15 June 2019, Ottawa – Philippine Ambassador to Canada Petronila P. Garcia and officers and staff of the Embassy of the Philippines joined more than six hundred guest during the annual Gala organized by the Philippine Independence Committee of the Ottawa Valley (PICOV) in commemoration of Filipino Heritage Month and the 121st Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence. The Gala was held on Saturday, 15 June 2019, in Ottawa.

Highlights of the evening include performances of Tinikling and Binasuan by the Philippine Dance Troupe of Ottawa (PDTO), renditions of “Ako ay Pilipino” and “Tagumpay Nating Lahat” by local singers, and Filipino folk songs performed on angklungs by the PDTO. PICOV awarded various raffle prizes during the program while the Knights of Rizal Gatineau Chapter announced the winners of the first Dr. Jose Rizal Bursary.

In her remarks as guest of honor, Ambassador Garcia congratulated PICOV on the successful conduct of its activities and enjoined the attendees to continue sharing their cultural heritage with the younger generation of Filipino-Canadians and the rest of their community. She also invited them to join the Philippine Embassy as the latter celebrates the 70th Anniversary of Philippines-Canada Relations in 2019.

Photos (clockwise from left) – Ambassador Garcia greets the audience during her remarks; Dr. Alfredo Formoso (left) of the Knights of Rizal Gatineau Chapter awards the Dr. Jose Rizal Bursary; PICOV Chairperson Nora Arriola opens the evening’s program; Members of PICOV pose for a group photo. END.