7 December 2020, Toronto, Ontario – The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto participated in the 2nd virtual Mabuhay Philippines Festival titled “Paskohan” held on 5 and 6 December 2020 at 7:00 pm (EST) and presented by the Philippine Independence Day Council (PIDC) through its Facebook page. The first Mabuhay Philippines Festival this year was titled Pamana which was held virtually on 22 and 23 August 2020 to continue PIDC’s tradition for two decades now despite the COVID-19 pandemic and which was offered as a tribute to frontliners all over the world.

Paskohan showcased the traditions and celebrations of Paskong Pilipino, such as the famous parol (Christmas lantern), carolling (Christmas carols), Simbang Gabi (Midnight Mass), Misa de Gallo (End of Midnight Mass), Noche Buena (Christmas Eve celebration), Namamasko kay Ninong at Ninang (Greeting and Gift-giving with Godparents), and Tatlong Hari (Three Kings), among others.

The 2½-hour virtual show was hosted by Cristina Carpio, host of the luxury travel show, “Going Global TV Season 2”, launched on CNBC World and formally opened by Ms. Norma Carpio, founder and Chair of the Mabuhay Philippines Festival 2020. Artists from ABS-CBN and local talents were featured during the show and provided entertainment. The online event also featured Philippine historical events such as The First Mass in Limasawa, celebrating and commemorating the 500-year Anniversary of the Philippines, otherwise known as the Quincentennial Commemorations of the Philippines.

The online show featured the video Christmas Messages from Philippine Ambassador to Canada, Rodolfo D. Robles and Philippine Consul General in Toronto Orontes V. Castro, congratulating PIDC for organizing and hosting Paskohan and greeting the Filipino Canadian community who stood bravely serving the sick and the Canadian community during the difficult times of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The program also included messages from Canadian officials such as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau; Ontario Premier Doug Ford; Minister Marco Mendicino (Member of Parliament and Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship); Filipino-Canadian Justice Steve A. Coroza (Justice of Appeal of the Court of Appeal for Ontario); Mayor John Tory (Mayor for the City of Toronto), Minister Bill Blair (Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness); MP Shaun Chen (Member of Parliament for Scarborough North); and Ontario Liberal Party Leader Steven del Luca, as well as officials from sponsors as TD Bank (Paul Jonathan Saguil); World Financial Group (Agnes Miranda); and TFC-ABS/CBN Canada (Jun del Rosario). They all thanked the PIDC for hosting the virtual festival. They also recognized the many significant contributions the Filipino community has made to the country, for stepping up during these tough times of the pandemic - from working on the front lines, volunteering for local food banks, and helping the most vulnerable.

A Tribute to Frontliners was presented before the program was formally ended by the video message of Mr. Ramon Estaris, President of PIDC. - END