8 May 2017 – The Embassy of the Philippines joined Ottawa’s Asian communities in celebrating Asian Heritage Month at the Sir John A. MacDonald Building on Parliament Hill. Organized by the Senate of Canada, this annual tradition was attended by Parliamentarians, employees and staff of Parliament, as well as members of Ottawa’s diverse communities.

Cultural items and traditional cuisine from China, India, Korea, Pakistan, The Philippines, and Vietnam were featured in different booths manned by volunteers. The Philippine booth showcased a variety of Filipino hand-made crafts such as baskets, fabrics, and capiz décor. Materials on famous Philippine tourist destinations were also on display, and complimentary samples of pancit bihon (rice noodles with chicken and vegetables), maja blanca (coconut pudding) and biko (sticky rice cake) were provided to guests.

The celebration was capped by cultural performances from the different groups. Representing the Philippines, Miguel Luis Moreno of the Philippine Embassy and Christian Ocampo and Angelique Maiquez of the University of Ottawa delivered a rousing rendition of The Prayer in Filipino and English.

The theme for the Government of Canada’s Asian Heritage month campaign for 2017 is “Celebrating the Contributions of Asian Canadians: Canada 150.” END