After more than two years of the pandemic, Canadian Filipino communities across the country are preparing for in-person events to celebrate this year’s Philippine Independence Day on June 12 and the third year of Canada’s Filipino Heritage Month in June.
Toronto, Ontario
The Toronto-based Philippine Canadian Charitable Foundation (PCCF) leads this year’s Pinoy Fiesta & Trade Show sa Toronto on June 12 from 11 am to 7 pm at the Albert Campbell Square in Scarborough, Ontario by the Scarborough Town Centre Mall.
The event aims to promote Filipino culture and heritage by celebrating both Philippine Independence Day and Filipino Heritage Month in one day. It will feature sungka and sipa competitions, local artists and exhibits of costumes from the different regions of the Philippines, a Santacruzan and sale of Filipino food and non-food items.
The Pinoy Fiesta & Trade Show sa Toronto will begin with a thanksgiving mass, flag-raising ceremonies followed by entertainment.
PCCF was founded by the late Senator Tobias Enverga Jr., the first Canadian Senator of Filipino descent, and his wife Rosemer Enverga. Proceeds from the June 12 activities will go to various community charitable needs.
Also in the Scarborough area, a Toronto Fiesta Extravaganza is slated for June 25 and 25 at the Albert Campbell Square on Borough Drive. The two-day event promises live music, celebrity guests, games and raffle draws with a grand price of a round trip ticket to the Philippines via the Philippine Airlines.
Other Fiesta Extravaganza events are slated for later dates: July 2 and 3 in Vaughan, July 30 in Niagara Falls, August 13 and 14 in Hamilton and August 27 in Montreal, Quebec.
Brampton, Ontario
The City of Brampton, also in Ontario, with the Federation of Filipino Canadians of Brampton (FFCB) will be celebrating Philippine Independence Day with a public "Halo-Halo" event at City Hall. Brampton Mayor Brown and City Council members will join Brampton’s Canadian Filipino residents at 11 am on June 12 with a community flag raising ceremony at the Ken Whillans square followed by a reception at the Brampton city hall conservatory.
Guests will enjoy lumpiang shanghai, pansit bihon, empanadas, turon and other Filipino treats while being entertained by the Fiesta Filipina Dance Troupe Canada, The Giggle Gang and other performers.
Victoria, B.C.
The Victoria Filipino Canadian Association (VFCA) and Bayanihan Cultural and Housing Society bring back the Mabuhay! Celebrating Philippine Culture on June 11 and 12 to be held at the Centennial Square in Victoria, BC.
The Mabuhay! event will feature entertainment from the Sampaguita dancers and other cultural groups. Featured performers are Alvin Erasga Tolentino, artistic director of Co.ERASGA based in Vancouver and soul/funk/pop Linggo band with lead vocalist Allegra Bonifacio, a former VFCA folk dance group member.
A new feature of this year’s event is a sari-sari store that will sell all things Filipino as well as a garden tent selling garden plants and flower bouquets from local gardens.
The Victoria event is sponsored by the BC provincial government, the City of Victoria and the BC Ferry Marine Workers Union.
Vancouver, B.C.
The Philippine consulate general office in Vancouver is celebrating Philippine Independence Day on June 11 at Robson Square in downtown Vancouver. Called Proudly Philippines, the food and travel fair event will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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