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21 September 2020, Toronto, Ontario – On 14 September 2020, during its flag-raising ceremony, the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto participated in the commemoration of the 17th Cerebral Palsy Awareness and Protection Week. Consul General Orontes V. Castro led the celebration by giving a brief message on the relevance of the celebration and informing about this year’s theme, “Ugnayan, Malasakit at Paglingap sa mga Taong may Cerebral Palsy sa Panahon ng COVID-19 Pandemic”.

The Cerebral Palsy Awareness and Protection Week is celebrated from 16 to 22 September 2020.

During the flag-raising ceremony, the DFA Objective Policy was likewise read right after the Panunumpa sa Watawat ng Pilipinas.

Below are some photos taken during the activity.

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PR-48-2020

2 September 2020, Toronto, Ontario – On 28 August 2020, capping the celebration of Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa, Sentro Rizal Toronto of the Philippine Consulate General, led by Consul General Orontes Castro, presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Mr. Ron Michael Adea, one of the featured artists at Sentro Rizal Toronto’s musical concert, Harana. Sentro Rizal Toronto presented the virtual musical concert, from 21 August 2020 to 31 August 2020, in celebration of Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa and in honor of frontline workers, via the Consulate General’s official website and Facebook page.

Consul General Castro awarded the Certificate of Appreciation to Mr. Adea in recognition of his awesome performance and professional participation in Harana, and for being an active partner of the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto.  Consul General Castro mentioned during the awarding ceremony that Mr. Adea unselfishly shared his great talent in playing the piano, promoting Philippine culture and music, and inspiring many in the process.  Mr. Adea was accompanied by his family, parents Mr. Romeo Adea, Jr. and Mrs. Lucy Adea, and uncle Mr. Leo Adea.

Mr. Adea is an accomplished concert pianist who has performed in many concerts and occasions in Canada and the Philippines.  He is also an advocate for the autism community, inspiring others with his great gift of playing the piano.  He was diagnosed with autism spectrum at the age of three.

In November 2010, Ron was named Ambassador for the Geneva Center for Autism Symposium in Toronto and performed the following year for the Centre’s Gala Night and Auction at the Royal Conservatory of Music.  Just last year, Mr. Adea performed at a World Autism Awareness Day event hosted by Jake’s House at Sony Centre in Toronto. Mr. Adea, together with three (3) other musicians on the spectrum and Supertramp’s Roger Hodgson and his band, performed on stage to an audience of 3000, to create a heartwarming version of the classic song, “Give a Little Bit”.

Jake’s House’s awarded Mr. Adea the 2019 Legend of Distinction, an honour reserved for those who make outstanding contributions to their community.  At the awarding ceremony at the Toronto Congress Centre, Mr. Adea delivered a speech and performed for the crowd of supporters.

To date, Harana has 7,942 reach, 4,506 views, and 2,332 engagements. Sentro Rizal Toronto looks forward to doing more projects with Mr. Adea in the years to come. END

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PR 50-2020

10 September 2020, Toronto, Ontario – The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto participated in the Taste of Manila (TOM) Virtual Presentation dubbed “Super Saya”, in celebration of its 7th year Anniversary.

Taste of Manila, since its maiden festivity in 2014, is one of the biggest Filipino street festivals in North America, happening in August every year. This year’s event was organized by the Philippine Community Events & Services Ontario (P.E.S.O. Community). The 3-hour pre-recorded event streamed on 29 August 2020 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm via the Facebook page of TOM.

Super Saya opened with the singing of the Canadian and Philippine national anthems. A brief presentation on Philippine Revolution, Filipino national heroes, as well as today’s modern-day heroes – our Overseas Filipino Workers and frontline workers. Mr. Rolando Mangante, Founder and CEO of TOM/P.E.S.O. Community, opened the online presentation, welcoming everybody to the virtual celebration of TOM. Mr. Pepito Torralba, Vice President for Finance and Board of Director of P.E.S.O. Community, likewise gave his message to the online viewers of the event saying, “we will not let COVID-19 stop us from celebrating Taste of Manila”.

The successful staging of TOM over the years was included in the virtual presentation, including the challenging year of 2018 when the popular Pinoy festival almost did not push through. This year, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the organizers persevered to continue the tradition.

Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Francisco Noel F. Fernandez of the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa congratulated the organizers and participants for the remarkable fete of celebrating TOM despite the challenges. He said, “Filipino ingenuity, initiative, creativity and strong sense of community endure…the event is a source of joy for everyone in their homes and a reminder of what the Philippines can achieve by working together. Our unity as a country and as a community here in Canada is particularly important as we address the pandemic. We have to look out for each other.” He also lauded all Filipinos working in the frontlines, saying “their hard work ensures that the other members of society continue to receive essential services while observing physical distancing protocols.” He also reminded everyone to stay safe and to adhere to the health regulations and distancing restrictions of Canada.

Consul General Orontes V. Castro’s message for the organizers and viewers of the virtual festival was also featured in the program. He said that this year’s celebration is a “testament to the Filipinos’ virtues of resiliency and utang na loob (gratefulness)”. He added that the Filipinos’ cheerful nature help us to overcome challenges and difficulties of life, as evidenced in the way Filipinos have risen and recovered from various natural calamities. He mentioned that the festival, being a tribute to frontline, essential, and overseas Filipino workers, shows our gratefulness and appreciation for their sacrifices, compassion, extra-ordinary care for the sick, and selfless service to the community. He commended the perseverance of P.E.S.O. Community and TOM founder, Mr. Rolly Mangante, in organizing the online festival, and wished for them to continue promoting Filipino heritage, arts, food and music. He reminded everyone to adhere to the Canadian government’s regulations on social distancing and safety and hygiene protocols.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Assistant Secretary for Regional Operations Demphna Du-Naga lauded TOM as a partner of the One Town One Product (OTOP) Philippines, a priority program of the government enabling localities and communities to determine, develop, support, and promote products or services that are rooted in its local culture, community resource, creativity, connection, and competitive advantage. It supports micro and small and medium-scale enterprises (MSMEs) to manufacture, offer, and market distinctive products or services using indigenous raw materials and local skills and talents. She added that TOM helps support local MSMEs and OTOPreneurs build and expand their network. She ended by urging everyone to support Philippine MSMEs and OTOPreneurs.

The messages from Canadian government officials were also shown at the virtual presentation. Messages from Ontario Premiere Doug Ford, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Marco Mendicino, Member of Parliament Salma Zahid, Member of Parliament Roman Baber, Toronto City Mayor John Tory, and Toronto Councillor James Pasternak. They all acknowledged the many contributions of Filipino-Canadians in the economy and cultural diversity of Canada.

Toronto Mayor John Tory said in his message, “the Filipino community is a key part of the rich cultural diversity we are so lucky to enjoy here in Toronto and I encourage all residents, not just Filipino community members, but all residents, to continue to support local Filipino businesses and restaurants.” He also shared that he regret not being able to fulfill what he committed to do in this year’s Taste of Manila Festival since it is not happening in person, which is to “eat a balot…, but we will carry it forward to 2021 and look forward to being back up at Bathurst and Wilson and having a balot there. And I do look forward to gathering with the Toronto’s Filipino community when it is safe to do so. I know that in the meantime, you will continue to be the loving, and caring and unifying community that you are.”

There was non-stop entertainment at Taste of Manila’s Super Saya, from home-grown artists to artists from the Philippines, all showcasing the great talents of the Filipinos. - END  

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PR-47-2020

29 August 2020, Toronto, Ontario – The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto participated in the 1st virtual Mabuhay Philippines Festival of the Philippine Independence Day Council (PIDC) held on 22 and 23 August 2020. It was the first time that the annual event was celebrated in a virtually-simulated programming to conform with the social distancing and mass gathering restrictions in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

PIDC has hosted the Mabuhay Philippines Festival for over two (2) decades now and persevered to continue the tradition in 2020, despite the pandemic, to uplift the spirits and morale of everyone who, in one way or another, was affected by the pandemic.

The 9-hour pre-recorded show was streamed on 22 and 23 August 2020 from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm via PIDC’s website. Pamana was hosted by Ms. Melissa Grelo, an award-winning Filipino-Canadian TV personality and host of CTV’s The Social” and “Your Morning”, and Ms. Cristina Carpio, host of the luxury travel show, “Going Global TV Season 2”, launched on CNBC World.

The program was opened with the singing of the Philippine and Canadian national anthems, a short film clip of Philippines Land of the Enchanted, and a warm welcome from the show hosts. Ms. Norma Carpio, founder of PIDC and Chairman of the Mabuhay Philippines Festival, gave her welcome message.

Philippine Ambassador to Canada Petronila P. Garcia and Consul General Orontes V. Castro’s video messages for the frontline workers, viewers, and organizers of Pamana were featured in the program. In her message, Ambassador Garcia emphasized that the occasion is an “opportunity to honor and thank the many members of the Filipino community who continue to battle the pandemic in Canada and provide much-needed service to the public. Their work reminds us of the true essence of bayanihan and how each one of us has a role to play in protecting our communities.” Consul General Castro, on the other hand, appreciated the perseverance of the organizers for putting-up the festival despite the COVID-19 pandemic, and mentioned that “though we are not able to get together in person for this fiesta, we are comforted in knowing that more people from all over the world will be able to witness the event.”

There were also pre-recorded messages from Canadian government officials. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said, “… this isn’t how we typically celebrate but even without the in-person street parade and the many tastes and sounds that go with it, we are still going to celebrate your culture and heritage today because it is important to find new ways to come together during these difficult times.” The other Canadian officials whose video messages were shared came from Ontario Premiere Doug Ford, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Marco Mendicino, Minister of Families, Children, and Social Development Ahmed Hussen, Michael Levitt, Toronto Mayor John Tory, Filipino-Canadian Toronto Medical Officer of Health Dr. Eileen de Villa, and Mr. Raj Thavaratnasingham, President of the Canadian Multicultural Council-Asians in Ontario. Their messages hailed the many contributions of Filipino-Canadians especially the generosity of the spirit of frontline and essential workers during these unprecedented times of the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the interview portion with Dr. Eileen de Villa, she was asked how much her culture influence her and her being in a very important role in Toronto Public Health, especially during the pandemic. To this, Dr. de Villa replied, “as part of a global community, we recognize that we have a role…and responsibility to play and I take that seriously. How I try to pay it forward is to make sure that I tell people that I‘m very proud of that Filipino heritage of mine and I support as many Filipino community endeavours as I can.” She added that “What I think is really incredible with Filipino heritage is that there is this really deep understanding of the benefit and the strength that you derive from family…and the community and when you put that together with public health, how else can you be other than to feel that this is the right and incredible opportunity.”

The bubbly co-hosts Grelo and Carpio interviewed well-known personalities on how the pandemic has affected them, how they continued their lives and careers despite the limitations, and gave their grateful messages to the frontline workers, Filipino and other nationalities alike. They interviewed renowned fashion designers Renee Salud, Francis Libiran, Kenneth Barlis, Dita Sandico, Jaki Peñalosa, and Shanon Pamaong; Filipino-Canadian TV news personalities, Pauline Chan (CTV News Health & Lifestyle anchor), Zuraidah Alman (CTV News Late-Night Local Newscast anchor/reporter), Kayla Marie Williams (CP24 Breaking News anchor/reporter), and Hazel Mae Barker (MLB Network sporstscaster/anchor); and other famous personalities as Joey Albert, Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, Miss International 2013 Bea Santiago, PIDC Pageant beauties, multi-award-winning Broadway producer Jhett Tolentino, Miss Saigon star Maan Dionisio, Gawad Kalinga advocate Pidoy Pacis, among others.

Pamana also presented the evolution of Mabuhay Philippines Parade, from its launch in 1998 to mark the 100th year of the declaration of Philippine Independence.

The virtual festival also featured the rich culture, heritage, and arts of the Philippines-through dances, music, textile, fashion, and games. The festival also showcased the popular Sinulog and Dinagyang Philippine festivals, as well as various Philippine folk dances by Toronto-based Fiesta Filipina Dance Troupe, Kahayag Dance Company Philippines, a Singkil presentation by the Kalahi Philippine Dance Company, a Tinikling dance by the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Sayaw sa Bangko, a Tinikling Battle, and Larong Lahi by the Bituin Dance Team.

The celebration showcased non-stop entertainment featuring Filipino and Filipino-Canadian talents and presentations - El Gamma Penumbra, Bale Balayan Kids, Kiara Miranda Fina, Dannica Carpio, a ballroom dancing presentation, the University of the Philippines Manila Chorale, Maan Dionisio, Dylan Miranda Sinclair, Martha Joy, Emilio Zarris, Antonette Targa, Belinda Corpuz, Danny Orbillo, Chyrell Samson, Jennifer Camacho, Josie de Leon, Celine Gray, and Nicolas Manlapaz, Alyssa Datu, Maria Panaligan, Jennifer Uy, Pinolepa Acachamps, Chrell Samson, Precious Hernandez, Michael Elefano, Melanie Lazaro, Maria Panaligan, Scott Dion Brown, Moira dela Torre, and the University of North Texas College of Music’s rendition of Philippine song Rosas Pandan, among others.

Community greetings from the officers of PIDC was also an interesting part of the program. The major sponsors and community partners of PIDC were also presented.

The online show manifested PIDC’s advocacy of preserving and promoting Filipino culture, heritage, traditions, and arts. It was also an opportunity to experience the Filipinos’ inherit virtue of resiliency in difficult times. In the words of Ms. Norma Carpio, PIDC Mabuhay Philippines Festival Chairman, “As part of PIDC’s contribution to the global community, the virtual Mabuhay Philippines Festival this year is a great and timely platform to recognize those who risk their lives to save lives, as frontline workers, as we pay a noble tribute for their gallantry and dedication in serving humankind.”

The PIDC Mabuhay Philippines Festival officially ended with a message from PIDC President Ramon Estaris. He highlighted the significance of Pamana, “PIDC stood up to its mandate and objective, to inspire and serve the community and above all, this serves as a tribute to our modern day heroes, our frontliners who are working and risking their lives in the service of the people.” END