PHB marks 26th year

PHB marks 26th year

VAUGHAN–On Friday (Oct. 20), Philippine Heritage Band (PHB) celebrated 26 years of activity in the community by sharing the evening with friends and giving an impressive display of musical performance, singing and dancing. In June 2005, the Ontario Trillium Foundation awarded the popular local group a $35,000 grant to introduce new programs, create a CD and DVD.

Among the many guests attending the festivities were Consul General Alejandro B. Mosquera, Mario G. Racco, MPP for Thornhill, Vaughan Council: City Mayor Michael Di Biasi, Regional Councillor Mario Ferri, Councillors Sandra Yeung Racco and Allan Sheffman and Loreta Pavese, the Chair of the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s local Grant Review Team.

“As the Provincial Member of Parliament for Thornhill, it is with pleasure that I extend my warmest compliments to the Philippine Heritage Band as they celebrate their 26th Anniversary Dinner-Dance and Mini-Concert,” said MPP Mario Racco. “Over the past 26 years, the Philippine Heritage Band has created a strong and talented membership. The band has also become very well recognized and sought after for several events across Ontario. I would like to thank the Philippine Heritage Band for their commitment and contributions to the community.”

Founded back in 1980, PHB has developed many fun and educational activities for young and old alike. Run by volunteers, the organization has created many memorable events for performers and audience members. With last year’s grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, aside from developing and initiating a dance troupe and a chorale group, a record of the outstanding performers has been captured on CD and also on a promotional DVD, both of which will help the band continue to expand.

The CD music includes PHB favourites in Filipino and English. It was produced through the efforts of senior musicians and directed by Music Director Denis Mastromonaco. Production was coordinated by Conductor Allan de Lara.

“The CD has been a dream the whole time,” says PHB President Carol Banez. “With it, PHB is able to showcase its music and share it with the public through this popular medium.”

PHB is a medium for youth training and development. At the same time, it enriches the cultural life of communities through its performances. PHB is based in the City of Vaughan, and for those who are interested in getting involved or catching some great performances, please contact a PHB representative at 905-889-5001, or at visit the website at www.phband.com.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation, an agency of the Ministry of Culture, receives $100 million annually from Ontario’s charity casino initiative.

For more information, please contact: Carol Banez, PHB President at 416-264-4569; Mario Racco, MPP, Thornhill at 416-325-0830; Oscar Farinas, PHB Founder and Executive Director at 416 259-1579.