Canadians stampede to Filipino breakfast in Calgary

Consul General in Calgary Gilberto G.B. Asuque and Alberta Premier Rachel Notley serve Filipino longganisa and pandesal, scrambled eggs, and fried rice during the “Agahan” Filipino Stampede Breakfast at the Pacific Hut Restaurant and Bakeshop in Southeast Calgary on 09 July 2018. CALGARY PCG

CALGARY, Alberto – A traditional Filipino breakfast of longganisa, pandesal, scrambled eggs, fried rice, and hot coffee brought together Filipinos and Canadians on Sunday morning July 8, 2018, during the ten-day celebration of the world-famous Calgary Stampede festival.

Called “Agahan” Filipino Stampede Breakfast, the event was held at the parking lot of Pacific Hut Restaurant, a Filipino eatery in Southeast Calgary.

Now on its third year, the “Agahan” (Filipino word for breakfast) attracted about 5,500 people who came to taste Filipino food, which stood out amidst the more common pancakes served in other parts of the city.

Local Filipino bands, singers, and dancers also provided the entertainment during the event that lasted from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.

No less than Alberta Premier Rachel Notley and Philippine Consul General in Calgary Gilberto G.B. Asuque led the many federal, provincial, and city government officials in celebrating with the Filipinos and Canadians the city’s community spirit during the Calgary Stampede.

The parking lot of Filipino-owned Pacific Hut Restaurant was transformed into a big breakfast area serving the citizens of Calgary Filipino food during the annual Calgary Stampede July 6 to 15, 2018, which is an annual rodeo, exhibition and festival held in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. CALGARY PCG

Premier Notley, accompanied by members of her party Caucus including Deputy Premier Sarah Hoffman, addressed the Filipinos and other attendees, highlighting the proclamation signed on June 1, 2018 declaring June of each year as Philippine Heritage Month in Alberta.

Notley reiterated Alberta’s gratitude for the contributions of Filipino Canadians to the economic, social, and cultural richness of the province.

The “Agahan” was organized by the Philippine Fiesta Council of Alberta (PFCA) and the Pacific Hut Restaurant (owned by Filipino couple Ron and Tess Ala), together with various sponsors. PFCA also leads the celebration of the Fiesta Filipino in Calgary every September.

Consul General Asuque thanked the organizers of the “Agahan” and the crowd who came to the event, for making Filipino culture blend with the celebration of the Calgary Stampede.