08 May 2014 – The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that Ms. Norma Carpio, one of the most dynamic leaders of the Filipino-Canadian community in the Greater Toronto Area, received the prestigious Outstanding Asian-Canadian Award given by the Canadian Multicultural Council of Asians at their gala night last May 4 in celebration of Asian Heritage Month. 

Ms. Carpio is the former President of the Philippine Independence Day Council and founder of the spectacular Mabuhay! Philippines Festival which is held each year in Toronto.  Fourteen (14) awards were given this year to Asian-Canadians originating from the Philippines, Myanmar, Pakistan, Republic of Korea, China, Japan, Laos, Vietnam, Tibet, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Taiwan.

Senator Tobias “Jun” Enverga, Jr., the first Canadian senator of Filipino descent, was guest speaker.  Senator Enverga congratulated and thanked the Asian-Canadian community for their success and contributions to the growth and prosperity of Canada, which he attributed to the enabling environment in Canada and the determination and initiative of Asian migrants themselves.

Aside from Senator Enverga and Ms. Carpio, others who lent the distinctive Filipino touch to the Gala was the Master of Ceremonies Jeff Rustia, founder of the Canada Philippines Fashion Week, the singers of Filipino descent who won in top Canadian singing contests, and the Fiesta Filipina folkloric troupe.  END