These 3 Filipinos just made the list of Canada’s Top 25 Immigrants 2023

Meet the Filipino immigrants who secured a spot in Canada’s top 25 immigrants list | Photos from International Nursing Interest Group/Ann Pornel/Henry Yao/Twitter

It’s not surprising how Filipinos abroad are achievers—and this time, we’re not talking of just one but three Filipino immigrants who have secured a spot on the Top 25 immigrants in Canada.

These three Filipinos—Winston Sayson, Ann Pornel, and Edward Cruz—are succeeding in the Great White North with their tales of courage, triumph, and determination in the same vein as first Filipino-Canadian minister Rechie Valdez.

First on the list is Winston Sayson. Described by Canadian Immigrant magazine as the “Kind Justice,” Sayson is the first Chinese-Filipino-Canadian to be the Queen’s Counsel of British Columbia.

His career in Canada started when his family moved to the country in 1981. But it wasn’t all sunshine and maple syrup as his father’s imprisonment during Martial Law triggered their move abroad.

In 1989, Sayson became a lawyer and served as Crown Prosecutor for 30 years. However, his tough cases took a toll on his mental health, which resulted in his retirement in 2019.

Meet our finalist Winston Sayson, a retired Crown Counsel and community volunteer. Read his bio, meet our other finalists & learn about the Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards presented by @WesternUnion & program partners @windmillcanada & @COSTI_org: https://t.co/cNjJBd1a0Q #cdnimm pic.twitter.com/dc6U9h8gpr

— Canadian Immigrant (@canimmigrant) April 21, 2023

“I was not aware of the significant impact it has on you when you are constantly and repeatedly exposed to the suffering, trauma, and suffering of other people,” Sayson shared in an interview.

This legal genius is also a recipient of the Medal of Good Citizenship for his exceptional community service. “I was exceedingly surprised, at the same time deeply humbled by the recognition because I know and I remember the many who toil in obscurity and are not recognized.”

You may also like: How Rechie Valdez went from a self-taught baker to Canada’s first Filipina minister

The second Filipino on the Top 25 immigrants in Canada list is Edward Cruz, a nurse educator proving that you can be a trailblazer in any field you choose.

📢 #UWinNursing's Dr. Edward Cruz has been honoured with a Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards for his inspirational work with internationally educated nurses 👏.

Read more ⤵️https://t.co/xnltOnZi6W@UWindsor #nursing @canimmigrant pic.twitter.com/yL4j4INIjE

— UWindsor Nursing (@UWinNursing) August 10, 2023

His advice to fellow immigrants? “Have some sense of direction as you go through your journey. Seek out mentors who can guide and support you and be open to learning new ways of thinking and doing things.”

Lastly, multi-talented actress and comedian Ann Pornel has established herself in the Canadian entertainment scene, showcasing the hilarious side of being a Filipino immigrant. With every performance and punchline, she shows that Filipinos don’t just bring dedication to their work but also their humor.

Meet one of our Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award Recipients of 2023, presented by @WesternUnion & program partners @windmillcanada & @COSTI_org Ann Pornel. Fom the Philippines she is a comedian, actor & writer.
Read more about her & other recipients: https://t.co/YHhxBlsZkG pic.twitter.com/7t5hDMgktl

— Canadian Immigrant (@canimmigrant) August 12, 2023

The Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards

This award presented by Western Union isn’t just any normal award. It’s a people’s choice award that honors immigrants 15years and older who have contributed in their respective communities in Canada.

Whether they’ve sparked innovation, dealt with community challenges, or simply spread smiles, it’s a platform where credit is given where it’s due.