07 September 2015 - The Philippines opened its booth at the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE), Canada’s largest annual fair and one of the ten largest in North America on September 04. The three-day Philippine participation in the CNE presents an excellent opportunity to promote Philippine trade, investment, tourism and cultural heritage to mainstream Canadian society.
Canadians affectionately embrace the CNE, also popularly known as “The Ex,” as an end-of-summer ritual. Founded in 1879, the CNE has enjoyed a distinguished history as a showcase of the nation. People came to experience the latest innovations in technology and commercial products, to enjoy the popular entertainers of the time, and to engage in a collective community celebration. Today, the 18-day exhibition that started on August 21 and ends on Canadian Labor Day on September 07, attracts more than 1.4 million visitors annually.
The Philippine booth provides information on Philippine tourism destinations through posters and audiovisual presentation; business and investment information materials; as well as coffee table books on Philippine cuisine and culture. Combining traditional with the contemporary, the booth is accentuated by Philippine-made furniture and decorative items. It occupies a prominent space at the area called “Piazza of Cultures,” along with other country participants such as Barbados and Antigua, China, India, Jamaica and Mexico. Six Philippine exhibitors from the private sector are selling Philippine products and crafts at the International Pavilion.
A Philippine cultural performance by the Toronto-based Folklorico Cultural Group was featured in the International Pavilion’s center stage on September 06.
Philippine participation in the Canadian National Exhibition was organized by the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto in cooperation with the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa, the Philippine Department of Tourism in New York and the Philippine Airlines in Toronto. END