09 December 2015 - In keeping with tradition, the Filipino-Canadian community in Ottawa staged its annual Pasko ng Bayan on December 05 at the Sandy Hill Community Centre. A parol-making contest, a Christmas food contest, a singing competition dubbed Pamaskong Palabas ng Pamilya at Barkada, and a Christmas bazaar were the highlights of this year’s Pasko ng Bayan.
Pilipinong Migrante sa Canada participated in Pasko ng Bayan as guest performers, along with 2014 Ottawa Idol Bernice Reyes, Nora Cote, Miguel Luis Moreno, Gianpaolo Bragais and Marie Mendillo.
During her remarks, Philippine Ambassador to Canada Petronila P. Garcia shared, “Our annual Pasko ng Bayan is where the Filipino community and the Embassy converge as organizer and participant at the same time. Our program encapsulates the sights, sounds and flavors of Christmas traditions we hold dear: the iconic parols that animated our Filipino Christmas spirit and unshakeable faith and hope in the Almighty’s provisions; the traditional Filipino food reminiscent of our favorite carinderia, street food vendors in our home town or the very warmth of our mother’s kitchen; and Filipino families and friends gamely joining forces to make all of us merry and bright.
“The happiness we derive from the company of fellow Filipinos underpinned our Pasko ng Bayan activities. On the underside of the parol, the food and the entertainment tonight, I heard the chatter of families and friends as they crafted the beautiful Christmas lanterns on display. At the bazaar, I saw our people’s predisposition to feed the hungry. During the Christmas carols contest, I felt the Pinoy’s irrepressible love for singing and compulsion to make others happy. Filipino-Canadians have every reason to be proud of their heritage and their role as culture bearers transmitting admirable Filipino traditions and values not only to the younger generations but also to mainstream communities.”
The annual Pasko ng Bayan is an initiative of the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa in partnership with the Filipino community. Western Union and the St. Laurent Medical Centre Pharmacy were this year’s contest sponsors, along with the Philippine Embassy, while community volunteer Marie Medillo emceed the program. END