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KALAYAAN CULTURAL COMMUNITY CENTRE CELEBRATES FULL PAYMENT OF BUILDING MORTGAGE

Father Mark Villanueva officiates the Thanksgiving Mass at the KCCC

Toronto, 12 August 2023 – The Board of Directors of the Kalayaan Cultural Community Centre (KCCC) in Mississauga held a Thanksgiving Mass to celebrate the full payment of the mortgage on the KCCC Building.  The mass was officiated by Father Mark Villanueva.  

The KCCC building was acquired in December 2005 with the help of the Culture Philippines of Ontario, the Mississauga Cookesville Lions Club, and other Filipino community organizations and members. 

In her remarks during the event, Consul General Angelica C. Escalona congratulated the KCCC Board of Directors led by its president, Mr. Resty del Rosario, and all the people who contributed towards this milestone.  According to Consul General Escalona, “This may have taken many years, but I am confident that the KCCC will continue for much, much longer”.  The Consul General also thanked the men and women behind the KCCC for being stewards for the next generation of Filipino-Canadians. (END)

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ASEAN’S 56TH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATED IN TORONTO

Senator Victor Oh and MPP Daisy Wai join the representatives of ASEAN in cutting the ASEAN Anniversary cake

Toronto, 10 August 2023 – Representatives of ASEAN Member States in Toronto held a reception to commemorate the 56^th anniversary of ASEAN.  The reception was held at the official residence of the Consul General   of Indonesia.

Indonesian Consul General Dyah Lestari Asmanari said that Indonesia, as chair of ASEAN in 2023, has been working with ASEAN Member States and Dialogue Partners to ensure that ASEAN is increasingly relevant to the world.  Noting that Canada has been a Dialogue Partner since 1977, she shared that ASEAN and Canada will embark on a new phase as Strategic Partners.

Philippine Consul General Angelica C. Escalona noted that ASEAN has proven itself as a force for regional peace and is now an epicentrum of growth.  She said that ASEAN looks forward to a closer partnership with Canada under Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy.

The message of Ontario Premier Doug Ford for the occasion was delivered by Member of Provincial Parliament Daisy Wai.  Senator Victor Oh also delivered a message congratulating ASEAN and its Member States.  

The official program included performances of dances from Southeast Asia including the Paunjalay, a pre-nuptial dance of the Yakan people of Southern Philippines. (END)  

The ASEAN Toronto family with the guests of honor

Filipino-Canadian dancers and musicians impressing guests with their performance of the Paunjalay, a pre-nuptial dance of the Yakan people of Southern Philippines 

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JOSE RIZAL MONUMENT TO BE BUILT IN NIAGARA FALLS CITY

Consul General Angelica C. Escalona presents members of the Filipino community in Niagara Falls with a portrait of the Philippine national hero at the proposed site of the Jose Rizal monument

Toronto, 06 August 2023 – Consul General Angelica C. Escalona visited the City of Niagara Falls recently to attend the Niagara Fiesta Extravaganza and meet the members the Filipino community in the city. 

The Consul General visited on 6 August 2023 the proposed site of the Jose Rizal monument to be built in the park overlooking Niagara Falls. 

In his journey across North America, Dr. Jose Rizal was able to view Niagara Falls from the Canadian side.  In 1998, the National Historical Institute of the Philippines, now the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, donated a historical marker that states “The national hero of the Philippines visited this magnificent falls and paused between the two rocks on May 12, 1888”.    

The Filipino community in Niagara Falls worked for many years to secure approval of the installation of a Rizal monument, noting that it will be a symbol of friendship between Canada and the Philippines as well as a recognition of the many contributions Filipinos made in their adopted country.  The monument will consist of the historical marker and a bronze bust of Dr. Rizal.  

Consul General Escalona thanked the members of the Filipino community for their untiring efforts to ensure the realization of the project.  She also thanked Mayor of Niagara Falls Jim Diodati for the city’s continued support of the Filipino community.

The Consul General said, “Dr. Rizal continues to inspire Filipinos and non-Filipinos alike all over the world to value freedom and make a difference. It would be wonderful to have a Rizal memorial next to one of the most amazing spots on earth”. (END)

The proposed site of the Jose Rizal Memorial overlooks Niagara 

At the background of the photo is the tree in honor of Dr. Rizal located at the Niagara Falls Maid of the Mist Plaza