Filipino Community in Victoria, BC Celebrates Philippine Culture

Consul Analyn Ratonel (5^th from right) was joined by Victoria Mayor Marianne Alto (5^th from left), MP George Christensen, MP Randall Garrison, MLA Grace Lore, Filipino Canadian Association (VFCA) President Agie Myhre rightmost), Bayanihan Cultural and Housing Society (BCHS) President Dominga Passmore (3^rd from right), Victoria Filipino Canadian Caregivers Association (VFCCA) President  Annette Beech (leftmost) and Victoria Filipino Canadian Seniors Association (VFCSA) President Cristeta Araquel (2^nd from right ) at the opening of the “Mabuhay! Celebrating Philippine Culture” event in Victoria.  (Photo by Bayanihan Community Center)

10 June 2023 – The Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver, represented by Consul Analyn Ratonel, participated in the “Mabuhay! Celebrating Philippine Culture” event held at the Centennial Square in Victoria, British Columbia on Saturday, 10 June 2023.

Organized by the Victoria Bayanihan Cultural and Housing Society (BCHS), the two-day event is an annual celebration of Philippine Independence Day and Filipino Heritage Month in Canada by the Filipino community in Victoria.

Consul Ratonel read the Independence Day message of Consul General Arlene Magno.  She was joined on stage by Victoria Mayor Marianne Alto, MP George Christensen, MP Randall Garrison, MLA Grace Lore, Victoria Filipino Canadian Association (VFCA) President Agie Myhre, Bayanihan Cultural and Housing Society (BCHS) President Dominga Passmore, Victoria Filipino Canadian Caregivers Association (VFCCA) President Annette Beech and Victoria Filipino Canadian Seniors Association (VFCSA) President Cristeta Araquel.

During the program, Mayor Alto, along with several government officials present at the event, pledged support for the establishment of the Filipino Cultural Centre in British Columbia.

The event featured booths with Philippine crafts, products, and food as well as cultural performances by various local artists and members of the Filipino community organizations. END

(Left photo) Consul Analyn Ratonel delivers Post’s Philippine Independence Day message before the community. (Right photo) The aerial view of the Centennial Square, Victoria during the “Mabuhay! Celebrating Philippine Culture” event on 10 June 2023. (Photos by Bayanihan Community Center)

A variety of vendors of Filipino food, products and services gather at the Centennial Square during the “Mabuhay! Celebrating Philippine Culture” event. (Photo by Bayanihan Community Center)