The festivities kick off with the 1st Philippine International Jazz Ethnic Festival featuring Australian group Sirocco.

Composed of Paul Jarman, Peter Jacob and Andre de Teliga, the group uses exotic instruments like Middle Eastern and Celtic flutes, Irish and Turkish drums and modern synthesisers.

They will be joined by leading Aboriginal performers David Hudson and Phil Geia on Jan. 23, 7 p.m. at the Greenbelt 3 fountain area.

On Jan. 24–28, movie buffs will be treated to a week–long screening of critically acclaimed works by Australian film genius Rolf de Heer at the UP Film Institute Videoteque.

Organized in partnership with the Australian Center for Moving Image (ACMI), the UP Film Institute and Pelikula at Titus Brandsma, "Cinema Australia 2006" opens with de Heer’s psychological thriller "Alexandra’s Project".

For those into visual arts and fashion, the embassy has come up with "Shared Vision Down Under", featuring one–of–a–kind exhibitions by renowned Australian artists at the Ayala Museum on Jan. 26–Feb. 10.

Fashion aficionados should not miss "Akira Isogawa: Printemps–Ete", a fashion exhibition which explores the creative process of Australian fashion designer Akira Isogawa.

Simultaneously, the Australian Trade Commission’s (Austrade) "Colours of Aussie West Commercial" art exhibit will give art lovers the opportunity to purchase rare works from Western Australian artists including Penny Hudson, Jennie Doherty, Karin Luciano and Anne Clifton.

On Jan. 27, the Ayala Museum will become a fashion runway for "BeAUt 2006", featuring works of up–and–coming fashion designers from Australia.

There will also be a Western Australia (WA) tourism promotion which will highlight the South West region as must–see tourist destination for Filipinos.

"BeAUt" 2006 and WA tourism promotion are by invitation only.

Open to the public however are two events being held in conjunction with Wine Depot: a wine master class by Mike Edwards and a three-course wine dinner, featuring some of western Australia’s best wines and wine makers.

For details, call Wine Depot at 893–3165.

On Jan 26, Amb. Tony Hely will host his first Australia Day reception at the Ambassador’s residence.

Australian group Sirocco and Aboriginal performers David Hudson and Phil Geia will perform during the evening.

For inquiries log on to www.philippines.-embassy.com.au.