Press Releases

Mabuhay Festival is Also for Kids
Mabuhay Festival is also for Kids…KIDZ ZONE! Due to the overwhelming demand by parents who have small kids, Philippine Independence Day Council has allotted 20,000 square footage of space just for Kids and those who think like Kids.
[Posted June 25, 2008]

The Mabuhay Channel
In celebration of Philippine Independence Day, PersonalTV™ from Rogers is offering a free preview of the following popular Tagalog-language channel from June 5th- 19th, 2008: The Mabuhay Channel.

The Mabuhay Channel, a Tagalog-language channel, offers news, entertainment, movies, public affairs, music, lifestyle, documentaries, children’s entertainment, sports and travel programs 24 hours a day. The Mabuhay Channel’s programming includes comprehensive news programs such as “Teledyaryo Ala Una,” daily Filipino movies and much more. Channel 606
More Info
[Posted June 11, 2008]

Mrs. Philippines Raised Funds for the Poor
Philippine Independence Day Council started the year with a big and prestigious event, the Mrs. Philippines Pageant. The pageant was conceived to reiterate that beauty has neither age boundaries nor limits. Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder and true beauty is within each and everyone’s heart and spirit.  A seven Thousand ($7000) cheque was presented to Temmy Pangilinan of ANCOP GK International to build houses for the poor. In the Mrs. Philippines Pageant, the candidates are not the only winners; the poor families who will receive the houses are the real winners.
More Info
[Posted May 22, 2008]

Royalty to grace PIDC Fest
Bidding her legion of fans in the Philippines a temporary adieu, Ai-Ai de las Alas travels in July to  Toronto where the PIDC will roll out the red carpet.  Dubbed the Philippines’ Comedy Queen, Blockbuster Queen, and Concert Queen, Ms. de Las Alas headlines this year’s Mabuhay Festival,  flagship project of the Philippine Independence Day Council.
More Info
[Posted April 22, 2008]

PIDC Toronto Annual Picnic
Click here for more info, events happening this June 14, 2008 at the PIDC Toronto Annual Picnic, to be held at Earl Bales Park.
[posted April 14, 2008]

Get Connected, Get Listed, Reach the third largest community in the country!

The MABUHAY DIGEST Souvenir Program & Directory is a publication dedicated in showcasing the associations, businesses and individuals who participate in events organized by the Philippine Independence Day Council (“PIDC”) especially the “Mabuhay Philippines! Toronto Summer Festival”. It will contain a comprehensive directory of businesses and associations that support the continued growth and preservation of Philippine heritage and culture in Canada. In addition, the digest also offers the option to let the public familiarize themselves with your company and/or organization. For a nominal fee, an article can be written about your group to further publicize services, accomplishments, events and projects you may have.
More info
[posted Mar 12, 2008]

Who will be the next Miss Philippines PIDC 2008?
Nine of the finalists for the prestigious pageant have gathered together in a local Community Centre to promote their upcoming event which will be held at the Korean Cultural Community Centre on May 17.
more info
[posted April 26, 2008]

YOU could be the next Mrs. Philippines!
Mrs. Philippines will serve as a role model and inspiration to all women particularly the Filipina woman, showcasing the virtues and the excellent morale of the Filipina woman. She will promote the Filipino Culture, Arts, Heritage and the Acts of Charity.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS MARCH 15!
Sign up TODAY!
[posted Feb 23, 2008]

PIDC Toronto GK Village to Rise in Bicol
"Eight long hours on the road on the 14th day of January, 2008, tired and sleepless but  well worth it when the Canadian entourage arrived at the site 9:00 am where the PIDC Toronto- GK Village will rise. The village will be situated at the town of Jose Maria E. Panganiban, Bicol Region, as promised by the officers and supporters of the Philippine Independence Day Council.  The town of Jose Panganiban is about ten kilometers away from Daet, a mountainous area overlooking the sea. The town is an old mining town that was gravely affected when mining stopped in the region. What is worse, it is often affected by typhoons..."
Full Article
[posted Feb 23, 2008]

Dear Kababayan,

We sincerely extend our heartfelt gratitude to you, your family, your friends and your organization for supporting the Mabuhay Philippines! Toronto Summer Festival last August 17,18 and 19. Your participation in our 3-day Festival will enable us to fulfill our pledge and make it a reality of building a PIDC-GK Village of 30 houses in the Philippines.

The event was a great success judging from the tremendous number of people who attended the celebration. Everyone who celebrated the Festival with us will have a lasting memory to keep and share.

Please read the attached press release , and the Paraiso article, and enjoy the pictures on the links below.

Festival Photos @ Filipinos.ca
Mabuhay Festival - SantaCruzan Photos @ Filipinos.ca
Mabuhay Parade Photos @ Filipinos.ca
More photos at http://infofilipino.redandal.com
Mabuhay Festival Parade (YouTube)

MARAMING, MARAMING SALAMAT AT MABUHAY TAYONG LAHAT!

Jun Enverga, President
Minda Neri, Festival Chair

"Take a Bow, PIDC":
Mabuahay Festival Review by Ricardo J.S. Caluen
"The curtains fell on this year’s Mabuhay Festival to lusty shouts of mabuhay. And quite appropriately so. After all, by any yardstick, the Philippine Independence Day Council may have broken its own record in terms of the over-all successful conclusion of the annual festival which has now become a fixture in Toronto’s summer festival scene..."
[posted Aug 27, 2007]

Festival Article @ EpochTimes.com

Tian Guo Marching Band of Canada

See more video clips from this year's Festival
[posted August 27, 2007]

Filipino festival offers food and aid
[August 17, 2007]

Event aims to raise funds to rebuild houses destroyed by typhoon
Full Article

Proceeds from Mabuhay Festival to build houses for the Poor
[posted Aug 14, 2007]
Mabuhay Festival to be held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (beside CN Tower) on Saturday, August 18 from 10am - 10pm will donate the proceeds to Gawad Kalinga to build a village for the poor whose houses were devastated by recent typhoons. It is the first time that proceeds from PIDC events is going to charity.
Full Article

MABUHAY Fest –This Summer’s Sizzler
[Published Aug 9, 2007]
Imagine colors—banderitas, ethnic costumes, the collage of exhibits and products for sale. Hear drums and kulintang playing…or live bands and performers. Get ready with the confluence of exotic aroma from regional Filipino cuisine. Sound familiar? But of course, because it’s the Mabuhay Philippines! Festival experience. The popular Filipino community contribution to the wider Toronto Summer Festival, Mabuhay comes alive again on August 18 (10 a.m.- 11 p.m.) at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (Hall A255) on Front Street West.
Full Article

Photos of Pageant Winners at Taste of Asia
[Published July 3, 2007]
View Photos

Mabuhay Festival Cultural Parade
[Published July 3, 2007]
"..This year, the parade will be the biggest, longest and most colorful parade in the Filipino-Canadian community..."
Full Article

PIDC “Dancing to Be A Star" Competition
[Published July 3, 2007]
: "In order to accommodate and welcome more competitors for “Dancing to be a Star”, the Philippine Independence Day Council (“PIDC”) have modified the rules and regulations. There will be two categories now competing; the Advance and Intermediate dancers."
Full Article

PIDC Sponsors $20,000 Scholarship:
[Published July 3, 2007]
"The Philippine Independence Day Council (PIDC) with the cooperation of the Police Foundations Department of Canadian Law Enforcement Training College is sponsoring 2 (two) $10,000 Scholarships, available to qualified candidates who are serious about a career in Law Enforcement. Training will be provided by the Canadian Law Enforcement Training College."
Full Article:

Visible Minorities Salutes the Philippine Mabuhay Festival
Published: June 25, 2007
(Featured in the Bank of Montreal Diversity Newsletter)

"In this issue of your P&C Canada HQ Diversity Council Newsletter, we focus on the Mabuhay Festival, being held on August 18th. The event is being organized by the Philippine Independence Day Council led by current President, Tobias Enverga, a BMO employee at SCC! "
View Full Article

"DANCING TO BE A STAR"
Published: June 4, 2007

PIDC is breaking new ground with its "Dancing to be a Star" competition formatted similar to "Dancing with the Stars" on television. Chaired by dancing icon, Leonie Manzanares, co -chaired by Pete Mauricio, Imie Belanger, Evelyn Lao, and Rei Ching; its objective is to promote further camaraderie and shared fun among those involved in ballroom dancing. Winners will serve as role models to youth and other ballroom dancers displaying their poise, execution, grace and dance choreography.

The Chairs have made it easy to join the competition with competitors being given 2 categories to dance to in front of the judges. Contestants choose from Latin (Rumba, Cha-Cha, Jive and Salsa) and one from Standard (Waltz, Fox Trot, Quick Step and Tango). No one is eliminated and judges will account for 60% of the vote and the audience 40%. The total count will be used to determine who will be 5th, 4th, 3rd, 2nd and 1st prize winners.

Presentation of Stars lead by Leonie, was held at Larry Taylor Hall, Mississauga Valley Community Centre, last May 19th attended by the competitors, their peers, friends and colleagues. The next venue for the wide range competition will be at the Macedonian Hall at 75 Overlea Blvd. in Toronto, July 25, 2007.

Ten finalists will all get a commemorative trophy being the very first "Dancing to be as Star" competitors. The first prize winner of the Advanced Category will be proclaimed in the final round of the competition and will be awarded the prestigious revolving Ballroom Gold Award Trophy and Cash. Second and third prize winners in both categories as well as first prize winner in the intermediate category will all be awarded a flower bouquet and cash. The proclamation of winners and awarding will be on the final event of the competition at the Mabuhay Philippines Toronto Summer Festival on August 18th, 2007 at Metro Convention Centre in Toronto.

For more information on this event, please contact Leonie Manzanares at jlmanzan@yahoo.ca.

PIDC 2007 Little Miss Philippines Pageant Winners
Published: May 16, 2007

The winner of the Little Miss Philippines -PIDC '07 - Jasmine Camille Gooljar (centre), Mia Mahinay, 1st runner-up (left), Camille Montes, 2 nd runner-up (right). The winners received cash and scholarships and will be representing PIDC in various community events including the Santa Cruzan at the Mabuhay Festival at Metro Convention Centre on Aug. 18, 2007. For more information for next year's pageant, please contact Rosemer at (416) 284-2810 or Rose at (647) 294-8234 or e-mail littlemissphilippines@gmail.com

Toasts to PIDC 2007 Miss Philippines Pageant Winners
by: Suzy Llanera

Published: May 15, 2007

The Miss Philippines Beauty Pageant held on Sunday, May 6th, 2007 has once again proved the commitment of the Philippine Independence Day Council ("PIDC") in showcasing Filipino culture and heritage. By bringing together today's youth to participate in many events, PIDC fosters the spirit of togetherness, fun, and pride in our cultural roots and at the same time, provide avenues for encouraging our young Filipino women to appreciate and develop their natural talents, poise, beauty & intellect. PIDC's efforts in this initiative was a resounding success as witnessed by over 500 people at this year's beauty pageant which was held at the Metropol Banquet Hall & Theatre.

Miss Philippines pageant was created to select Ambassadors of Goodwill to all PIDC activities such as the Independence Day Gala, Salu-Salo sa Earl Bales Park Picnic, the Mabuhay Cup Invitational Basketball Tournament, the Mabuhay Philippines! Toronto Summer Festival, the Mabuhay Parade and other invitations throughout the community.

Chaired by Albert Alonzo; Lorelei Redoblado, Choregrapher/ Directress; Joseph Redoblado, Technical Director; Lourdes Alonzo, Administrator; Suzy Llanera, Chair-Philippine Star Babies 2007 and Judges/ Auditors/ Tabulators' Coordinator; and Karen Pascual-Binaday, Media Coordinator, this team of dedicated and hardworking volunteers ensured that the event's focus was to remain family-oriented. Lorelei Redoblado is to be commended for her expertise in choreography; she produced a classic and indeed, an elegant show.

PIDC's president Tobias "Jun" Enverga, Jr., congratulated the pageant committee for the success of the pageant. Jose "Pempe" Saavedra, Jr., PIDC's adviser heard positive feedbacks from a distinguished member of the board of judges.

A lady (who requested to remain anonymous), a first time attendee of the pageant, was so impressed by the show that she sent me an E-mail, expressing her gratitude and enthusiastic reaction to the show:

"Many thanks for inviting me to the PIDC annual pageant. Those young Filipino ladies who vied for the titles of Junior Miss and Miss Philippines are truly impressive in their beauty and talent. The team of remarkably dignified judges must have had a tough challenge choosing the "creme a la creme." My congratulations, as well, to the PIDC organizers (I believe you're one of them) who marvelously orchestrated such a wonderful event. Indeed, a great showcase of Filipino cultural heritage and, most importantly, a charity initiative par excellence."

The pageant attempts to bring out inherent or potential talents of every candidate. All candidates are expected to demonstrate their artistic or creative talents during the show.

They wear a "terno" (national costume) and evening gown for the final night as requirement in judging their poise, beauty and elegance. An important point for them to remember is to be able to answer intelligently and appropriately the judges' interview questions.

Now, to the following winners, Congratulations! May the experience you gained at the PIDC pageant bring you a brighter and fulfilling promise in the future.

Miss Junior Philippines 2007 - Khriscelle Nanola, Toronto

1st Runner-Up - Ceara Khoramshahi, Mississauga
Miss Philippine Tourism 2007 - Alexa Bella, Markham
Miss Philippines Tourism 2007 - Jaqueline Munoz, Scarborough
Miss Philippines Tourism 2007 - Kristine Lou Gargaritano, Pickering

Miss Popularity - Khriscelle Nanola
Miss Charity - Jaqueline Munoz

Best in Evening Gown - Alexa Bella
Best in Talent - Khriscelle Nanola

Miss Philippines 2007 - Alyssa Ashley Zamora, Newmarket

1st Runner-Up - Khristine Mai Atienza, Mississauga
Miss Philippines Tourism 2007 - Diane Watson, Oshawa
Miss Philippines Tourism 2007 - Cheryl Chan, Oakville
Miss Philippines Tourism 2007 - Apple Joy dela Cruz, Toronto

Miss Charity & Miss Popularity - Khristine Mai Atienza

Best in "Terno" (National Costume) - Alyssa Ashley Zamora & Diane Watson
Best in Evening Gown - Apple Joy dela Cruz
Best in Talent - Khristine Mai Atienza

PIDC brought back The Philippine Star Babies this year. This category added the participation of infants, little boys and little girls, ages 0 to 5 years old. They will be the Little Ambassadors of Goodwill, Prince and Princesses for PIDC. The parents of Toven Bella, Kirsten Isabelle Pascual-Binaday, Ayden Buenaventura, Nicole Cairnduff, Rod-Ann Francisco, Cassandra Goodgoll, Fatima Tayag and Trinity Santiago were very happy and proud indeed. Each child brought home not only some beautiful prizes but also awards and trophies that they can cherish for years to come.

Scott Brown, Mister Philippines 2006 and Melody Olmos, Miss Philippines 2004 co-hosted the entire show. Veronica DeLumpa, 1st Runner-Up Miss Philippines 2006 and Monica de Leon, Miss Teen Philippines 2006 hosted the Talent competition and Philippine Star Babies 2007, respectively.

Ylynne Enriquez, Angelique Esguerra, Rachel de Castro, and Jessica Silva, and other former title holders presented cash awards, sashes, bouquets, trophies, other awards & complimentary prizes to the winners.

Joshua Moralejo, 1st Runner-Up Mister Philippines 2006, Vincent Villanueva, Mister Philippine Tourism 2006 and Scott Brown, Mister Philippines 2006 serenaded the candidates. A rendition of songs from the Symphony of Nine (SO9 Band) enlivened the atmosphere. Very commendable was the trio performance of Scott Brown on electric guitar and as lead singer, Jackie Santos on keyboard and Monica de Leon on drums. The combination of brain, good looks and rare abilities were made manifest in their performance as they sang, played the keyboard and other musical instruments.

Jackie Santos, Miss Philippines 2006 and Ylynne Enriquez, Miss Junior Philippines 2006 relinquished their crowns to their successors with so much grace and dignity and did their final walk. It was also their moment to shine. They expressed heartfelt gratitude to their benefactors.

Abigail Santos, Miss Philippines 2002, Dr. Amir Rouzati, Lilac Caña, Joe Chen, Tess Cusipag, Edgar Gonzales, Sachiko Lau, Aarthi Kalyan, Miss Teen Philippines 2005, and Sante Tosani composed the panel of distinguished judges. The AFCA Auditors/ Tabulators, headed by Joe Ragual, Nestor Ang, and Al Tupe had the difficult job in ensuring an accurate and timely final tally.

Mikey Bustos, a Canadian Idol finalist made a surprise visit to the venue that brought the crowd into an even higher crescendo of excitement. Deo Moreno, a Producer from Mabuhay Radio 1610.AM covered the event with a live broadcast.

PIDC is very grateful to all the contestants and their families, participants, the media, the volunteers to name a few were: Amy Olmos, Chillet Bautista, and Christy Doctora, and to our loyal and important Sponsors: Golden Valley Food Outlet & Restaurant, Ruzz Couture, C & L Flowers & More, and ASAP Travel. PIDC's warm appreciation also goes to the services of Special Moments for videography, Rodger Edralin, official photography and Mabuhay Radio 1610.AM.

"It is indeed another feather for PIDC and a cap to the Miss Philippines - PIDC Beauty pageant organizing committee," said Minda Neri, this year's chair Mabuhay Philippines! Toronto Summer Festival. (SL)

Mabuhay Cup 2007 First Team Leaders' Meeting
Published: Apr 3, 2007

Toronto, Canada (April 3, 2007) -PIDC Mabuhay Cup Basketball Organizing Committee met with team leaders and volunteers at Goulding Community Centre last Sunday. Tournament information and registration/waiver forms were distributed during the meeting. Initial confirmations from invited league organizations and clubs were gathered to determine the number of team entries per division. "Significant number of clubs expressed their intentions to compete in this foremost tournament. We received queries from other basketball clubs in the Filipino Community and outside Toronto such as Hamilton, Ottawa and as far as San Diego and San Francisco, California, U.S.A. The popularity of Mabuhay Cup is greater than ever." said Ramon Fermin, PIDC Event Chair.

To date, the following teams confirmed their entries: Mosquito Division: (5) Angiels, Durham, NYPAA, and two teams from PHYBA League. Tykes Division: (6) Angiels, Durham, NYPAA, PHYBA, T.O. Falcons and Warriors. Peewee Division: (6) Angiels, Durham, CKaTT/Dolce, NYPAA, Sultan and T.O. Falcons. Bantam Division: (6) Angiels, Durham, Lakan-MPAA, NYPAA, T.O. Falcons and Warriors. Midget Division: (6) Angiels, Durham, NYPAA, PHYBA, T.O. Falcons and Warriors. Ladies Division: (6) Angiels, NYPAA, PHYBA, Sultan, T.O. Falcons and Vaughan. Open Division: (4) Ang Bisaya, Angiels, T.O. Falcons and Vaughan. Participating clubs are asked to secure their entries at Mabuhay Cup by remitting tournament fee, payable to PIDC-Mabuhay Cup, to Vilma Tahsin, Event Co-Chair. Fifty percent deposit is required to guarantee team acceptance (first come, first serve) and due on the next team leaders' meeting scheduled on April 29, Sunday at Goulding Community Centre, 45 Goulding Avenue at Yonge, south of Steeles Ave. Full payment, team roster, registration/waiver forms, team pictures, greetings for the souvenir program, name & pictures of candidate for "Miss Mabuhay Cup Sports Model" are due on June 17, 2007. For more information, visit http://www.pidctoronto.com/ or call Ramon Fermin at tel. 905-731-1296 or Bob San Juan at tel. 416-267-4953 or by e-mail at mabuhaycup@yahoo.ca

Mabuhay Organizing Committee attended last March 30 the Grand Opening of HoopDome, Canada's Premier Multi-Court Basketball only Facility located at Downsview Park, 75 Carl Hall Road. (L-R: Manny Villamor -Mabuhay Cup Tournament Director, Glen Grunwald -HoopDome Chairman and former Toronto Raptors GM, Vilma Tahsin -Mabuhay Cup Co-Chair, Ramon Fermin- Mabuhay Cup PIDC Chair and Bob San Juan, Mabuhay Cup Administration.

Mabuhay Philippines Toronto Summer Festival 2007 Update
Published: Apr 1, 2007

The Philippine Independence Day Council ("PIDC"), a volunteer based umbrella organization of almost 300 associations, is hard at work to produce the 7th annual Mabuhay Philippines Toronto Summer Festival scheduled on Saturday, August 18, 2007 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (255 Front Street W.).

Minda Neri, Festival Chair, has announced that this year's Artistic Director is Deo Moreno of Mabuhay Radio (www.mabuhayradio.net).

In addition to the festival's ongoing partnership with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce - Toronto ("PCCT"), PIDC is also working with Gawad Kalinga -Ancop Canada (``GK``)in their work to eradicate poverty in the world. For every $15 festival ticket sold, $5 will go towards Gawad Kalinga's project of building a village for the displaced victims residing in the Province of Bicol who were ravaged with several devastating typhoons late last year. GK, a non-profit organization, has made great strides in helping our "kababayans" elevate their lives from unimaginable conditions to that which brings hope for a better future. Groups or individuals interested in helping either by volunteering or donating can contact Project Chair, Bernie Synchangco (416 857-7551). Also, donations are issued tax receipts. The Bicol project is in keeping with PIDC`s mandate of uniting the community by calling on individuals and organizations to help. The festival will not only assist in the fruition of homes for Bicolanos but it will also gather some of the best Philippine performers to entertain and bring a sense of home to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

Performers for 2007 include:

Joey Albert - She's recorded several albums and has been awarded Best Female Performer. Her classic ballads include "Tell Me", "A Million Miles Away", "Yakapin Mo Ako", "Ikaw Lamang ang Mamahalin" and many more.

Jean Young - Philippine cinema icon, golden girl of LVN Pictures, singer, actress, TV host, television and record producer,

Louie Reyes - A former member of the famous New Minstrels and multi award winner, Louie is known as the Philippine's "Queen of Jazz".

Lilac Cana - Lilac has several CD's to her credit including her most recent one called "Encantada". She also performed for Pope John Paul II at the World Youth Day 2002.

Emil Zarris - He has gotten rave reviews in his musical stage performances and is set to release his solo cd in April.
Josie de Leon - Josie has performed with several Filipino singing greats like Jun Polistico and Anthony Castelo. She is currently finishing an album with Jose Marie Chan and Vehnee Saturno.

Additional performers and special guests will be announced over the next several weeks. Interested vendors who would like to participate in the festival can still join.

For more detailed information or to purchase tickets to the festival, check out the PIDC website at www.pidctoronto.com. You may also contact Festival Chair, Minda Neri at (416) 621-4985.

Mabuhay Cup Basketball at HoopDome
Published: Mar 1, 2007

Toronto, Canada (March 22, 2007) -Philippine Independence Day Council "PIDC" announced the change of venue of the 2007 Mabuhay Cup Basketball Tournament. The two-day weekend invitational competition will be held at HoopDome and marks the first time the tournament will be played at this new state of the art basketball gym on July 7 & 8. HoopDome multi gymnasium with 42,000 square foot premiere facility is located at Downsview Park, 75 Carl Hall Road close to Downsview Subway Station at Sheppard Avenue West & Allen Road.

"We are very excited to bring the games at HoopDome and hopefully we can hold this annual event in this world class basketball only facility with four regulation size basketball courts and three smaller courts for younger skids. Mosquito and Tykes are the two new divisions added this year" said Ramon Fermin, PIDC Event Chair -Mabuhay Cup.

Twenty-two teams from various clubs and league associations who vied for the coveted 2006 Mabuhay Cup at the Sports Gym of University of Toronto will be invited this year: PHYBA (Ladies Division Champion), Angiels (Open Division Champion), T.O. Falcons (Peewee & Midget Division Champions), Warriors (Bantam Division Champion), FBA of Durham, CKaTT/Dolce, Ang Bisaya, PHILCAN, MPAA, FILACT, NYPAA. Other basketball groups from the Filipino Community in Toronto and outside GTA will be also invited to this prestigious best-of-the best tournament.

Invited teams are requested, on a first come, first serve basis, to submit and to secure their team entries before the maximum number of entries per division are filled. Forty teams are expected to field their best players in seven age group divisions: Mosquito (9 yrs. old & under) and Tykes (10 & under), are limited to a maximum of eight teams each. Maximum of six teams for Peewee (12 & under) and from four to six teams each for Bantam (14 & under), Midget (16 & under), Ladies (19 & under) & Open (no age limit). For more information or to confirm team entries, please call Ramon Fermin at tel. 905-731-1296 or Bob San Juan at tel. 416-267-4953 or by e-mail at TTmabuhaycup@yahoo.ca

Filipino Canadians Celebrate Roots in Toronto Festival!
Published Mar 12, 2007 on Inquirer.net

To stay connected to their roots, the Philippine Independence Day Council (PIDC), with the support of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce Toronto has partnered with ANCOP - Gawad Kalinga to the most anticipated event of the year, the Mabuhay Philippines Toronto Summer Festival.
full article

Dancing to Be A Star!
The Philippine Independence Day Council ("PIDC") invites professional and amateur dancers to participate in "Dancing to be a Star"! Dust of your dancing shoes and strut your stuff to win the coveted "Ballroom Goldstar Award".

Ten professional dancers and their partners will compete at this year's "Salu-Salo sa Earl Bales" Picnic on Saturday, June 16, 2007 at which point judges will choice five couples to compete in the finals. The winning five couples will be asked to present a special dance at the picnic in the Earle Bales Park Amphitheater. The Grand Finale and winner of the event will be decided at the Mabuhay Philippines Toronto Summer Festival to be held on Saturday, August 18, 2007 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

Professional dancers should be American and International style dance teachers or senior level competitors. The top five professionals will receive a trophy, cash and other fabulous prizes.

Applicant dancers should be able to execute Latin and standard modern dances like waltz, tango, fox trot, quick steps etc. in order to be able to dance with the pros. Once selected to compete, he/she will be asked for a fee to enter the competition. There will be 2 big shows before the finale at the Metro Convention Centre in August. Practices will be at Gateway Centre and Rendezvous Cuisine in Mississauga and in Toronto.

For further information please call:
Leonie Manzanares - 905 567-4829 or email jlmanzan@yahoo.ca
Imie Belanger - 416 835-7012 or email idbelanger@rogers.com
Pete Mauricio - 647 282-5111 or email: pmauricio@sympatico.ca

PIDC Launches its 2007 Events
Published: Jan 29, 2007

The Philippine Independence Day Council ("PIDC") launched its 2007 calendar of events at their Annual General Meeting on Saturday, January 27th at the Golden Valley Banquet Hall. PIDC President Jun Enverga with his team of hard working Board of Directors announced PIDC's plans for this year's line-up of activities.

LITTLE MISS PHILIPPINES PIDC is scheduled on Saturday, April 28th at the Korean Cultural Centre, 1133 Leslie Street, North York. CANDIDATES NEEDED. Applications are still being accepted in order to find little Ambassadresses of Goodwill. Contact Event Chair Rosemer Enverga at (416) 284-2810 or Email: raenverga@hotmail.com for more information.

MISS AND MISTER PHILIPPINES PIDC will be held at the Metropol Banquet Hall and Theatre at 1000 Finch Avenue West on Sunday, May 6th. Categories for this year include Mister, Miss, Teen, Junior and Star Babies. CANDIDATES NEEDED. If you or someone you know would like to experience an opportunity of a lifetime, join the PIDC grant pageant and be invited to various community events throughout the GTA. Please call Event Chair, Albert Alonzo (905) 294-4663 or Email him at missphilippinespidc@rogers.com for detailed information.

THE PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE DAY GALA will again be held in cooperation with Kalayaan at the Toronto Congress Centre, 650 Dixon Road on Saturday, June 9th. This year's theme is inspired by the beautiful region of Gran Cordillera Central of Northern Luzon and the confirmed Guest of Honour is Premier Dalton McGuinty. Tickets are limited. Please contact Event Chair Rafael Nebres at (416) 281-1234 or Email him at rafael168@yahoo.com for more details.

SALU-SALO SA EARL BALES, the biggest community picnic for Filipino-Canadians is scheduled on Saturday, June 16th at Earl Bales; park located at Bathurst Avenue just south of Sheppard. Exciting new activities are planned including a talent competition open to all ages. Singers, dancers and performers are welcome to join. Prizes will be awarded to the winners. Associations are invited to participate in festivities including the annual parade. For more information, please call Event Chair Pete Mauricio (647) 282-5111 or Email him at caressacare@aol.com.

MABUHAY CUP BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT just keeps getting bigger every year. More teams are joining and both male and female athletic groups are welcome. This year's event is scheduled on July 7 and 8 at Ryerson University. Please call Event Chair Ramon Fermin (905) 731-1296 or email him at ferminramon@hotmail.com for more details.

The most anticipated event of the year is the Mabuhay Philippines Toronto Summer Festival scheduled on Saturday, August 18th at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Hall A. PIDC has partnered with ANKOP - Gawad Kalinga to help raise awareness in their efforts to provide homes to the less fortunate in the Philippines. PIDC has pledged a portion of the proceeds from the festival to go to ANCOP in building a village in the disaster stricken region of Bicol. Singing sensation Joey Albert will be one of the special performers appearing at this year's event. In addition, PIDC's partnership with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce Toronto continues. If you would like to be a vendor/exhibitor, space is available on a first come first serve basis. Please contact Event Chair Minda Neri at (416) 621-4985 or email her at aquarius07@sympatico.ca if you have any questions.

Detailed information of all the events and sponsorship opportunities are available through the PIDC website at www.pidctoronto.com or contact Jun Enverga at (416) 773-2220 for details.