17 June 2016 - The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto marked the 118th anniversary of Philippine Independence through a series of activities for the entire month of June. The celebration kicked off on June 10 with “Double! Double!: The Nightingales in Concert” held at the Alliance Francaise Spadina Theatre featuring the female soprano duo of Mesdames Bianca Camille Lopez and Aizel Izza Prietos-Livioco.
Both are alumni of The Philippine Madrigal Singers and are touted as two of the youngest yet formidable classical singers of the Philippines. The concert title, “Double! Double!” aside from referring to the vocal duo, is also a common Canadian idiom referring to two creams and two sugars when ordering coffee. The concert was well attended and appreciated by an audience comprised of members of the consular corps, members of the Canadian and Filcom media, business sector, university and government officials as well as representatives of Filcom organizations focused on promotion of Philippine cultural heritage.
Independence Day, June 12, was celebrated with a flag raising ceremony at City Hall organized by the Philippine Independence Day Flag-raising Committee and graced by Toronto Mayor John Tory. Mayor Tory acknowledged the invaluable contribution of Filipino-Canadians to Toronto mentioning that the Philippines remains the largest source of migrants. He also referred to the regional diversity of Philippine cuisine which he noted from his attendance in various Philippine community events, apparently referring to Post’s forthcoming culinary activity featuring renowned Philippine Chef Myrna Segismundo.
In her remarks, Consul General Rosalita S. Prospero mentioned the significant economic gains of the Philippines with a 5.8% GDP growth in 2015 and a 6.9% GDP growth for the first quarter of 2016. The Consul General also expressed hopes for the continued warm bilateral relations between the Philippines and Canada and an invitation for the Mayor to visit the Philippines.
The flag-raising ceremony was followed by a brunch “Salu-salo sa Almusal” hosted by and held at the premises of the Consulate General for leaders of the various Filipino and Filipino-Canadian organizations within Post’s consular jurisdiction. Messages from H.E. the President Benigno S. Aquino III, Foreign Secretary Jose Rene D. Almendras, Labor Secretary Rosalinda D. Baldoz, and Philippine Ambassador to Canada Petronila P. Garcia were read by the officers of the Consulate General.
Consul General Prospero underscored that the occasion is a celebration of freedom and a celebration of the heroism of both our forebears and our modern-day heroes. It is also a celebration of the Filipino spirit and of Filipino world-class artistry and creativity. The Scarborough Ontario Seniors Association Rondalla group performed patriotic and traditional folk songs much to the delight of the audience who sang along to their accompaniment. The Nightingales also shared their talent during the brunch regaling the FilCom leaders with much beloved Philippine folk songs and ballads. Master of Ceremony Consul Bolivar L. Bao further enlivened the celebration with interesting Philippine history trivia. A brunch of traditional Philippine breakfast capped off the morning’s activities.
Forthcoming events include “Conversations with Chef Myrna Segismundo,” a talk on Philippine culinary culture by the acclaimed Filipino chef plus a food-tasting of some of her signature recipes to be held at the Scarborough Campus of the University of Toronto, and “Culinary Cities of the World: Manila,” a full-course dinner prepared by Chef Segismundo and student-chefs of the George Brown School of Culinary Arts. Chef Segismundo will be joined by Chef Jill Sandique. END