Pinoys on Parliament 2025 conference empowers Fil-Canadian youth
Photo from Pinoys on Parliament 2025/Instagram
Gathering in Ottawa in the last week of February, Filipino Canadian youth aimed to ignite change and celebrate their culture at the 7th annual Pinoys on Parliament (POP) conference.
The event was a weekend filled with empowerment, leadership and knowledge, spotlighting the voices of the next generation of Fil-Canadians.
The organizers thanked participants, including delegates, speakers, facilitators and vendors “for making the weekend memorable.”
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Two standout panels guided attendees on their journeys as they navigate careers in journalism, academia and the arts. Kicking off on Feb. 22 was “Panahon ng Balitaan: Filipinos in Journalism,” which featured three influential Filipino women in media.
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Anne Gaviola, a national business anchor at Global News, offered insights from her 15+ years of covering business, technology and housing. Keisha Balatbat, a reporter with OMNI News: Filipino, discussed the importance of telling Filipino Canadian stories. Ria Renouf, now a communications specialist after a successful career in journalism, shared her experience working with nonprofits and how media can drive social change.
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The second panel, “Panahon ng Paglalakbay: Filipinos in Academia & the Arts,” focused on Filipino identity and creative expression. Alia Rasul, a comedian and member of the Tita Collective, discussed her work in theatre and comedy.
Ferdinand M. Lopez, a PhD student at the Women and Gender Studies Institute, covered the queer movement and identity in the Philippines. Ilyan Ferrer, an associate professor at Carleton University, explored migration and care exchanges within racialized communities.
Meanwhile, Ritche Perez, a multimedia specialist, showcased his photography and visual storytelling, including his role on “Son of a Critch.”
This year’s theme was “Panahon” – meaning time, season or era in English, focusing on the transition into young adulthood and building on last year’s theme of “Laro (to play).”
Photo from Pinoys on Parliament 2025/Instagram
