PHB marks 31st year

PHB marks 31st year

Thirty-one years later, and Philippine Heritage Band is still playing on.

The Vaughan-based marching band celebrated its anniversary at the West River Event Centre in Vaughan on Nov. 4 with an entertaining gala night filled with music and dance.

Some 400 guests attended the annual event, all of whom had lots of reasons to smile. Whether it was the sumptuous dinner, or meeting friends from the past, or the Monte Carlo fundraising concept, or the raffles, or the steady stream of songs that got people on their feet and on the dance floor, the PHB Anniversary Gala Night was yet another testament to its organizers’ commitment to providing top-class entertainment.
Undoubtedly, however, the night belonged to the Philippine Heritage Band, which performed several songs under the masterful conduction of its music director, Denis Mastromonaco.

From the patriotic Canadian song “The Maple Leaf Forever” to its rendition of Filipino pop song “Pinoy Ako,” from John Williams’s iconic Superman movie theme to Ozzy Ozbourne’s “Crazy Train,” the band displayed its broad range of musical talent that only further proves why it is one of the country’s most decorated marching musical groups.

“It is apparent for the last 31 years, PHB continues to thrive as making a difference in developing the youth, entertaining our communities and preserving our heritage,” PHB president Carol Banez said.
“This is accomplished by the tireless efforts, dedication and commitment of PHB’s leaders and members with the objective of achieving this goal.”

Formed in 1980 originally as a dance orchestra, the PHB has grown into an award-winning marching and concert band, garnering several Best Band citations for its performances in Canada and the United States.
Lending further prestige to the gala night was the arrival of VIPs, which included Philippine Consul General Pedro Chan, Vaughan Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua, and Vaughan councillors Sandra Racco and Alan Schefman.
The PHB Anniversary Gala Night was funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation, as part of a two-year “York multicultural tour” grant.

Proceeds from the gala and Monte Carlo fundraiser, the latter organized by Ed Joaquin & Associates, will be used by PHB to acquire a new truck for transporting its instruments and other equipment. In connection with its truck project, PHB is accepting donations in exchange for a tax receipt for income tax purposes. For substantial donations, donor’s name will be prominently acknowledged, such as branding of donor’s corporate name on the new truck.

PHB is open for registration all-year round. Interested parties may visit www.phband.com for more information, or send an email to info@phband.com.

(PRESS RELEASE)