Mabuhay festival marks 5th year on Aug. 6-8

Mabuhay festival marks 5th year on Aug. 6-8

TORONTO–The Philippine Independence Day Council (“PIDC”), in cooperation with the Ontario Trillium Foundation, The Toronto Arts Council and Arts Presentation Canada presents the largest celebration of Philippine heritage and culture in Canada, the fifth annual Mabuhay Philippines! Toronto Summer Festival.

The official opening of Mabuhay Philippines is on August 4th, the start of an art exhibit by the Philippine Artists Group (“PAG”) at the Nathan Phillips Square rotunda. The display runs till August
11th.

This year’s main event will be held at Heritage Court, CNE Grounds on August 6 and 7. Both days will be packed with non-stop entertainment the whole family will enjoy. On Friday, August 6th, join PIDC for the presentation of awards to the winners of a poster-making contest held in cooperation with the Toronto District Catholic School board. Watch performances by Folklorico Filipino Dance Company, Ang Bisaya, Chyrell Samson, Rene Montero, Vizdocks and many more. See fashion shows featuring winners of beauty pageants from various associations including the 2004 Miss Philippines PIDC, Melody Olmos and Little Miss Philippines PIDC, Reily Bragado Sousa. Come and join the APO Hiking Society “Sing-a-like” contest and get a chance to win tickets to their concert. Whoop it up till 11:00 p.m. with back-to-back performances of various Filipino-Canadian bands sure to get you off your feet and dancing in the aisles of Heritage Court.

Don’t miss your chance to meet and greet APO Hiking Society in person at an autograph session to be held on Friday, Aug. 6 at 5:00 p.m. They will be at Heritage Court to join their “kababayans” in celebrating Philippine culture.

On Saturday, Aug. 7, witness the championship games of the first annual “Mabuhay Cup All-Star Basketball Tournament.” The location for the Bantam and Open finals has been moved to the University of Toronto Sports Gym, 55 Harbourd Street. Both games will be played starting at 10 a.m. Join Ms. Sports Model, Mary Jane Agra, back at Heritage Court for the awards ceremony after the games are completed.

Also on Saturday, the Mabuhay Festival presents a variety of performers such as the ACS Stars, Culture Philippines of Ontario, Fiesta Filipina Dance Troupe, CR02, Cseska Sion, Ariel Sion and more. Witness a traditional Santa Cruzan featuring beauties from numerous Filipino pageants. Enjoy one-of-a-kind shows like “R & B Hip Hop Explosion Pinoy Style,” “A Fusion of Fashion and Song”, demonstrations by arnis and karate groups, balagtasan, palaro and many others.

The highlight of Saturday night will definitely be the “Balik Saya Concert” by APO Hiking Society. Prepare to laugh and dance the night away with a performance by one of the most loved groups from the Philippines. Discover why, for over 35 years, APO Hiking Society concerts continue to be the best way to transport yourself to the Philippines without having to leave North America. Starting off the night of joviality is comedian Ron Josol. Tickets are priced at $38, $58 and $88 and are available through ticketmaster and select Filipino businesses. Call (416) 621-4985 or (416) 841-0854 for additional ticket information.

The fun does not end at Heritage Court. Sunday, Aug. 8, PIDC presents the “Mabuhay Parade.” Party in the streets of downtown Toronto as Filipinos march from Queens Park north to Bloor, head east towards Sherbourne, head south to Wellesley, go west back on to University and head north returning to Queens Park. Reserve your spot on the parade route and watch colourful floats, marching bands and representatives of numerous Philippine regions roar by. Grab your hats and sunglasses and join in the fun.

The festival is a definite “must-see and do” for the entire family.

(PRESS RELEASE)