Silayan’s Lantern Parade

Silayan’s Lantern Parade

TORONTO–Toronto Mayor David Miller praised the organizers of the lantern parade and pre-Christmas party of the Silayan Community Center in St. Jamestown area led by community leader and the center’s program and project coordinator Gene Lara for depicting the Filipino heritage and culture.
Mr. Miller appealed to the Filipino community to continue the program and projects enriching their values, heritage, and culture for the next years to come.

The lantern parade and pre-Christmas party which was held last December 4 (Saturday) drew strong support from the cross-section of the Filipino community in Toronto.

He called on the Filipinos to support his programs and projects in order to transform Toronto into a “beautiful city.”

Mr. Miller mentioned the active participation of the seniors, middleaged, and young Filipinos which shows their strength and unity.

The lantern parade and pre-Christmas party was highlighted by the participation of the Philippine Heritage Band, the Folklorico Dance Troupe, Filipino pianist Ron Aldea, Carolers of Filipino Country House of North York headed by May Guiao, Filipino Cultural and Social Seniors Club Dancers led by Paula Ignacio, and the Silayan Hawaiian Dancers.

Mrs. Lara who intiated the lantern parade and pre-Christmas party was supported by several Filipino organizations and community leaders.

They were Silayan’s executive vice president Willie Nabus and secretary Constantine Cabarios; Romy Zetazate of Club Filipino of St. Jamestown; Nori Melgarejo, managing editor of Artista magazine; Nora Taculad of United Filipino Association of Canada; Romy Tan of Filipino Cultural Association; Paula Ignacio of Filipino-Cultural and Social Club; Federation of Metro-Toronto Tenants; Edward Rodas and the Silayan Basketball Team; Arts City; Cabbagetown Business Improvement Association ; St. Jamestown Family Literacy; Teresa Mendoza Torralba of Philippine Variety Store; Kaakbay Financial Services; Cabbagetown Youth Center; Rafael Nebres of Action Honda; Filipino community leaders Mel Catre, Ricky Castellvi, Bernie Carreon, and Chito Gonzalez; Member of Parliament and Defense Minister Bill Graham; Councillor Pam McConnel; Councillor Paula Fletcher; Chito Collantes of the Knights of Rizal; NDP Leaders Paul Ferreira, John Goyeau, and Michael Shapcott; Krystyn Wong, president of the Chinese-Canadian National Council.

On the same occasion, Justice of the Peace Ricardo Mananquil swore into office the new officers of the Silayan Community Center which include Balita Columnist Rose Tijam, president; Willie Nabus, executive vice president; Constantine Cabarios, secretary; Delfin Palileo, treasurer. The board of directorsare composed of Aurora Medrano, Doris Nabor, Edward Rodas, Rolly de la Cruz, Erna Opena; and Ramon Lara.

In the meantime, Gene Lara is requesting Filipinos in St.Jamestown and neighbouring areas to kindly give their free time to the Silayan Community Center as volunteers in order to help more fellow Filipinos who need help. For more information, please call Gene Lara at 416-926-9505.

(PRESS RELEASE)