MAFTI Filipino heritage class wraps up another school year

On June 17, the Manitoba Association of Filipino Teachers, Inc. (MAFTI), celebrated the culminating activity of the Filipino Heritage Classes for Teens and Adults at Jeepney Restaurant in Winnipeg.

There were two Filipino heritage classes for teens and adults. One class was in-person, based at Tec-Voc High School every Thursday from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., from March 9 to June 1, 2023. There were 19 students registered in this program and they were led by Vicky Cabrera, assisted by Girlie Lozada.

There was also an online class led by Genalyn Tan and Cecil de Guzman. There was a total of 24 students in the online class and they met every Tuesday from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.

Both classes performed activities showcasing their learning throughout the class, including recitations, skits, and singing – including a rendition of Pilipinas Kong Mahal, in which the gathered crowd joined.

The teenager and adult language class is a free service provided by MAFTI that focuses on instruction in the Filipino language. Grammar and vocabulary are taught as students learn about Filipino culture and values are explored. The program draws a variety of students, from Filipino teenagers and adults who are looking to learn their ancestral language to non-Filipinos looking to learn the language to be able to speak with their friends, coworkers, or partners.

Those interested in signing up for the class next year should e-mail Vicky Cabrera at vicky. sa.cabrera@gmail.com for more details.

Jon Malek received his PhD from Western University and currently teaches history at the University of Manitoba. He is working on a book manuscript on the history of the Winnipeg Filipino community.