Two Filipino-Canadians awarded by Ethnic Press Council

Two Filipino-Canadians awarded by Ethnic Press Council

Dionisio, Viola receive Ethnic Press awards conferred by Lt. Governor

TORONTO–Two distinguished Filipino-Canadians were awarded by the National Ethnic Press and Media Council (NEPMCC) for their outstanding contributions and services in their fields.
Arturo Tapiador Viola, former Lord Mayor and Councillor of Niagara-on-the-Lake, was presented the distinguished 2011 NEPMCC Award for Public Service, Community Service and for his humanity.

Ma-Anne Dionisio, an internationally accomplished musical actor most famous for her role as Kim in Miss Saigon, was presented the distinguished 2011 NEPMCC Award for Culture and the Performing Arts.
The awards were presented to them by NEPMCC President Thomas Saras, in formal ceremonies presided and hosted by the Honourable David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, on Oct. 28, 2011 at Queen’s Park Legislative Building.

Viola and Dionisio were among the 32 award recipients for 2011 selected by the NEPMCC, a national organization of over 600 ethnic media publishers, TV, radio and electronic media practitioners all over the country.

Part of the award description read by Asha Rajak, Executive Director of NEPMCC, at the ceremonies recognized Viola’s impressive record in Canadian public service : “In 1994 he entered in the political arena and served the town of Niagara-on-the Lake until 2010, as Councillor, Deputy Mayor and Lord Mayor. Over the years he served as volunteer in many organizations doing his best to serve his community and the Canadian public in general.”

Dionisio, on the other hand, was recognized for being a “a respected and well established musical theatrical performer” who “exemplifies professionalism, ethics and humility… Over the years she generously shared her talent for charitable causes. She is a role model for young Canadian immigrants for her extraordinary contributions to the Living Arts and to Humanity”.

Viola and Dionisio were nominated by The Philippine Reporter publishers and editors Hermie and Mila Garcia, long-time members of the NEPMCC, themselves past recipients of NEMPCC Awards in 2003, 2005, 2007, 2008, and 2009 (Best Editorial and Design; Social Justice and Human Rights).

Nominations submissions went through a rigorous selection by a Special Awards Committee, headed by the NEPMCC Ombudsman appointed by the Board.
The three member Selection Committee was chaired by Dr. Mohammad Tajdolati, Ph.D. (Humanities and Social Sciences), NEPMCC Ombudsman; with members Asha Rajak, NEPMCC Executive Director; and Irene Keroglides, NEMPCC VP for Public Relations.

The process, which had a four-month time-line, involved documentation and references requirements.

Other 2011 awardees for distinguished services were: Mehrdad Ariannejad (Humanities/Culture/Social Justice); Adeena Niazi(Social Justice/Human Rights); Behnam Esfahanizadeh (Community/Social Services); Samuel Getachew (Community/Culture/Arts); Yogarajh Kur (Community Services); Seenivasagam Mathivasan (Humanities/Arts); Mohammad Sheikholeslami (Humanities/Social Services); Jeanne-Marie Tsoublekas (Humanities/Community).

Journalists Category: Yiannis Kontos “Emphasis World” Greek, “for his dedication and struggles for truth and justice”; Jimmy Leung freelance, Chinese “for his long struggle in defense of journalistic principles;” Saeed Soltanpour, freelance, Persian, “for his dedication and his reports on the affairs of communities”; Pooyan Tabatabaei, Iranian, “for his courage and efforts to bring to attention to the public crimes against humanity”; Ranjit Wikramasinge “Voice of Lanka” Singhalese “dedication to free speech and democracy”.

Newspapers Category: Julius Behul “Kanadsky Slovak” Slovak; Rafique Bhuiyan “Weekly Jogajog” Bengali; Mohamed Busuri “Somali Canadian Times” Somali; Luba Cherny “Canadian Courier” Russian; Marcelle Gideon “Magic Carpet Media” Arabic; Vahakn Karakachian “Horizon Weekly” Montreal Armenian; Kathy Lin L.L. “Chinese Canadian Times” Chinese; Ravinder Malik “Weekly Times of India” Hindi; Muchie Muluken “Hawarya News” Ethiopian; Rakhi Prabhakar “Asian Connections Newspaper” South Asian; Elle Puusaag “Eesti Elu” Estonian; Harry Ramkhelawan, “Indo Caribbean World” Caribbean; Jonathan Riikonen “Vapaa Sana” Finish; Tariq Sardar “The Nation Urdu” Pakistani.

Magazines Category: Fardad Fereshteh Housh “Mehregon” Magaine Iranian; Isa Melo “etc & tall” Magazine Brazilian.

Radio and Television: Andrei Mazuruc “Best coverage and presentation on TV.”

In his speech commending the organization, Lt. Gov. Onley said: “For millions of new Canadians, the different ethnic media outlets media provide a friendly voice that speaks their native language and helps them understand their new land.

“When that voice also keeps them informed on events in their homeland, then the service is invaluable.

“Since the nineteenth century, the ethnic media in Canada has served as that friendly, informative and priceless voice.

“Together you have contributed greatly to Canada, helping build and develop a peaceful, pluralistic Canadian society.

“The ethnic press is an important part of that ongoing process.

“Through traditional media and social media, new immigrants can keep pace with technology and promote the best interests of their communities to the Canadian mainstream.

“It does this by informing and transforming attitudes, raising ethnic awareness of the national issues of the day, and ensuring that nothing is lost in translation.

“At the same time, the ethnic media have maintained the highest standards of journalism. Tonight’s awards are a reflection of that commitment.”

Saras, on the other hand, welcomed the guests to the celebration of the 34th annual Ethnic Press awards:

“Today’s celebration is the recognition of their considerable contributions to our democracy and also to multicultural fabric of our society.”

“Today we salute their contributions and recognize their struggles for human rights, for equal opportunities, for peace and understanding among the Canadian communities and the world, and also for justice and respect for all humanity.

“Today, we are celebrating the best of our cultures and the men and women dedicated themselves in the service of the dignity of man.” MAG