The year that was – into my heart
Time flies when you are having fun, and it’s more fun in the Philippines, which means my first anniversary has come around very quickly. In truth, I have had a lot of fun over the last year but also some more sobering experiences. One thing for sure is that I have never been bored!
The Philippines is such a diverse and complex country. The longer I live here, the more there is to learn about the place. I do sometimes wonder if I will be any the wiser at the end of my term. But I am increasingly able to distinguish my tapsilog from my tilapia so maybe I am progressing.
I have felt especially lucky to represent Australia in the Philippines during such a dynamic period. A change in Administration always attracts fresh attention, but I could not have predicted a year ago that the Philippines would catapult to the forefront of world news.
Most diplomats wish to be assigned to a location that people back home are interested in and I have been blessed in this respect. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has said that there is no more exciting time to be an Australian, but this could equally apply to Filipinos and to diplomats in the Philippines!
I admit that it was not love at first sight for me. Visitors often have to work hard here to experience the rich cultural heritage. I find the sometimes stark contrast between rich and poor confronting. I feel frustrated when the immense potential of this country is not fully realised.
But my affection for the Philippines has grown slowly but surely, more so as I have travelled around the country. The resilience and generosity of the people are inspiring and I have seen encouraging examples of progress, often supported by Australia’s development partnership with the Philippines. This country has surely worked its way into my heart.
Filipinos are justifiably proud of beautiful destinations and I have luckily visited some for business and pleasure. From Baguio to Bohol to Boracay, I see great potential to better target Australian tourists. Travelling between Australia and the Philippines has never been cheaper with three airlines providing direct flights. Promote this country’s natural assets and Aussies will come. Those who do are blown away by the experience.
People often ask me for my favourite location. I am loathe to pick favourites (particularly as I have not been to Palawan), but my visit to Iloilo City, with its revitalized river, and the UNESCO World Heritage church at Miagao was a memorable highlight.
My arrival fortuitously coincided with the 70th anniversary of our formal diplomatic relationship. Australia was one of the first countries to establish ties with the Philippines after World War II. Marking this has been a strong focus for me, hosting multiple celebrations in Manila, Davao and Cebu. I’m delighted that 22 May has been proclaimed Philippines-Australia Friendship Day.
But our ties go back much more than 70 years and, unexpectedly for me, I have also seen Australia from a new perspective. I visited Darwin for the first time to learn more about our historic and modern-day linkages. I was also enriched by meeting a group of indigenous Australians with Filipino ancestry dating back to the 1880s whose forebears migrated to Australia to join the fledgling pearl industry. These people have a unique cultural heritage and to this day blend Filipino and indigenous traditions, food, music and language. Most of them were visiting the Philippines for the first time to trace their roots. As I embark on my second year in the Philippines I am full of optimism. The Philippines’ hosting of ASEAN in 2017 will bring Australian political leaders here to build on our long-standing dialogue partnership. We will work closely with the Administration to support its development objectives and to combat terrorism and crime. We will advocate respectfully on the basis of our shared values. We will enhance the prosperity of both nations by boosting trade and investment to create jobs. Importantly, our people will continue to forge the bonds that add essential affection and vibrancy.