29 August 2014 – The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto took part in and extended full support to the MABUHAY PHILIPPINES FESTIVAL 2014 held at the David Pecaut Square in the heart of downtown Toronto from August 23 and 24. The Philippines is this year’s feature country program at the historic complex that continuously draws thousands of visitors on a daily basis.
The two-day-event showcased Philippine trade, tourism and talent under this year’s theme “Pagdiriwang”, and was organized by the Philippine Independence Day Council (PDIC) headed by Ms. Norma Carpio.
As one of the event’s exhibitors, the Consulate General set up a tourism-cultural promotion and information booth for its leading projects: a “Save the Date for Winter Escapade Tour 2” and dual citizenship.
Leading Canadian business and finance companies and Filipino-Canadian entrepreneurs comprised the exhibitors at the event. Stalls serving Filipino food gave a taste of the richness of Philippine cuisine.
Visitors and passers-by were treated to Philippine folk dances, original Pilipino music (OPM) and broadway music by talented local artists.
Philippine Consul General Junever M. Mahilum-West led the Consulate General’s participation in this event that was graced by the presence and support of Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne and mayoral candidates John Tory and Olivia Chow.
In her brief remarks given on Opening Day, Premier Wynne acknowledged the Filipinos’ high sense of professionalism that greatly contributes to make Ontario a strong society. Premier Wynne also committed to work hard and to assist in making the lives of the Filipinos in Ontario better, provide them the support and services they will need, as well as the opportunities to make them realize what they came for in Canada.
The highlight of the event was the Parade of Fiestas which featured the seven most popular fiestas of the Philippines. This was choreographed by Mr. Randy Guevara with costumes designed by Asia’s Ambassador of Fashion Rene Salud and Filipino-Canadian designer Shanon Pamaong. END