FILIPINO GOOD LIFE

Jed Madela's beyond Expectations" concert exceeds Expectations

2012-02-12T09:48:00.000-08:00

First, I will start with the ending. I think the concert finished at around 11pm. Jed started singing at 9:07pm on my watch. There were two singers who san a total of 3 songs between his first half and second half. One was Gian Carlo Bobila, another award-winnign singer. The other was a female singer from Vancouver. Before Jed Madela started, there were 7 singers who sang a total of 14 songs as a front act, starting at 7:30pm.

I think I can count in my hands the concerts that have gone the distance in Toronto. I believe Martin Nievera at Roy Thomson Hall was one of them at 3 hours.

Jed Madela did not disappoint. This Toronto was the last stop in his Canadian tour. He started at Vancouver, then Calgary and Winnipeg.

He sang a mix of broadway songs, Filipino songs and oldies from the sixties. All in all, it was an enjoyable concert. He also sang "Sometimes when we touch," a la Manny Pacquiao. Guest Martha Joy sang Whitney Houston's "One Moment in Time."

The producer of the concert was UMAC cargo, avery reliable door to door company operating worldwide.

Jed Madela wowed the crowds with a variety of genre.

Alyssa Datu

Edessa Andrada

Edessa Andrada, Emiline Cruz, Inah Patrizia, and Maria Panaligan pose backstage before the start of the show.

Emiline Cruz

A fan is happy to ahve posed with jed.

Another fan poses with Jed.

FV Foods co-owner Flor Vendiola (SECOND FROM RIGHT) poses at the FV snack stand.

Gian carlo Bobila sang at intermission.

Inah Patrizia sings one of her original composition.

Jheo Navarro sings an environmental song.

Jheo Navarro gets a little help from Maria Panaligan's (IN RED) sister Aubrey.

Jed Madela goes broadway.

Steve and Belen Biaoco, with Father Macalipay pose with singer Martha Joy (SECOND FROM RIGHT).

Martina Ruiz.

UMAC producer Joseph Alilio (FAR RIGHT) pose with the other singers and their parents.

Maria Panaligan is one of the front acts.

Maria Panaligan checks her make-up.

Maria gets a little help from her sister Aubrey.

Kalayaan Meet & Greet

2012-02-01T12:29:00.000-08:00

Kalayaan held a meet and greet last January to announce events for the year. They also stressed that Kalayaan will continue to celebrate Independence Day here for Filipinos. Dr. Solon Guzman, the new chairman of the Kalayaan festival, promises a more interesting, vibrant and joyful celebration of the event. Afterwards, Dr. Solon was busy working the room.

Resty del Rosario listens to the speeches.

Dr. Solon Guzman confers with wife Dr. Josephine.

Ballroom dancers impressed the crowd at the meet and greet.

The Solon daughters with a friend watches the dance number.

Dr. Solon Guzman makes a speech and says that KCCC will continue to celebrate Independence Day.

Singer Jenifer Camacho channels Adele.

Madolyn Baluca takes a breather from her speech outlining her numerous contributions to the KCCC.

Dr. Virey invites everyone to use the centre for their functions.

Mama Ching Quejas accepts the contribution from Madolyn Baluca.

The KCCC officers pose for a picture.

Lilac Cana renders a song.

Rene Sevilla looks over the program.

Culture Philippines Ontario dancers perform for the crowd.

Dr. Solon Guzman interviews Omel Masalunga of the Philippine Artists Group and the members.

Much-loved Mama Ching Quejas, president of the KCCC makes aspeech.

Dr. Solon Guzman thanks the many non-Filipino supporters of the KCCC.

Dr. Solon Guzman poses with Ms. Eno Kalash of the Culture Philippines Ontario and friends.

Maria Panaligan at Lions International Dinner at Prince Hotel

2012-01-01T10:09:00.000-08:00

Maria Panaligan spent her New Year's eve with a singing gig at the Lion's International Dinner at the Westin Prince Hotel. She was accompanied by her dad Sherwin, mom Genelie and sister Aubrey. Afterwards, they went to family friend's palce where they met her sister Ampee and Nadeene. It was a busy New Year's eve.

Bong Castillo's Concert

2011-12-31T08:41:00.000-08:00

Bong Castillo, owner of Ontario Health Academy and a singer entertained the appreciative crowd at The Opera House. it was a wonderful debut for Bong, who sang original Pilipino music to the delight of the crowd.

Ampee Panaligan's 17th Birthday

2011-12-29T20:35:00.000-08:00

Ampee celebrated her 17th birthday with her family at home. Of course, before that, they had to buy pancit from Mami. What Filipino birthday will be complete without pancit, symbol of longevity, according to Filipino belief.

Josie de Leon’s ‘Student Showcase’ a hit

2011-12-29T09:29:00.000-08:00

Article from Philippine Reporter newspaper of Hermie Garcia

TORONTO - The Josie de Leon School of Performing Arts ribbon cutting ceremony and “Student Showcase” held on Dec. 17 was such a delight to witness.

Held at their Scarborough location, the ribbon cutting ceremony was headed by Miss Josie de Leon and husband Mark Crescini. Their honorary guests were Ms. Marilen Patricio, Mr. Eugene Habon, Mr. Henry Lee and Cultural Attache of the Philippine Consulate, Ms. Janet Hizon.

The simple ribbon cutting ceremony was then followed by a “Student Showcase.” The program started with congratulatory messages from Josie’s long time friends in the music industry like Mon David, Nyoy Volante, Arthur Manuntag, Jackie Cuyuca- Loyzaga , Leander Mendoza and Vernie Varga , to name a few.

Jessica Mica Ambat was one of the new promising talents featured at the “Student Showcase” by the Josie de Leon School of Performing Arts on Dec. 17 in Scarborough, Ontario.

Miss de Leon welcomed and thanked everyone. She recounted her own experience of having trained at the Center for Pop Music Philippines and how important it is to have the proper training to be a better performer . She also happily and proudly mentioned that one her first students, Haze Joy Tulod won the Global Pinoy Idol and she will be competing in the Philippines to represent Canada in the Grand Finals.

Josie opened up with Natalie Cole’s “Orange Coloured Sky” that displayed her singing prowess and class. Students followed up with numbers singing and acting their feelings while on a “Train Station” and “School” setting which made Henry Lee, one of the honorary guests, to comment “It’s like watching Glee live! Its so delightful.”

During the intermission, one of the students who was lined up for the next “Student Showcase,” Ashley Suuva, sang “Someone Like You” that made one say “wow what a voice, she is surely in good hands with Josie as her mentor.”

Christmas songs filled the second half of the program. Josie headed the finale promising her students that she will always be there for them and how proud she was for their awesome performances that night.

The Josie de Leon School of Performing Arts ( JDLSPA) has officially opened in Scarborough and Mississauga and it is indeed a great training ground for any aspiring performer of any age.

Inah Patrizia Canlapan Impresses in her own Concert

2011-12-29T09:13:00.000-08:00

Article from Philippine Courier of Mon Datol

Toronto – Proving to all and sundry that she could now fly free and alone on stage, 17 year-old Inah Patrizia Canlapan soared high and left the mesmerized full-packed crowd in awe for almost two hours as she breezed through the timeline of musical excellence and returned at the grand Pope John Paull II Polish Cultural Centre guided by the deafening applause of the audience which could not stop praising the new star of Toronto’s music scene.

“She’s so good! She’s changed a lot. Her repertoire of songs really complemented the audience’s mood.

What a performance,” noted EDCILLE Productions’ Eduard Que and Cecille Araneta, who together with journalists Miguel Caducio, Tenny Soriano, Myrna Soriano, Gie & Ace Alvarez and Drs. Solon, Josephine and children Angelina & Annemarie Princess

Guzman watched the show from start to finish and gave an A-1 review.

Produced by Starworx Media and directed by Rei Ching with Butch Mirafl or as musical director, the ‘It’s About Time’ Inah Patrizia major solo concert really lived up to its billing of showcasing the bests of Inah whose opening medley of ‘My life Would Suck Without you’ and ‘It’s My life’ ignited the fi re on house.

Inah’s ‘Rock & Roll Medley’ followed by medleys of Rey Valera, Manila Sounds and the Telecines’ further rocked the grand hall. Special guest svelte singer Josie de Leon rendition’s of ‘Ikaw’ and as duet with Michael Masangkay gave the show a notch higher.

Other Inah’s guests were Lia Luz, Martina Ortiz-Luis, Glenn Sevillo and kin Mikael & JR Canlapan.

Emceed by Chris Zoleta with support from Margie Bueno , Belinda Reyes & Chatty Bautista. Here are some photos of the show thru the lenses of TPC’s Miguel Caducio.

Singer Josie de Leon duet of ‘Ikaw’ with Michael Masangkay was lovely.

Lia Luz

Martina Ortiz-Luis

Mikael & JR Canlapan.

Dr. Solon Guzman (FAR RIGHT) poses with members of the Press.

FV FOODS CHRISTMAS PARTY

2011-12-17T22:29:00.000-08:00

If there is one thing that is a sure thing in an FV Foods Christmas party, it's that the food is plenty and plenty delicious. You will not run out of food. May pabaon pa. Here are some of the pictures from that exciting food-filled, fun party of FV Foods.

Pasko na Naman Migrants Christmas party by Western Union

2011-12-04T19:25:00.000-08:00

Pasko na Naman Christmas Party sponsored by Western Union was a very festive celebration of Christmas. It was held at the Our Lady of Assumption Church hall. The event was attended by Philippine Ambassador Leslie Gatan and Congen Pedro Chan. And there were lots of delicious food left over after the event was over. And they were telling people to take some home. The event was greatly hosted by Studio 6.

Josei de Leon and Rollie Gatchalian listens to Ambassador Leslie Gatan.

Western Union's Chito Gonzales talks to Marvi Yap.

The Ontario Alliance of Caregivers were in attendance.

The Our Lady of Assumption Caregivers Ministry sang some Christmas songs.

Western Union's Bill Van Koot sings with the choir.

Western Union's Jocelyn David talks to Ambassador Leslie Gatan.

Josie de Leon gives out free t-shirts who can add liveliness to the proceedings by taking to the dance floor.

At limbo rock, the winner gets to take home the rope.

The farmers of Leamington attended the event. They came by bus.

Anghel ng Tahanan December 3, 2011

2011-12-04T06:50:00.000-08:00

Philippine Press Club 10th Anniversary

2011-12-03T07:12:00.000-08:00

The Philippine Press Club of Ontario held their 10th anniversary celebration at Rembrandt hall last December 2. It was a successful event that saw the hall full of members, friends, and supporters.

Melinda Rustia acted as host of the event.

Jojo Taduran addresses the crowd.

Chanteuse Josie de Leon-Crescini serenaded the guests.

First president Paul dela Cruz reads the introduction to Consul General Pedro Chan.

PPCO President Rose Tijam talks about the club, it's goals and it's activities.

Gian Carlo Bobila wowed the crowd with his award-winning renditions of popular songs.

Philippine Ambassador leslie Gatan talks about the economic goals of the Philippines.

Isagani "Bong" castillo sang a mdley of popular songs.

DK Tijam performed for the crowd.

FV Foods owners Mel Galeon and Flor Vendiola poses with the Consul Generala nd the Ambassador.

Husband and wife team Rodney Ronquillo and Cheryll Samson perform a duet of songs.

Paul dela Cruz, Steve Pagao, consul Edna May Lazaro, Congen Pedro Chan and Oswald Tugadi pose for a picture.

Noel Perada, Jess Cabrias, Turing Muere and Paul dela Cruz pose for a picture.

The officers of the Philippines Press Club Ontario pose for a group picture.

members and officesr of PPCO pose for aphoto.

Cagayan Valley Trade Mission to Canada

2011-11-30T23:31:00.000-08:00

The PCCT Officers & Directors, together with the Philippine Consulate meet with the delegation of the Cagayan Valley Trade Mission-Phil.

Philippine Chamber of Commerce, Toronto

2011-11-26T21:30:00.000-08:00

President Oswald Tugadi gives the opening address.

Action Honda were in attendance.

Maria Tess Panaligan performs at the dinner party.

Newsman Ace Alvarez thanks the sponsors.

Ace Alvarez looks on as better half Gie reads the winning ticket.

Alyssa Datu sings at the party.

Maria Tess Panaligan enjoys the dinner with sisters Ampee and Aubrey.

Jeo Navarro was one of the featured performers.

Philip Beloso chats with singer Emiline Cruz as Joseph Alilio looks away.

Emiline Cruz wows the crowd with her singing.

Edessa Andrada sings.

Rosemer and Jun Enverga and friends enjoy the night.

Edessa Andrada and Alyssa Datu announces their forthcoming concert.

Joseph Alilio gives a flower to the feamle impersonator.

The Forex table enjoys the night away.

Gie Alvarez reads the winning ticket with Action Honda's Rafael Nebres.

The chamber officers poses with ICS staffing personnel.

Philip Beloso, Joseph Alilio and Mel Galeon have a hearty laugh.

DTD's Steve pagao poses with friends.

Philip Beloso poses with the Panaligan girls and their mom Gen.

Joseph Alilio poses with the Panaligan girls and their mom Gen.

Chtio Gonzales of Western Union poses with Chamber prez Oswald Tugadi.

Camilineos Association of Canada - Christmas 2011

2011-11-19T23:29:00.000-08:00

Camilineos Association president Tessie Primero addresses the crowd.

Carmen Molina does the Invocation before dinner.

Jerry Corpuz provides most of the entertainment.

The people at Coffee King Plus are busy serving people to try their delicious and healthy coffee.

Mitch Fernandez announces the availability and extols the health benefits of their Coffee King Plus as harold Guarin of Roadsport Honda and Tessie Primero looks on.

A group of young people perform a hip hop number.

Teleserye Princes Concert delivers the kilig

2011-10-30T08:25:00.000-07:00

Rayver Cruz, Enchong Dee, Gerald Anderson and Sam Milby

made the crowd go wild just for coming on stage. They could

have just stood there and smiled and wave and everyone would ahve been happy. But they did more than that. They sang, they danced, they joked with the crowd, they made physical contact by going to the crowd while singing, they a few fans very happy by bringing them onstage to sing to them or to to take part in an apple-eating contest, they delivered everything.

The one factor

that held it together was Pokwang. She provided the laughs and the banter. it was a relief that she did not resort to cheap dirty jokes to get the laughs. It was quite funny when one man in the crowd was game enough to act as he “human mic stand,” where

he followed her holding the mic while she sang.

Of course, the biggest star is usually introduced the last and that is Sam Milby. His grasp of Tagalog is still limited. Thankfully, whatever lines in Tagalog he

says are now fluent, devoid of the accent of someone who is just speaking it the first time.

Afterwards, there was the meet

and greet for the fans which completed the night for everyone.

The concert was produced by TFC and Rose Ami’s Asia Diva company.

Emiline Cruz Concert

2011-10-30T07:09:00.000-07:00

Emiline Cruz’s concert is a Success

Forex Cargo and FV Foods team up in production to showcase an All-Filipino Talent lineup

Dinner and a concert with dancing afterwards?

What nore could you ask for?

The Emiline concert was a classy success. A chicken dinner, followed by a dessert of ice cream. So very Filipino. We did not even have an appetizer, which is actually the Filipino part of it. Let’s face it, we do not really like appetizers.

The headline performer, Emiline Cruz is a very goood singer, one of the better performers in the community. She was joined by four young and talented singers like

Martina Ortiz-Luis, Edessa Andrada, Alyssa Datu, Maria Panaligan and Jeo Navarro.

Making this a complete concert is the presence of the Soundtrack 7 band with their lead singer Pablo who sang some duets with Emiline.

Not to be overlooked is the presence of singer Jenifer Camacho, the most active female singer in the community right now. Jenifer will be having her concert on November 26 at the Korean Cultural Centre.

The only glitch in the whole concert were the technical problems. Singers will start singing with no sound coming out from their mic and then the sound will slowly come out.

Forex President Larry Baguisa poses with singer Maria Ortiz Luis.

At one point, they cannot find the song of singerr Maria Panaligan even though they had it during sound check two hours befor e the concert.

All in all, it was an enjoyable concert to spend your Friday night.

Dr. Solon Guzman missed me?

2011-10-26T13:11:00.001-07:00

I am not sure if she meant it but Mayette Morillo of Mayette’s Restaurant told me, that she has not seen me in a long time. I told her I was away for 4 weeks.

I guess if you take a four-week vacation in summer, it is bound to get noticed.

When I came back, one of the voice mails I got was from Joy Sarmiento of Pinoy News wondering why I was not at Dr. Solon Guzman’s party for his daughter. I could have sworn I told him I was going to be away from September 10 to October 8 this year.

Summer is a difficult time to take a vacation in the Filipino newspaper business. It is the height of the season for Filipino events.

However, even on vacation, one must still keep the newspaper going. I brought my laptop with me so as to be able to layout the newspaper, sent it to the printer by file transfer protocol, and pick it up and deliver it when I come back.

What I cannot do was cover the events while I was away. That is impossible.

You see, a Filipino publisher in toronto does not hire anyone. The publisher is everyone. The publisher is the layout artist, photographer, reporter, delivery-person, advertising salesperson, accounting, etc...

A publisher is Toronto is not a billionaire like they are in the Philippines.

However, everyone back in the Philippines is impressed if you tell them you are a publisher. They think apublisher here is the same as a publisher there - rolling in money.

So, if you are already covering an event on one end of the city and there is another event on the other end, one of them will not get covered. The other event ends up sending you their photos and write-ups about their event, which is fine by me. It makes my job easier.

So, to Dr. Solon Guzman who was looking for me during his daughter’s birthday, I am sorry I was not able to attend her party. I was not only at the other end of the city. I was actually halfway on the other side of the globe, in the hot, humid Philippines.

Raymond Santos photographs MISS NABA 2011 Pageant

2011-09-04T09:02:00.000-07:00

If you are covering a beauty pageant, the best thing you can do is to send your photographer. If you cannot find a reporter, a photographer will do. The pictures say it all. Here then, are the photographs of Raymond Santos when he covered the Miss North American Basketball Association 2011 beauty pageant. If you are covering something of a serious nature, then, send a reporter. But in this case of a pageant, the photos speak for themselves. Feast your eyes.

9/11 Victim leaves a legacy in the Philippines - HOUSES FOR THE POOR

2011-09-02T06:45:00.000-07:00

A street sign in Manila shows an American businesswoman and Sept. 11 victim smiling down on a community whose transformation would have warmed her heart: children frolicking on tidy brick alleys near brightly colored houses.

MANILA, Philippines— (AP) — Unlike many victims of the 2001 attacks who are remembered mostly by their family and friends, Marie Rose Abad’s legacy lives on half-way around the world in a once-notorious Manila slum now turned into an orderly village that carries her name.

Her Philippine-born American husband had the community of about 50 one-story houses built in her memory in 2004 as a tribute to their 26 years of marriage and her unfulfilled desire to help the poor in the Philippines.

“She’s a hero around here,” said Nancy Waminal, a 37-year-old mother of two. The neighborhood used to be a shantytown rife with garbage, human waste and crime. But residents now see Marie Rose Abad Village as a bright spot spun out of the disaster thousand of miles away at Ground Zero.

“This used to be a dreaded area,” said Waminal, who heads the village homeowners’ association. “Now there is no more fighting, no more stabbings, no more drinking on the street.” The black-and-white image of Marie Rose is on the side of a framed, rectangular sign welcoming visitors to the community. Residents reverentially wipe the picture each day with cloth and refer to her as though she were family, though few know details of her life.

Before she became one of the nearly 2,800 killed in the unprecedented terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center, Abad was a senior executive at the New York-based investment bank Keefe, Bruyette & Woods. She was at the twin towers when the second plane slammed below her 89th-floor office.

In her final cellphone call that day to her Long Island home, then-49-year-old Abad urged husband Rudy Abad to pray before hanging up. Her husband froze a few minutes later as he watched her tower crumble on TV, ending what he called a fairytale marriage in an American dream.

A New York-born daughter from an Italian immigrant family, Marie Rose Abad had a soft spot for children and the underprivileged. The couple’s encounter with the crushing poverty that afflicts nearly a third of the 94 million people in the Philippines came as a surprise during a 1989 visit.

It was the first time back home for Rudy Abad, who was from an affluent family, since he left Manila in 1963 to study in the United States, where he eventually acquired citizenship and married Marie Rose. He had told his wife that the Philippines was a paradise.

What they saw appalled them. “I could not believe what I was seeing because right there from the airport I could see the squatters, the shanties and everything,” he said during an interview at his home south of Manila. “We were looking at each other because my story to her was the Philippines is beautiful.”

The childless couple were out jogging without cash near a cathedral one day when they were mobbed by street children aged 4 and 5 peddling lottery tickets. They were overcome with guilt that they couldn’t help the kids.

“That was the first time she felt the pain,” he said, recalling that Marie Rose asked him to take her to a bank, where she got about $12 worth of Philippine coins. They returned to the church, where she announced to the kids’ applause that she would buy all of their tickets.

Later, he said she told him: “I don’t know when, where and how but some day, I’m going to come back and I’m going to do more than this.” Their romance included a weekly coffee ritual at the World Trade Center towers.

Every Monday, he would drive her to work and park in front of the skyscrapers while they chatted and enjoyed a thermos of their favorite brew. She would bid him good bye and when he returned home, almost like clockwork, “the email is there: ‘Thanks for driving me to work,’” he said.

For the rest of the week, Abad would drive her to a nearby train station and then return home to prepare for his work as an stocks investment adviser, as he did on Sept. 11, 2001, a Tuesday. On that morning, he was exercising in his basement when she called to tell him she was all right despite the plane crashing into the first of the towers. He switched on the TV and later watched in disbelief as the second plane smashed into her tower.

Her voice became frantic in succeeding calls as chaos engulfed her office. Then, the final call: “It’s too hot, this might be the last time that I will talk to you,” she said. “I remembered her last words to me at the time was, ‘Ru, pray, pray,’” he said.

“I said, ‘Yup, OK’ “ and they hung up. A few minutes later, he saw her tower collapse to the ground. “Every time, if I think of that, I feel how all that concrete came down on her,” he said, weeping. She had survived the first terrorist attempt to topple the twin towers with a bomb in 1993. “I was there when she came down full of smoke on her face because they had walked down 110 stories,” he said, adding that she was stunned and just wanted him to bring her home instead of taking her to the hospital.

Abad said he drifted aimlessly during the three years after her death, unable to work. He tried to find a new meaning in life. “I lost the other half of me so my half didn’t know what to do,” he said.

Then he met Philippine friends involved with the Gawad Kalinga charity, which seeks to transform slums across the country into decent, productive communities through volunteer work and donations. Abad remembered his wife’s promise to help the poor and decided to donate more than $60,000 for the construction of a village for destitute families in Manila’s Tondo slum.

When construction began, Abad brought wealthy Filipino friends to the site to help lay bricks and paint the houses. A friend who owns Starbucks outlets brought tables, chairs and a glass showcase for a village cafe, where young students now hang out and study.

“It’s the good side of 9/11,” Gawad Kalinga volunteer Jun Valbuena said. Abad, who has retired and now shuttles between homes in Las Vegas and Manila, has become an advocate of philantrophy, urging rich Filipinos to help the poor beyond giving alms.

He says Sept. 11 transformed him, teaching him about suffering. “If the tragedy that happened to Marie did not happen ... I don’t know that I would have been moved to do the same thing,” he said. “It was the tragedy that opened up your eyes, that makes you want to do something far and beyond.”

Rey Tamayo's 50th Birthday

2011-08-25T04:49:00.000-07:00

Add caption

Rey Tamayo with friend

Anne-Marie Princess Guzman performs for Tito Rey.

Singer Jennifer Camacho with celebrant Rey Tamayo

Rey is having lots of fun.

More fun.

But this guest is having more fun than Rey.

Dr. Solon Guzman is happy to be there.

Kapamilya One Mabuhay Festival

2011-07-30T04:09:00.000-07:00

UMAC cargo will deliver your door to door box anywhere in he Philippines.

Alexis Macapagal joins the fashion show.

Angeline Quinto impresses the crowd with her winning voice.

Billy Crawfor, John Lloyd Cruz, and Kaye Brosas makes the crowd laugh.

Billy Crawford interviews TFCKat contender Inah Canlapan.

Western Union's Chito Gonzales addresses the crowd.

Flor Vendiola of FV Foods helps a customer.

Gaby Amurao of GAA Enterprises has always been a regular at the PIDC festival selling his delicious and crunchy Porkie chicharon.

Jed Madela gets the crowd excited. As John Lloyd said, "Jed kung napunta lang sa akin ang boses mo, wala kang career."

Jericho Rosales was a natural.

Actor Jericho Rosales was a hit with the fans.

John Lloyd Cruz closes the festivities.

TFC Country Manager Marco Amoranto says that ABS will be back next year with PIDC as Actor John Lloyd Cruz looks on.

Naomi Macapagal walks the ramp.

Alan, Mel and Flor of FV Foods pose with Philippine fashion designer Renee Salud (2ND FROM LEFT)

Renee Salud poses with friends and relatives.

Vina Morales makes her second visit to Toronto.

Naomi Macapagal's Debut

2011-07-16T04:26:00.000-07:00

Naomi poses with her family.

The Marasigan's and the Enverga's pose with the debutante.

The 18 candles entourage

Naomi cuts the cake with the help of Ian Mallonga.

Dad Leon gets the first dance with daughter in the 18 roses.

Dad Leon sings to daughter Naomi.

Leon Macapagal huddles with friends.

Friends do a surprise number.

Sister Grace hugs Naomi in the 18 candles.

Host JT Rivera poses with Naomi.

Kat Romero poses with her boyfriend.

Miss PIDC 2011 Macey Atienza poses with Naomi.

Mark de Guzman serenades a guest.

Natalie Rafael looks on as Mark de Guzman sings to another girl.

Natalie flashes that winsome smile.

Noli Gumapac, with daughter Nicole is busy taking videos and photos of the evening.

The PCCF group comes out in full force.

Naomi gets a huggable squeeze from 2 friends.

Angeline Grace Guzman gets to dance.

Princess Anne Marie Guzman gets to dance with mom, Dr. Josephine Adorna Guzman.

Dr. Solon Guzman dances with Naomi during the 18 roses presentation.

PIDC MABUHAY CUP 2011

2011-07-09T18:17:00.000-07:00

Durham's 2nd runner-up Monica Penangan, Miss Sports Model 2011 Christina Dumo of Brampton, Miss Sports Model 2010 Macey Atienza and 1st runner-up Nesel Batle personify the beauties of the Mabuhay Cup.

PIDC officers pose with the Miss Sports Model 2011 Christina Dumo.

The Durham group poses in the midst of the excitement.

Philippine Canadian Charitable Foundation VIP Night

2011-06-24T20:38:00.000-07:00

Andy Gabriel sings "You're just too good to be true" at the VIP Night. He is one of the male singers in the Filipino community in Toronto whose voice is like fine wine which has a warmth finish at every line. That is how best I can describe it.

Alex Guerina of Bodyflex, his wife Zor and Alex's sister from the Philippines pose with GMA-7's Franceska Farr, Carla Abellana and Jay-R.

FV Foods pose with GMA-7's Franceska Farr, Carla Abellana and Jay-R.

Oswald Tugadi, President of of PCCT invites the crowd to come and also invite everyone they know to come to the Pinoy Fiesta Festival.

Rafael Nebres and Oswald Tugadi of Philippine Chamber of Commerce Toronto pose with GMA-7's Franceska Farr, and Carla Abellana.

Premiere Dalton McGuinty at the PIDC Dinner June 10, 2011

2011-06-11T07:30:00.000-07:00

Premiere Dalton McGuinty was at special guest at the PIDC dinner llast June 10, 2011 at Le Jardin Hall in Woodbridge. He took the time to pose with as many people as possible, even going along with posing from from table to table.

Premiere Dalton McGuinty poses with the dancers of Fiesta Filipina.

Rosary Escano of ABS-CBN Canada and Cristina Carpio of CTV News chats with Premiere Dalton McGuinty.

Fiesta Filipina dancers perform for the guest.

The wonderful rendition of Soprano Lilac Cana was ruined by a bad microphone.

Premiere Dalton McGuinty sits with the Philippine Consul General Pedro Chan.

Premiere Dalton McGuinty poses with Little Miss Philippines.

Premiere Dalton McGuinty listens as Chairperson Norma Carpio makes a speech.

Premiere Dalton McGuinty poses with Miss Philippines Macey Atienza.

Premiere Dalton McGuinty is escorted by three lovely ladies.

Premiere Dalton McGuinty was gracious enough to go from table to table and pose with as many people as possible.

Premiere Dalton McGuinty makes a speech and looks happy to be here.

Premiere Dalton McGuinty does the kissing baby thing as Zena Zagala looks on.

PIDC President Minda Neri makes a speech as Rosary Escano of ABS-CBN Canada and Cristina Carpio of CTV News looks on.