July 28, 2017 , 03:12pm

The Philippine Festival Mississauga soars high

Kapamilya artist, Matteo Guidicelli

By Babeth Cerbas

The Philippine Festival Mississauga, formerly known as Fiesta ng Kalayaan, held on July 8-9, 2017 was undeniably a huge success. This annual summer event, now on its seventh year, celebrates the rich culture of the Filipinos living in Canada. The festival is always a crowd-pleaser especially that it is yearly celebrated at the Celebration Square, the center of entertainment in the heart of Mississauga. Seen on the venue are the people from different ethnicities, young and old alike who wanted to see and taste in all of its festivities.

No less than the Honourable Mayor of Mississauga, Bonnie Crombie, Ward 4 Councillor, John Kovac, Ward 6 Councillor, Ron Starr, Dipika Damerla, MPP, representing the riding of Mississauga East, Senator Tobias C. EnvergaJr., Province of Ontario, the former Mayor Hazel McCallionand other municipal leaders and dignitaries graced the special festival and expressed their admiration and support to the Filipino Canadians’ working class who are contributing greatly to Mississauga’s economy and to the whole of Canada.

The two days event was blessed with warm, sunny weather. Most of the people, in a picnic style manner, sat comfortably on the green lawn while enjoying the various performances of the local talents from Mississauga and around the Greater Toronto Area. A variety of performances like songs, dances, music, video slides and even public dancing gave energy and life to the festival. The children also had fun playing in the Kids Village where a giant inflatable bouncing castle waited for them to be explored. Overall, the festival has a party atmosphere and really a sight to behold.

The festival will not be completed without the food booths that served sumptuous Filipino delicacies, snacks, and desserts. Filipinos and non-Filipinos who came over to celebrate had the chance to taste these treats for a standard cost. There were also the local businesses and establishment booths around the Celebration Square to sell their products, inform or offer their services.

Fiesta Filipina Dance Troupe

Among the highlights of the two day festival was the opening parade where a huge Philippine flag was held proudly by leaders and members of the Filipino community. The TFC (The Filipino Channel) Hour which featured Kapamilya artist, Matteo Guidicelli, a well-known movie and TV actor in the Philippine showbiz who was the main attraction of the festival that jam packed the venue. And the presence of Chief Stacey LaForme of the Mississaugas of The New Credit First Nations also graced the occasion and left a very inspiring message for the crowd on unity and equality among members of the Canadian Society and being good stewards of the Mother earth.

The Philippine Festival Mississauga is a full force joint effort by Kalayaan Filipino Cultural Organization (KFCO), the Kalayaan Cultural Community Centre (KCCC), Fiesta Filipina Dance Troup, Cultural Philippines of Ontario and the Toronto Paskuhan Village. The success of the festival was made possible by these Filipino organizations, Ms. Linda Clarin, chair of the event, Mr. Tommy De Guia, head of the program committee, funding from the City of Mississauga, ABS / CBN generous sponsors, dedicated Filipino volunteers, and the multitude of people who came, experienced and enjoyed the festival.

(All photos by Rene Sevilla)