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/

Celebrating 27 Years of Friendship and Collaboration: Twinning Anniversary Between Vaughan, Canada and Baguio, Philippines

The Filipino-Canadian Association of Vaughan (FCAV) proudly marked the 27th anniversary of the twinning agreement between the City of Vaughan, Ontario, and Baguio City, Philippines, an occasion that celebrates the longstanding friendship, cultural exchange, and shared growth between our two vibrant communities.

Since its inception in 1997, this twinning relationship has been a beacon of collaboration, bringing together residents of both cities through cultural, social, educational, and economic opportunities. From student exchanges and economic development missions to the celebration of Filipino Day and the Filipino heritage in Vaughan, this unique partnership has fostered countless memorable exchanges and life-changing experiences. It is a testament to the enduring bond between Canada and the Philippines.

This year’s celebration was graced by the presence of Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, along with other distinguished guests and delegates from the Philippines, who were warmly welcomed by Vaughan Mayor Steven Del Duca and his team. Their participation underscores the significance of this milestone and highlights the shared commitment of both cities to further strengthen this partnership.

In his congratulatory message, Mayor Del Duca expressed his gratitude to FCAV and its President, Erlinda Insigne, for their unwavering dedication and community service. “The Filipino-Canadian Association of Vaughan has been instrumental in realizing the full benefits of this twinning agreement, including multiple official visits, exchanges, and partnerships with Baguio City,” said Mayor Del Duca. “Vaughan is greatly enriched by their invaluable contributions.”

Throughout the years, FCAV has spearheaded numerous initiatives to promote and celebrate this twinning partnership. Highlights include the annual Filipino Day in Vaughan, the establishment of the Twin City Monument in Baguio and the Sister City sign in Vaughan, the creation of the Philippine Canadian Friendship Parkette, and the Vaughan Fiesta Extravaganza. These efforts have fostered a greater appreciation for Filipino culture in Vaughan and strengthened the ties between our two cities.

One of the most recent milestones includes the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in February 2023 between the University of Baguio and Niagara University in Ontario, aiming to facilitate faculty and educational exchanges. This is one of many initiatives that illustrate the potential of this twinning agreement to open new doors for academic and professional growth on both sides.

In May 2023, Vaughan embarked on an Economic and Cultural Development Mission to Baguio City, further reinforcing this partnership and positioning Baguio as a gateway to the ASEAN region. This mission exemplifies the cities’ shared vision for fostering economic and cultural opportunities that benefit both communities.

As we celebrate this monumental anniversary, FCAV extends its heartfelt thanks to Mayor Del Duca, Vaughan’s Council, Members of Parliament, Members of Provincial Parliament, and the Philippine Consulate General of Toronto for their unwavering support. This journey would not have been possible without the dedication of FCAV’s officers, advisors, and members, whose hard work continues to ensure the success of this partnership.

The 27th anniversary of Vaughan-Baguio twinning is not just a celebration of the past; it is a commitment to the future. It serves as a model for other municipalities and a symbol of unity and shared values. With gratitude and optimism, we look forward to many more years of cooperation, growth, and friendship between Vaughan and Baguio. Mabuhay!

The Filipino Canadian Association of Vaughan (FCAV) hosted a Meet and Greet with Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines in Canada, Maria Andrelita S. Austria.
Ambassador Austria was accompanied by Consul General Angelica Escalona and Consul RJ Sumague of the Philippine Consulate in Toronto. Attendees included MP Anna Roberts for King-Vaughan, Regional Councillor Gino Rosati, members of the Toronto Police headed by Constable Don Louie Laurel, members of the Yes Friday Band, Arnel Cabales, Fiesta Extravaganza Organizer in Brampton, Zumba class headed by instructor, Aurora Laurel, Von Canton, Founder & CEO Philippine Fiesta Extravaganza, Gizele Mirasol Remax Broker and popular emcee, Frank Miele, Professor and FCAV Adviser and officers and members of FCAV.

In her speech, Ambassador Austria noted the lengthy existence of FCAV and praises the accomplishments of FCAV over the years including the Twinning of Baguio and Vaughan now in its 27th year and the services that FCAV offers which include welcoming personal support workers, offering computer training, tax preparation, seminar, band practice, religious services, and leisurely activities such as Zumba, Line Dancing, Martial Arts, Basketball, and Bingo, etc. She also commended FCAV for obtaining a 20 year lease of Patricia Kemp Community Centre (PKCC) for its use and for the use of community at large. PKCC is the home of FCAV, and MCBN Media Group/Pinoy Radio Inc. PKCC is also being used by the Glen Shields Soccer club, Philippine Heritage Band and other organizations.