The Filipino Day in Vaughan to commemorate the 120^th Anniversary of Philippine Independence was celebrated on Sunday, June 10, 2018. The Philippine flag was officially raised at 10:15 a.m. at the Courtyard of Vaughan City Hall. Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua and Members of Council:  Deputy Mayor Mario Ferri, Regional Councillors Gino Rosati and Sunder Singh; Councillors Marilyn Iafrate, Rosanna DeFrancesca, Sandra Racco and Alan Shefman attended the Flag Raising.  Also attended the ceremony were Bernadette Fernandez, Deputy Consul General, Philippine Consulate;  Hon. Peter Kent, P.C., MP for Thornhill; Deb Schulte, MP for King-Vaughan; Francesco Sorbara, MP Vaughan-Woodbridge; Michael Tibollo, MPP for Vaughan-Woodbridge; Stephen Lecce, MPP for King-Vaughan; residents and members of the community

Mayor Bevilacqua acknowledged the contributions of Filipinos in the City of Vaughan and awarded a plaque to the Planning Committee on the occasion of the 120^th Anniversary of Philippine Independence.

Deputy Consul General Fernandez delivered an inspiring message stating that June was declared Filipino month at Toronto Council as well as the Toronto School Board. In his message, Hon. Kent, noted that the Philippine flag is being raised at Parliament Hill which started by the late Senator Enverga.  MPs Deb Schulte emphasized that with the changes of immigration, her office assisted a lot of Filipinos applying for permanent status. MP Francesco Sorbara pointed out Filipinos are everywhere citing that in British Columbia where he grew up, this is a Filipino association who was founded in 1973. Both MPPs elect Michael Tibollo and Stephen Lecce reiterated their support to the Filipino Canadian Association of Vaughan particularly the need to raise funds to fix the roof of Patricia Kemp Community so that the more than 12000 Filipinos in Vaughan can continue to avail its use to promote their culture among others. We would like to acknowledge Frank Miele, honorary member and adviser of FCAV, for his tremendous support. Likewise, we thank Gary Gladstone, Liberal MP Candidate, for attending.

Following the speeches by dignitaries were entertainment and lunch featuring Filipino food. Philippine Heritage Band sang Lupang Hinirang and O Canada followed by Stand Up Performance;  The Paschal Strings played instrumental Music entitled “We Say Mabuhay” and “Kay Ganda ang Ating Musika”; The Fairhavens Filipino Adventist Church performed Angklung Ensemble entitled  “ Tinikling” and “ Battle Hymn of the Republic; and the Solid Rock Indigenous performed cultural dance which were later joined by Hon. Peter Kent and MP Deborah Schulte and MPP Stephen Lecce –  to the delight of the audience.

In her closing remarks, Carol, pres of PHB, emphasized that the celebration was successful due to the support of Mayor Bevilacqua and Members of Council; Deputy Consul General Fernandez and staff; MPs and MPPs, participants and volunteers.

The celebration was also successful due to the coordinated efforts the Planning Committee namely:  Erlinda Insigne, pres, Filipino Canadian Association of Vaughan (FCAV);  Carol Banez, pres, Philippine Heritage Band (PHB); Aurelia de Lara, vice-pres, PHB;  Deanna Patawaran, director, FCAV;  Leonina Magtibay, The Paschal Strings ; Pastor Jess Agol, Fairhavens Filipino Adventist Church;  Marilyn Baguilod, Solid Rock Indigenous; Nestor Von Canton and Joey Abrenilla, MCBN Media Group /Pinoy Radio Inc.

                                                          INVITATION

JOIN US AT OFFICIAL FLAG RAISING TO CELEBRATE THE 120th ANNIVERSARY OF PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE DAY

WHEN:      Sunday, June 10, 2018, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Photo opportunity at 10:00 a.m.

WHERE:   Vaughhan City Hall, 2141 Major Mackenzie Drive – at flagpoles near
front entrance (Southeast of Keele and Major Mackenzie)

WHAT:    To commemorate the 120th anniversary of Philippine Independence Day, the
City of Vaughan will officially fly the Filipino flag and recognize June 10 as
Filipino Day. The City of Vaughan is a twin city of Baguio, Philippines.
Following the flag raising, program and entertainment will be held at the
Courtyard followed by lunch featuring Filipino food.

WHAT:    Hon. Maurizio Bevilacqua, P.C., Mayor and Members of Council
Hon. Rosalita Prospero, Consul General, Philippine Consulate, Toronto
Hon. Peter Kent, P.C., Member of Parliament, Thornhill
Deborah Schulte, Member of Parliament, King-Vaughan
Francesco Sorbara, Member of Parliament, Vaughan-Woodbridge
Gila Martow, Member of Provincial Parliament, Thornhill
Michael Tibollo, Member of Provincial Parliament, Vaughan-Woodbridge
Stephen Lecce, Member of Provincial Parliament, King-Vaughan
Filipino-Canadian Association of Vaughan
Philippine Heritage Band
The Paschal Strings
Fairhavens Adventist Church
Solid Rock Indigenous Group
MCBN Media Group / Pinoy Radio Inc.
Residents and Community Groups

Contact:  Carol 4164539348        Aurelia 6478955583        Linda 4166704498                    

You are cordially invited to our Filipino-Canadian Association of Vaughan (FCAV) fundraising event.

The Spring Dinner Dance Fundraising event is focused on raising funds, which will be used to to repair the south and west walls of the gym at Patricia Kemp Community Centre (PKCC), which have been damaged by rain leaks in recent years. PKCC is the home of FCAV and used by the associated groups and the community at large. The event will take place on May 26, 2018 at Patricia Kemp Community Centre, 7894 Dufferin Street, Concord ON L4K 1R6. It promises to be a great event, with over 120 people attending and having fun and network for a worthwhile cause.

We need your support for this event. Here is how you can reach us. Simply click on the hyperlink.

• Dinner Dance @$50.00 Ticket Purchase

Includes one entry fee

One meal (Cream of Mushroom Soup, Pork and Chicken BBQ,

Garlic Rice, Turon Bites, a choice of Halo Halo or Bubble Tea)

• Corporate Table @ $500.00

Includes eight entry fees

8-meal

Logo display

Selfie Banner Logo

• Not able to attend – we welcome your donation. Donate here.

Your contribution would be greatly appreciated and acknowledged.

The FCAV is a not-for-profit association formed in 1990 to provide assistance to Filipino-Canadians in need promotes community spirit among Filipinos and encourages participation in civic and social events. FCAV was instrumental in the realization of the Friendship Agreement between Baguio City and City of Vaughan. With over 10,000 Filipinos living in Vaughan, our mission is to build and establish a cultural center that will help uphold and preserve Filipino cultural traditions and values.

The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto is requesting Filipino Citizens to register for PHILIPPINE NATIONAL ELECTIONS. See details below:

REGISTRATION OF FILIPINO CITIZENS FOR

PHILIPPINE NATIONAL ELECTIONS

All Filipino citizens who are at least eighteen (18) years old by 13 May 2019 and have not yet registered as overseas voters here in Canada are invited to REGISTER to be able to VOTE during the 2019 mid-term Philippine national elections.

WHAT : The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto will conduct

Overseas Voting Registration for the 2019 Philippine national elections

WHEN : SATURDAY, 12 May 2018

WHERE : FILIPINO CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF VAUGHAN

7894 DUFFERIN ST., VAUGHAN, ON L4K 1R6

TIME : 10 A.M. TO 4 P.M.

PLEASE BRING:

1) PHOTOCOPY OF PHILIPPINE PASSPORT and

2) PHOTOCOPY OF OATH OF ALLEGIANCE or IDENTIFICATION CERTIFICATE, if dual citizen (RA 9225)

The registration form may be downloaded at www.comelec.gov.ph or www.philcongen-toronto.com. We can also give you forms on the day of the registration.

See you in FILIPINO CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF VAUGHAN!

For more information, please contact:

7th Floor, 160 Eglinton Avenue East, Toronto, ON M4P 3B5 Tel. 416-922-7181 Fax. 416-992-2638 Website: www.philcongen-toronto.com Email: consularmatters@philcongen-toronto.com

The City of Vaughan and Baguio City, Philippines celebrated the 20^th Anniversary of the Friendship Agreement (otherwise known as “Twinning”) on Saturday, October 28, 2017 at Patricia Kemp Community Centre, 7894 Dufferin St., Vaughan, Ontario, Canada. The event was organized by the Filipino-Canadian Association of Vaughan (FCAV) in partnership with the Economic Development of the City of Vaughan.

Established on October 30, 1997, the objective of the Friendship Agreement was to promote social, cultural and educational exchanges and economic opportunity between the two cities.

Since then, there have been official visits, educational endeavours, twin city signs, donation of goods and money, celebration of Philippine independence in Vaughan known as Filipino Day, granting of a 20 year lease of Patricia Kemp Community Centre by the City of Vaughan to FCAV and many other undertakings.

The eight member delegation headed by Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan was hosted by the City of Vaughan for 5 days and stayed at Springhills Suites, Marriott, Vaughan. The guests

included Mrs. Rebecca Domogan (wife of Mayor Domogan), Atty. Betty Lourdes Tabanda (former Councillor and past Chair of the Sister City Committee)  and husband Engr. Jun Tabanda, Ryan Mangusan (Executive Assistant to the Mayor), Betty Fangasan (Manager, Department of Social Welfare)  Edith Furigay, Asst. Manager, Department of Social Welfare) and Judith Iniguid (Secretary to the Mayor).

The guests toured the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre (new downtown of Vaughan) and had a lunch reception at the Eagles Nest.  Both Mayor Domogan and Mayor Bevilacqua signed a certificate to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Twinning, and took part in gift exchanges to the members of the delegation, Members of Council and other officials. The delegation toured McMichael Canadian Art Collection, CN Tower, Casa Loma and Niagara Falls. The guests also visited Aquaculture farm in Erin, Ontario, attended a reception of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce Toronto and listened to the presentations of Canadian Businessmen as well as members of the Philippine Trade Mission in Canada headed by the executive director of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Cora dela Cruz.

The final day of the visit was on October 28th at Patricia Kemp Community Centre (PKCC). Mayor Domogan was interviewed by the Pinoy Radio / MCBN Media Group. There was a ribbon cutting to mark the official opening of a parkette called “Filipino-Canadian of Vaughan Friendship parkette” to be installed at the southeast corner of PKCC. The actual celebration of the 20th anniversary of twinning took place Saturday night wherein the Mayor of Vaughan, Hon. Maurizio Bevilacqua and Members of Council, Member of Parliament Hon. Peter Kent of Thornhill, and other Members of Parliament and Members of Provincial Parliament, the Philippine Consul General as well as the residents of the community all attended.

The program was emceed by Rey Tolentino, director of FCAV. Entertainment included a cultural dance by children of the Solid Rock Indigenous, and the St. Paschal String group conducted by Leonina Magtibay performed instrumental string entitled “Anniversary Dance”.  Rev. Mario Lorenzana of St. Paschal Baylon Church led the invocation.

In his speech, Mayor Mauricio Domogan stated that the City of Baguio has a lot to learn from its sister city. He highlighted the innovation of Vaughan Metropolitan Centre (VMC) as the Vaughan’s New Downtown.

The Mayor of Baguio also emphasized the similarities between him and Vaughan Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua stating the same first name, same year they entered in politics, the number of times elected (10) and their service in the federal government / national government and local government. Mayor Domogan pointed out though that Mayor Bevilacqua is much younger and more handsome.

In her remarks, Erlinda Insigne, president of FCAV, welcomed Mayor Domogan and the Baguio City delegation. She emphasized the Filipino-Canadian Association of Vaughan thrived throughout the years in better servicing the Filipino community and FCAV is extremely proud of its accomplishments over the past 2 decades. She also thanked all the officers and members of FCAV whose hard work and dedication throughout the  years made this momentous occasion possible.

Hon. Pierre Poilievre, Shadow Minister for Finance, speaking at a Townhall with Business Owners on Wednesday, October 11, 2017, Patricia Kemp Community Centre, 7894 Dufferin St., Thornhill, ON, regarding unfair tax changes. We thank Hon. Peter Kent, MP for Thornhill, for organizing the event.

Filipino-Canadian Association of Vaughan (FCAV)

Cordially invites you to the  20^th Anniversary of Friendship Agreement between  the City of Vaughan (Canada) and Baguio City (Philippines). There will be a program, food, music, dances and a cultural show.  It will be a remarkable and memorable evening.

Special Guests:  Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan and company

Saturday, October 28, 2017, Patricia Kemp Community Centre (PKCC), 7894 Dufferin Street, Vaughan, Ontario, Canada, L4K 1R6 (one traffic light north of Centre St – on Dufferin).

For ticket and more information:  Email: fcav@rogers.com , phone: 905-881-4600 / 416-670-4498.

On Monday August 21, 2017, Member of Parliament for Vaughan-Woodbridge, Francesco Sorbara, dropped by Patricia Kemp Community Centre to congratulate Pinoy Radio Inc./ MCBN Media Group for their official opening in Vaughan and awarded them with a plaque.

In his message, MP Sorbara, commended Neston Von Canton, CEO Pinoy Radio Inc., for choosing City of Vaughan to be their new location. He noted that there is a growing Filipino population in his riding in Woodbridge.

Pinoy Radio Inc. / MCBN Media Group celebrated its official opening and blessings of their new broadcasting studio at Patricia Kemp Community Centre, 7894 Dufferin St., Vaughan, Ontario on Saturday, August 12, 2017.

The celebration started with Photoshoot, followed by MCBN studio blessings by Rev Fr. Ben Ebcas Jr., ribbon cutting led by Vaughan Mayor Bevilacqua and Consul General Prospero, followed by congratulatory messages, Boodle Fight! (Lunch) and entertainment!

The significant event was attended by friends in the community, business, some VIPs, radio/tv announcers and broadcasters, advertisers and media buyers. Attendees included Philippine Consul General Prospero, Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua, Councillor Sandra Racco, School Trustee Luz del Rosario, Stephen Lecce, Michael Tibollo, Miriam Ku , Frank Miele, Monina Serrano Lim and leaders of the community. Energetic Joey Abrenilla was the Emcee.

The Filipino Day in Vaughan to commemorate the 119^th Anniversary of Philippine Independence was celebrated on Sunday, June 11, 2017. The Philippine flag was officially raised at 10:30 a.m. at the Courtyard of Vaughan City Hall. Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua and Members of Council:  Deputy Mayor  Mario Ferri, Regional Councillor Gino Rosati; Councillors Alan Shefman, Marilyn Iafrate, Rosanna DeFrancesca, Sandra Racco  attended the Flag Raising.  Also attended the ceremony were Rosita Prospero, Consul General, Philippine Consulate, Bernadette Fernandez, Deputy Consul General; Hon. Peter Kent, P.C., MP for Thornhill; Deb Schulte, MP for King-Vaughan, Francesco Sorbara, MP Vaughan-Woodbridge; Gila Martow, MPP for Thornhill; Miriam Ku, outreach advisor to Patrick Brown, Ontario P.C. Leader; Stephen Lecce, MPP PC candidate for King-Vaughan, members of law enforcement and members of media.

Mayor Bevilacqua delivered greetings in behalf of the City of Vaughan and awarded a plaque on the occasion of the 119^th Anniversary of Philippine Independence to the Filipino Planning Committee

Consul General Prospero delivered an inspiring message about the Philippines; Hon. Peter Kent, delivered greetings from the PC party of Canada whereas MPs Deb Schulte and Francesco Sorbara delivered messages from the Liberal party. MP Schulte also gave a plaque to the Planning Committee.  As well, MPP Gila Martow delivered a message from Patrick Brown, leader Ontario PC.  She also gave a plaque to the Planning Committee. There was also a message read by Mrs. Monina Lim from the Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne.

Following the speeches by dignitaries were entertainment and lunch featuring Filipino food. The Paschal Strings sang O Canada, Pilipinas Kung Mahal and We Say Mabuhay; the St. Paschal Choir sang Lupang Hinirang and performed Choral Presentation; The Fairhavens Adventist Church performed dance on the bench and the Solid Rock Indigenous performed cultural dance. The celebration was graced by Little Princess 2016 Nazca Castillo and her entourage. The Filipino Day was also attended by community groups and leaders in the community:  Mabuhay Lions Club members and pres Eliseo Galindo; Mrs. Yolanda Ladines, pres MFFC; Mrs. Monina Lim, pres Scarborough FFC; Loo, publisher of  of Filipiniana newspaper;  Ramon Datol, Philippine Courier  and residents of the City of Vaughan.

The City of Vaughan has been declaring Filipino Day in Vaughan to celebrate the Philippine Independence since 2004. This celebration is especially meaningful because the City of Vaughan is a sister city of Baguio.  Vaughan is also the home more than 10000 hard-working Filipinos and a growing Filipino community.

In her closing remarks, Erlinda Insigne, pres FCAV thank Mayor Bevilacqua and Members of Council for declaring Filipino Day again this year and for their continuous support for the growing Filipino community in Vaughan.  She emphasized that “Only together, can we make the Filipino Day in Vaughan happen”.

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 The celebration was successful due to the coordinated efforts the Planning Committee namely:  Erlinda Insigne, pres, Filipino Canadian Association of Vaughan (FCAV);  Deanna Patawaran, director, FCAV;  Leonina Magtibay, The Paschal Strings / St. Paschal Choir; Pastor Jess Agol, Fairhavens Filipino Adventist Church;  Miriam Fangot, Solid Rock Indigenous; Nestor Von Canton and Joey Abrenilla, Pinoy Radio Inc. / MCBN.