The FCT Gala Night

The FCT Gala Night

By Aida E. D’Orazio

It was an evening of glory for the elite group of Filipinos, the 75 active presidents of Filipino associations – leaders of the Filipino community in the GTA. They were feted and honoured by the Filipino Centre Toronto at the elegant Concert Hall of the Fairmont Royal York Hotel last February 12.

“Honouring them,” said the chairman of the FCT Board and over-all chair of the Gala, Dr. Vicky Santiago, “is our way of acknowledging or saying ‘thank you’ for the various fund raising efforts they’ve done for the benefit of the Filipino Centre, Toronto.”

The guest of honour, Consul General Alejandro Mosquera, likewise, paid tribute to them.  As well, he praised the FCT officers and directors for having been able to present to the Filipino community its own Centre in less than two years.

The presidents were introduced along with their escorts by CTV news anchor Pauline Chan and Rey Tolentino.  And as they entered the hall, each one of them was presented a long stemmed red rose.  Then they all danced to a waltz around the dance floor.

Forty-four of them later performed the stately rigodon de honor with such great ease.  After having practised for over two months, it was not surprising that they did the routine quite smoothly.  Both the ladies, with white corsage on wrists, and the men wore their country’s costume – the terno and barong – with great pride.

Photographers had a field day taking shots of the fashionable crowd of 430 guests.  The women looked gorgeous in their Filipino ternos and long gowns – many of which were specially made for them by their favourite couturiers back home and in Toronto.

In appreciation for her untiring efforts and devotion in the establishment of the Filipino Centre, Toronto, the FCT Board of Directors surprised their president Lynda Javier with a plaque which was presented by Consul General Mosquera, FCT Chairman Vicky Santiago and Honorary Chairman Dr. Jun de Villa.

Elsewhere in another room, the silent auction for exciting items like the expensive Fendi and Burberry purses, the electric scooter and the dinner for two at the AC Tower kept on.  Except for two items, everything else was snatched up before 11 o’clock.  A great fundraiser for the FCT!

Kudos to the Gala Committee for successfully organizing a fitting celebration for the deserving presidents!  The event will certainly be long remembered.

Reminders and Announcements

March 6, Sunday – 1:30 – 5 p.m., Free Tax Clinic by AFCA
March 12, Saturday – 12 – 2 p.m., Free Clinic, for those who have no health card
April 3, Sunday  – 2 p.m., Estate Planning, Last Will and Testament
April 3, Friday –  4 p.m., Screen inauguration – free Tagalog movies, Mano Po and Crying Ladies
April 22, Friday – 7 p.m., Third Round, Filipino Singing Idol Competition

Walk-in Clinic, every Monday, Thursday and Friday – 3 – 6 p.m., open to all with OHIP

Folk Dancing and Hula Lessons – On-going, please call the Centre, 416-928-9355

Student Award Application Forms – Now available at the Centre for outstanding graduating elementary and high school students.  High school students should have a minimum academic average of 85% or its equivalent.