July 11–12, 2026 marked another historic milestone for the Filipino-Canadian community as thousands of residents and visitors gathered at Dufferin Clark District Park, City of Vaughan, for the 9th Vaughan Fiesta Extravaganza (VFE) 2026. Organized by the Canada Fiesta Extravaganza in partnership with the Filipino Canadian Association of Vaughan, this annual celebration proudly showcased the richness of Filipino culture under this year’s theme:

The festivities began on Saturday morning with the colourful Parade, followed by the Opening Ceremony attended by distinguished guests, including Mayor Steven Del Duca, Members of Vaughan Council, Members of Parliament, Members of Provincial Parliament, community leaders, association presidents, sponsors, performers, volunteers, and residents from across the Greater Toronto Area.

In her Welcome Remarks, FCAV President Erlinda Insigne warmly welcomed everyone and reflected on the significance of celebrating Filipino heritage and the continued growth of the Filipino-Canadian community. She noted that the 9th anniversary represents the dedication and support of countless volunteers, sponsors, performers, community partners, and attendees who have helped make VFE one of the city’s most anticipated multicultural celebrations.

Throughout the weekend, visitors enjoyed a vibrant lineup of activities, including spectacular cultural dance performances, live musical entertainment, Filipino martial arts demonstrations, community and cultural presentations, delicious Filipino cuisine, arts and cultural exhibits, celebrity appearances, special presentations, and 50/50 raffle draws in support of community initiatives.

The overwhelming attendance and enthusiastic participation throughout the weekend reflected the continuing success and growth of Vaughan Fiesta Extravaganza since its inception in 2018. What began as a community celebration has grown into one of the largest Filipino-Canadian cultural festivals in Ontario, attracting thousands of visitors each year.

The Organizing Committee extends its heartfelt appreciation to:

• The City of Vaughan, led by Mayor Steven Del Duca and Members of Council
• Members of Parliament and Members of Provincial Parliament
• Our generous sponsors and community partners
• Cultural performers and entertainers
• Volunteers and committee members
• Food and business exhibitors
• Media partners
• Most importantly, everyone who attended and celebrated with us.

Your continued support have helped Vaughan Fiesta Extravaganza become a symbol of friendship, diversity, inclusion, and community pride. As expressed in the Organizing Committee’s message of appreciation, the event continues to showcase the many contributions of the Filipino-Canadian community to the cultural and socioeconomic life of the City of Vaughan.

As we celebrate the success of our 9th Vaughan Fiesta Extravaganza, we look forward to welcoming everyone back next year as we continue our mission of promoting Filipino heritage, strengthening multicultural relationships, and building a stronger, more inclusive community.

In his closing remarks, Fiesta Extravaganza founder and chief executive Von Canton said the Filipino festival will expand from 14 to 20 cities in 2027, adding Edmonton, Barrie, Vancouver, Whitehorse, Kingston, Pickering, and Leamington to the national tour.

Maraming salamat po! Thank you for making the 9th Vaughan Fiesta Extravaganza 2026 an unforgettable celebration of Filipino culture, friendship, and community spirit.

128th Anniversary of Philippine Independence Celebration in Vaughan

The Filipino Canadian Association of Vaughan (FCAV) proudly celebrated the 128th Anniversary of Philippine Independence on June 13, 2026, at Vaughan City Hall.

The event was a tremendous success, bringing together members of the Filipino Canadian community, residents, friends, and distinguished guests in a meaningful celebration of freedom, heritage, unity, and community spirit.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Consul Kristina Isabelle Martin of the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto, Mayor Steven Del Duca and Members of Vaughan Council (Deputy Mayor Linda Jackson, Regional Councillors: M. Ferri, G. Rosati, M. Racco and Councillors:  M. Iafrate, R. DeFrancesca, C. Ainsworth and G. Martow);  Members of Parliament: Melissa Lantsman, Anna Roberts & Michael Guglielmin;  Members of Provincial Parliament: Stephen Lecce and Laura Smith; community leaders, representatives of various organizations, and all residents and friends who joined us on this special occasion. Thanks as well to our  friends: Deborah Schulte, former Minster for Seniors and Francesco Sorbara, former MP for Vaughan-Woodbridge.

As we commemorated the proclamation of Philippine Independence on June 12, 1898, we paid tribute to the courage and sacrifices of our forefathers while celebrating the rich culture, resilience, hard work, and contributions of Filipinos to the City of Vaughan and Canada.

We also extend our sincere appreciation to all attendees who came to celebrate with us, making the event vibrant and meaningful. A special thank you to our planning committee and event volunteers whose dedication and hard work ensured the success of the celebration. We are also grateful to our Emcee and DJ, Ryan Orlanda, for his outstanding professionalism, energy, and enthusiasm, which helped make the program enjoyable and memorable for everyone.

Our heartfelt thanks also go to our performers, namely:  Philippine Heritage Band  headed by Allan De Lara; Fiesta Filipina Dance Troupe Tinikling – Fanny Calucag, president;  Cultural Dance – Marilyn Ap-apid, Christian Family Global Church and The Young Voices of St. Paschal Baylon Church – Leonina Magtiba, Instructor as well sponsors, donors, community partners, and all those who contributed their time, talents, and resources to make this event a success

Thank you to everyone including FCAV members and PHB members who helped make this celebration a memorable and successful event. Together, we continue to strengthen the bonds of friendship, cooperation, and community that unite us all.

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! Mabuhay ang Filipino Canadian community! Mabuhay ang City of Vaughan!

#PhilippineIndependenceDay #PID2026 #FCAV #CityOfVaughan #FilipinoCanadian #Mabuhay

AGM  2026 – FCAV

The Annual General Membership (AGM) Meeting of the Filipino-Canadian Association of

Vaughan will be held as follows:

Date:  May 8, 2026

Time: 7:00 p.m.

Location:  7894 Dufferin St., Concord, ON L4 1R6.

Click on the following link:

Notice of AGM – FCAV 2026-040426(Detl)

On February 28, 2026, during the Panagbenga Festival, the New Vaughan–Baguio Twin City Marker was installed in Baguio City, replacing the original marker and relocating it to a new site.

The marker commemorates the long-standing friendship between Vaughan and Baguio City, which began with the Friendship Agreement signed in 1997. The agreement was initiated through the efforts of the late Lorna Jackson together with community leaders and the Filipino-Canadian Association of Vaughan (FCAV), strengthening cultural and people-to-people ties between Canada and the Philippines.

The original Twin City marker was installed in 2009 as a symbol of this partnership. Over the years, the relationship between Vaughan and Baguio has grown through cultural exchanges, educational partnerships, economic opportunities, and official visits by delegations from both cities.

The installation of the new marker reaffirms the enduring friendship and cooperation between the people of Vaughan and Baguio City for generations to come.

The unveiling of the new Vaughan – Baguio Twin City marker was made possible through the support of Mayor Steven Del Duca of the City of Vaughan, Mayor Benjamin Magalong of Baguio City, and the Filipino Canadian Association of Vaughan (FCAV). Included in the pictures are Baguio Tourism Staff headed by Engr. Alec Mapalo and Professor Melanie Saro; Johnson Aben, Tony Insigne and Erlinda Insigne (FCAV, pres).

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.

For tickets, please contact:

• Merly Raposas: 647-887-2589, merlyr01@hotmail.com
• Claribel Antonio: 416-970-7965, clar_antonio@yahoo.ca
• Jonalyn Coloma: 647-824-8345, colomajonalyn@yahoo.com
• Mina Benesa: 647-880-1858, Mina.benesa@yahoo.ca
• Edna De Guzman: 647-203-2468, saclaoedna@yahoo.ca

The Vaughan Fiesta Extravaganza is a festive celebration that commemorates and honors Filipino Heritage Month, held on July 4-6 at Dufferin District Park, 1441 Clark Avenue West, Vaughan. Since its establishment in 2018, VFE has grown into a vibrant celebration of Filipino culture, proudly showcasing this year’s theme: “Sining, Sayaw, at Saya!” (Art, Dance, and Joy).

This exciting three-day festival features spectacular concerts by local talents and special headline performances by Kyle Echarri and Joross Gamboa—Filipino actors, singer, and model—whose energy and voice captivated the audience.

Attendees of the event enjoyed dynamic cultural performances, traditional dances and music, and interactive booths highlighting Filipino heritage. For food lovers, a delicious selection of Filipino dishes like pancit, lechon, halo-halo, and bibingka offered a true taste of the Philippines.

With traditional family-friendly activities, and cultural exhibits, VFE fosters community spirit and multicultural appreciation. It is a celebration that brings people of all backgrounds together in joy, unity, and learning.

We extend heartfelt thanks to our dignitaries incl: Hon. Kerwin Tate, Deputy Consul Gen. of the Philippines, TO; Hon. Steven Del Duca, Mayor of Vaughan and Members of Council (Deputy Mayor Linda Jackson, RC Gino Rosati, RC Mario Racco, Councillors Chris Ainsworth and Gila Martow); Melissa Lantsman, MP for Thornhill & Deputy Leader of the Conservative of Canada; Ms. Salma Zahid, MP for Scarborough Centre – Don Valley East, Toronto; Anna Roberts, MP for King-Vaughan & Shadow Minister for Seniors & for Status of Women; Michael Guglielmin, MP for Vaughan-Woodbridge; Hon. Michael Tibollo, MPP for Vaughan-Woodbridge and Associate Atty. General of Ontario; Laura Smith, MPP for Thornhill and Parliamentary Asst., Minister of Municipal Affairs & Housing. As well, we thank the organizers, parade participants, emcees, and technical teams for their dedication, support, and commitment. Your efforts continue to make Vaughan Fiesta Extravaganza a resounding success.

Thank you for celebrating with us!

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