Dr. Santiago is Interim FCT Chairperson

Dr. Santiago is Interim FCT Chairperson

FCT Bulletin
By Aida D’Oraizo

Due to health reasons, Dr. Guillermo de Villa, has relinquished his post as chairman of the Board of Directors of the Filipino Centre Toronto. Voted interim chairman until the next election is Dr. Victoria Santiago, who also chairs the FCT fundraising committee. Dr. de Villa, however, will still be with the Board as honorary chairman.

PISTAHAN!

What’s in a name…? The Pista Ng Bayan, which has for the last few years entertained the Filipino community of the GTA at Nathan Phillips Square every Philippine Independence Day, will now be called Pistahan! – which means a celebration, according to Lynda Javier, Filipino Centre Toronto president.

Wendy Arena will chair the event on June 12th, with Minda Longkines as co-chair. Both women chaired the successful Pista Ng Bayan last year. More details about the Pistahan will be released during the week.

Free information sessions for newcomers

Newcomers to Canada, as well as other interested individuals, will be happy to know that the FCT is offering two Saturday sessions to inform them of their rights in Canada, the government services that are available to them and what they need to know as new immigrants in the country.
Topics to be discussed on Saturday, April 17, at 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., are:

• Workers’ Rights and Employment Standards
• Education System in Ontario
• Healthcare System in Ontario
• Accessibility of Social and Community Services in the Area

On Saturday, April 24, same time:

• Obligations to the Philippine government of an overseas Filipino Citizen
• Job Search Skills needed in Canadian Labour Market
• Immigration and Citizenship
• Continuing Education

In addition, there will be free initial computer training for those who request for it. Interested parties who wish to avail of the free sessions are requested to call the FCT office at 416-928-9355.
Free Clinic

A reminder to all: The Free Clinic is open to all new immigrants without health cards, tourists and TNTs every second Saturday of each month from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. at the Centre. The next date is May 9.

Let’s dance, folks!

The young and old seem to have found a place to shake their legs every other Friday. The TGIF (Thank God it’s Friday) activity at the FCT is picking up steam. For those who love line dancing and ballroom dancing, this is the place to go to hone in your skills.

So, take note of the dates: April 16 and 30; May 7 and 21; June 4 and 18, July 2, 16 and 30.
Included in the entrance fee of $8.50, are food and drinks. For more information, please call the Centre.

Breast Cancer and Hypertension Information Sessions

After three successful sessions on Diabetes Awareness organized by the FCT Comprehensive Health Services – the third of which was held last month – two other information sessions will be offered in the month of May.

A seminar on breast cancer will be held on May 2, at the Rizal Hall. Topics will be on self-breast examination, breast imaging (mammogram, ultrasound), treatment (surgery, lumpectomy, mastectomy, radiation, chemotherapy) and available resources (support group). Breast cancer is common to women, but it can also be found in men.

Prior to the seminar at 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., the Rizal Hall will be open at 1:00 p.m. for socials and refreshments.

The seminar on hypertension (a repeat session due to public demand) is scheduled for May 30.

Filipino Singing Idol

The last Filipino Singing Idol competition before the finals is on April 30th at the Rizal Hall. The committee is still accepting new contestants and sponsors. The final competition, wherein the finalists of each three categories of the four groups will compete, will take place at the Pistahan on June 12th at Nathan Phillips Square.

Golf Tournament

The FCT’s “Swing for Unity” Golf Tournament will take place on July 18 at the Granite Ridge Golf Club at 9503 Dublin Line, Milton, Ontario. According to Chairman Julito Longkines, applications are now open to golfers who wish to participate and vie for the Dr. de Villa Cup. More details of the event will be published later.

PRESS RELEASE