Nationwide search is on for outstanding Filipino Canadians

Ronnie Dela Gana, iKubo CEO (left), Rachelle Cruz, host of the lifestyle show “The It List” and ambassador of the 2017 Golden Balangay Awards, and Jovito Favila, co-founder of Awards Online Canada. INQUIRER/Marisa Roque

TORONTO, Ontario — The search for outstanding Filipinos from all across Canada “set sail” on Saturday, March 18 at Toronto’s Edward Village Hotel.

The Golden Balangay Awards is one of the contributions of the Filipino Canadian community to Canada’s 150th birthday celebration.  It is a collaboration between iKubo Media and Awards Online Canada.

The choice of the “balangay” for this prestigious award is no accident.  An ancient large wooden boat with sails and outriggers, the balangay was the vehicle used by waves of immigrants to the Philippines from 4000 to 2000 BCE.

Bernadette Fernandez, deputy consul, Philippine Consulate General Toronto, encouraged the audience to spread news of the search for outstanding Filipino Canadians. INQUIRER/Marisa Roque

The boats carried people looking for a better life for themselves and their families, and these seafarers were ancestors of the Filipino.  Their characteristics of hardiness, industry and resilience have been passed on to their descendants.

Filipinos make up the third largest group of immigrants to Canada, carrying on the spirit of adventure of the balangay seafarers.  Ronnie Dela Gana, iKubo CEO, explains: “We wanted a name that would symbolize our journey in chasing our dreams.  At the same time, we also wanted a name that would give us that sense of community.”

Claire Dela Gana, iKubo Media, gave the background of the Golden Balangay Awards. INQUIRER/Marisa Roque

The use of the latest technology for awards and recognition will be a first for the Filipino community.  Jovito Favila, co-founder of Awards Online Canada, explains: “Through the Awards Online System, nomination submissions and judging are completed and managed through a secure portal.  These are all done from the convenience of your home or office.”

The categories are (1) Educational Excellence Awards in Secondary and Post Secondary Education; (2) Excellence Awards in Arts and Culture, Sports and Fitness, Media, Music, and Entertainment Business; (3) Service Excellence Awards for Community Service and Public Service; (4) Educator of the Year; (5) Young Leader of the Year; (6) Senior Achiever of the Year; (7) Most Influential Community Organization; (8) Young Entrepreneur of the Year; (9) Entrepreneur of the Year; (10) Executive of the Year; (11) Manggagawang Pilipino of the Year; and, (12) Pinoy of the Year.

Alberto Rodil, who snagged the top spot in Royal Bank of Canada’s 2014 search for Top 25 Canadian Immigrants, shared his inspiring success story with those present. INQUIRER/Marisa Roque

The rules for the search, including the process for nomination, are to be found at www.goldenbalangayawards.com.  Sponsorship information for the event is available from Ronnie Dela Gana at (647) 300-1970.

Nominations are now open and will close on August 12, 2017.  The list of nominees and judges will be announced on August 19, 2017, and the Golden Balangay trophy will be unveiled then.

The very first Golden Balangay Awards night is on September 9, 2017 at the Bank of Montreal Institute for Learning (BMO-IFL) in Toronto.  The red carpet event and awards ceremony will be covered by Filipino TV (FTV).

The Balangay Ball and after party will cap the event, and will be held at the Bow of BMO-IFL.  Pinoy Radio and MCBN.TV will broadcast the event.