VANCOUVER via NICEDAY Coffee - Pinoy music icons Florante, Mike Hanopol and Heber Bartolome rocked the “Pista ng Bayan,” the celebration of the 118th Philippine Independence Day on June 4 at the Memorial South Park, Vancouver, British Columbia.
Philippine Opera company’s “ Harana” sing the Philippine National Anthem to open the grand celebration
Filipinos living here gathered as the Pista kicked off the Independence Day celebration with a “Paradang Pinoy,” a parade of cultural groups, associations, organizations, businesses, the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver, VIPs and special guests. The whole Filipino Canadian Community marched and danced to the beat of Ati-Atihan drums and Filipino music around the oval. There was lechon for everyone, raffles and giveaways, topped by all-expenses-paid trips to Las Vegas courtesy of Sukhi Bath Motors.
“The Pista ng Bayan at Memorial South Park is a long time tradition when the community gathers together for a whole day event and showcase various aspects of Filipino Culture,” says Joel Castillo, president of the United Filipino-Canadian Association in British Columbia (UFCABC), the conglomerate of over 20 Filipino community groups and associations in the province. It is the largest Filipino-Canadian Organization to date and has the biggest support.
Stalls featured food, civil, business and commercial companies showcasing their products and services to the thousands of people who attended the event. A day-long entertainment program featured local artists, games, performances and lots of prizes and giveaways that represent the Filipino culture.
The three legends of Pinoy rock and folk music were given recognition by the UFCABC. Singer-entertainer GG Starr also performed.Filipino-American rapper Apl.de.Ap, who was supposed to receive the Hero Award, was a no-show.
“It was great hearing Filipino music again, and amazingly from music icons such as Florante, Hanopol and Heber! Thanks to the organizers,” said Fil-Canadian Christian Cunanan.
The other event is the Gala Night, a crown event that highlights the rich culture and tradition of the Filipino-Canadian community. The UFCABC, in cooperation with the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver headed by Consul General Neil Ferrer, Deputy Consul Anthony Achilles Mandap, and Vice Consul Charmaine Guevara will host the Gala Night on June 11at the Westin Bayshore in Vancouver BC.
The original diva, Asia’s Queen of Songs Ms. Pilita Corrales, Philcas and UP Choir will serenade the attendees who will dress up to the nines to enjoy the classy evening with exquisite food by the Westin Bayshore, great company, and quality entertainment with music by DJ Rommel. A photo booth courtesy of Toto Sager will capture great moments.
As the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver is also celebrating its 60th year, Consul General Ferrer says this event is “a rebirth of patriotism timely with the rapid changes in the politicosocial landscape in the Philippines.”
Gala Night tickets cost $90, with partial proceeds going to Ancop Canada.
Platinum sponsors are Mr. Sukhi Bath of Sukhi Bath Motors, TFC care of Ms. Rosary S. Escaño, 88 Supermarket, and the Philippine Airlines care of Allan Coo.
Major sponsors are Pinoy Buzz (Janice Lozano, Roque Valdes Juatco Jr.) UMAC Express Cargo (Larry Baguisa) UMAC Vancouver, Philippine Asian Chronicle, Philippine Chronicle, Marlon Parel, Maylani Ventura Parel, Benjo Peralta, Surrey Hearing Care (Maria Greaves), Reyfort Media Group (Rey Fortaleza, Araceli Angeles Fortaleza), CNM Communications (Zeala Cortes), and Alberto & Alma Nisperos.
Minor sponsors include Bro Marv, Cabalen Sweets (Jay Nocom), Grandt Luz Kitchen (Neil Molenderas, Rina Fajardo Molenderas), Kumare Restaurant & Bakery (Mary Loa), Valley View Funeral Home & Cemetery, Jesus Is Lord (Gi Laurel-Emas), Star Box, Suki’s Hair Salon (James Valiant), Aim World Canada (Mirasol Kahila), PPC (Pilipino Patriots of Canada), AJ Insurance, Megaworld (Melandra Bonitas), Scotiabank, Lina’s Floral (Lina DeLa Cruz), JRAM Pastor Aldrin Navo, IRemit, Langara College, Empire Landmark Hotel (Rosanna Araneta), WFG Organo Gold
(Des Jardines), and Ria Financials.
Media partners are Shaw care of Sandra Murphy, Vancouver 24 Hours, RF Media Group, Pinoy Buzz Media (Janice Lozano, Roque Juatco), Philippine Asian Chronicle (Roque Perona Juatco Erlinda Valdes Juatco), Philippine Asian News Today (Rey Fortaleza, Araceli Angeles Fortaleza), Philippine Showbiz Today, Philippine News Canada (Rolly Fortaleza, Benilda Fortaleza, Rosette ZCorrea), Philippine Journal care of Irene Yatco and Lilia Tiamzon, Philippine Canadian Inquirer care of Alan Yong, Laarni E. Liwanag-de Paula, Dahong Pilipino care of Leo Orpilla Cunanan, Filipino Star care of Zeala Cortes, The Filipino Edition, Red 93.1 FM care of Irene Querubin, One Philippines care of Gigi Macaraeg, Jeepney Cafe care of Jon B. Y. Nieto, Stella Reyes Gary, and Welnoun Media Services care of Manny Noel Abuel.
Special thanks to TRIBU Productions and Services Company care of Cee Belg for designing the poster