PIDC updates

PIDC updates

TORONTO–The Philippine Independence Day Council recently celebrated the 106th Independence Day of the Philippines with a successful gala held in cooperation with the Kalayaan Community Centre of Mississauga. The next set of events scheduled will give people a sneak peak of what to expect at the much anticipated Mabuhay Philippines! Toronto Summer Festival in August.

First, the annual “Salu-salo sa Earl Bales Picnic,” to be held at Earl Bales Park on Bathurst and Sheppard is scheduled on Saturday, June 19th beginning at noon. It promises to be a fun-filled, entertainment-packed day in the sun. Various associations representing all the regions of the Philippines will be there to share their unique talents and indigenous cuisine. For information about this event, please call Picnic Chair Leonie Manzanares at (905) 567-4829.

The week following the picnic, the first annual Mabuhay Cup All-Star Basketball Tournament is set to happen at the University of Toronto, 55 Harbord Street, on June 26th and 27th. Teams from all the Filipino-Canadian athletic associations will gather to determine who will compete at the championship game scheduled on August 7th at Heritage Court, Exhibition Place. The best players will gather not just to compete for top honours but also to promote the theme “Unity Through Sports.” Tickets for all three days are only $10 each. In addition, beautiful young women representing each athletic organization will compete for “Miss Sports Model” to be chosen on opening day, June 26th. For additional information about this event, please contact Manny Villamor at (416) 824-0595 or Ramon Fermin at (905) 731-1296.

The highlight for the summer will be the Mabuhay Philippines! Toronto Summer Festival, the largest celebration of Philippine heritage and culture in North America. This event is FREE and will be held at Heritage Court, National Trade Centre, Exhibition Place on August 6 and 7. Transport yourself to the Philippines for two full days. There will be non-stop entertainment that includes singers, dancers, bands, fashion shows, a Santa Cruzan, art exhibits, demonstrations, martial arts, crafts, culinary delights and much more. It is not too late to be a part of this big event. If you are interested in being a vendor, please call Evelyn Pagkalinawan at (416) 369-1318. Sponsorship information is available by contacting Pempe Saavedra at (416) 841-0854. The Chair for the festival is Joseph Redoblado and he can be reached at (416) 728-1964.

The Mabuhay Philippines Parade is set to happen on Sunday, August 8th. This year’s theme is “Philippine Fiesta’s on Parade.” The route will begin at Queen’s Park heading East on Bloor, down Sherbourne, across Wellesley and back over to Queen’s Park. Several associations have lined up to participate. If you would like to be involved in this event, please contact Parade Chair, Jun Enverga at (416) 284-9299 or email your float proposals before June 30th to mabuhayparade@yahoo.com
For a detailed list of all the events and contact information, please check the website at www.pidctoronto.com

(PRESS RELEASE)