17 October 2014 - The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto, represented by its Cultural Officer Janet Hizon, participated in Norfolk County Public Library’s Culture Days on September 26. The event is a Canada-wide celebration being held in all libraries and other organizations to celebrate the cultures of different countries. Culture Days celebration increases awareness, appreciation, accessibility and participation of Canadians in the arts and in the cultural life of various communities.

Ms. Zynara B. Gaerlan, a Filipino-Canadian librarian of Norfolk County Public Library promoted Philippine culture during the celebration of Culture Days in Port Dover, Norfolk County. In cooperation with the Filipino community in the area, Ms. Gaerlan organized a mini-exhibit of Philippine paintings, handicrafts, and food products. 

The Consulate General and the Philippine Artists Group (PAG) lent their paintings to the event. The paintings of Ms. Nelia Tonido, PAG president; Maestro Romi Mananquil, PAG founder and former president; Philippine Consul General Junever Mahilum-West, PAG honorary member; and other PAG members were displayed in the exhibit held from September 26 to 27. Video and slide presentations were prepared by Ms. Gaerlan for guests, students and locals. A brief info-session with grade school students of Lakewood Elementary School was also held in which Cultural Officer Janet Hizon talked about the Philippines -- its geography, history, language, culture, ethnicity, and identity. Filipino delicacies such as pancit, lumpia, puto, and cassava were served to the guests. 

Culture Days offered a great opportunity for the guests to explore as well as appreciate the rich and dynamic cultural identity of the Filipino community in the Norfolk County area, which may have been previously unknown to them. END