PH Embassy in Canada Joins Filipinos for Annual Independence Day Picnic
(Clockwise from top left) Mayor Jim Watson presents the official declaration of Filipino Heritage Week to PICOV Chair Nora Arriola; Members of the Philippine Embassy at the start of the parade; Deputy Chief of Mission Francisco Noel Fernandez III together with Mayor Watson and Filipino-Canadian members of the Ottawa Police Service; The Philippine Dance Troupe of Ottawa performs the Tinikling; and Parada ng mga Lechon winner Philippine Center of Canada. (Ottawa PE photo)
OTTAWA 17 July 2018 – The Philippine Embassy in Ottawa, Canada joined an estimated 2,000 visitors as they gathered at Ottawa’s Vincent Massey Park for the annual Independence Day Picnic, organized by the Philippine Independence Committee of the Ottawa Valley (PICOV).
The picnic was attended by representatives of the different Filipino organizations in Ottawa, and other guests who came together to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine independence.
Tables laden with traditional food from the different regions of the Philippines were set up throughout the park, as guests took their fill of the delicacies being given away in true fiesta style.
The customary “Parada ng mga Lechon” (Parade of the Roast Pigs) was also held, displaying lechon dressed up as Katipunero, Maria Clara and a policeman, and lechon riding a jeepney and a boat.
Volleyball and chess tournaments were conducted throughout the day, while performers entertained the audience with a talent show.
Mayor Jim Watson joined the opening ceremony of the picnic, and presented PICOV with the official declaration of Filipino Heritage Week which runs from 09 to 16 June 2018.
Ambassador to Canada Petronila P. Garcia thanked Mayor Watson for attending the picnic, and congratulated the Filipino Community of Ottawa for the successful event. END
For more information, visit www.ottawape.dfa.gov.ph / www.philembassy.ca or https://www.facebook.com/PHinCanada/.