Flag-Raising Ceremonies, Festivities Mark
Philippine Independence Day 2017 in the Greater Toronto Area
Flag-raising ceremony at the Toronto City Hall
19 June 2017 TORONTO — The week surrounding June 12 was a busy week for the Filipino-Canadian community in the Greater Toronto Area as they celebrated the 119th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine Independence with a series of activities.
The Philippine flag was proudly hoisted in Toronto City Hall, Provincial Parliament on June 12 and in the following key cities in the Greater Toronto Area: Toronto, Vaughan, Brampton and Markham. The Philippine flag has had the privilege of being hoisted at the Toronto City Hall every June 12 for the last 39 years.
The Mayor of Toronto John Tory and Members of Provincial and the Federal Parliament were present to celebrate with the Filipino-Canadian community. They acknowledged the important contributions of the Filipino-Canadian community to the economic development of Canada and their role in further enriching Canada’s cultural mosaic. The messages of the officials carried a common theme; they cited the shared values of freedom, democracy and the importance of family that binds the Philippines and Canada.
During the flag-raising at the Toronto City Hall, Consul General Prospero thanked the Canadian officials for their continued support and assistance to the Filipino community in Toronto.
Breakfast for the Filipino Community
After the flag-raising ceremony at the Toronto City Hall, the Post hosted a brunch dubbed “Salo-salo sa Almusal” at the premises of the Consulate General for the leaders of the Filipino and Filipino-Canadian organizations within Post’s jurisdiction, officers of settlement agencies as well as members of the Fil-Canadian media organizations. Messages from President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, Foreign Secretary Alan Peter S. Cayetano, Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon M. Lopez and Labor Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III were read by the Officers of the Consulate General.
The event was also a celebration of world-class Filipino talent. Acclaimed Filipino violinist John Lesaca played two pieces on his electric violin, to wit, Payapang Daigdig and a compilation of Philippine folksongs from the different regions of the Philippines arranged by Australian Bernard Green. The audience requested an encore from Mr. Lesaca to which he gladly obliged instead by singing a Beatles song entitled “It’s Only Love”. A brunch of traditional Filipino breakfast fare capped the morning’s activities.
The day before, Mr. Lesaca performed for a crowd of at least 200 people in a fund-raising event organized by the Kalayaan Community Centre to commemorate this year’s national day.
Fiestang Pinoy! Dinner at the Chef’s House
From left: Chef Daniel Cancino, Chef Dennis Tay Chef Robbie Hojilla and Consul General Rosalita Prospero at the Chefs’ House
In the evening of June 12, Consul General Prospero, along with 20 officers and staff from the Consulate General, dined at the Chef’s House Restaurant of the renowned George Brown College Centre of Hospitality and Culinary Arts. The three young and up-and-coming chefs in the Toronto food scene who are of Filipino descent prepared a sold-out full course dinner. The three Filipino-Canadian chefs — all graduates of George Brown College — included Dennis Tay, Chef de Cuisine of renowned DaiLo Restaurant; Robbie Hojilla, chef at Lake Inez; and Daniel Cancino, executive chef of Lamesa and its sister establishment Lasa by Lamesa.
All three grew up in Canada and are considered superstars in the Toronto culinary scene. Being proud of their Filipino roots, they organized the event to let the Canadian mainstream get a taste of Filipino culture through its cuisine.
Each of the three chefs prepared one appetizer, two entrée, and one dessert. Chef’s house also served famous Filipino pale lager San Miguel beer.
Kalayaan Gala Night, Salo-Salo Picnic and Pistahan
Consul General Rosalita Prospero (2nd from left), Deputy Consul General Bernadette Therese Fernandez (3rd from right) together with the Officers and Mmbers of the Filipino Center Toronto during the Pistahan sa Toronto at Nathan Philips Square.
Consul General Rosalita S. Prospero delivered remarks during the Gala Dinner hosted by the Kalayaan Filipino Cultural Organization held on June 09 at the Mississauga Convention Centre. The Kalayaan Gala Dinner is an annual event in celebration of the Philippines’ independence and freedom. As invited guest speaker, Consul General Prospero shared this year’s theme for the 119th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine Independence, to wit: “Pagbabagong Sama-samang Balikatin.” She also reported on the positive transformation happening in the country and encouraged the attendees to help contribute to building a better Philippines.
The City Mayor of Mississauga Bonnie Crombie was also a special guest at the event. The City of Mississauga is home to a large concentration of Filipino-Canadians.
On June 10, Consul General Prospero led the wreath laying ceremony at the Rizal Monument of the Earl Bales Park, on the occasion of the 156th birth anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal and to mark the opening of the Annual Philippine Independence Day Salo-salo at the Park. The event is organized by the Philippine Independence Day Council (PIDC) of Toronto, the Knights of Rizal and the Kababaihang Rizalista.
In her message, Consul General Prospero recalled the sacrifices of our forebears and the events that unfolded during that historic day of June 12, 1898.
Located on Bathurst Street between Wilson and Sheppard, Earl Bales Park was reserved the whole day for Filipinos to enjoy picnic, parade, barbeque and sports tournament.
In the afternoon of the same day, Consul General Prospero and Deputy Consul General Fernandez were joined by City of Toronto Mayor John Tory in the opening program of the Pistahang Pilipino at the Nathan Philips Square organized by the Filipino Center Toronto (FCT).
The Consul General congratulated the FCT for continuously showcasing Philippine culture and heritage, including our food and drinks, festivals and traditions, music and dances, among others. She said that these add a colorful strand in Toronto’s diversity. She also expounded on the theme of this year’s Independence Day celebration.
Mayor Tory acknowledged the positive contribution of the Filipinos to the community. He mentioned that Filipinos are valued in Toronto and proof of this is the appointment of Ms. Eileen De Villa, a physician of Filipino descent, as the City’s Health Officer. He promised to continue supporting the community.
Annual Celebration and General Membership Meetings of Fil-Canadian Organizations
Consul General Prospero with the newly elected officers of the Ontario Filipino Women’s Club
During the annual induction party of the Ontario Filipino Women’s Club on June 10, Consul General Prospero delivered the welcome remarks and inducted the newly elected officers. She acknowledged the strong and courageous Filipino women who endure the difficulties and challenges of working overseas to give their families back home a better life and a secure future. As the event happened almost on the eve of Philippine Independence Day, she encouraged the audience to pay homage to the sung and unsung heroines of the Philippine Revolution who fought valiantly so that the present generation may live in freedom and dignity, including among others — Gregoria de Jesus, Melchora Aquino and Teresa Magbanua.
The Annual General Membership Meeting of the Filipino Construction Professionals of Ontario (FILCONPRO) was held on the same day in Edithvale Community Centre. DCG Fernandez was invited as the guest speaker and took the opportunity to commemorate the Philippine National Day by sharing the theme of this year’s commemoration, “Pagbabagong Sama-samang Balikatin.” She emphasized the importance of supporting each other especially with regard to mentoring newcomers, settlement in Canada and assistance in work placements, and availing of promotion opportunities at work for the members, who were mostly licensed engineers in the Philippines.
At the invitation of the Filipino employees of Fairmont Royal York Hotel, Consul General Prospero and DCG Fernandez attended the annual national day celebration hosted by the hotel for its Filipino employees led by Mr. Lincoln Baluyot.
Consul General Prospero conveyed President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s message, paying homage to the heroism of forebears who fought and offered lives for the freedom we now enjoy.
For more information, visit www.torontopcg.dfa.gov.ph / www.philcongen-toronto.com or https://www.facebook.com/torontopcg/?ref=br_rs. END