Palma, Juatco to grace Mabuhay fest

Palma, Juatco to grace Mabuhay fest

TORONTO–The Philippine Independence Day Council (PIDC), in cooperation with Rogers Wireless proudly presents the 2006 Mabuhay Philippines Toronto Summer Festival on July 29th at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

Doors open at 10 am to worshipers who wish to attend an early morning mass.

Immediately following that, the official opening ceremonies begin with a parade of Filipino-Associations throughout the 67,000 sq. ft facility. Then, to start the non-stop entertainment for the day, three of the best Filipino-Canadian “Divas” take to the stage: Karen Tan, Josie de Leon and Vonnie Beltran will perform.

To further celebrate the talents of Filipinos, a dance group from Montreal called Salinggawi Philippines Arts Organization will perform at the festival. Also appearing at the festival are some of the best Filipino-Canadian talent in the GTA; ACS International Stars, Jennifer Camacho, Fiesta Filipina Dance Troupe, JP Sunga, Lilac Caña and more.

Recent winners of the PIDC Grand Philippine Pageant, Little Miss Philippines PIDC and other association pageants will appear in the traditional Santacruzan. Reyna Elena for this year is current Miss Philippines PIDC, Jackie Santos.

In addition to singers and dancers appearing at the festival, catch martial arts demonstrations, fashion shows, raffle draws and more. The festival is also pleased to partner with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce Toronto (“PCCT”) to include their annual trade show at the event. Close to 200 vendors will be there displaying various goods and services.

Also appearing at the festival is veteran broadcaster Tina Monzon-Palma who will be arriving from the Philippines to help the Canadian launch of “Bantay-Bata 163,” a charitable organization formed in order to rescue and rehabilitate sick and abused children in the Philippines.

The feature performer for this year’s festival is Ms. Elena Juatco. Elena was a Canadian Idol finalist finishing 6th overall two years ago. Recently, Elena was nominated for a Dora Mavor Moore Award for her starring role in Ross Petty’s “Snow White and the Group of Seven”. She will be the highlight of the day’s events when she performs alongside her brother Leonard.

Tickets are only $10. Vendor booths are still available. Check the website at www.pidctoronto.com or call (416) 841- 9151.

(PRESS RELEASE)