Ambassador Benedicto honored at FCT

Ambassador Benedicto honored at FCT

FCT Update
By Aida E. D’Orazio

In her closing remarks at the farewell party for Ambassador Francisco Benedicto last July 30th, FCT President Lynda Javier called him the “Farmer in the Dell”.

She recalled that in the early ‘70s, a seed was planted when a group, that included Dr. Mario Andres, Elmore Cudamin, Tony Anden, Ami Zuric and Susie Dulay Kurz, came up with the idea to have a cultural centre. This seed of dream and hope was eventually nurtured and watered by Ambassador Benedicto until it flowered as the embodiment of the FCT – thus, our dream and hope was realized.

In appreciation of the symbol and legacy he left the Filipino community of the Greater Toronto Area, Ambassador Benedicto received a plaque and a framed photograph of the FCT building from the FCT President Javier. Other awards presented came from the Knights of Rizal and from the Federal MPs through Ed Joaquin, while flower bouquets were offered to the Ambassador’s wife, Mrs. Tina Benedicto, by CLARIS and the Kababaihang Rizalistas.

A surprised Felino Javier found himself accepting an unexpected Bayanihan Service Award from the Embassy “for his commitment, dedication and countless of hours of services rendered for the upkeep and improvements of the FCT building.”

Sculptor and writer, Mogi Mogado, chose the occasion to unveil his significant donation to the Centre – his beautiful work of art, a bust of Dr. Jose P. Rizal, which will permanently grace FCT’s Rizal Hall.

The program started with Sir Popoy Cana, Grand Knight of Rizal, giving a welcome speech, which was followed with an invocation by Father Terry Gallagher. Entertainment came from Ka Miling who delivered a “tula”; Lilac Cana, whose vocal renditions were breathtaking, and the talented Manny Abraham, who plays the piano as well as he sings.

In his inspirational talk, following Consular General Alejandro Mosquera’s message, Ambassador Benedicto praised FCT ‘s Board Members for their dedication and tenacity and promised to donate office furniture for the Centre. He invited everyone to visit him in the Philippines.

Cabbagetown Festival

Preparations are underway for the FCT’s participation in the two-day Cabbagetown Festival on September 10 and 11, according to Board Director Efren de Villa, who chairs the FCT Festival Committee.

The Filipino Centre Toronto automatically became a member of the Cabbagetown BIA (Business Improvement Area) when it bought the Donvale Medical Building in that area, on Parliament St., and established its offices there less than three years ago.

The FCT’s first participation at last year’s festival was a great success. The parade was colourful and entertaining with the Philippine Heritage Band leading the way. The FCT contingent, composed of Filipino associations like the Bibak, the Ati-Atihan, the Pillars, Kababaihang Rizalista, Philippine Folklorico group, the Miss Manila beauties – all dressed in attractive Filipino costumes – stood out among the other hundreds of different cultural ethnic groups in the parade. We had the best street performers on Parliament Street while our food concessionaires and other vendors were kept very busy. The Philippine Folklorico dancers, who performed up on the stage, likewise, drew a large cheering crowd.

This year’s committee members are: Parade – Vicky Gerra, Julie Corpuz, Bernie Carreon; Street Performers – Wendy Arena, Laura Tiamson, Mary Ann San Juan; Sidewalk Concessionaires – Sening Rollerson, Baby de Villa; FCT Building Tour – members of the Board of Directors.

Honouring our top students

So far, eight top elementary and high school graduates of Filipino heritage, have applied and qualified for the FCT’s 2005 Outstanding Student Award competition. They will be interviewed on Sunday, August 28, at 3:00 p.m. at the Filipino Centre on Parliament St. Recognition and awards will take place at the Rizal Hall on Sunday, September 18, at 2:00 p.m.

(PRESS RELEASE)