15 December 2016 –More than two hundred members of the Filipino community in Ottawa gathered recently at Sandy Hill Community Centre to celebrate Pasko ng Bayan 2016.

Pasko ng Bayan is a joint initiative by the Philippine Embassy and the Filipino Community established six years ago as a means of bringing together Filipinos in Ottawa and nearby areas to celebrate the Christmas season.

“It is always an occasion for coming together, whether it be in the workplace, with friends, or with family,” said Ambassador Petronila Garcia. “Even though we are far away from the Philippines, Pasko ng Bayan gives us the chance to gather as one community and to bring to Canada the warmth and joy of a Filipino Christmas,” she added.

The Ambassador also provided a quick review of the year 2016, highlighting the success of Winter Escapade 3 and Philippine Independence Day celebrations, the debut of Filipino food beverage products at the 2016 Le Salon International de l’Alimentation (SIAL) Montreal, the conduct of the 2016 Overseas Voting and several consular missions held in various provinces in Canada.

Ambassador Garcia concluded her remarks by encouraging the members of the Filipino Community to visit the Embassy to register for the forthcoming 2019 Overseas Voting.  She also invited them to join season four of Winter Escapade, announcing that the deadline for registration has been further extended until the end of December 2016.

The HIMIG Philippine Chorale Ensemble capped the event by leading the community in a rendition of “Ang Pasko ay Sumapit.”

Western Union, St. Laurent Medical Centre Pharmacy, and the Philippine Embassy were this year’s contest sponsors. END