PH Consulate General Takes Part in Calgary Stampede
Deputy Consul General Victorio M. Dimagiba proudly waves the flag at the Calgary Stampede Parade on July 5, 2024. (Photo by Al Gamilla/Fiesta Filipino)
CALGARY 19 July 2024 – The Philippine Consulate General in Calgary proudly took part in the 112th Calgary Stampede, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines amidst the landmark event in Calgary’s cultural and economic calendar.
The Calgary Stampede is one of Canada’s most iconic and celebrated festivals that has components of a midway (fair), rodeo, entertainment show, and agricultural and trade exposition. Dubbed as The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, the 112th (2024) Calgary Stampede welcomed over 1,477,953 visitors, surpassing the all-time attendance record of 1,409,371 set in 2012.
As a testament to its commitment to fostering cultural exchange, the Consulate General participated in the Stampede Parade on 5 July where the Filipino community proudly marched alongside other participants, sharing the spirit of diversity and celebration with thousands of spectators lining the parade route.
Led by Consul General Emma R. Sarne and Federal Minister for Small Business Rechie Valdez, the Philippine contingent, organized by Fiesta Filipino, included participants from the University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Calgary, Bathala International, M2Z Danzfit, Canmore Filipino Canadian Society, The Filipino Canadian Association of Cochrane Alberta, and the Fiesta Filipino Council. The Philippine contingent featured Higantes (local Filipino festival), models, and dancers swaying to the beat of the Sinulog festival, and was bestowed with the “Best Parade Spirit Award.”
The Philippine contingent at the Calgary Stampede Parade (Photo by Al Gamilla/Fiesta Filipino)
The Philippine Consulate General also offered its services and presence in the numerous Stampede Breakfasts and BBQs hosted by the different Filipino entrepreneurs and community organizations during the 10-day festival. The traditional Stampede Breakfasts and BBQs offered attendees a taste of Filipino cuisine and hospitality. These events served as platforms for building bridges of friendship and understanding between the Filipino community and the wider Calgary populace.
Consul General Emma R. Sarne (with red scarf) with MP George Chahal, MP for Calgary Skyview, Alberta (with black hat) serving longanisa and pork barbeque to attendees at the Ihaw Yeehaw BBQ, 06 July 2024. (Photo by Calgary PCG).
Consul General Emma R. Sarne at the “Almusal” Traditional Filipino Breakfast, 07 July 2024 (Photo by Calgary PCG)
Highlighting the cultural richness of the Philippines, the Philippine Consulate General provided support to the performance of traditional Filipino dances and music at the community stage of the Calgary Stampede on 07 July 2024. The vibrant display of music and movement captivated audiences, showcasing the diversity and dynamism of Filipino culture.
The Lakambini Dance Troupe perform La Jota Moncadeña at the Community Stage of the Calgary Stampede, 07 July 2024 (Photo by Calgary PCG)
Consul General Emma R. Sarne (center) and Vice Consul Vida Soraya Verzoa (4th from left) with Filipino performers at the Community Stage of the Calgary Stampede, 07 July 2024 (Photo by Calgary PCG)
The 2024 Calgary Stampede was also an occasion to promote investment opportunities in the Philippines. At a business forum hosted by the Canada-ASEAN Business Council, Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service, and Global Affairs Canada, Consul General Emma Sarne presented the key incentives and reforms being undertaken in the PH’s Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP) which includes investments in agriculture, agri-food production, fisheries and forestry. The forum provided valuable insights into the agricultural landscape of the Philippines, emphasizing opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange between Alberta and the Philippines.
Consul General Emma Sarne (center) presents PH investment and business opportunities at a forum on Agri-Food and Beverage Opportunities in ASEAN held at the sidelines of the 2024 Calgary Stampede. With her are Dr. Quynh Tran, Head of the Viet Nam Trade Office in Ottawa (right) and ASEAN-Canada Business Council Executive Director Thi Be Nguyen (left) (Photo by Calgary PCG)
Consul General Sarne, speaking on behalf of the Philippine Consulate General, expressed gratitude for the warm reception and enthusiastic participation of the Filipino community in the Stampede festivities. "The Calgary Stampede is a wonderful platform for us to share our culture and strengthen the bonds of friendship between the Philippines and Calgary, which is home to 89,055 Filipinos. We are delighted to have been part of this celebration of diversity and community spirit." END
For more information, visit https://www.calgarypcg.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHinCalgary/.