Pinoy Fiesta, a success

Justine del Rosario
of Culture Philippines

TORONTO–Dennis Trillo, Glaiza de Castro and Rafael Rosell were a colossal hit at the Pinoy Fiesta and Trade Show sa Toronto. Festive pandemonium erupted when the GMA Pinoy TV artists went on stage and performed their best to the thousands upon thousands of fans and well wishers on June 22 “Wow, what a great night for the whole community and a wonderful news for charity!” as Susan de Veyra from Montreal exclaimed to her family and friends. “ We have attended the last two Pinoy Fiesta and every year is getting more exciting…. see you all again in Toronto 2014!”

The whole day at the 100,000 sq ft of space at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre Hall, decked with colourful banderitas, was filled with entertainment and galore of exciting surprises. Romy Rafael , president of PCCF and Oswald Tugadi president of PCCT were both jubilant at the continued success of their partnership. The presidential duo thanked all the supporters of the annual celebration. PCCF promised to ship 7 Kidney Dialysis Machines to the Philippines. With the success of the event , the organization will surely be able to ship them to hospitals in the Philippines to serve the poor.

The day started with a liturgical service by Fr. Romy Tolentino to bless the celebration, followed immediately with performances by various community groups. The United Aklanon Group’s Ati Atihan provided the audience participation ‘A la Bira’ …. with their colourful costumes and their rhythmic drum beats put all the audience on their feet , dancing and chanting Hala Bira! and Viva Santo Nino!

What is a Fiesta without the Santa Cruzan or a full regalia Band? The Fiesta of all Fiestas has the much acclaimed Philippine Heritage Band, to start the parade of Beauties and Angels, Santa Cruzan. For every Fiesta in the Philippines, there is pageantry and Pinoy Fiesta is no exception, the winners of one of the most exciting and prestigious pageants were announced. Crowned at the Pinoy Fiesta were Miss Philippines Canada 2013 Caitlin Pantaleon, Miss Teen Philippines Canada Alana Saguici, Mrs. Philippines Canada Chona Stinson and Little Miss Philippines Canada Anjalie Pathnamathan. Congratulations to the new queens, princesses and to all the candidates, Little Mr. Philippines Canada aka ‘Pinoy Bulilit’ were introduced as well!

Martha Joy delighted the crowd with songs

The pride of Pinoys in Canada, entertainers Mikey Bustos and Martha Joy, showed everyone why they are our Canadian Idols. The world renowned Culture Philippines of Ontario’s performance was a cultural celebration on its own. Among the special guests were Ambassador Leslie and Debbie Gatan, Consul General Juniver and John West, Minister of Sports Bal Gosal, Minister of Natural Resources Joe Oliver, Senator Victor and Rosa Oh, Councillor Cho and Senator Tobias “Jun” Enverga.

The over-all chair of marketing for the Fiesta and Pageants, Rosemer Enverga, indicated that the event exceeded all expectations. She wishes to thank all the organizations and individuals who continue to support Pinoy Fiesta. Kudos to all of them! Kudos to all of us for having great fun and helping at the same time!

For more details visit:
www.philippinecanadianfoundation.com

GMA artists Dennis Trillo, Glaiza de Castro and Rafael Rosell with Rosemer Enverga.

Rafael Rossel entertaining his fans

Mrs. Philippines Canada 2013. From left: Alma Estrella (4th r-up), Anne Nacorda (1st r-up), Gemma Culling (3rd r-up), Chona Stinson, Mrs. Philippines Canada 2013, Claire Macandog (2 nd r-up).

Miss Philippines Canada 2013.
From left: Kimberly Dulay (2nd r-up), Jurice Encarnacion (1st r-up), Caitlin Pantaleon, Miss Phils. Canada 2013, Alannah Sagici, Miss Teen Philippines Canada 2013, Meryl Villacastin (3rd r-up) Michelle Veloso (4th r-up).

Mrs. Philippines Canada 2013. From left:
Alma Estrella (4th r-up), Anne Nacorda (1st r-up),
Gemma Culling (3rd r-up), Chona Stinson,
Mrs. Philippines Canada 2013, Claire Macandog (2 nd r-up).