FCT Update: Pistahan – a celebration of love for mother country

FCT Update: Pistahan – a celebration of love for mother country

By Aida E. D’Orazio

“Strange,” e-mailed a friend from Manila, “you, pinoys, in Canada, are more patriotic than us over here. You celebrate Philippine Independence Day with great pride. I can’t say that much about Filipinos here…”

True, being far away from the Philippines has deepened our affection for our native land. And, remarkably, our sense of pride for having won a long-fought struggle to gain independence seems to become even greater. No other ethnic group from a democratic country celebrates its Independence Day the way Filipinos do. How many Philippine Independence Day flag-raising ceremonies and celebrations are held in Ontario alone? It even continues on as far as July and August. Albeit belated or déjà-vu, the event ultimately draws Filipinos together in a spirit of camaraderie and patriotism.

Meanwhile, with the Pistahan Sa Toronto just around the corner, over-all chair Wendy Arena and co-chairs Minda Longkines and Efren de Villa are scrambling to coordinate the activities for the two-day festivities to mark the 107th anniversary of Philippine Independence. The Pistahan will start at noon and end at 11 p.m. on both days, June 11 and 12 at Nathan Phillips Square.

As in the past years, the Filipino community will be treated to spectacular entertainment, scrumptious native dishes, free lechon sampling and several booths to browse through. Everyone is invited to attend.

A tough contest for the Filipino Singing Idol

It will not be an easy win to the top Filipino Singing Idols of the junior, adult and senior categories. There are simply so many talented singers in each group.

The grand finale on June 12 – the last day of the Pistahan – will most likely be crowded with excited fans, exuberantly displaying support for their favourite singer. Competing in the final round are the first and second place winners of the elimination rounds in October, February and April, namely: Audrey Bushel, Jasmine Ragual, Everly Javier, Charleston Stella, Jess Carlos, Joel Edades, Mae Janelle Berte, Stephanie Dimapilis, Ken de los Santos, Theodore Marasigan, Bibbikins Reyes, Carlos Cumbalon, Michelle Bataclan, Mikki Reyes, Frederic Bataclan, Felix Christian Mejorada, Mike Alfajora and Ramiro Maravilla, Jr.

Sponsors of the Filipino Singing Idol 2005 are: Dr. Victoria Santiago, O’Sige Filipino Food Boutique, Belle Optical, Aristokrat Restaurant, PNB Remittance, Reliable Cargo Express Corp., RMCA Multi-Trading & Travel Consulting Agency, Alpha Phi Omega Mississauga City Alumni Association-Canada, Linda’s Wellness Gems, Solutions Immigration Consulting Inc., Eva’s Design and Number 9-Audio Group.

Cramped offices no more

The FCT building is undergoing another makeover. Thanks to the untiring efforts and hard work of Felino Javier, who already has spent four long weeks in converting Room 103 into a board room, an examining room for the free clinic and an office for the President, Chairman and Board of Directors. It has been repainted and with the help of another volunteer, Manny Abraham, the electrical wiring is done. A new grey carpet will replace the old one and a new glass door, donated by Brown Sugar Delicacy, will soon be installed.

For the past two years the president’s cramped cubicle in the lower level has been used as a social meeting place and as a receiving room for the free clinic. People simply love to hang around in there and chat. But in a week’s time, Room 301 will be the new office of the FCT, which will make it easier for folks to visit without using the elevator or the stairs. And on May 19, the FCT Board of Directors will hold its meeting in the new board room equipped with comfy chairs and furniture – all hand-me-downs or bought at a fraction of the cost from 5-star hotels and corporate offices. (Most furniture in the building had been acquired in a similar way.) Everyone is welcome to visit our new office.

The Filipino Centre Toronto, your Centre, is doing quite well – serving the community, meeting its obligations on time, and far from being bankrupt! The FCT thanks you all for your support.

* * * *

MAY/JUNE Calendar

May 29, p.m. – 1 – 4 p.m. – Part 1, Diabetes Awareness Seminar
May 29, following the Diabetes Seminar – Living Will and Last Will and Testament
June 11 – Free Clinic (Please call for appointment, 416-928-9355)
June 11-12, noon to 11 p.m. – Pistahan sa Toronto
June 16, 7 – 9 p.m. – Information Session, Toronto Fire Department
June 26, p.m. – Part 2, Diabetes Seminar