The Filipino-Canadian Association of Vaughan (FCAV) and BIBAK jointly organized a fundraising event to be held on Saturday, October 20, at 6:30pm, Patricia Kemp Community Centre (PKCC), 7894 Dufferin St., Vaughan.

The fundraising event entitled “ Bangon Kordelyera – Hope for Itogon”  is in conjunction with the 21^st Anniversary of the Twinning between the City of Vaughan and Baguio City, Philippines. It includes Dinner-Dance, Silent Auction and Raffle Draw.

All donations will go to the victims of Typhoon Mangkhut / Ompong in Itogon, Benguet province. Proceeds from the ticket sales will to go fixing PKCC gym roof.

FCAV  is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1990 to promote community spirit among Filipinos, assimilate Filipino culture and values into the Canadian society and participate in civic and social events within the community. FCAV was instrumental in the realization of Friendship Agreement between City of Vaughan, Canada and Baguio City, Philippines.

BIBAK is a community-based organization of Filipino Canadians in Ontario from the 5 provinces of the mountainous Cordillera Region, namely,  Benguet, Ifugao, Bontoc, Apayao and Kalinga. Philippines.

 Among the BIBAK provinces, Itogon which is located in Benguet incurred the most number of casualties. It was reported more than 100 people dead caused by the landslides and many more wounded, injured, missing, and houses damaged.   Most of the people killed were miners and 80% came from Ifugao. Their families and relatives have camped at the foot of the mountain refusing to leave until they bring home their body of their loved ones. 

 Should you or your organization wish to donate and support the event, please refer to the attached Flyer and click to the links:

General Admission – Dinner Dance sale tickets link

Donation only link – this is for people who might not be able to attend and just want to donate.

Likewise, please visit: www.fcav.ca and/or www.facebook.com/fcav.vaughan

Thank you.

Philippine Canadian Friendship Parkette located south of Patricia Kemp Community Centre (PKCC) was unveiled on Saturday, September 8, 2018. The attendees included Consul Edna Mae Lazaro of the Philippine Consulate; Regional Councillor Gino Rosati; Frank Miele, FCAV Adviser; community leaders and the Filipino-Canadian Association of Vaughan (FCAV).

The Parkette was funded in part by the City of Vaughan thru the Canada 150 Community Grant in 2017.  FCAV requested the funding to beautify the south corner of PKCC by naming it a parkette called Philippine Canadian Friendship Parkette. It was supposed to be installed last year during the celebration of Canada 150 Anniversary, however, it was delayed.

The Parkette sign has the logo of the City of Vaughan, Baguio City and FCAV. It is a testament of Friendship between the City of Vaughan (Canada) and the Baguio City (Philippines) – sister cities since 1997.

FCAV will be beautifying the parkette by installing benches and landscaping it. The parkette will provide FCAV members and the general public a place to enjoy such as picnics and small gatherings to promote social interaction and friendship.

In addition, the Filipino Canadian Association of Vaughan sign was installed beside the sign Patricia Kemp Community Centre facing Dufferin Street.  Also, the address number: 7894 was affixed.

We would like to thank the Mayor and Council Members, particularly Regional Councillor Gino Rosati, and Staff for their continued support. Most especially, we would like to thank Frank Miele, FCAV adviser, for working so hard to have the signs installed just in time before the Anniversary of Twinning.

Likewise, we would like to thank FCAV members especially Jackie Cristini, Vittoro, Pastor Tuyading, Rommel Queddeng and Elmo for their assistance.

The Vaughan Fiesta Extravaganza (VFE) to celebrate Filipino culture was held on Saturday, June 23, 2018 and Sunday, June 24, 2018 on the grounds of Dufferin-Clarke Community Centre. In conjunction with the Filipino Heritage month, VFE aspires to celebrate the impact of the Filipino community in the City of Vaughan & surrounding communities by featuring Food Expos, Non-stop Entertainment and Music, Cultural Dances, a Bumper2Bumper Auto Show and TFC Kapamilya Superstars. The two-day event began with a parade that included various organizations such as the Philippine Heritage Band (PHB), Ati-Atihan, Culture Philippines of Ontario (CPO), Filipino Canadian Association of Vaughan (FCAV), and LUNIJO productions to name a few. The collaboration of these Filipino groups coordinated by the VFE planning committee  has made The Vaughan Fiesta Extravaganza the largest celebration of Filipino culture in the City of Vaughan by far. The Vaughan Fiesta Extravaganza serves as an important tool to celebrate the Filipino culture that contributes to the diverse cultural, economic and social fabric of Canada.

Musical performances were composed of local and international Filipino talents brought by the MCBN Media Group/ Pinoy Radio Inc. and The Filipino Canadian Association of Vaughan in cooperation with The Filipino Channel (TFC). Filipino superstars Kim Chiu, Jay-R and Geo 0culture. Cultural Dances were also a major influence that shaped the VFE. The Cultural Dances created an aura of reminiscence and pride to all those who attended as it served as a reminder to be connected to our Filipino roots. Food was provided by a wide variety of Fil-Can entrepreneurs composed of FV Foods, Kabalen, Kapitbahay, Cusina, Something Sweet and Sinugba Foods that swept the grounds with the delicious smells of Filipino Foods. As well, the infamous Bumper2Bumper Auto Show  has made an entrance showcasing Filipino and prowess in the automotive industry.

The major sponsors consisting of Anthony Insigne of Remax West Realty Inc, TD Canada Trust, Agnes Miranda of the World Financial Group (WFG), Philippine Airlines (PAL) and Robinsons Land Corporation were present to show encouragement of the Vaughan Fiesta Extravaganza.  The VFE was also supported and in partnership with the Consulate General of the Philippines, York Regional Police and the Canadian Armed Forces led by the First Filipino-Canadian to command The Royal Regiment of Canada, Lt. Col Joseph Nonato.

As a symbol cooperation and support The Honourable Rosalita Prospero Philippine Consul-General; Mayor Bevilacqua and Members of Council; Members of Parliament: P. Kent, D. Schulte, F. Sorbara; Members of Provincial Parliament: M. Tibollo, and S. Lecce; former MPP for Thornhill Mario Racco, Liberal MP Candidate of Thornhill G. Gladstone,  FCAV Advisor F. Miele and  Regional Councillor Candidate F. Winegust have made an attendance that solidified the relationship between the Filipino Community and the City of Vaughan.

For more information, please visit:  Media & Pinoy Radio facebook and FCAV facebook. – please get the exact names.

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.