BY DEMI ROBINSON – The Bicol Communities League Inc. (Bicol Inc.), a community organisation based in Sydney of Filipino-Australian citizens of Bicol ancestry organises its inaugural Trade & Tourism Expo in Blacktown City.
The Expo will engage with local business primed at establishing links to local business opportunities by investigating and identifying the right product mix and set up one-on-one meetings at the event. It is envisioned that business contracts will be drawn at the Expo. Gracing the event is the Philippine Ambassador Hellen DeLa Vega, Consul General Ezzedin Tago, Mayor and Councilors of the Blacktown City Council, community leaders and business people here and from the Philippines.
A side event is the Filipino Street Food Festival, which will showcase the flavours of Philippine cuisine. An all-day cultural presentation from local Filipino performers will provide entertainment to an expected big crowd from the Blacktown multi-cultural communities.
Mr Bobby Lastica, Chair, Expo Organising Committee has recently travelled to the Bicol Region to bolster support from Bicol suppliers, businesses and local governments. It is pleasing to note that the Bicol delegation will be headed by the Albay Mayor Mr Noel Rosal.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Trade Representative and Commercial Consul in Sydney Ms Alma Argayoso, has thrown her full support for the event. A Bicolana herself, she has worked hard in contacting local businesses/importers of Philippine products, seeking their participation to the event. Similarly, the Tourism Attache’ Ms Norj Delos Reyes, is organising an AV for iconic tourist destinations in Bicol plus her team is getting ready for giveaway bags/souvenirs for the Expo.
The Expo will conclude with a raffle draw (@ $2.00 per ticket) which has a Grand Prize of One PREMIUM Economy Return Airfares (SYD/MLA/SYD) plus one (1) domestic flight ex-Manila, valued at $3,000 generously donated by the Philippine Airlines.