COMMUNITY: First National Fil-Can Event kicks off Philippine Heritage Month Celebration

Prior to the official adoption of Canada’s Parliament declaring “June as Filipino Heritage Month”, there has been various celebrations of Filipino culture and heritage for many years in Manitoba.

This year, it was made more significant as Filipinos across Canada, including Manitoba, marked the first official national Filipino Heritage Month.

Hundreds gathered at the Maples Collegiate this weekend joining MP Kevin Lamoureux and daughter, MLA Cindy Lamoureux as lead organizers.

Dante Aviso who acted as stage director, together with volunteer production team, put together a five hour continuous program that included song and dance and cultural immersion. There was also a simultaneous basketball exhibition game and recognition rites.

Close to 80 individuals and groups were given plaque of appreciation for their valuable contribution to the community following a process of nomination.

Pioneer community leaders led the list of awardees. Among them –former Member of Parliament Dr Rey Pagtakhan, former Philippine Consul Dr Ronald Guzman and wife Irene, former Honorary Consul, Edda Pangilinan, Philippine Heritage Council of Manitoba Chair Perla Javate, Pilipino Express Publisher/CKJS Pioneer Emmie Joaquin, Filipino Bilingual Proponent Cory Juan, MAFTI’s Gemma Dalayoan, and former MLA Cris Aglugub– to name a few.

Evanov Radio’s CKJS 810 AM also received recognition under the category of arts and entertainment.

The multitude of awardees fall under different categories which includes language and heritage, community celebrations and gathering, sports and fitness, immigration and settlement, newcomer volunteer recognition, youth volunteer and Lifetime Volunteer Award.

A colorful historical narratives written by Filipino Journal’s Rod Cantiveros talked about brief history of Filipino migration to Manitoba from the first medical Doctor who arrived in Winnipeg in 1957 up to the Manitoba nominee program in 2000’s and was voiced by CKJS Announcers Chester Pangan, Lendyll Soriano and Lucille Nolasco.