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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 26^th Anniversary of Twinning celebration.

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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.

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.

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^st 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

Punite Martial Arts Demonstration

Solid Rock Indigenous Group Performance

Solid Rock Indigenous Group Performance