PIDC’s Summer line-up of events and the Mabuhay Festival

PIDC’s Summer line-up of events and the Mabuhay Festival

The Philippine Independence Day Council (PIDC), marking more than 15 years as an incorporated, volunteer-based organization, has prepared another stellar year of community events.  With the vision and leadership of its President, Norma Carpio, PIDC remains focused on its goal of showcasing the best of Philippine heritage and culture.

Miss Philippines PIDC and Little Miss Philippines PIDC 2012

PIDC is celebrating its 13th year of finding the most beautiful, talented, young Filipina women through its Miss Philippines PIDC Pageant.   9 contestants vied for the title and then be chosen to be the Ambassadress of Goodwill for the year. 

The pageant was hosted by Jeff Rustia, an award winning Canadian broadcaster, TV host, creative director and executive producer.  His co-emcees were Macey Atienza, Miss Philippines PIDC 2011 and Naomi Macapagal, Miss Philippines PIDC 2010.

The event was held on Saturday, June 2, 2012 at the Bishop Marrocco/Thomas Merton Catholic Secondary School located at 1515 Bloor Street West. 

Salu-Salo sa Earl Bales Park Commuity Picnic

Mark your calendars and enjoy the largest Filipino-Canadian Community Pot-Luck Picnic in Ontario.  “Salu-Salo sa Earl Bales Park”, held since 1999, has attracted thousands of Filipino-Canadians every year to enjoy the outdoors, partake in great food and catch all-day entertainment.  The picnic has also been interlaced with the Mabuhay Cup Volleyball Tournament. The picnic will be held on Saturday, June 16, 2012 at Earl Bales Park located at the corner of Bathurst Street and Sheppard Avenue.  Anyone interested in becoming a vendor or if you would like to perform, please call Filomena Ticzon at (416) 560-8433/email at nene.ticzon@yahoo.com. For inquiries about participating in the volleyball tournament, please call Vilma Tahsin at (416) 697-7201/email at vmt_28@yahoo.com.

Mabuhay Cup Golf Tournament

In keeping with PIDC’s goal of bringing together the community through sport, the first annual Mabuhay Cup Golf Tournament has been organized to encourage camaraderie and fair play.  The tournament will be held on Sunday, June 24, 2012 at the Richmond Hill Golf Club located at 8755 Bathurst Street, Richmond Hill. 

Independence Day Ball with Dancing to be a Star

PIDC will hold an Independence Day Ball in conjunction with Dancing to be a Star.  This year will be extra special with cultural presentations, dancing competitions and the PIDC Royal Waltz Dancers performing.    The Ball is scheduled on Saturday, July 7, 2012 at the Capitol Banquet Centre located at 6435 Dixie Road. 

Mabuhay Cup Basketball Championship Tournament

Another PIDC event is the 9th annual Mabuhay Cup Basketball Championship Tournament.  This year’s event will be held on July 20 – 22, 2012 at the Hoop Dome located at 75 Carl Hall, Toronto.  Over 60 teams consisting of various age groups will be competing during this 3-day tournament.    

Mabuhay Festival and Trade Show with Sam Milby and other surprise guests

The highlight of every summer schedule within the Filipino-Canadian community is the Mabuhay Festival and Trade Show. It continues to be the largest celebration of Philippine heritage and culture in Ontario.  The festival has been organized by PIDC since 2000.  The event is on Saturday, July 28, 2012 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, South Building, Hall “D”, Level 800 – 222 Bremner Boulevard, Toronto.  Doors open at 9 am.

The Mabuhay Festival proudly presents the best homegrown talents in dance, music, visual arts and fashion featuring Culture Philippines of Ontario, Fiesta Filipina Dance Troupe, Hanau I Ka Hula Na Kane, a Kundiman Harana, a fashion show hosted by Jeff Rustia and much more.  Also, the “Manila Sound” is alive and well and can be heard in a special one-hour OPM program produced by Mon Torralba. 

Last year, the Mabuhay Festival helped host ABS CBN TFCkat Competition.  In 2012, individuals selected to compete in the Territory Finals will be performing at the Mabuhay Festival with the winner moving on to compete in the Grand Finals in Vancouver.  Interested participants must be a Filipino citizen or of Filipino lineage based in Canada, must also be 12 to 50 years old as of May 1, 2012 and have any kind of talent they wish to showcase.  To join, simply upload a 3 – 5 minute audition video at www.tfckat.com and fill out the on-line entry form.  Deadline for entries is June 22, 2012.  The Grand Prize winner will be awarded $3,000 USD in Cash prize, a slot in the auditions for Pilipinas Got Talent, a round trip ticket with accommodations for 2 to the Philippines and TV guestings within TFC programs to be seen around the world. 

ABS-CBN Canada has just announced that Sam Milby and Randy Santiago will be gracing the stage at this year’s Mabuhay Festival.  Sam is an actor, model, TV host and recording artist who is one of the most recognizable talents from the ABS CBN roster. 

Exhibitiors – Do not be left behind, reserve your booth now!

Good booth locations are still available.  Thousands of people attend the festival every year and the attendance just keeps growing.  Take advantage of the Early Bird Rate of $299 (non-prime).  Call Evelyn Pagkalinawan at (416) 369-1318/email: evelynp2011@yahoo.com or Minda Neri at (416) 621-4985/ email: vox999@gmail.com.  For sponsorship inquiries, please call Mike Aprieto at (416) 407-6453/email at yah407mike@yahoo.com. 

For information on all PIDC events, call (416) 975-1473 or check out our website at www.pidctoronto.com. 

(PRESS RELEASE)