Pinoy Festival in Burnaby Showcases Rich and Vibrant Filipino Culture

(Left photo) Philippine Consul General Arlene T. Magno delivers her message before the Filipino Community at the 2^nd Pinoy Festival in Burnaby. (Right photo) BC Premier David Eby joins the members of the Filipino community in Igorot’s Sissiwit Dance. (Photos by Vancouver PCG)

BURNABY, 25 July 2024 - The vibrant and rich cultural heritage of the Philippines took over Swangard Stadium in Burnaby on 22 June 2024 as the Pinoy Festival Alliance and Mabuhay House Society, in cooperation with various community groups, hosted the second annual "Pinoy Festival: Panahon na Para Magsaya."

Consul General Arlene T. Magno, together with the officers and staff of the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver, joined the community parade and festivies.  In her remarks, Consul General Magno urged fellow kababayan to join hands with the Philippines, guided by the Bagong Pilipinas initiative, on a transformative journey towards a new era of growth, unity and international prominence.

(Top photo) Bisdak Association Vancouver, Canada performs the Sto. Niño dance. (Photo by Vancouver PCG)

The day was filled with various activities and performances that highlighted the traditional and contemporary arts of the Filipino community. Attendees enjoyed customary dances, an art and painting exhibition, Grand Santacruzan, and performances by local Filipino bands. The festival grounds featured Filipino food trucks, small business vendors, artisans, and music garden that offered a taste of Filipino hospitality and joy. To cap the event, Concert King Martin Nievera serenaded the crowd with his OPM hit songs.

Officials from the Province of British Columbia, led by Premier David Eby and Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley, graced the event. Also in attendance was Dr. J. Prospero “Popoy” de Vera III, Chairman of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), who was in Vancouver to sign an MOU on the Promotion of Educational Cooperation and Two-Way Exchange Opportunities with the BC Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. The Pinoy Festival is part of the Filipino Heritage Month celebration in British Columbia.  END

(Left photo) Concert King Martin Nievera delights the crowd with his timeless OPM hits. (Photo courtesy of Mr. Christian Cunanan)

(Left photo) Team Vancouver PCG leads the Community Parade at the Pinoy Festival in Burnaby. (Photo by Vancouver PCG)

(Left photo) BC Premier David Eby reiterates his support for a provincial Filipino Cultural Centre in Metro Vancouver. (Photo by Vancouver PCG)

(Left photo) CHED Chair Dr. J. Prospero “Popoy” de Vera III (4^th from left), together with Consul General Magno (3^rd from left) and Consul Ratonel, visits the booth of the United Architects of the Philippines - BC Chapter during the Pinoy Festival in Burnaby.  (Photo courtesy of CHED)

(Left photo) Numerous Filipino vendors and food trucks participated in the festival held at the Swangard Stadium. (Photo by Vancouver PCG)