Photo Caption: Clockwise from left: 1. Dr. Kristmanson, Secretary Teo, and Ambassador Garcia, 2. Secretary Teo explains the Philippine Exhibit to GAC Director General Ian Burchett, 3. Dr. Kristmanson, Secretary Teo and Ambassador Garcia try out the Jeepney at the exhibit, and 4. Ms. Jasmine Maierhofer models one Renee Salud’s creations.
20 November 2017, Ottawa – The Philippines formally opened its exhibit at Canada’s International Pavilion with a stunning display of artistry and craftmanship as it showcased “Philippine Tapestry,” a grand fashion show of neo-ethnic designs by top Filipino couturier Renee Salud using indigenous hand-woven textiles from different tribal groups in the Philippines and featuring cultural dance company Siningtala.
“Halo-Halo: The Multicultural Roots of the Filipino Diaspora” will be open to the public from 21 November to 8 December 2017 at the International Pavilion on 7 Clarence Street, Ottawa. The exhibit includes colorful displays on Philippines – Canada relations, the Filipino Diaspora in Canada, famous places in the Philippines, arts and crafts, furniture, and other cultural items. Visitors can also expect daily dance performances from Siningtala, weaving demonstrations, native Filipino coffee and snacks, traditional games and other activities for children. As part of the exhibit, screenings of internationally acclaimed Filipino films will also be conducted.
The word “halo-halo” literally means “mix-mix” and is also the name of a popular snack composed of candied fruits, jellies, sweet beans, purple yam, and flan topped with milk and shaved ice. The snack is deemed an apt description of Filipino society and its cultural heritage, which is a diverse mix brought about by the country’s history and its countless interactions with other cultures around the world.
“We are pleased to welcome Halo-Halo, an exhibition celebrating Filipino culture and the contributions Filipino-Canadians have made to Canada. Visitors will be able to experience Canada’s Filipino Diaspora at the International Pavilion as part of the celebrations for Canada’s 150th anniversary,” said Dr. Mark Kristmanson, Chief Executive Officer of Canada’s National Capital Commission (NCC).
Philippine Ambassador to Canada Petronila Garcia thanked Canada’s National Capital Commission for giving the Philippines the opportunity to mount the exhibit, noting that Canadians of Filipino descent now number almost one million. “As the cold winds blow on Ottawa, allow us to share with you the traditional warmth and hospitality of the Philippines,” she urged the audience that packed the Embassy’s Mindanao Hall during the Opening Reception for the Exhibit.
Philippine Secretary of Tourism Wanda Corazon Teo graced the occasion, flying in from the Philippines to attend this rare event. “Given that Filipinos are now one of the largest ethnic groups in Canada, we hope for better understanding of our culture and how the Filipinos’ way of life adapts harmoniously to the rest of Canadian society. We are a proud nation of individuals that look beyond one’s place of birth, gender, and race,” she noted.
The Philippine exhibit is organized by the Embassy of the Philippines in cooperation with Canada’s National Capital Commission, the Philippine Department of Tourism, Tourism Promotions Board, Philippine Airlines, and the Film Development Council of the Philippines.
Admission to the exhibit is free. For inquiries, contact 613.233.1121 (ext. 209) or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Exhibit hours: 21 November to 8 December 2017
Tuesday to Sunday – 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Thursdays – 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Mondays - Closed