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  Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham (third from right), Philippine Honorary Consul in Winnipeg Ronaldo Opina (second from right) and the Musica Singers of Manitoba Executive Director Dante Aviso (third from left) at the Philippine booth

07 Jul 2024, Winnipeg – The Philippines, through the Office of the Honorary Consul in Winnipeg, supported by the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto, participated in the Sister Cities Celebration at the Forks in Winnipeg, Manitoba as part of the city’s 150th anniversary celebration. Winnipeg has a sister city agreement with Manila signed in 1979.

The Philippine booth showcased Philippine handicrafts, textiles, paintings, Filipiniana, Barong Tagalog and tourism brochures. The Musica Singers of Manitoba, a vocal ensemble promoting Philippine music, performed a number of Filipino songs during the opening program.

Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham, in his remarks, said that Winnipeg’s present sister city relations is an opportunity to foster collaboration, partnership, economic opportunities, cultural understanding, and build relationships across cultures around the world. He emphasized that the city’s focus is strengthening the relationships it currently has with 11 cities.

Aside from Manila, Winnipeg has sister city relations with 10 other cities, namely Lviv, Ukraine; Beersheba, Israel; Chengdu, China; Jinju, South Korea; Kuopio, Finland; Reykjavik, Iceland; Taichung, Taiwan; Setagaya, Japan; San Nicolás de los Garza, Mexico; and Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.A. END

Consul Rodney Jonas Sumague (6th from right) and Philippine Honorary Consul Opina (7th from right) with the Musica Singers of Manitoba

The Philippine booth showcasing Philippine products and tourism destinations

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20 June 2024, Winnipeg – Consul General Angelica Escalona called on Manitoba Minister of Economic Development, Investment and Trade and Natural Resources Jamie Moses at the Manitoba Legislative Building, accompanied by Philippine Honorary Consul in Manitoba Ronaldo Opina. They discussed opportunities for cooperation between the Philippines and the Province of Manitoba in agriculture, business and other areas. Consul General Escalona said that the 75th anniversary of Philippines-Canada diplomatic relations this year is an opportune time to encourage the establishment of closer economic ties and partnerships.

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Consul General Angelica Escalona greeting the Filipino community at the 2024 Philippine Independence Ball (photo courtesy of Triple J Media Photography)

23 June 2024, Winnipeg – Consul General Angelica Escalona joined a number of activities of the Filipino Community in Manitoba in celebration of Filipino Heritage Month.

On 19 June, the Consul General, accompanied by Philippine Honorary Consul in Manitoba Ronaldo Opina, attended a reading of Dr. Jose Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere organized by the Teatro Filipino Manitoba, Philippine Heritage Council of Manitoba (PHCM) and Knights of Rizal Winnipeg Chapter. The reading was held at the Philippine Canadian Centre of Manitoba to a capacity crowd. Mr. Ronald Merwyn Sison directed the reading, which was conducted in the Filipino language based on a new script adapted from the novel.

Consul General Escalona and Honorary Consul Opina attended on 22 June the Philippine Independence Ball organized by the PHCM. Held at the Victoria Inn and Convention Centre, this year’s Philippine Independence Ball had more than 500 guests. The Honourable Anita Neville, Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba, delivered greetings on behalf of Canada while Consul General Escalona delivered greetings on behalf of the Philippines. Messages were also delivered by officials of Canada, Manitoba and Winnipeg. Winnipeg is a sister city of Manila.

On 23 June, Consul General Escalona and Honorary Consul Opina attended a thanksgiving mass at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church in Winnipeg to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Philippines-Canada diplomatic relations this year. Consul General Escalona conveyed her appreciation to the principal celebrant, Reverend Monsignor Enrique M. Samson, Jr., and wished the parish a happy fiesta in advance. (END)

(Seated, from left) Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba Anita Neville and Consul General Escalona (Standing) Ms. Perla Javate, President of the Philippine Heritage Council of Manitoba and Philippine Honorary Consul in Manitoba Ronaldo Opina (photo courtesy of Triple J Media Photography)

(Left to right) Senator Flordeliz “Gigi” Osler, Manitoba Minister of Labour and Immigration Malaya Marcelino, Consul General Escalona and Honorary Consul Opina participate in the friendship circle with all the guests (photo courtesy of Triple J Media Photography)

Consul General Escalona and Honorary Consul Opina with the cast of Noli Me Tangere

Consul General Escalona with Reverend Monsignor Enrique M. Samson, Jr. at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church in Winnipeg

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18 June 2024, Toronto- The Philippine Madrigal Singers visited the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto and led the singing of the Philippine national anthem during the oath-taking ceremony of individuals reacquiring Filipino citizenship. Consulate personnel and clients were further treated to a world-class performance of “Tagumpay Nating Lahat".

Consul General Angelica Escalona noted that the Philippine Madrigal Singers performed at the Philippine Independence Day flag raising ceremony at the Ontario Legislative Assembly on 12 June 2024, to the delight of kababayans and Canadian officials alike. The Consul General thanked the multi-awarded choir for visiting the Consulate and acknowledged those who have assisted them, especially the University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Toronto (UPAAT).

Ontario is the last leg of the successful-three month concert tour of the “Madz” in Canada. Their concert tour is one of many highlights of the celebration of the 75th anniversary of Philippines-Canada diplomatic relations. END