May 16, 2026 - Nine Canadians of Filipino heritage are being honoured this year as “Noteworthy Canadians of Asian Heritage,” including Canadian Filipino Net’s Rey Pagtakhan.
May was officially declared as Asian Heritage Month in 2002 following a motion adopted by the Senate in December 2001.The official declaration recognizes the contributions of Canadians of Asian heritage in “every aspect of life in Canada - from the arts and science to sport, business and government.”
This year’s theme, “Honouring Asian Canadians: Stories that Built Canada,” acknowledges the contributions Asian Canadians have made to the country and recognizes that, while Asians face exclusion and systemic barriers, “their histories are a foundational part of Canada’s national story.” By anchoring the theme on lived experiences and community narratives, the theme aims to support learning, reflection and a “more inclusive understanding of who we are as Canadians.”
The citation by the Government of Canada noted Pagtakhan’s many achievements and accolades, highlighting his contributions both to national government having served in both Parliament and Cabinet as well as to local initiatives, particularly in Winnipeg where he is base. It added, “his legacy continues to resonate through his insightful column, Medisina at Politika, in Pilipino Express and Canadian Filipino Net news magazines, enriching public discourse and inspiring generations to come.” Pagtakhan also sits on the board of Maple Bamboo Network Society that operates Canadian Filipino Net.
Other Canadian Filipinos honoured this year include:
Justice Steve Coroza sits on the Ontario Court of Appeals, the highest position attained by a Canadian of Filipino heritage in the Canadian judiciary system. The son of Filipino immigrants, Coroza was appointed to the Ontario court in 2020.
Novelist and screenwriter Catherine Hernandez wrote her debut novel, Scarborough, in 2017 which she later adapted into a screenplay. The film garnered multiple Canadian Screen Awards in 2021, including best adapted screenplay for Hernandez.
Olympian and World Cup gold medalist Gilmore Junio was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta by Filipino immigrants. Encouraged by his father Gino, Junio started training in short-track speed skating at age 13 leading to a career in long track speed skating. At the 2014 Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia, Junio found international recognition for his sportsmanship, giving his spot in the 1000 meter race to Denny Morrison who he believed had a greater chance to win. Morrison ended up with a silver medal.
Dr. Gigi Osler was appointed Senator in 2022. While president of the Canadian Medical Association, Osler wrote for CFNet in support of legalization of cannabis in Canada in 2018, urging the federal government to invest in research to assess the impact of cannabis,
particularly on young adults. A surgeon by profession, Osler is the first woman of Filipino heritage to sit in Canada’s Senate.
Actor Manny Jacinto gained celebrity status when he played the role of Jason Mendoza in the sitcom The Good Place. Born in Manila, Philippines, Jacinto began his professional career as a hip-hop dancer before turning to acting.
Conrad Santos was the first person born in the Philippines to be elected to a provincial legislature. He became the NDP Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Wellington in Manitoba in 1981 and served as MLA for Wellington and other ridings until 2007. He passed away in 2016 at the age of 81.
Sportscaster Hazel Mae was born in Tagbilaran City, Philippines and started her sports broadcasting career with hosting a sports update show on campus at York University. She then began her professional career with Rogers Sportsnet in 2001 where she hosted various shows, including Sportsnetnews and JZone.
Joseph Torres is an award-winning author who has written graphic novels and other comics for young readers. More widely known by his pen name J. Torres, he was raised in Montreal and graduated from McGill University before moving to Toronto, Ontario. He is best known for the fan-favourite DC Comics’ original Teen Titans Go! series.
About the Author
Rachel Ramos-Reid started writing for magazines and newspapers when she was still a junior at the University of the Philippines’ Communication degree program majoring in Journalism. She continued to write in a public relations/corporate communications capacity in various private and government offices until moving out of the country in 1997 to work as Programme Officer for the arts and culture branch of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO-SPAFA) in Bangkok, Thailand. At the end of her term, Rachel found herself immigrating to Canada in the year 2000 and again searching for new beginnings.
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