Maging tunay na Pilipino kahit isang araw

Maging tunay na Pilipino kahit isang araw

FCT Bulletin
By Aida E. D’Oraizo

TORONTO–People back home in the Philippines often marvel at how we celebrate Philippine Independence Day. Really, it’s not a big deal in the Philippines, they say. The truth is, folks back home don’t celebrate it the way we do. But, yes, they go all the way when it comes to celebrating their patron saint’s day. It becomes the town fiesta.

A fiesta – a pistahan. A celebration with parades, Filipino folk games, buntings, shows, dressed-up affairs and week-long banquets where the favourite suckling lechon (roasted pig) is always present.
In Toronto and other global cities, various Filipino regional associations likewise try to capture the native tradition of celebrating a town fiesta in their annual events. However, it’s the Philippine Independence Day festivity that joyfully brings Filipinos together.

“Maging tunay na Pilipino kahit sa isang araw” (Be a true Filipino for a day) – so the slogan goes for the Filipino Centre Toronto-sponsored Pistahan sa Toronto on June 12th at Nathan Phillips Square. From morning (the Philippine flag-raising ceremony by Mrs. Pilar Miguel) till midnight, this City Hall venue will come alive with the sounds of Filipino music and Tagalog, the smell of native dishes emanating from the concessionaires’ booths, the parade of striking beauties in attractive native costumes and the performance of amazing entertainers.

With CTV’s Pauline Chan and Rey Tolentino as the leading emcees and a program of talented performers such as the Folklorico Dance Troupe, Christian Serrano’s cute dancing kids – the ACS, four Filipino bands, singing artists, modern dance groups, and of course, the finalists of the Filipino Singing Idol contest, which will start at 7 p.m. – the audience will definitely have a roaring time.

The Filipino Singing Idol finalists

After the last round of the contest at the Rizal Hall last April 30, six more finalists are going to join the group of finalists – totalling 17 in all – for the finals at the Pistahan sa Toronto on June 12.
The finalists are the first-prize and second-prize winners of the three categories (junior, adult and senior) in all the three rounds.

They are: (first prize winners) Kristine Cristobal, Jessa Dee Apostol Luna, Julius Rafael Valdez, Michael Magali, Grace Rodriguez, Harvey Alcaraz, Jose Ragual, Vejandke (Andrew) G. Picana and Rikki Young; (second prize winners) Abigail Marie S. Cruje, Candace Santos, Anna Kristine David, Renee Montero, Chloe M. Castillo, Emmanuel Abraham Jr., Cesar Liwanag and Ray Uy.

A cash prize of $350 from the FCT and a trophy donated by Belle Optical will be awarded to the 1st prize winner of each category. The 2nd prize winners will each receive $150 from the FCT, while the 3rd prize winners will each receive $50. They will also receive gift certificates from the Salon de Nacia, Astralias Productions, Harvey’s and Belle Optical, as well as gifts from Linda’s Wellness Gems.
Sponsors of the popular contest are: Astralias Production, Belle Optical, Clarica, Cinerama Store, Dr. Lina Bala, Fil Par Associations of Metro Toronto, Harvey’s, Linda’s Wellness Gems, PHY Action, PNB Remittance of Canada, Platinum Care, Salon de Nacia and Weatech Inc.

Comprehensive Health Services schedule

The F.C.T. Comprehensive Health Services team headed by Dr. Mario Andres has
released the schedule for workshops and information sessions for Spring and Fall 2004.
Please mark this on your calendar. These workshops and seminars are very beneficial not only to those who have problems with blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes, but to their caregivers as well.

SCHEDULE:

I. Medical Information Services
May 30, 2004 – Hypertension
Wellness – get ready for summer
June 27, 2004 – Cholesterol
II. Diabetes Education
Sept. 26, 2004 – General information
Oct. 24, 2004 – Meal Planning
Nov. 28, 2004 – Foot care, meter & insulin teaching

Please note that all these sessions are held on the last Sunday of each month except in October. The sessions will start at 1:00 p.m. with registration, blood pressure and blood sugar clinics. There will be light refreshments served at each session. Lectures start at 3:00 p.m. and end at 5:00 p.m.
Please call F.C.T. at 416-928-9355 to make your reservation.

III. Free clinic – every 2nd Saturday of the month from
12:00 – 2:00 pm

Please call F.C.T. at 416-928-9355 for confirmation and appointment

Wendy is new FCT Vice-President

Wendy Arenas, FCT fund-raising chairman and one of the most visible members of the Board of Directors for her active role in organizing big events, has been unanimously voted by the Board to the post of vice-president of the Filipino Centre Toronto.

She replaces Dr. Francisco Portugal, who resigned in May 2003.

Let’s swing for unity

The Dr. Guillermo de Villa, Jr., Cup, 2nd Invitational Golf Tournament, sponsored by the FCT, will swing into action on Sunday, July 18, at the Granite Ridge Golf Club, 9503 Dublin Line, Milton, Ontario. The tournament is for the benefit of the FCT’s Health and Wellness Program, chaired by Dr. Mario Andres.

The golf club, which was built in 1996, has been voted the “Best New Golf Course” in Halton and designated as a “4-Star Facility” by Toronto Life Magazine.

Tournament fee is $125, which includes green fee, power cart, dinner and fabulous raffle prizes. Fees are due on or before July 8, 2004.

Trophies will be awarded to the champion, runner-up, for low-gross, longest drive and nearest to the pin. A 2004 Honda Civic will be awarded to the hole-in-one winner. Other prizes will include group foursome picture, dinner for two at the Rossini Restorante and prizes from donors to each participant.
For information and details, please call Julito Longkines, 416-579-1530; Cora de la Cruz, 416-925-0013; Rey Ballares, 416-844-4009; Michael Siervo, 416-720-2147, or Onoke Santiago, 416-3476-9772.