21 June 2016 - Thousands of Filipinos participated in highly-anticipated festivities marking Philippine independence day and Philippine Heritage Week in Ottawa from 12 to 19 June 2016.
In a preview of things to come, Senator Tobias Enverga, Jr. led members of Filipino-Canadian communities in from Ottawa, Gatineau and the Greater Toronto Area in unfurling a giant Philippine flag on the iconic Parliament Hill on 9 June 2016. Philippine Ambassador Petronila P. Garcia and members of the Canada-Philippines Parliamentary Friendship Group took turns in greeting Filipino communities across Canada on the occasion of the 118th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine independence.
On the eve of Philippine independence day, Father Pedro Arana officiated mass in Pilipino at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Ottawa on 11 June 2016 and hosted fellowship dinner for his parish faithful.
Philippine flag flies high at Ottawa City Hall
The annual flag raising ceremony at the Ottawa City Hall in the morning of 12 June 2016 kickstarted the series of Philippine Heritage Week activities organized by the Philippine Independence Committee in the Ottawa Valley (PICOV) chaired by Mrs. Nora Arriola and supported by various Filipino organizations. In solemn rites, Ambassador Garcia and Ms. Arriola proudly hoisted the Philippine flag in a city painted with the warmest tones of diversity.
"A city government that recognizes the importance of roots nurtures a strong community," Amb. Garcia remarked.
Annual Independence Day Picnic gathers thousands despite rains
On the same morning, rains could not dampen the Filipino fiesta spirit as hordes of Filipino families and friends turned Vincent Massey Park into a virtual Philippine village. PICOV opened the annual independence day picnic with a joyous parade of colors led by Philippine Embassy personnel followed by member organizations of PICOV.
Samahang Ala Eh's Parada ng Lechon whetted appetites for a smorgasbord of Filipino fiesta food around the park. PICOV lined up around two dozen Filipino-Canadian talents in its program alongside a volleyball and chess tournament.
In her remarks, Ambassador Garcia cited the fruits of a community united in its aspirations. "As we celebrate Philippine independence day in Canada, we ought to also cheer unsung heroes, including parents toiling for their children to someday make their mark as Filipinos and good citizens of our planet. Just as we endeavor to keep our families indivisible, so should we remain united in contributing to our country's progress. There is no duty too hefty for the heart of a patriot or a challenge that can break our grit," Ambassador Garcia stated.
The Nightingales liven up Philippine Independence Gala
For its culminating activity, PICOV introduced live entertainment to its annual Independence Day Ball on June 17 at the Centurion Conference and Event Centre with a mini-concert staged by The Nightingales, the formidable vocal duo of Bianca Camille Lopez and Aizel Izza Prietos. True to their art, the duo soprano's flawless rendition of Philippine folk songs and popular standards brought the audience to their feet.
Ambassador Garcia congratulated PICOV for organizing the series of events that instil pride in Philippine identity, year after year. "From the flag raising at City Hall and the huge picnic at Vincent Massey last Sunday to this grand ball, PICOV has done justice to our observance of the 118th anniversary of Philippine independence. All throughout Philippine Heritage Week, our community in Ottawa bonded in celebratory events that proclaimed our pride in culture and history. We came together as a one community collectively and emphatically declaring "Ako ay Pilipino!" she said.
The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) supported the PICOV in this endeavor by way of sponsorship for The Nightingales. END