November 5th, 2023 | Posted by fcav in News Updates - (Comments Off on 26th Anniversary of Twinning between the City of Vaughan and Baguio)
Celebrating the 26th Anniversary of Twinning
The Filipino-Canadian Association of Vaughan (FCAV) celebrated the 26th Anniversary of Twinning between the City of Vaughan (Canada) and Baguio City (Philippines) on Saturday October 28, 2023. The event took place at Patricia Kemp Community Centre, 7894 Dufferin St, Vaughan, ON. Canada,
FCAV members and friends were joined by special guests: Members of Council – Deputy Mayor Linda Jackson, Regional Councilor (RC) Mario Racco, and Councillor Gila Martow; MPP Laura Smith for Thornhill, and Kerwin Tate, Deputy Consul General (DCG), Toronto.
In her greetings, Deputy Mayor Jackson talked about the significance of the Twinning signed by her mother, late Mayor Lorna Jackson and former Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan in October 1997. RC Mario Racco, and Councillor Gila Martow also delivered impressive messages. MPP Laura Smith and DCG Kerwin Tate offered beautiful speeches that highlighted the memorable relationship between Baguio and Vaughan.
A message from Baguio City Mayor Magalong was read by Johnson Aben, FCAV BOD. In his message, Mayor Magalong talked about cultural exchanges, educational opportunities, and economic cooperation that exist between the two cities. He expressed gratitude to the citizens of Vaughan for their unwavering friendship. He hopes that the twinning partnership between Baguio City and Vaughan will continue to thrive and flourish for many more years to come.
The entertainment included Indigenous Cultural Dance, Fitness Martial Arts, Folk Dance, and dance for all. It was an enjoyable and memorable 26th Anniversary of Twinning celebration.
June 27th, 2023 | Posted by fcav in News Updates - (Comments Off on Celebrating 125th Anniversary of Philippine Independence)
The 125th Anniversary of Philippine Independence was celebrated in the City of Vaughan on Sunday, June 11, 2023 with Consul Rodney Sumague, Philippine Consulate Toronto; Mayor Steven Del Duca and Members of Council ((Regional Councillors: Linda Jackson, Mario Ferri, Gino Rosati, Mario Racco ); Councillors: Adriano Volpentesta, Rosanna De Francesca, Chris Ainsworth, Gila Martow)); MPs: Melissa Lantsman, Thornhill; Francesco Sorbara, Vaughan-Woodbridge; Anna Roberts, King-Vaughan; Hon. Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education and MPP King-Vaughan; Laura Smith MPP, Thornhill; Community Associations and their presidents/leaders: PHB, MCBN / Pinoy Radio, Solid Rock Indigenous, BIBAAK, Arnis Group, Mabuhay Lions Club, Scarborough Federation of Filipino Canadians, Filipino Canadian Assn of Vaughan, Balita, and the Filipino community at large. The celebration was Emceed by Kristianne Pascual and Von Canton of MCBN / Pinoy Radio.
The City of Vaughan shares a unique bond with a city in the Philippines.
North of Manila, there is a city in the mountainous region of Cordillera called Baguio that shares a kindred spirit with Vaughan’s population.
The city of Baguio’s ties with Vaughan are what is called a twin-city or friendship agreement between two cities of roughly the same population.
Baguio was picked to twin Vaughan due to its population, industry, transportation and communication.
The friendship agreement or “twin-city” main objective was to promote social, cultural and educational exchanges as well as economic opportunities.
A highly urbanized city, the city of Baguio has six universities and is an attraction for locals and international travellers alike.
Speaking with local Vaughan resident and president of the Filipino-Canadian Association of Vaughan Erlinda Insigne, the Vaughan Citizen explored this relationship.
“It means a lot to us because it actually brings Filipinos closer to each other, knowing that the city of Vaughan is a sister city with the Philippines,” said Insigne. “Many Filipinos come here to Canada, if they know or they hear that the city of Vaughan is a sister city of one of the cities in the Philippines. Nevermind Baguio. They come here to live.”
At the end of May, city councillors from Vaughan are expected to pay a visit to the locale.
In 2022, the City of Vaughan and Baguio celebrated 25 years of being twin cities.
“The friendship is the first of its kind between the government of the Philippines and Canada in the province of Ontario,” said Insigne.
According to the 2021 census data for the City of Vaughan, Filipino people account for nearly two per cent of the visible minorities in the City of Vaughan.
“I have had a close relationship with the Filipino community in Vaughan for over a decade when we worked together to help achieve a long-term lease for the Patricia Kemp Community Centre, which hosts the FCAV (Filipino Canadian Association of Vaughan) on Dufferin St. just north of Centre St,” said local city councillor Gila Martow, who will be attending the trip to Baguio the last week of May.
“The City of Vaughan is keen to build on the positive relationship our cities have shared over the past 25 years,” added Martow.
November 9th, 2022 | Posted by fcav in News Updates | Twin City - (Comments Off on Come to the 25th Anniversary of the Friendship Agreement between the City of Vaughan & Baguio City)
The Filipino-Canadian Association of Vaughan (FCAV) will be celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Twinning between the City of Vaughan (Canada) and Baguio City (Philippines). The event will take place at Hazelton Manor, 99 Peeler Road, Vaughan, ON., Canada on Sat., Nov. 19,2022, starting at 6:00 p.m. There will be a program, food, music, & entertainment. It will be an enjoyable and memorable evening.
The Friendship Agreement then called “twinning initiative” started on November 26, 1994 at the Association’s Christmas party. Mrs. Maria Alvero, then Trade Commissioner, was the guest speaker and she spoke about trade and investments opportunities and expressed the Philippines’ interest in strengthening cultural and economic ties between the Philippines and Canada. Her Worship, Mayor Lorna Jackson, was also at the party and she responded that the City of Vaughan is also interested in strengthening ties with cities in other countries, particularly those whose people have chosen Vaughan in which to live. Erlinda, president, Filipino Canadian Association of Vaughan (FCAV) pursued the twinning initiative and asked FCAV members to research for an ideal city following the criteria set forth by the Economic Development of Vaughan. The criteria included population, industry, transportation and communication. The city that best fitted the criteria was Baguio City, hence it was selected in May 1995.
Baguio City Councillor Virgilio Bautista visited the City of Vaughan and held an exploratory talk with Mayor Jackson and Vaughan Council in June 1996.
In November 1996, Baguio City Council passed Resolution #410 establishing a Sisterhood Relationship between Baguio City and the City of Vaughan.
Erlinda Insigne traveled to Baguio City and paid a courtesy call to Mayor Domogan and the Baguio City Council in December 1996. At that time, Mayor Domogan invited Vaughan Mayor Jackson to visit Baguio City.
On February 24, 1997, the FCAV, Erlinda Insigne, along with Consul General Santos of the Philippine Consulate and other Vaughan Filipino Associations, appeared before Vaughan Council and after questions and answers, a motion was unanimously approved to establish a
Friendship Agreement between Baguio City, Philippines and the City of Vaughan, Ontario, Canada. Consequently, Consul General Santos issued a press release.
On April 25, 1997, Vaughan Mayor Jackson and party traveled to Baguio City to sign the Friendship Agreement with Baguio Mayor Domogan. The signing was held at The Mansion House, summer home the Philippine president.
On October 30, 1997, Baguio City Mayor Domogan and party traveled to the City of Vaughan to sign the Friendship Agreement with Vaughan Mayor Jackson.
The “Friendship Agreement” otherwise called “Twinning” between the City of Vaughan, Canada and Baguio City, Philippines was the 1st Friendship Agreement between the governments of the Philippines and Canada in the province of Ontario. Its objective was to promote social, cultural and educational exchanges and economic opportunity between the two cities. The FilipinoCanadian Association of Vaughan (FCAV) is very proud to have been the catalyst for this historical achievement.
Since then and for the last 25 years, there have been official visits; educational student exchanges; participation in centennial celebration of Baguio City; yearly celebration of Philippine Independence in Vaughan known as Filipino Day; construction of the Twin City Monument Sign
in Baguio City; Sister City sign in Vaughan; Vaughan Fiesta Extravaganza to celebrate Filipino heritage; granting of a 20-year lease of Patricia Kemp Community Centre to FCAV; display of Baguio City products in Vaughan and the Philippine Canadian Friendship Parkette to mention a mention a few. Hopefully an MOU will be signed between University of Baguio and University of Niagara Ontario during Silver Anniversary of Twinning.
This year, in coordination with the Philippine Consulate in Toronto and City of Vaughan, FCAV will be celebrating the 25 years of Twinning. This is a significant and remarkable event to reflect the achievements of Twinning for the last 25 years. Consul General Orontes Castro of the
Philippine Consulate in Toronto pointed out that only few Twinning in Canada lasted 25 years.
June 18th, 2020 | Posted by fcav in News Updates - (Comments Off on Beautifying the Philippine Friendship Parkette)
This was the picture of the Friendship Parkette last year (2020).
We have received a grant to beautify the Philippine Friendship Parkette from the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP). The aim of our project is to support our seniors by promoting socialization, mental health and physical health through gardening the area which includes planting flowers, shrubs, vegetables near the Friendship Parkette Sign. This grant also includes line dancing and Zumba exercises which gets seniors moving in a fun way.
Due to COVID-19, we had to post-pone the start of the project to June 15 2020. We had a maximum of five volunteers, at a given time, due to the restrictions and guidelines recommended by health officials.We also had safety measures in place such as mandatory masks, gloves, and a physical distance of at least two metres between each individual.
We have purchased and received donations in the form of shrubs, flowers, a handful of vegetables and other plants to beautify the friendship parkette and its’ surroundings. We have also created a small vegetable garden that will help get out seniors active and engaged.
We would like to thank Frank Miele, and Jackie Cristini who spearheaded the beautification of the Philippine Friendship Parkette. Likewise we would like to thank FCAV volunteers like Tony I, Gary G, Joel M, Sonny M, Atilla M, Gloria D, Pastor Nars Tuyading and his crew from the Maple Baptist Church. In addition we would like to thank Giselle Mirasol, who donated $100 for the project.
November 2nd, 2019 | Posted by fcav in News Updates - (Comments Off on 22nd Anniversary of Twinning)
The 22nd Anniversary of Twinning between the City of Vaughan and Baguio City was celebrated on Saturday, October 26, 2019 at Patricia Kemp Community Centre, 7894 Dufferin St., Vaughan, Ontario, Canada.
In October 30, 1997, “Twinning” otherwise called “Friendship Agreement” between the City of Vaughan, Canada and Baguio City, Philippines was signed. This inception marked the 1<sup>st</sup> Friendship Agreement between the governments of the Philippines and Canada in the province of Ontario. Its objective was to promote social, cultural and educational exchanges and economic opportunity between the two cities. The Filipino- Canadian Association of Vaughan or FCAV is very proud to have been the catalyst for this historical achievement.
Since then, there have been official visits; educational student exchanges; participation in centennial celebration of Baguio City; yearly celebration of Philippine Independence in Vaughan known as Filipino Day; construction of the Twin City Monument Sign in Baguio City; Vaughan Fiesta Extravaganza to celebrate Filipino heritage and the granting of a 20-year lease of Patricia Kemp Community Centre to the Filipino-Canadian Association of Vaughan by the City in October 2012.
FCAV is grateful to Mayor Bevilacqua and Members of Council, Hon. Peter Kent, MP for Thornhill, Hon. Michael Tibollo, MPP for Vaughan-Woodbridge; Deb Schulte, MP for King-Vaughan; Francesco Sorbara, MP for Vaughan-Woodbridge, Gila Martow, MPP for Thornhill for their support.
As well, FCAV is thankful for the support of the Philippine Consulate headed by the Hon. Orontes Castro who attended the event.
Likewise, FCAV is indebted to its officers, members and advisers, especially Professor Frank Miele, whose hard work and dedication throughout the years made the momentous occasion possible.
The program was emceed by Von Canton, CEO of Media Group /Pinoy Radio. Entertainment included a cultural dance by the Solid Rock Indigenous; Filipino martial arts by instructor Gary, PUNITE; line dancing by FCAV seniors and Zumba headed by instructor, Aurora Laurel. The DJ was Ryan Orlanda, host of Pinoy Radio.
The 22nd Anniversary of Twinning was indeed a remarkable event.
Philippines Consulate General Hon. Orontes Castro and Vaughan Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua
FCAV Officers with Linda Jackson and Dignitaries
MP for Thornhill, Hon. Michael Tibollo, Councilor Gino Rosati and Dignitaries
MC Von Canton of Pinoy Radio
PHB President, MP Michael Tibollo, FCAV President, Hon. Orontes Castro, Deputy Mayor Ferri, Tony Insigne
Zumba instructor Aurora Halili (2nd from left) and Seniors Line Dancers
Zumba Dancers
Guro Gary Garduce (center) with Punite Martial Arts Students
September 11th, 2018 | Posted by fcav in News Updates - (Comments Off on Philippine Canadian Friendship Parkette)
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.
June 12th, 2018 | Posted by fcav in News Updates - (Comments Off on Filipino Day 2018)
FILIPINO DAY 2018
The Filipino Day in Vaughan to commemorate the 120th 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 120th 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.
April 9th, 2018 | Posted by fcav in News Updates - (Comments Off on Overseas Voting Registration)
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!
November 2nd, 2017 | Posted by fcav in News Updates - (Comments Off on 20th Anniversary of Friendship Agreement)
The City of Vaughan and Baguio City, Philippines celebrated the 20th 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.
