The first-ever Pasko ng Bayan at the Assumption Church in Ottawa on 27 December 2011 brought together members of the Filipino community in a fundraiser for relief efforts in areas devastated by tropical storm Sendong in the Philippines.
All told, the two-hour event raised over $1,000 which will be donated in the name of the Filipino community in Ottawa to the Canadian Red Cross for Sendong relief efforts. More fundraising campaigns are expected to unfold in the coming weeks.
Ambassador Gatan delivers his Christmas message as well as those of President Aquino and Secretary Del Rosario
Spearheaded by the Philippine Embassy, the Pasko ng Bayan celebrated the Filipino spirit of Christmas embodied in the colorful parol, sumptuous kakanin and lively Christmas carols.
(L) Amb. Gatan administers the Oath of Allegiance to Canadian citizens who have reacquired their Filipino citizenship namely, Rafael Mamaril, Betty Obas and Manuel Alialy
Ambassador Leslie B. Gatan conveyed the Christmas messages of President Benigno S. Aquino III and Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert F. Del Rosario, as well as his own, to a full house. The Embassy also took the occasion to promote Overseas Absentee Voting, Dual Citizenship and the 7th Ambassadors, Consuls General and Tourism Directors Tour.
(L) Gauthier-Mamaril Family and (R) the CFC-SFC ensemble render Christmas carols
Participants in the parol contest, food bazaar and Christmas carols contest gave the affair a buzz while special numbers from talented Filipino singers put the audience in a jovial mood. Taking the top prizes were Bobbit Mamaril for the parol contest, the CFC-SFC ensemble for the Christmas carols contest and the Samahang Ala Eh for the food bazaar.
Contest and raffle prizes were donated by Ambassador and Mrs. Leslie B. Gatan, Western Union, The Filipino Channel (TFC) and Galleon Gateway Travel Company.
Ambassador and Mrs. Gatan lead the officers and staff of the Philippine Embassy in Pasko ng Bayan's closing number
Pasko ng Bayan culminated with the audience singing beloved Filipino Christmas songs led by Ambassador and Mrs. Gatan and the officers and staff of the Philippine Embassy.