Vaughan Fiesta Extravaganza (VFE) 2024!

Vaughan Fiesta Extravaganza is an event that celebrates Filipino Heritage Month. It is a vibrant celebration of Filipino culture held in Vaughan, Ontario since 2018. This year, it is scheduled for July 6-7, 2024, at 1441 Clark Avenue West. The theme for this year’s Fiesta Extravaganza is “Sining, Sayaw, at Saya!” which means “Art, Dance, and Joy!”. This theme reflects a celebration of Filipino culture through various artistic and cultural expressions.

The festival holds an exciting lineup of concerts featuring local talents and headlined by the admired Vina Morales, a renowned Filipino actress, singer, and model. Her performance promises to be a highlight, captivating audiences with her powerful voice and charismatic presence.

In addition to the great musical acts, the Vaughan Fiesta Extravaganza offers a variety of cultural performances that bring to life the traditional dances, music, and folklore of the Philippines. From the rhythmic beats of the singers and groups, to the graceful movements of dancers who came from many parts of society, these performances provide a window into the soul of Filipino artistry and heritage.

Food enthusiasts will be in for a treat with a delectable variety of Filipino cuisine. From savory dishes like pancit and lechon to sweet delights such as halo-halo and bibingka, the food stalls promise a sweet journey through the Philippines’ diverse and flavorful culture of food.

The festival also features traditional games that are fun for all ages, inviting participants to engage in friendly games. Interactive booths scattered throughout the venue offer hands-on experiences, from drawing, playing, dancing and to learning more about Filipino culture through merchandise and souvenirs.

Yet again, the Vaughan Fiesta Extravaganza 2024 aims to foster multicultural awareness and appreciation, creating a space where people of all backgrounds can come together to celebrate and learn about Filipino culture. It’s a joyous occasion that not only honors the Filipino community but also enriches the cultural art of Vaughan. Whether you’re enjoying the exciting concerts, savoring the delicious food, or participating in the engaging activities, this festival promises a memorable experience for everyone.

All of the events and activities in this festival are provided by the people who helped plan and support it through their participation. We would like to thank the organizations involved in our parade and the honoured guests who recognize and appreciate the Filipino community. Likewise, we would also like to express our heartfelt gratitude to our wonderful emcees for their excellent hosting, to our technical directors for insuring everything runs smoothly, for their enthusiastic involvement. Your dedication and hard work have made this festival a remarkable success. Thank you for your invaluable contributions.

For more information, visit our Facebook page here

Also visit Vaughan Fiesta Extravaganza on Facebook by clicking here.

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Celebrating the 126th Anniversary of Philippine Independence and 75 Years of Bilateral Relations between the Philippines and Canada

On June 9, the Filipino Canadian Association (FCAV)  and the Philippine Heritage Band (PHB) jointly celebrated the 126th anniversary of Philippine Independence and the 75 years of strong bilateral relations between the Philippines and Canada in the City of Vaughan, Ontario, Canada.

The celebration commenced with a solemn flag-raising ceremony by the Philippine Heritage Band, Bert and Aurelia De Lara, pres, PHB, followed by heartfelt greetings, program, outstanding Stand-Up Performance of PHB, magnificent choir performance by the St. Paschal Baylon Church Children’s Choir, instructor Leonina Magtibay. There was vibrant cultural entertainment by the Christian Family Global Church,  FCAV and Kabenguetan that showcased the rich heritage of the Philippines. The festivities were further brightened by the delightful Filipino dishes, adding delight to the occasion.

Erlinda Insigne, pres FCAV delivered an opening remarks.

The event was graced by the esteemed presence and greetings of Hon. Angelica Escalano, Consul General of the Philippines, Toronto;  Hon. Steven Del Duca, Mayor of Vaughan; Francesco Sorbara, MP, Vaughan-Woodbridge; Anna Roberts, MP, King-Vaughan and Hon. Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and MPP King-Vaughan.  As well, event was attended by respected Members of Council:  RC Mario Ferri, RC Gino Rosati and Gila  Martow, Councillor Ward 5 and  Hon. Dick Villar, Mayor Sto. Thomas, Pangasinan, Philippines.

Several associations attended, namely, Scarborough Federation of Filipino Canadian, president Mrs. Monina Serrano Lim; Mabuhay Lions Club, pres Bong Angeles; Association of Filipino Accountants (AFCA) pres, Len Salvador; St. Paschal Baylon Church Children’s Choir Leonila Magtibay Instructor; Integrated Filipino Canadian Nurses Association (IFCNA); pres, Mark Anthony Gravoso;  Toronto Triskelion, Jonathan Simbahan; Niagara Triskelion, Teddy Apolonio; Jesus Is Lord Church, Maple-Vaughan; Kabenguetan, pres, Marfel Alfonso, BIBAAK, pres, Johnson Aben and others.

The closing remarks was provided by Oscar Farinas, Founder & Executive Director, PHB.

We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who participated and contributed to the success of this memorable event. Special thanks to the incredible Master of Ceremonies, Gizele Mirasol and Nestor Von Canton, MCBN Media Group/ PINOY Radio Inc.  who skillfully guided the program, and to the Planning Committee and Event Volunteers of  FCAV and PHB, and all volunteers and donors whose joint efforts and dedication were instrumental in organizing this celebration. Maraming salamat po!

The 126^th Anniversary of Philippine Independence will be celebrated on Sunday, June 9 at 10:00 a.m., Vaughan City Hall, 2141 Mayor Mackenzie Dr., Vaughan, ON., L6A 1T1. There will be a short parade, flag raising, program, entertainment and lunch serving Filipino food.

This year’s celebration is remarkable because we are also recognizing the 75 years of diplomatic relations between Canada and the Philippines.

We look forward to your presence and participation as we commemorate the 126^th Anniversary of Philippine Independence and the significant 75 years of collaborations between Canada and the Philippines.

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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