PIDC successful events in 2006

PIDC successful events in 2006

PIDC (Philippine Independence Day Council) completed a very successful year in 2006. The year started with an Induction Ball that was highlighted by the first ever Toronto function attended by Ambassador Jose Brillantes, Consul General Alejandro Mosquera and Consul Julius Torres.

Last May, a Grand Pageant was held at the John Bassett Theatre at the Metro Convention Centre. Hundreds witnessed the crowning of the Prince and Princesses of PIDC. The place was a fitting place to have for the PIDC’s Ambassadors of Goodwill.

June was a very busy month. It started with a very successful Little Miss Philippines Pageant. The candidates showcased their talents. Over a thousand ticket holders wished for the success of their candidates at the Korean Cultural Centre. The little Ambassador for PIDC was crowned that night.

The following week, June 11, PIDC in unity with the Kalayaan group hosted the annual Philippine Independence Day Gala at the International Plaza Hotel. The largest gathering of its kind, almost 700 community leaders and dignitaries attended the elegant ball. The night was graced by Filipinas in their mestiza dresses. Guest speakers were Ambassador Brillantes and a very high profile Federal Government official, Minister Stockwell Day.

June 17, PIDC hosted the biggest picnic held in Toronto. Over 2000 Filipinos attended the Salo Salo sa Earl Bales Park Picnic. A 100- piece band ensured that the day was filled with fun and revelry. MPP John Tory was the special guest. The all-day event, complete with an all-day performance and a volleyball competition was a hit for all ages.

On July 15-16, PIDC Mabuhay Cup basketball competition was held at University of Toronto. The PIDC Mabuhay Cup was organized to unite the Filipino Community through sports. The different basketball leagues sent their champions to determine the best in Toronto.

On July 29, the greatest and biggest festival in Canada if not in North America, the Mabuhay Toronto Summer Festival was held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Over 5000 guests attended the festival that featured non-stop performances by the best of the local talents, capped by the performance of a very talented group from Montreal and the super Canadian Idol, Elena Juatco. A Filipino tradition dating from the Spanish era was also celebrated, the Santa Cruzan. Over 130 booths representing various Filipino-Canadian businesses in cooperation with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce were available for everyone’s shopping pleasure and not to forget the various Filipino foods and delicacies. Most notable among the booths is a life-size replica of a Gawad Kalinga village, a tribute to the charitable and compassionate heart of every Filipino. The attendance of the second most powerful man in Ottawa, the Finance Minister, Jim Flaherty in the Festival has confirmed the great role and great respect PIDC has garnered from the Canadian community as a whole.

The president, Tobias “Jun” Enverga and the Board of Directors would like to thank everyone for their support and participation. To show gratitude to all the volunteers and supporters, an appreciation day will be held on November 25. For more information please contact Jojo 416-338-3586, Bernie 416-857-7551 and Rosemer 416-284-2810.

(PRESS RELEASE)