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DON PAPA RUM OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED IN TORONTO

Toronto, 17 August 2023 – Consul General Angelica C. Escalona and Deputy Consul General Kerwin C. Orville Tate attended the official launch of Don Papa Rum in Toronto hosted by Mr. Steve Mills, Director, Bleeding Heart Rum Company. Don Papa Rum is a premium aged small batch rum produced in Negros Occidental, the “Sugarlandia” of the Philippines, on the foothills of the active volcano Mt. Kanlaon. The launch was held at Mother Tongue, featuring Filipino and Asian dishes paired with Don Papa Rum served neat and in a variety of cocktails.  

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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)

Consul General Angelica C. Escalona with the KCCC Officers and Board of Directors

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Consul General Angelica Escalona at the book launch of DISRUPT 4.0

Toronto, 17 August 2023 – The Sentro Rizal Toronto officially hosted the launch of DISRUPT 4.0, the fourth book in the leadership book series of the Foundation for Filipina Women’s Network (FWN).

The FWN is the organization for the 100 Most Influential Filipina Women Awardees from 34 countries. It seeks to increase the influence of Filipina women as leaders and policymakers to increase the odds that more Filipina women advance to influential positions in the private and public sectors.

The Disrupt book series documents the stories of Filipinas who disrupted their personal and professional lives and organizations as they became achievers in their respective fields and strong advocates for social issues.

In her welcome remarks, Consul General Angelica C. Escalona asked the guests to think about their Filipina role models, and shared stories of her own role models. According to the Consul General, “Filipinas all over the world, especially the younger generation, need strong Filipino women they can look up to. This is why the DISRUPT book series is so special”.

Among those who read excerpts from the DISRUPT books during the launch were Member of Parliament and Minister of Small Business Rechie Valdez, Toronto Medical Officer of Health Dr. Eileen De Villa and FWN Founding Executive Director Marily Mondejar.

(Left photo) Consul General Angelica Escalona with FWN Founder and CEO Marily Mondejar (Right photo) Minister Rechie Valdez reads an excerpt from DISRUPT 4.0

Consul General Angelica Escalona and all Philippine Consulate General in Toronto female personnel with DISRUPT 4.0 books

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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