The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto, in partnership with the Filipino-Canadian Association of Vaughan (FCAV), successfully held EMPOWER AND HEAL: Arnis + Hip-Hop + Wellness Day on Saturday, 29 November 2025, at the Patricia Kemp Community Centre Gym in Vaughan, Ontario, in observance of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW).

In her opening remarks, Consul General Kristine Leilani R. Salle emphasized the shared responsibility of communities to protect the rights, dignity, and safety of women and girls, and encouraged participants to actively promote zero tolerance for violence in homes, workplaces, and communities. She highlighted the strength of the Filipino-Canadian community—nearly one million nationwide—as a powerful force for collective action against gender-based violence.

Participants took part in an Arnis and hip-hop fusion workshop, led by Senior Master JB Ramos of Combat Science: Warrior Arts of Asia and Queenie Seguban of School of Groove and Outside Looking In. The session combined self-defense, discipline, and creative expression, underscoring empowerment through both movement and culture.

The event featured speakers and facilitators who shared their experiences and expertise in support of ending violence against women:

• JB Ramos and Queenie Sequban – Warrior Moves: Arnis + Hip-Hop Fusion Workshop
• Constable Jorshenelle Delizo Guerra – Toronto Police Service
• Shankari Balendra – Case Manager, Resilient Together Project
• Philomena Ohuoba – Legal and Transitional Support Worker, The Redwood
• Pinky Paglingayen – Settlement Counsellor, The Neighbourhood Organization
• Esel Paniaqui – Co-Researcher, Community Justice Initiative
• Jenny Macabenta – Founder and Principal Lawyer, Advocare Law
• Janice Villanueva – Certified Mindfulness Facilitator and Meditation Teacher

The audience included the Philippine Consulate General staff headed by Consul General Kristine Leilani Salle, Deputy Consul General Kerwin Tate, Consul Rodney Sumague, Consul Katrina Martin, Cultural Officer Tey Samonte, and the rest of the Consulate team.

At the end of the program, Consul General Salle presented Certificates of Participation to all attendees.

FCAV participants included Sonny Martinez, Merly Raposas, Mary Ann Joplo, Lurvie Deblois, Gloria Dungca, Tony Insigne, and Erlinda Insigne.

For tickets, please contact:

• Merly Raposas: 647-887-2589, merlyr01@hotmail.com
• Claribel Antonio: 416-970-7965, clar_antonio@yahoo.ca
• Jonalyn Coloma: 647-824-8345, colomajonalyn@yahoo.com
• Mina Benesa: 647-880-1858, Mina.benesa@yahoo.ca
• Edna De Guzman: 647-203-2468, saclaoedna@yahoo.ca

The Vaughan Fiesta Extravaganza is a festive celebration that commemorates and honors Filipino Heritage Month, held on July 4-6 at Dufferin District Park, 1441 Clark Avenue West, Vaughan. Since its establishment in 2018, VFE has grown into a vibrant celebration of Filipino culture, proudly showcasing this year’s theme: “Sining, Sayaw, at Saya!” (Art, Dance, and Joy).

This exciting three-day festival features spectacular concerts by local talents and special headline performances by Kyle Echarri and Joross Gamboa—Filipino actors, singer, and model—whose energy and voice captivated the audience.

Attendees of the event enjoyed dynamic cultural performances, traditional dances and music, and interactive booths highlighting Filipino heritage. For food lovers, a delicious selection of Filipino dishes like pancit, lechon, halo-halo, and bibingka offered a true taste of the Philippines.

With traditional family-friendly activities, and cultural exhibits, VFE fosters community spirit and multicultural appreciation. It is a celebration that brings people of all backgrounds together in joy, unity, and learning.

We extend heartfelt thanks to our dignitaries incl: Hon. Kerwin Tate, Deputy Consul Gen. of the Philippines, TO; Hon. Steven Del Duca, Mayor of Vaughan and Members of Council (Deputy Mayor Linda Jackson, RC Gino Rosati, RC Mario Racco, Councillors Chris Ainsworth and Gila Martow); Melissa Lantsman, MP for Thornhill & Deputy Leader of the Conservative of Canada; Ms. Salma Zahid, MP for Scarborough Centre – Don Valley East, Toronto; Anna Roberts, MP for King-Vaughan & Shadow Minister for Seniors & for Status of Women; Michael Guglielmin, MP for Vaughan-Woodbridge; Hon. Michael Tibollo, MPP for Vaughan-Woodbridge and Associate Atty. General of Ontario; Laura Smith, MPP for Thornhill and Parliamentary Asst., Minister of Municipal Affairs & Housing. As well, we thank the organizers, parade participants, emcees, and technical teams for their dedication, support, and commitment. Your efforts continue to make Vaughan Fiesta Extravaganza a resounding success.

Thank you for celebrating with us!

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/16YpuQhmyi/

On June 8, the Filipino Canadian Association (FCAV) and the Philippine Heritage Band (PHB)
jointly celebrated the 127th anniversary of Philippine Independence. The celebration
commenced with a solemn flag-raising ceremony by the Filipino Canadian Association of
Vaughan, Merly Raposas and Attila Magyar. It was followed by outstanding Stand-Up
Performance of PHB, heartfelt greetings, program and vibrant cultural entertainment by the
Christian Family Global Church and BIBAAK that showcased the rich heritage of the Philippines.
It was then followed by the magnificent choir performance by The Young Voices of St. Paschal
Baylon Church, instructor Leonina Magtibay; followed by a beautiful Folk Dance called
“Alitaptap” by the Scarborough Ontario Seniors Association coached by Carol Banez, SOSA
president. The festivities were brightened by the delightful Filipino dishes, adding delight to the
occasion. Erlinda, FCAV president delivered opening remarks. The event was graced by the
esteemed presence and greetings of Hon. Kerwin Tate, Deputy Consul General of the
Philippines, Toronto; Hon. Steven Del Duca, Mayor of Vaughan; Anna Roberts, Member of
Parliament, King-Vaughan and Shadow Minister for Seniors and Laura Smith, Member of
Provincial Parliament for Thornhill and Parliamentary Assistant to the Municipal Affairs and
Housing. As well, event was attended by Melissa Lantsman, Member of Parliament for Thornhill
and Deputy Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada; Michael Guglielmin, Member of
Parliament for Vaughan-Woodbridge and Members of Council: Deputy Mayor Linda Jackson, RC
Mario Ferri, RC Gino Rosati, RC Mario Racco, Ward 1 Councillor Marilyn Iafrate, Ward 4
Councillor Chris Ainsworth,and Ward 5 Councillor Gila Martow, Several associations attended,
namely, Scarborough Federation of Filipino Canadian, president Mrs. Monina Serrano Lim;
Mabuhay Lions Club, pres Bong Angeles; Association of Filipino Accountants (AFCA), Sonny
Martinez; The Young Voices of St. Paschal Baylon Church, Leonila Magtibay Instructor;
Scarborough Ontario Seniors Association, president, Carol Banez; Jesus Is Lord Church, Maple-
Vaughan; BIBAAK, pres, Johnson Aben; Garnet W. Williams Seniors Club, Millie Lam; FCAV
Zumba, Christian Family Global Church, pastor Marilyn Baguilod, FCAV officers and members,
PHB officers and members and others.

The closing remarks was provided by Lynne Sanders, Vice- President, PHB. We extend our
deepest gratitude to everyone who participated and contributed to the success of this
memorable event. Special thanks to the incredible Masters of Ceremonies, Nestor Von Canton,
MCBN Media Group/ PINOY Radio Inc. and Keesh Marcial who skillfully guide the program, and
to the Planning Committee and Event Volunteers of FCAV and PHB, and all volunteers and
donors whose joint efforts and dedication were instrumental in organizing this celebration.
Maraming salamat po!

127th Anniversary of Philippine Independence Video:

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1CG6xNSdSY/

We thank Councillor Chris Ainsworth for providing the video.

✨ FCAV – Spring Dinner Dance Party! ✨

Join us for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and community spirit at the Spring Dinner Dance on May 3, 2025, at 5:00 PM at Patricia Kemp Community Centre (7894 Dufferin St., Vaughan). 

This fundraising event supports the Filipino-Canadian Association of Vaughan (FCAV) in its mission to restore and relocate the Twin City Marker in Baguio City, Philippines—a symbol of friendship between Vaughan and Baguio, once a tourist attraction since 2016 but now in need of uplift.

For more information, contact:
Claribel – 416-970-7965 | Email: clar_antonio@yahoo.ca
Jonalyn – 647-800-6284 | Email: colomajonalyn@yahoo.com
Mina – 647-880-1858 | Email: mina.benesa@yahoo.ca

#SpringDinnerDance2025 #FCAVFundraiser #BaguioVaughanTwinning #DanceForACause #CommunityStrong

Lighting Ceremony at Vaughan City Hall: A vibrant celebration of 75 years of diplomatic relations between Canada and the Philippines, held on December 2, 2024. Attended by the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto, members of the Filipino-Canadian Association of Vaughan, City of Vaughan officials, and the Toronto Police Force, the event highlighted unity, friendship, and cultural heritage shared between the two nations. https://www.facebook.com/share/18FXwTe9w7/