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Consul General Angelica C. Escalona and director Miko Revereza during the North America premiere of “Nowhere Near”

17 September 2023 – Three Filipino films debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival (TFF) 2023 held on 7-17 September 2023.

“Primetime Mother” directed by Sonny Calvento and “Anak Ka Ng Ina Mo” (Your Mother’s Son) directed by Jun Robles Lana had their respective world premieres while “Nowhere Near” directed by Miko Revereza had its North America premiere.

The Filipino films in this year’s TIFF were well received and well attended. The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) said that this year’s lineup of films shows that there is no lack of talent in the Philippine film industry and reaffirms the Philippines’ impactful presence in the global cinematic landscape.

Consul General Angelica C. Escalona, who attended the Philippine delegation dinner held on 9 September 2023 as well as the North America premiere of “Nowhere Near” on 12 September 2023, said, “Bringing Filipino films gives pride to our kababayans and inspiration to Filipino-Canadian artists. It is also a powerful way to connect with the peoples of Canada.”

Relatedly, Consul General Escalona also attended on 12 September 2023 the launch of Siné Institute, a non-profit dedicated to nurturing and promoting Filipino talents between and among Canada and the Philippines. The launch was held at the Toronto Film School. (END)

Consul General Escalona (2nd from right) with Mr. Joey Reyes (right) and Philippine delegates to the TIFF 2023

Consul General Escalona with the Philippine delegation to the TIFF 2023 led by Executive Director Daniel David Morales (6th from left) 

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MWO-Toronto Officer-in-Charge Maria Lourdes Reyes receives the certificate of recognition for Secretary Ople on behalf of the DMW. Photo shows (left to righ) Mr. Tony San Juan, Mr. Willie Reodica, Ms Terry Olayta, OIC Reyes and Consul Genral Angelica Escalona. (photo courtesy of Toronto PCG)

06 September 2023 – The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto, in cooperation with Filipino migrant workers and advocacy groups, held a memorial honoring the late Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Susan “Toots” V. Ople at the Philippine Consulate.

More than 30 people attended the ceremony. Mr. Tony San Juan (Filipino Heritage Council of Canada) introduced the groups that were present while Ms. Terry Olayta (First Ontario Association of Caregivers), Mr. Rick Esguerra (Solidarity International) and Ms. Flor Dandal (Filipino Workers Network-Kababayan Multicultural Centre) delivered remarks citing Secretary Ople’s lifelong dedication to workers’ rights and welfare. Mr. Luisito Queano (Malaya Canada) read the biography of Secretary Ople.

The groups presented a posthumous certificate for Secretary Ople in recognition of her valuable contributions and service to Filipino migrant workers throughout the world. Migrant Workers Office (MWO)-Toronto Officer-in-Charge Maria Lourdes V. Reyes received the certificate on behalf of the Department of Migrant Workers, promising to send the certificate to the family of Secretary Ople. (END)

Consul General Escalona delivers the welcome remarks at the memorial honoring Secretary Ople

Filipino community leaders pose for a photograph after the memorial 

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12 September 2023 – The food businesses comprising the non-profit organization Kainan Na visited the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto to introduce their organization to Consul General Angelica C. Escalona and Consulate officials. Kainan Na aims to help Filipino start up food vendors in Toronto grow their businesses through strength in numbers. Kainan Na members brought samples of their specialties for the Consulate officials to try. Consul General Escalona noted the high quality of their food products, many of which are well-loved Filipino dishes and sweets, and expressed support for their efforts to participate in future food festivals and culinary events in Canada where Kainan Na members can promote their businesses and the Filipino food culture.  

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Dual citizenship applicants taking their oath to re-acquire their Philippine citizenship before Deputy Consul General Kerwin Tate

02 September 2023 – The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto conducted a special consular service to the Kitchner – Waterloo area in Ontario at the Glencairn Church in Kitchener.

During the special consular service, a total of 37 Philippine passports were renewed, 27 documents consularized, 1 NBI Clearance application processed, 4 civil registry reports and 28 new dual citizenship applications accepted. In addition, there were 7 former Filipinos and their dependents who took their oath to re-acquire their Filipino citizenship under Republic Act 9225. Furthermore, 15 overseas voters were processed for registration and correction of entries in their records.

The special consular service to Kitchener – Waterloo, the first that was held in the area since 2018, was conducted in partnership with the Filipino-Canadian Association of Kitchener-Waterloo. The Kitchener – Waterloo area is situated about 110 kilometers from Toronto and is composed of the adjoining towns of Kitchener and Waterloo, which now host a growing Filipino community. END

Consular applicants at the Glencairn Church Multipurpose Hall

The Toronto Consulate team members pose for a picture with the officers and volunteers of the Filipino - Canadian Association of Kitchener – Waterloo (all photos courtesy of Toronto PCG)