From left, Ernie Liao, Rafael Nebres, Vicky and Eugene Habon,
Karen Tan at the launching of Karen and Josie's concert.

Rocel Enverga was feted with a grand debutante's ball by her parents, Jun and Rosemer Enverga, last July 6 at the Spirale Banquet Hall in Toronto.

The beautiful and heart-warming evening saw Rocel dance the cotillon with her sisters, cousins and friends, and a special number with her Dad.

Touching tributes were delivered by family members about the oustanding achievements of Rocel, her endearing ways, and the blessing that she has been to them. Rocel responded to the tributes with warmth and candor.

Relatives from the United States joined the Envergas ceberate the big event. Guests from various Filipino community organizations graced the event.
Rocel is an honour student who won two medals last schoolyear. She also plays the piano, sings and dances well.

ONTARIO NDP Leader Howard Hampton (center) with, from right,
Thomas Saras, president of National Ethnic Press and Media Council
of Canada ; Hossain; Clyde McNeil and a guest.

HOUSE of Embroideries and Crafts owners Cesar and Neftalie Abrenica
at the Carabram 2007 with Premier Dalton MacGuinty wearing a Barong Tagalog,
July 8, 2007.

Maring and Ruben Empalmado celebrated their 60 years of marriage with a
dinner-gathering held at Brae Ben Golf Course club in Missisauga on June 22, 2007. They are shown in inset photo surrounded by their children, children-in-laws and grandchildren.

LUI Temelkovski, MP for Oakbridges-Markham (2nd from left),
with wife Loretta (left) and Rafael and Sylvia Nebres at Philippine
Chamber of Commerce-Toronto acquaintance party June 16.

Newly elected Regent Rose Litrondo (2nd from right) of Daughters of Isaberlla,
Our Lady of Peace Circle 1297 (2007-2009), is shown in photo together with State Regent Jean Jean Anderson (2nd from left); Fr. Mark Villanueva (extreme left), pastor of Blessed John XXIII Parish; and Ramon Litrondo (extreme right), member
of Knights of Columbos Council 8804, San Lorenzo Ruiz.
(Jojo Taduran)

Mrs. Angelita Vera Cruz (seated), The Pillars' Mother of Year 2007,
is shown in photo together with her children and other relatives after
she was honored and crowned recently at the Lynch Hall
of the Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Sherbourne, Toronto.
(PHOTO: JOJO TADURAN )

Jennifer Perez Fermo (2nd from left) holds her Award for Academic excellence during her Grade 8 graduation from the Guardian Angels Elementary School in
Milton, Ontario. Also in photo are her mom Armie, dad Randy and sister Jessica.
She was also given a special award in music and arts.
(ROMEO AYSON ZETAZATE)

‘I'LL TAKE THE MONEY'

Forex-Umac managed to save some expenses when the contestant in their
Kuwarta o Kahon contest at Filipino Centre Toronto 's Pistahan chose $300 over prizes in the boxes. The box prizes are an outdoor barbecue grill, a trip to the Philippines and an entertainment centre.

JOHN TORY, Leader of Ontario Conservatives (center) joins PIDC's “Dancing to be A Star” contestants under dance coordinator Leonie Manzanares, and PIDC President Jun Enverga, and other Conservative guests at the picnic at Earl Bales Park on June 16.

ISABELA Association

TORONTO -- Alejo Parucha, popularly known as Mr. Alex Parucha in the Filipino community in Toronto, celebrated his 90th birthday last Friday, June 22 at Qssis Banquet Hall in Toronto .

A long-time mainstay and a traditional community leader in the community, Mr. Parucha still occupies the position as president of Filipino Parents Association and is still a board member of Living Waters Residence in Mississauga.

Organized by his children and grandchildren, the party was well attended by community leaders and his countless friends and colleagues. Mr. Parucha counts among his achievements his being a soldier in the Philippines who fought the invading Japanese army and being forced to join the infamous Death March and escaping from it.

His big bash, attended by more thant 300 guests, was highlighted by messages from government officials and politicians, among them MPs, MPPs, and leaders from both Canada and the Philippines . Following are some of them.

A quote from Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's birthday greetings:

“...I am pleased to know that as a young man, you have fought againts the Japanese Imperial Army during the Second World War. Indeed because of your sacrifices and those of your comrades, including those who died your countrymen are now enjoying freedom and democracy. You, therefore, richly deserve this thanksgiving party having lived a fruitful and worthy life for the past 90 years.”

A quote from The Right Hon. Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada:

“...You have lived through very interesting times and it is my distinct pleasure to offer you my warmest congratulations and best wishes..I would also like to take this opprotunity to commend you for your bravery and sacrifice duing the Second World War. You and your felllow USAFFE veterans helped to liberate your homeland, the Philippines and contributed to the creation of a more peaceful and secure world...”

From Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty's message:

“...As you mark this sepcial milestone in your life abd take time to reflect upon you many accomplishments, I wish you a memorable and enjoyable celebration.”

From the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario James Bartlemen:

“...As the Queen's representative in Ontario ,it is my pleasure to extend best wishes to you on youtr 90th birthday...many happy returns.”

From Liberal Party Leader Hon. Stephane Dion:

“...May this day bring you great joy and lead you towards wonderful endeavours in the future. I wish you all the best ...and continued health and prosperity.”

From NDP Leader Hon. Jack Layton:

“...Along with you family and friends, I wish to extend my heartiest congratulations upon reaching this wonderful milestone in your life...”

From Hon Alan Redway (former MPP and friend of Alex since 1980):

“...I know you are proud of your Filipino heritage and rightfully so...But at the same time, I know you are a proud Canadian and Canada is a far, far better country becuase of you and your wonderful family...Canada is lucky to have you.”

From the Consul General Alejandro Mosquera.:

“...Special greetings is gratefully presented to Alejo P. Parucha for his exemplary deeds and achievements in life, and on the occasion of his 90th birthday.”

From Toronto Mayor David Miller:

“...Birthdays are the thread that weave together the fabric of our lives. This is a wonderful occasion to reminisce on the highlights of your life and the difference you've made in making the world a better place...”

Similar messages were given from the following individuals as well:

Michael Prue, MPP and a friend for 19 years, MPP Lorenzo Birerdinetti, MPP Yasmin Ratansi, MPP John Cannis, MPP Bas Balkisson, MPP Brad Duigiud, MPP Tony Ruprecht, MPP and a friend for 29 years and MPP Gerry Phillips.

The Philippine Artist Group of Canada , fresh from two just concluded almost simultaneous art shows in celebration of the 109th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine independence, opened its 3rd and biggest art exhibition this year in less than a week.

The first show was in conjunction with the Kalayaan Cultural Community Centre's formal week long open house in Mississauga from May 27 to June 3. It was graced by no less than the beloved long time mayor of the city, Hazel McCallion, joined by other dignitaries, leaders of the community and the general public. When KCCC president Mama Ching Quejas invited the group to join the festivities, it marked the first time the PAG did an art exhibition in any community centre in Canada .

Two days later a representative group lead by the new PAG president, Dunluna, droved to Ottawa to set-up another show at the Westin Hotel on the invitation of Ambassador Jose Brillantes and the Philippine embassy. This art exhibition which culminated with a Gala night on June 12 and attended by members of the diplomatic corps and local community leaders, was also another first for the group in the nation's capital.

Finally, the PAG's big annual art exhibition, this year called “Creations & Expressions” to co-celebrate the worldwide commemoration of Philippine independence opened on Sunday, June 17 at the lush and stately Cedar Ridge Studio Gallery in Scarborough. On hand was Consul General Alejandro Mosquera, representing the Toronto Consulate General, the traditional presenting sponsor of the PAG in this annual art exhibition and PNB Remittance Canada's Vice President Manolo Arnaldo, the group's biggest and perennial sponsor. Also present was KCCC President Mama Ching Quejas and Atty. Bayani Abesamis of the Philippine-Canadian Centre, the PAG's prime mover in it's Philippine art exhibitions, other prominent names in the community, the group's families, friends and other art aficionados. The show ran until Monday, June 25.

“Creations & Expressions” is reportedly one the group's best if not its best art show in years in terms of variety and styles. It certainly represents the PAG with it's most inspired creations. Congen Mosquera was so impressed by what he saw that he referred to the PAG as “the pride of the community” while PNB Rapid Remit's Arnaldo promised continued support for the group and what it does for Philippine visual arts.

Now on its 19th year, the present PAG is composed of Rolly Abarilla (Archivist), Antonio ‘Jun' Afable (Treasurer), Wilfred Alinas (Auditor), Ma. Nellie Bautista (P.R.O.), Cobie Cruz (Recording Secretary), Archimedes Cruzado, Frank Cruzet, Jhun Diamante (Webmaster), Tony Doctor, Tony ‘Dunluna' Luna (President), Manny de Jesus, Art Ibarra, Rocille Lampitoc, Rol Lampitoc, Sr., Tony Leyco, Justino ‘Dong' Magalona (Vice President), Romi C. MananQuil (Founder / past President), Koni Marcoux, Omel Masalunga (Promotions Officer), Calixto ‘Toots' Quiachon (past President), Joey Rollo, Joejene Santos, Frank Tonido (Property Custodian) and Nelia Tonido (Coordinating Secretary).

Please visit the PAG websites at www.philippineartists.com, www.dunluna.com, www.lampitoc.com, www.justinomagalona.com, www.mananquil.com.

(PRESS RELEASE)

Katrina Silverio, successful graduate and new Sick Kids nurse,
with proud parents Alvin Silverio and Marie Singson.

The ZETAZATE family held recently a family reunion
in Toronto, Ontario. The members of the clan came
from the United States, Philippines, and Canada.
Shown in photo seated from left to right:
Edna, Magdalena Ayson Zetazate (the family matriarch),
and Julie Z. de la Cruz. Standing from left: Abbey, Jun (Diosdado),
Romy, Oscar, and Rudy.
(St. Jametwon News Service)

TCDSB Makabayan Singing Competition 2007:
A Celebration of Filipino Culture

The Toronto Catholic District School Board's 2nd Filipino International Language Assembly and Makabayan Singing Competition was successfully celebrated with close to 400 parents, students and guest in attendance at St. Maria Goretti Catholic School on May 12, 2007. Parents and community members flocked to the school to cheer on the Filipino children who competed in singing makabayan songs such as "Ako Ay Pilipino", "Ang Bayan Kong Pilipinas"; "Pinoy Ako" and "Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika".

What made the event special was the fact that those competing for the much-coveted award of "Mga Makabayang Mang-aawit ng Taon 2007 (First Prize)" are Filipino Canadian students who are just beginning to learn their native language, many having been born here or migrating to Canada when they were very young. These contestants prepared for months to memorize the songs and sing them with much fervor. The audience was very supportive and encouraging.

As one parent said: "Learning a language, even if it's your native language, is hard especially if you grew up in Canada. Somehow you tend to lose it; that's why I salute these kids who are doing their best to learn it."

Many parents are happy that their children are putting so much effort into learning the language and competing in this makabayan singing contest. One mother quipped: "Kahit ako, nakakalimutan ko na ang ating magagandang awitin, kaya hanga ako sa mga bata dahil nagawa nilang mamemorya ang mga awitin, kahit hirap sila !"

Philippine Consul General of Toronto, Alejandro Mosquera graced the affair and inspired the parents to continue teaching the children the Filipino language. The panel of judges included: Jun Enverga, President of Philippine Independence Day Council (PIDC), Philip Mendoza, Community Relations Officer of Toronto Police, Flor Dandal, Executive Director of Kababayan Community Center, Wendy Arena, Executive Coordinator of the Filipino Center Toronto and Jun Miranda, Chief Financial Officer of PNB Remittance.

All contestants went home as winners. Each one received a loot bag and was eligible to win raffle prizes that were donated by members of the community and parents.

The official winners were:

• First Place--Group singers of Canadian Martyrs Catholic School
• Second Place--Group Singers of St. Barnabas Catholic School
• Third Place--Group singers of St. Maria Goretti Catholic School

The contestants came from five different Filipino International Languages classes offered in six TCDSB elementary schools: St. Barnabas, St. Brendan, St. Barbara, St. Maria Goretti, Canadian Martyrs and Holy Family. The Filipino language classes are offered free every Saturday, from 9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Superintendent of Education, Dr. Jim Saraco, congratulated the Filipino community for keeping the language alive, and ensuring that the children have an opportunity to learn about, and appreciate their rich culture and heritage.

Organizers of the event were: TCDSB Community Relations Officer, Jody Huang and Filipino instructors and Instructors In Charge Fely Gabriel, Erlinda Zabella, Rose Baguioro, Prelinda Real, Gloria Lim, Teresita Feliciano, Mona Ventolero and Josefina Posada, in close partnership with Pro-Action Kids of Toronto Police Service and PNB Remittance Toronto.

The Toronto Catholic District School Board educates close to 90,000 students from diverse cultures and language backgrounds in its 201 Catholic elementary and secondary schools and serves 471,078 Catholic school supporters across the City of Toronto.

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