Pinoy Fiesta: To donate over a million pesos

Pinoy Fiesta: To donate over a million pesos

PCCF Officers with Fr. Fernando Suarez.

100,000 square feet or 22 basketball courts or 2 football  field of spaces at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre Hall D seems to be… not  big enough to handle the crowd at the Pinoy Fiesta & Trade Show sa Toronto,  quipped Marketing Chair, Rosemer Enverga.  

An estimated 14,000 to 15,000 guests passed through the gates of  the biggest event in the Philippine  Canadian community scene since the Centennial event. Pinoy Fiesta & Trade Show sa Toronto started two years ago as a partnership between Philippine Canadian Charitable Foundation (PCCF) and Philippine Chamber of Commerce Toronto (PCCT) kept its promise to bring a true Pinoy Fiesta in Toronto with all the Pomps, all the Actions…  Jimmy Marasigan, President of PCCF added, ‘All the colours that are well beyond everyone’s expectations’. On the same note, PCCT President, Oswald Tugadi  declared the Trade Show as a complete success.  

The all-day entertainment and shopping galore started with a solemn Spiritual service led by Deacon Bob Rosales, immediately followed by performances of the different community organizations, notably, Philippine Heritage Band, Cordillerans  and the Ati-atihan group. Program Chair, Sheila Canizares,  made sure that the program was entertaining.The performances surely gave lasting memories amongst the fiesta goers. But then, the day has just started … Santa Cruzan followed by the Little Miss Philippines Canada, Miss Philippines Canada and Mrs. Philippines Canada finals.The pageants were very entertaining, very professionally choreographed by Kim Belen and very exciting for everyone. Jackie of Montreal  commented,  “I did not realize that they were pageants until they presented trophies to the winners, ang galing!” 

Cora Achacoso of Windsor commented, “Miss Philippines-Canada is truly a prestigious pageant in the Philippine-Canadian community. I have never heard anywhere, where the winner of a pageantry is crowned by a prime time queen of the Philippines, Marian Rivera  and serenaded by Dingdong Dantes, one of the most popular stars in the Philippines”. 

The candidates for the Miss Philippines Canada 2012 pose with Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera at the Meet & Greet dinner during the Philippine-Canadian Charitable Foundation’s Pinoy Fiesta & Trade Show in Toronto. PHOTO: EUGENE DEOCAREZA

Marian and Dingdong on the stage made everyone scream in chorus and harmony to their limits, Marian, Marian, Dingdong, Dingdong. Everyone’s eyes were fixed and glued to the stars of the Fiesta as they entertained with their songs and dances, genuine talents and their great charisma. “We love you Marian!” shouted Rina Reyes of New Jersey.

Culture Philippines of Ontario captivated everyone with  their rendition of Singkil, what a colourful ensemble! The young and upcoming stars, the Angelos made a very memorable performance, now everyone knows why they are called the IL DIVOS of Asia, because they truly are, explained Fiesta Chair, Romy Rafael. Sports aficionados were never left behind , Ping Pong exhibition and Basketball shooting were ongoing  during the day, while thePacquiao-Bradley fight was shown late in the evening.  

The Divos and Divas of Toronto composed of  the best of  the best of our local talents, Mark De Guzman, Bong Castillo, Glenn Montera,  Jenifer Camacho, AmskyRamos-Chan, Candace Santos, Emilene Cruz, Jeanette Ricasio, Nicole Datol Bello, Little Divas: Jan “Lucky” Lucas, Elle Delizo, Vianne Gaerlan, JheoNavarro and Edessa Andrade cannot be upstaged, their repertoire of famous ballads. Their spine tingling and unforgettable rendition of “We are the World” was a paradise for the senses…they put  everyone to their feet,with everyone’s hands waving singing in unison to the tune of “.. to make a better world for you and me!”, a very fitting song for the fiesta… after all…Pinoy Fiesta is all about Charity, the event is all about giving.

Santacruzan participants onstage.

That same night, PCCF founder, Jun Enverga, announced that PCCF will donate more than one million pesos to build houses for the needy, to help the street children in the Philippines and other worthy charitable causes. 

PCCF and PCCT, organizers of the Pinoy Fiesta and Trade Showsa Toronto, would like to thank GMA Pinoy TV, the international channel of the number one TV station in the Philippines,  Bell, Western Union and all the sponsors. 

(PRESS RELEASE)