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PHILIPPINE ASIAN NEWS TODAY June 16 - 30 , 2017
Pista ng Bayan set for July 9 in Vancouver By Babes Castro Newland
The United Filipino- Canadian Associations in BC under the leadership of Joel Castillo will host the 119th Philippine Independence Day Festival in an outdoor stage event dubbed as Pista ng Bayan : Festival of Festivals 2017 .
This FREE event will be on Sunday , July 9 2017 at Memorial South Park ( 5955 Ross Street ) in Vancouver BC from 12noon-6pm .
UFCABC is a conglomeration of over 30 groups and associations in the province . It is the largest Filipino-Canadian non-stock , non-profit society to-date that enjoys support from popular vast majority in the community .
Pista Ng Bayan 2017 : “ Festival of Festivals ” is a traditional annual event organized by the UFCABC that aims to celebrate Filipino excellence in culture and arts in North America . This year commemorates the Philippines ’ 119th Independence Day and
Canada ’ s 150th Birthday celebrations . Thus , providing more significant meaning to the otherwise regular routine of jointly raising flags of both countries attended by officials from the Philippine Consulate General , other dignitaries , local government officials and VIP ’ s .
Aside from showcasing aspects of Filipino culture in music and dance , there will be various concessionaires and commercial stallholders to provide popular “ Pinoy ” delicacies , native products and services . As program opening salvo is a parade called , “ PARADANG PINOY ” comprising of representatives from various community groups , associations , organizations , businesses , local & federal governments , Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver and VIPs from Filipino-Canadian community . Parade participants will be marching and dancing around the park oval to the beat of “ Ati-
Atihan ” drums and ethnic tunes from various regions in the Philippines . PISTA NG BAYAN 2017 will be funfilled event like no other as it culminates various monthlong Philippine Independence Day celebrations in the Lower Mainland . The program boasts of powerhouse stage performances by Vancouver ’ s top celebrity artists and invited guest performers like noted Filipino-American singercomediane , FE DELOS REYES and fellow Filipino- American , JAM MORALES , a famed Original Pilipino Music or OPM (“ Even If ”, “ A Smile In Your Heart ”, etc .) icon .
This year ’ s Pista also features the 1st Street Dancing Showcase which is going to be a formal competition starting next year . The cultural dance showcase is open to various Filipino groups and associations . Another highlight is the official announcement for “ FESTIVAL QUEEN ” Search open to candidates who have Filipino lineages . The
“ Festival Queen ” is one who chases her dreams but never forgets where her roots came from . She acts with passion and confidence , is strong-willed ; and unafraid of leaving her own mark in the world . Most importantly she remembers the core values that her family has instilled in her . The Festival Queen will be an embodiment of a modern Filipina and become a Tourism and Culture Ambassador in Canada .
Another first at Pista will be an award giving ceremony to outstanding Filipino-Canadians in various fields of arts and culture . Amongst the awardees are : Elise Estrada ( Pop Music / Canadian Juno Nominee ), Warren Flandez ( Gospel Music / Canadian Juno Nominee ), Dexter Dolores ( Interior Design ), Matt Adolfo ( Filipino-Canadian Fusion Cuisine ), Linda Magno ( Lifetime Achievement Award-Music ), James Valiant ( Stylist ), Gian Carlo ( Haute Couture ) and special award
Filipino-Canadian community takes over Senate Chamber ! of recognition to Tony Awardee — Filipino-American stage production producer , Jhett Tolentino .
Last but certainly not the least will be the first time participation of Canada ’ s biggest Filipino cable channel called The Filipino Channel or TFC , through the courtesy of TFC ’ s Ms . Rosary Escano . This year ’ s Pista Ng Bayan will be graced by decadent presence of Kapamilya artist — MATTEO GUIDICELLI . He will surely fill you in with his unique brand of Pinoy entertainment . Join this extravaganza capping the month-long Philippine Independence Day and Canada ’ s 150th Birthday celebrations . And be sure to come from start to finish . Drive Co Motors will be raffling off a new Mercedes Benz Smart car as well as a Trip for 2 to Las Vegas , Nevada , USA . Bring along your family and friends and don ’ t let the heat of sweltering summer beat you down .
Ottawa , Ontario , June 21 , 2017 – The Honourable Tobias C . Enverga Jr ., Senator from Ontario , was joined by hundreds of Filipino- Canadians in Ottawa on June 17th to take part in the annual flag raising event on Parliament Hill ; an important event that commemorates Philippines Independence |
Day .
“ As the first Filipino Senator in Canada , it is a great honour and privilege to host , alongside the Canada- Philippines Interparliamentary Group , this annual event on Parliament Hill here in Ottawa . Being able to raise the Filipino flag alongside the Canadian flag , and to sing both national anthems , on
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Parliament Hill , is a powerful and symbolic gesture for all Filipino-Canadians ,” said Senator Enverga in a statement .
Senator Enverga gave special thanks to the over 400 members of the Filipino- Canadian community who traveled from far and wide to take place in this important event . One of the day ’ s
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highlights occurred when all of the event ’ s guests filed into the Senate Chamber to spend time in the Upper Chamber , one of Canada ’ s two parliamentary legislatures .
“ As celebrations abound for both Philippines Independence Day , as well as Canada ’ s 150th birthday , I was filled with immense pride to see my kababayans take
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over the Senate . It was a very powerful and momentous moment that I am blessed to be able to share with the Filipino-Canadian community ,” Senator Enverga ended .
This year ’ s event marked the 5th annual Philippine Independence Day flag raising on the Hill .
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