Filipino Heritage Month celebration in full swing in Manitoba

With about 100,000 Filipino Canadians in the province, many have joined the various programs and activities happening here.

June 1 – The month-long celebrations had a kick-off ceremony and program at the Manitoba Legislature attended by community members and politicians.

MLA for Burrows, Diljeet Brar, wearing a barong, presented a Member’s Statement recognizing the valuable contributions of Filipino Canadians not only in Manitoba but also in Canada.

June 3 – The Philippine Heritage Council of Manitoba (PHCM) led the official opening of Philippine Heritage Week at the Philippine Canadian Centre of Manitoba (PCCM). Different organizations and associations attended the flagraising ceremony and subsequent program.

June 6 – The Honourable Minister Sean Fraser, of the federal Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, visited Winnipeg accompanied by Ontario MP, Rechie Valdez and Manitoba MP Kevin Lamoureux. The minister chose Winnipeg to announce a major change regarding visitors to Canada. Effective on the day of the announcement, those who have been issued a Canadian tourist visa within the last 10 years or those who hold a valid US visa, can now travel to Canada visa-free. They just need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization or eTA, which is said to be faster, easier, and cheaper.

June 10 – A novel take on classic Filipino literature, Florante at Laura, was staged by members of Magdaragat Philippines and volunteer community readers at the PCCM. In the production, a group of readers recited the whole, unedited, and original text of the Francisco Balagtas masterpiece as youth members of Magdaragat conveyed the feelings and emotions of what was being read. Subtitles were not provided, so it was up to the choreography to portray the story of Florante at Laura Director Ronald Mervin Sison believes this kind of presentation has never been done before in North America. This was also an interesting way to introduce the rich Philippine literature to nonFilipino audiences and FilipinoCanadians who grew up outside the Philippines.

June 11 – Filipinos and nonFilipino friends enjoyed delicious Filipino food, dancing and entertainment at a community picnic held at Tyndall Park. This picnic, hosted by the PHCM, also served as a welcome to newcomers in the province.

June 12 – As the Philippines celebrated its 125th year of Independence, Canada Life Centre hosted an exciting home game for the Winnipeg Sea Bears against the Edmonton Stingers. It was extra special for the Filipino community as the city’s professional basketball team featured kababayan Shawn Maranan. As Wesman top player, Maranan appeared in and started all 20 conference games. He has also received many awards and accolades in his young career. The Filipino pride is known for his hard work, determination, excellence, and humility.

More celebrations are scheduled for the coming days, including the Philippine Independence Heritage Ball on June 17. It will be hosted by the PHCM, which is celebrating its 20th year in 2023.

June 22 – The Musica Singers of PCCM will hold an Evening of Kundiman and Philippine Art Songs

June 24-25 – After a pandemic pause, thousands are once again expected to participate in Manitoba Filipino Street Festival Balik Kalye festivities. Starting with a lively parade, colourful cultural costumes, dance presentations to music, food and entertainment, organizers are hoping everyone will have a great time at the two-day celebration.