutual respect, and decades of people‑to‑people connection.

For 26 years, our Chamber has proudly played a meaningful role in strengthening this relationship. Through advocacy, collaboration, and leadership, we have worked to ensure that this bilateral partnership endures not only in words, but in action.

As we enter a new chapter, our newly elected CCIAP Officeholders and our nominated Working Committees reaffirm their commitment to advancing prosperity, peace, and regional stability. Their mandate is clear: to continue the Chamber’s work as a trusted voice for business, cooperation, and long‑term partnership.

We extend our warmest congratulations to the 2026–2027 CCIAP Officeholders and Working Committees, elected and confirmed during our AGM on 19 May 2026, with all nominations duly tabled, seconded, and accepted.

A huge “Thank you” to our Venue Sponsor Roma Abarquez and Xponent Global for providing the AGM venue as well as spoiling the AGM attendees with great spread of food catered by Jhang and Ren Arroyo Tinoy.

Our 2026-2027 Officeholders and Working Committees:

President: Connie da Cunha
Secretary: Roma Abarquez
Treasurer: Honey La Rosa Binny
Chair, International Trade & Commerce: Gina Luck
Co-Chair, In-Country Trade & Commerce: Rejoice Guevara-Thomson
Chair, Marketing & Promotion: Ces Vill Cecille Villanueva
Member, Marketing & Promotion: Chona Allen
Chair, Government Relations: Michelle Costin
Co- Chair, Government Relations: Sugar Ray Ray Caparas
Chair, Community Relations: Chris Ramos CA
Co-Chair, Community Relations: Andy Michael

17/05/2026

For the record 🎥 Mr. Chair! 😅

Business relationships begin with genuine people‑to‑people connections. In the end, this is what matters — real engagement, meaningful moments, and the kind of connection that endures far beyond any meeting or event.

Sometimes it even resurfaces years later, like when someone says, “My Kuya recognised you, Miss Connie, in a friend’s FB post,” and suddenly you’re looking at a photo taken 16 years ago — and all the memories come flooding back.

Thank you, Jio Das (Founder - Maison Du Soleil) for sharing your Kuya Charlton’s photo — taken when he was a member of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) — with me, Gina Luck and Jachin O Navarro during PCCI’s National Conference at the Manila Hotel in October 2010, with President Noynoy Aquino as Keynote Speaker.

Connie da Cunha

15/05/2026

STOP PRESS 🛑 Brisbane lights up for Philippine Independence Day 2026

On Friday, 12 June 2026 - from dusk to dawn - five of Brisbane CBD’s most iconic landmarks will shine in red, white and blue—the colours of the Philippine national flag—in honour of the 128th Philippine Independence Day.

Now in its 7th year, this is an open invitation from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Australia Philippines Incorporated (CCIAP) to anyone interested to come together in celebration of the 128th Philippine Independence Day.

Picture yourself with the landmarks lighting up the city at:
• Victoria Bridge
• Reddacliff Place sculptures
• Kangaroo Point Bridge
• City Hall
• Story Bridge

A vibrant display of unity, heritage, and community spirit—let’s celebrate together! 🥳 🇵🇭🤝🇦🇺

For landmark and map details click from the Calendar https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/events-arts-and-culture/creative-programs-and-awards/creative-lighting/asset-light-up-calendar?trumbaEmbed=date%3D20260612

Thank you Brisbane! 🙏

14/05/2026

🇦🇺🤝🇵🇭 Australia Joining the Luzon Economic Corridor — CCIAP Welcomes This Historic Step

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry Australia Philippines (CCIAP) proudly welcomes Australia’s official entry as a core partner in the landmark Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) — a U.S.-led, Japan-backed initiative strengthening connectivity across Subic Bay, Clark, Manila, and Batangas.

Announced on 12 May, Australia is joining partners including Denmark, France, Italy, the Republic of Korea, Sweden, and the United Kingdom in advancing high‑quality infrastructure, energy, logistics, and digital systems across Luzon.

CCIAP recognised the region’s strategic potential early, undertaking a September 2024 trade mission across the LEC corridor. The delegation was hosted by Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Engr. Eduardo Jose L. Aliño, Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) Clark Pampanga Vice President Ken R. Peralta, and senior officials of the Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone respectively. These engagements reinforced the corridor’s emergence as a future hub for high‑tech manufacturing, advanced logistics, and clean energy systems.

Australia’s participation marks a new era of opportunity for bilateral investment, supply chain diversification, and industry collaboration.

CCIAP looks forward to supporting deeper Australia–Philippines partnerships across the LEC and the wider Indo‑Pacific. According to the Australian Embassy in the Philippines, “Through investment mobilisation, infrastructure programs, and a new AUD45 million economic initiative, PROGRESS, Australia is helping to improve connectivity and drive growth that benefits business, communities and the lives of ordinary Filipinos.”

Roma Abarquez Gina Luck Fely Rosantina Christiansen Ces Vill Glen Abarquez Andy Michael Connie da Cunha

Learn more:
🔗https://www.dof.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/LEC-Partners_-Joint-Statement.pdf
🔗 https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GyzJKsPgg/?mibextid=wwXIfr
🔗 https://businessmirror.com.ph/2026/05/12/7-countries-plug-into-luzon-economic-corridor/
🔗 https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Cq1My2ZHL/?mibextid=wwXIfr

14/05/2026

Deepening Queensland-Philippines Collaboration in Resources, METS, and Global Investment

Thank you to Trade Investment Queensland (TIQ) team and to Anthony Christensen, Manager - Mining, Resources & Energy (TIQ) for a highly productive dialogue with the leadership of GENLUICHING GLOBAL HOLDINGS CORPORATION (GGHC) - President Jet Tupas and COO Leonardo Belarmino Jr. - together with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Australia Philippines (CCIAP) Board.

I was pleased to Chair this engagement as it reinforces the Chamber's commitment to strengthening bilateral commercial pathways and supporting Queensland's role as a global hub for mining, METS, and investment partnerships. CCIAP Secretary Roma Abarquez also joined in representing the Chamber's leadership.

The meeting comes at a pivotal moment following Genluiching Mining Corporation's (GMC) announcement of the establishment of Genluiching Global Holdings Corporation (GGHC) in the United States - a strategic milestone that enhances the company's ability to access international capital, structure cross-border partnerships, and expand its global resource and infrastructure investment portfolio.

As GMC President & CEO Jet Tupas noted: “The launch of GGHC marks a strategic step that enhances our global positioning by enabling direct access to international capital markets, improving transaction efficiency, and strengthening our ability to structure and execute cross-border partnerships across the resources, infrastructure, and global commodities sectors."

Australia - particularly Queensland and Western Australia - continues to shape GMC's operational standards and global competitiveness. The strength of Australia's METS ecosystem remains foundational to the company's innovation, governance excellence, and sustainable growth.

This engagement reflects a shared commitment to responsible development, disciplined capital allocation, and long-term international collaboration - values that underpin both Queensland's investment leadership and GGHC's global vision.

Following the meeting I was pleased to introduce our delegation to the Former Senator the Hon Santo Santoro MP and my co-Board Member at the Brisbane Lord Mayor's Multicultural Round Table. Honourable Santoro welcomed the delegation to Queensland.

Connie da Cunha

26/04/2026

Celebrating your success Miguelitos Ice Cream Australia and inviting all our friends and followers to experience swirls of happiness with unique Filipino flavours.

Priyanka Chopra
Connie da Cunha

Miguelitos Ice Cream has officially opened its 10th branch in Australia at Westfield Mt Gravatt, Brisbane.

This milestone strengthens the brand’s growing international presence, bringing its signature soft serve and less-sugar, modern Filipino desserts to more customers.

Miguelitos extends its heartfelt gratitude for the unwavering support of our VIPs:
Ms. Priya Jagnathan, President of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin;
Ms. Connie De Cunha, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Australia Philippines;
Mr. Jason Cordi, Editor in Chief of The Philippine Times;
Mr. Nelson Zapanta, franchisee of Miguelitos Diner Blacktown and Campbelltown, Sydney, Australia;
Ms. Dixie Morante, President of FAB’s; and
Mr. Jun Licera, Administrator for Filipinos in Queensland.

Miguelitos Westfield Mt. Gravatt is now open and serving - reflecting Miguelitos’ continued commitment to global expansion and delivering enjoyable treats worldwide.

Miguelitos Ice Cream Philippines
Miguelitos Ice Cream Australia