11 July 2011 - Upon the invitation of the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa, the Philippine Madrigal Singers (MADZ) performed at Embassy-organized events capping the 113th Anniversary of Philippine Independence on 10-11 July 2011.
On July 10, the MADZ was the featured choir at the Notre Dame Cathedral high mass attended by a largely Canadian congregation and foreign tourists.
A benefit concert followed on July 11 at the St. Joseph's Church before an adulating audience. Covered by CTV News, several standing ovations punctuated MADZ' performance of sacred music, Philippine choral works, opera and broadway songs, international pieces and Philippine airs which earned superlative reviews from Canadian, Filipino and music enthusiasts (visit www.philembassy-ottawa.com for reviews). The proceeds of the concert are expected to feed some 140 people daily for about a couple of months at St. Joe's Supper Table.
A mini-concert of the MADZ added warmth to Philippine hospitality at the National Day Reception hosted by Chargé d' Affaires Minerva Jean A. Falcon on July 11.
In her welcome remarks, CDA Falcon recalled the month-long festivities marking Philippine Independence Day and Rizal@ 150 and proceeded to deliver the good news on Philippine political and economic developments. She recognized Canada as an important bilateral partner and cited the half a million-strong Filipino community in Canada as the lynchpin of Philippines-Canada friendship reinforced by agreements on human resources development and deployment with the provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
Madame Falcon observed that the vision of His Excellency The Right Honourable David Johnston of a smart and caring Canada will find adherents in the Philippines.
In concluding her remarks, CDA Falcon proudly presented the Philippine Madrigal Singers in tribute to Philippine-Canada relations and Philippine independence day.
