FCT scholarship awards

FCT scholarship awards

FCT Update
By Aida E. D’Orazio

TORONTO–To encourage the Filipino Canadian youth in their pursuit for excellence in all fields of education, the Filipino Centre Toronto has launched its scholarship award competition for the year 2005.

It is open to all students of Filipino heritage. Other criteria are:

• Permanent address in the province of Ontario;

• Minimum academic average of 85% over the last two school years;

• Be involved in community service and/or extra-curricular activities;

• Elementary candidates should be in their last year of elementary school or within 1 year after completing their Grade 8 graduation;

• High School Level applicants should be in their last year of high school or within 1 year after completing their Grade 12 graduation;

• University Level applicants should be within 1 year of graduation from their program.

Another award for the most academically improved high school graduate will also be included in the competition.

After the competition, all finalists will be acknowledged and given citations while the top students for each level will be awarded bursaries and trophies.

For more information and application form, please call the FCT at 416-928-9355.

Night of music

Music has charm and much more. So, be prepared for an enchanting evening listening to the FCT Choir sing Christmas carols on December 5, at 7 p.m., at the Rizal Hall.

Under the baton of Charity Ongkeko, conductor, and led by Leo Mascariñas, choir master, the FCT Choir, without doubt, will enthral you with beautiful songs in four harmonious voices. The 30-man choir is composed mainly of members from St. Basil Choir. “All wonderful singers,” remarked Irene Turner with pride.

The event, co-chaired by Perla Andres and Irene Turner, for the purpose of raising funds for the underprivileged, will cost a minimum of $5.

Hawaiian and Filipino folk dancing

If you want to learn how to dance the hip-swaying hula and how to do the graceful movements of the Filipino folk dance, lessons will be offered at the FCT beginning November 15.

Registration will be held at the Centre during normal business hours. Lessons are for children (8 years old and above), teens and adult. The fee is $30 for a six-week program.

For information, please contact Wendy Arena at 416-281-2408.

Filipino singing idol, round 1

The competition for the Filipino Singing Idol has begun.

The Rizal Hall, as in the past year, was packed with FSI fans and supporters last February 22 for the first round of the popular contest.

It was definitely a night of talented singers preceded by the Himig Singers of Davao City which opened the program with the National Anthems, and followed by the appearance of professional singer Cecile Araneta and soprano diva Lilac Caña who entertained the audience during the intermission. Emcees Mary Ann San Juan and Tony San Juan did a fine job in making the audience laugh over their witty remarks.

The winners of the competition, which were announced by the FSI chair, Belle Tumbokon, were: (lst category) Audrey Bushel, first place; Jasmine Ragual, second place; (2nd category) Everly Javier, first place; Charleston Stella, second place; (3rd category) Jess Carlos, first place; Joel Edades, second place.