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.
