18 June 2014 - The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto proudly hosted its celebration of the 116th Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence on June 12 at its new office premises. The celebration kicked off with the yearly flag raising ceremony at the Toronto City Hall, marking the 36th year of the Philippine flag-hoisting tradition of the Consulate General and the Filipino-Canadian community in the City of Toronto, home to an increasing population of Filipino migrants and Filipino-Canadians. After raising the Philippine flag, Philippine Consul General Junever Mahilum-West read the message of President Benigno S. Aquino III. Toronto City Councillor James Pasternak and candidate for Mayor of Toronto Mr. John Tory were among the guests who joined the event.
The celebrations then continued at the Consulate General, with the blessing of the new office and invocation by Father Ben Ebcas, parish priest of Our Lady of the Assumption. The highlights of the programme were the singing of the Lupang Hinirang, Panunumpa sa Watawat, the reading of the messages of congratulations of Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne and Toronto City Acting Mayor Norm Kelly and of the Independence Day messages of the Secretary of Labor, the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, the Vice President and the President of the Philippines, respectively by Labor Attache Leonida Romulo, Consul Shirley Banquicio, Consul Jesusa Susana Paez and Consul General Mahilum-West. The celebration showcased cultural presentations of Kundiman and original Pilipino music (OPM) songs by Filipino-Canadian singers, Ms. Ashley Suva and Chadwick Saba, the Ngayon at Noon fashion show featuring modern and nostalgic Filipiniana attire by Mahistrado Fashions, and Filipino martial arts demonstration led by Maestro Rudico Cosico and Maestro Oliver Garduce of the Filipino Martial Arts of Arnis Kali Escrima.
The cultural presentations elicited the admiration of the guests who were composed of representatives of Filipino-Canadian groupings, and the Toronto Professional Firefighters’ Association led by its Executive Officer, Mr. Geoff Boisseau and Ms. Tamara Sylvan of Toronto Fire Services. Mr. Boisseau introduced his team and shared their experience as one of the first responders from Canada who extended rescue and relief assistance to the victims of typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in Tacloban in November 2013.
The Jose Rizal bust, which the National Commission for Culture and the Arts donated to the Consulate General, was given prominence at the reception area during the commemoration and until the celebration of 153rd birth anniversary of Dr. Rizal on June 19.
During the June 12 event, the Consulate General had the opportunity to announce and conduct overseas voters registration for the 2016 presidential elections. The Consulate General underscored the importance of eligible voters’ participation in the electoral processes in charting the continuing path towards development and progress of our country. Guests registered during the event.
The Consulate General’s successful celebration was made possible through the generous patronage and sponsorship of Mayor Vincent “Duke” Frasco of Liloan, Cebu, Philippine Airlines-Toronto, Western Union, San Miguel Corporation, Panago Pizza, Filipino Martial Arts of Arnis Kali Escrima, FV Foods, Gino Solutions Inc. and Prestige by Night bistro.
In addition to the commemoration, the Philippine Artists Group (PAG) of Canada with the Consulate General as presenting sponsor held the opening of PAG’s 26th Annual Art Exhibition on June 7 in celebration of 116th Anniversary of Independence Day at the Neilson Park Creative Centre in Etobicoke, Ontario. Guests of honors to this event were PAG’s first honorary members Consul General Mahilum-West and Mr. John West, Indonesian Consul General and Mrs. Julang Pujianto, and Mrs. Debbie Gatan, wife of former Ambassador Leslie Gatan.
Another milestone event was Canada Philippine Fashion Week (CPFW) 2014, wherein the Consulate General once again collaborated with Mr. Jeff Rustia, CPFW Executive Director and founder of Kol Hope Foundation, in the superlative celebration of Independence Day with A Week of Style + Couture from June 9-14, 2014. CPFW successfully launched its Opening Night with Habi Textile Exhibit on June 9, Independencia: Filipino Pride + Style on June 12, Philippine Fashion’s Biggest Night with Top Philippine Designers on June 13, and culminating with Canada Philippine Fashion Ball, A Salute to Francis Libiran, on June 14. By showcasing the best in Philippine haute couture through world-class fashion shows and musical performances by Filipino supermodels and celebrities, exhibits, art and food, CPFW successfully revitalized the promotion of Filipino fashion talent and artistry in Canadian fashion stage. CPFW is a recipient of Canada’s prestigious Festival and Events Ontario (FEO) 2014 Award, “Best New Festival of the Year," for organizing a true tourism destination event in Toronto.
Meanwhile, the local governments led by the Cities of Barrie and Brampton and their Mayors, Jeff Lehman and Susan Fennell, rendered fitting recognition of the country’s national day anniversary, and in this regard, declared June 2014 in the City of Barrie as Philippine Month and in the City of Brampton as Philippine Heritage Week, from June 9 to 15.
The various events gave opportunities for the Filipino-Canadian community to honor, preserve and celebrate our heritage, showcase the richness of Philippine culture, mark our customs and traditions and to give recognition to the achievements of Filipinos in Canada’s culturally-rich and ethnically-diverse society. END