Toronto Filipino community marks June 12 with breakfast, art exhibit

ConGen Prospero opens the Philippine Artists Guild exhibit. From left: Maestro Romi Mananquil and Jhun Diamante of PAG, Michele Serrano, ConGen Rose, and Rose Tijam. INQUIRER/Marisa Roque

TORONTO, Ontario — Pedestrians gawked as guests in colorful Filipiniana garb flocked to the Consulate General of the Philippines on Toronto’s Eglinton Avenue East location the morning of June 12.

The 119th anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence fell on a Monday.  Although it was the start of a regular work week, the premises were packed with eager “kababayans” who wanted to show their loyalty to Inang Pilipinas.

Little Heidi Juliet Tato takes a break from her duties as guest registration officer/welcomer at the Independence Day fete. INQUIRER/Marisa Roque

It was time for bonding and catching up with fellow Filipino Canadians from all corners of the Greater Toronto Area, who braved rush hour traffic to be present at the festivities.

After registration, Chyrell Samson, a popular Fil-Canadian singer, led the assembly in singing the Philippine national anthem.  “Panunumpa ng Katapatan sa Watawat ng Pilipinas” (pledge of loyalty to the Philippine flag) came after, led by Roberto Ruben Fajardo.

Messages from secretaries of the Philippine cabinet were read to the audience by consulate officers handling each department’s desk:

WATCH: John Lesaca plays folk melodies in June 12 Celebration, Toronto. INQUIRER/Marisa Roque

Ethel Magtibay from the Philippine Overseas Labor Office relayed Department of Labor and Employment Secretary Silvestre Bello III’s promise that “as long as there are Filipino workers overseas, it is our responsibility to protect them.”

Senior Trade Commissioner Nini Alvero shared Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez’s report that “the country posted one of the fastest growth rates in Asia in 2016 at 6.8 percent, (with) the growth trajectory…projected to carry on at 6.4 percent this year and 6.6 percent in 2018, as projected by the World Bank.”

Deputy Consul General Bernadette Fernandez quoted Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Cayetano: “Let us also remember the more than ten million Filipinos living and working abroad who work hard to liberate their families from hardship and give them better opportunities in life.  The global Filipino indomitable spirit and character continue to make a difference wherever they are in the world.”

Bernadette Fernandez passes on Secretary Cayetano’s message, “… President Duterte continues to implement the constitutional mandate for an independent foreign policy: to build more bridges, to strengthen old valued partnerships and at the same time strengthen new relationships and build new partnerships.” INQUIRER/Marisa Roque

Consul General Rosalita Prospero read President Rodrigo Duterte’s advice to Filipinos to “take inspiration from our forebears who valiantly fought and offered their lives so that we may have the liberties that we enjoy today.  Let us pay homage to their heroism by preserving our sovereignty and performing our own civic rights and responsibilities.”

After the solemn messages, the mood of the audience turned reflective, listening to violin virtuoso John Lesaca, who played Felipe De Leon’s “Payapang Daigdig” on his electric violin.  For an encore, he performed a medley of Filipino folk tunes from different regions, to the delight of everyone.  John Lesaca said he thinks it especially fitting to be playing Filipino music on Independence Day for his kababayans, as he is related to Julian Felipe, the composer of the Philippine national anthem.  “Marcha Nacional de Filipinas,” as it was then called, was first played on the occasion of the declaration of Philippine independence in Kawit, Cavite.

A hearty salusalo of Filipino breakfast foods capped the celebration.

Eric Parungao served as emcee for the event.

Maestro Romi Mananquil, first PAG president and one of its founders, present members (and some representatives) to the audience.  From left: Mark Quintia (representing member Francine Quintia, his daughter), Marinor Blanco, Frank Tonido, Gene Lopos, Omel Masalunga, Jhun Diamante, Tenzin Youn Tsering (partly covered), Nelia Tonido, Frank Cruzet, and Nerissa Pineda. INQUIRER/Marisa Roque

THE FOLLOWING Saturday, June 17, the Philippine Artists Group formally opened its annual art exhibition held in conjunction with the celebration of Philippine Independence Day.  Held at the Neilson Park Creative Center in Etobicoke, this year’s exhibit also has the 150th anniversary of Canada’s confederation as a major motif.

Over 75 paintings featuring Canadian subjects, presented in various genres, have Canada’s peoples, landscapes, urbanscapes, and other iconic Canadian images such as those depicting the Canadian immigrant experience.  Watercolors, acrylics, oils, pastels, and other art media, in styles ranging from realism to pure abstractions, are displayed.

The annual exhibit is sponsored by the Consulate General as part of the celebrations for Philippine Independence Day.  This year, the show runs from June 12 to July 2 and is open to the public.