24 November 2012 - Under the leadership of the Philippine Embassy, Filipino organizations banded anew for the annual celebration of the Paskong Bayan on 24 November 2012 at the Dominican University College (DUC) in downtown Ottawa.
Three competitions spotlighting Filipino Christmas traditions comprised the highpoints of the festivity, namely the State Farm Christmas Carols Contest, the Crowne Relocations Christmas Lantern Contest and the Embassy's Christmas Food Contest.
The Baker Street Carollers, a motley group of Filipino, Canadian and French heritage, topped the Christmas Carols competition with their moving rendition of Felipe de Leon's Payapang Daigdig and the English carol Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day.
Mr. Ed Escares bagged the first prize in the parol contest while Ms. Melba Panuncio and Ala Eh, a Batangueño organization, received the top awards in the food contest.
This year's program saw debut performances by talented Filipino and Canadian youth. Singing Sana Ngayong Pasko, Bailey Clinton, a Canadian student who lived in Makati City for 10 months, endeared herself to the audience by her command of the Filipino language and her fondness for Filipinos. Lorena Obas, a graphics design graduate and Sunday school teacher, focused attention on the true meaning of Christmas with her rendition of Holy Child. Belting out popular songs, newly-arrived migrants Marc and Bernice Reyes impressed the audience with their vocal prowess.
"As an Embassy initiative, the Paskong Bayan gives occasion for Filipino unity to endure beyond our independence day celebrations or disaster relief campaigns. I am elated by the consistent support of Filipino organizations and the participation of the community's youth in our program. The encouraging response to the Pasko ng Bayan for the second year running bodes well for a budding community tradition," Philippine Ambassador Leslie B. Gatan remarked.
In the day-long community program, the Paskong Bayan was held back to back with the Pista sa Nayon organized by Philippine Centre Canada (PCC) with the participation of the Embassy and Filipino organizations. Aptly themed "Moving Forward Together", the Pista celebrated the contributions of Filipino migrants to Canada's economy and multicultural mosaic while raising funds for the DUC, the current home of the PCC's computer and language training programs as well as information sessions devoted to the Filipino community.
Tinig Pinoy Radio's live broadcast featured an interview with Minister and Consul General Neil Frank Ferrer on the Embassy's consular and assistance-to-nationals services.
During the Pista sa Nayon, visitors availed themselves of free materials and advice readily provided by Embassy personnel manning the tourism and consular information desks.
On behalf of the Filipino community, Father Pedro Arana, parish priest of the Assumption Church, commended Ambassador Gatan for strengthening the Filipino community through unifying initiatives. END
Photo credits: Pepito Manalo (Tinig Pinoy), Danny Arriola (Philippine Centre Canada) and Albert Jerome Ilagan (Philippine Embassy)