Advisories & News
Press Release
PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL OFFICIALLY OPENS OVERSEAS VOTING
(Left to right) Special Board of Election Inspectors (SBEI) Chair Kerwin C. Orville Tate, SBEI Poll clerk Ms. Jane Ranga and Special Ballot Reception and Custody Group Chair Rodney Jonas Sumague show the status report of the Final Lockdown and Sealing to the attendees
13 April 2025 – The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto officially opened overseas voting at 8:00 a.m. (Toronto time). Overseas voting for the 2025 Philippine national elections is being conducted through internet voting for the first time.
Prior to the opening of polls, the Consulate General successfully conducted the Final Lockdown and Sealing (FLS) of the Online Voting and Counting System (OVCS) to be used for overseas voting at 4:00 p.m. on 11 April 2025. The purpose of the FLS is to ensure that the OVCS machine to be used for internet voting contains zero votes prior to the official start of voting. Personnel of the Consulate General and Mr. Luisito Queano, media observer for Radyo Migrante, witnessed the FLS.
Registered overseas Filipino voters can now vote anywhere and anytime using any device connected to the internet until 7:00 a.m. (Toronto time) on 12 May 2025. Seniors, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, technologically challenged persons and those who do not have the acceptable Philippine IDs for the pre-voting enrolment may be assisted by the Consulate.
Ms. Imelda Fenandez Axibal, an education assistant based in Toronto and one of those who needed assistance, arrived at the Consulate General around 8:30 a.m. on 13 April and was the first to vote using the voting kiosk. “I am excited to cast my vote and perform my civic duty”, said Ms. Axibal, who re-acquired her Filipino citizenship last April 2024.
Registered overseas Filipino voters are encouraged to vote early and not to wait until the last minute. For further information, queries, clarifications and technical support on overseas voting, voters may visit the COMELEC’s Internet Voting information page: https://info-ov.comelec.gov.ph/ or send an email to the Consulate General through pcgtoronto.ov@gmail.com.
Ms. Imelda Fernandez Axibal (left) casts her vote assisted by SBEI Chair Tate (right)
Mr. Luisito Queano (rightmost), media observer for Radyo Migrante, observes the writing of the minutes of the Final Lockdown and Sealing (FLS)
PMA DELEGATION CALLS ON CONSUL GENERAL ESCALONA
Vice Admiral Caesar Bernard N. Valencia PN, Philippine Military Academy Superintendent, presents a token to Consul General Angelica C. Escalona
9 April 2025 – A delegation from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), which was in Canada to visit the Canadian Defense Academy (CDA) and Royal Military College of Canada (RMCC) in Kingston, Ontario and the Royal Military College of St. Jean in Quebec, paid a courtesy call on Consul General Angelica C. Escalona. The PMA delegation was led Vice Admiral Caesar Bernard N. Valencia PN, PMA Superintendent. Consulate officials and the delegation discussed matters of concern to the Filipino diaspora and prospects for defense cooperation between the Philippines and Canada, particularly training and education.
Consulate officials and the PMA delegation discuss concerns of the Filipino diaspora and Philippines-Canada defense cooperation
(Left to right) LT Julius D. Giron PN, Consul Rodney Jonas Sumague, Consul General Escalona, ADM Valencia PN, LTC Noah M. Hernandez PROF, LTC Reniel M. Malaque PA and CPT Ma. Melissa Bo-Sabong PROF
CELEBRATING FILIPINO FOOD MONTH 2025: HONORING OUR CULINARY HERITAGE, SUPPORTING FILIPINO RESTAURANTS, AND HARNESSING FILIPINO TALENT
8 April 2025 — This April, the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto joins the nation in celebrating the 7th year of Filipino Food Month (FFM) with the theme: “Sarap ng Pagkaing Pilipino, Yaman ng Kasaysayan, Kultura at Pagkatao.”
Pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 469 declaring the month of April of every year as Filipino Food Month (FFM) or Buwan ng Kalutong Pilipino, spearheaded by the Department of Agriculture (DA) as the lead agency, in collaboration with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Department of Tourism (DOT), this month-long celebration is made possible through the invaluable partnership of the Philippine Culinary Heritage Movement (PCHM) and other dedicated stakeholders.
This year’s commemoration highlights the urgent need to preserve and promote the country’s rich culinary traditions. By safeguarding age-old recipes, indigenous techniques, and regional flavors, the celebration fosters appreciation, empowers communities, and ensures the legacy of Filipino cuisine thrives for future generations.
In line with this, the Philippine Embassy and Consulates General in Canada invite everyone to join the fourth iteration of the Filipino Restaurant Month Canada (FRMC). FRMC aims to promote and mainstream Filipino cuisine in Canada, support Filipino restaurants, highlight the skills of Filipino chefs, and encourage the use of Philippine-made ingredients. A total of 19 restaurants representing the provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Saskatchewan are participating in the FRMC, offering prix fixe menus to its customers throughout the entire month of April.
Recognizing the potential of the Filipino diaspora in Canada to amplify our efforts in keeping alive and continuing our culinary traditions, the Consulate is also bringing in renowned Filipino chef and co-author of the book KULINARYA: A Guidebook to Philippine Cuisine, Jessie Cruz Sincioco, to conduct cooking masterclasses for temporary foreign workers serving as personal support workers, caregivers, kitchen assistants and cooks on 23 April 2025.
Our food is more than just nourishment — it’s a rich tapestry of heritage, history, and identity woven through generations.
Let’s unite in preserving and championing our culinary treasures — because every bite of Filipino food is a taste of our history.
Mabuhay ang Kalutong Pilipino!
PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL IN TORONTO HIGHLIGHTS FILIPINO FOOD AND FASHION TO CELEBRATE WOMEN’S MONTH
The panelists sharing their migration and entrepreneurship journeys (L-R): Jocelyn Reyes-Midghall, Abby Albino, Sunshine Asuncion-See, Charmaine Suarez
25 March 2025 – The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto capped its month-long celebration of National Women’s Month with an afternoon fête dubbed, “WOMEN’S HOUR: Food & Fashion for Filipino-Canadians on a Mission.”
The three-hour event featured a panel discussion with three young Filipina professionals making an impact in their respective fields and the Filipino community, namely Abby Albino (Head of Brand and Business Strategy of Canada Basketball, Co-Founder of Makeway, and Co-Founder of RISE Tribe), Sunshine Asuncion-See (Founder of Kain Tayo Food Village), and Charmaine Ramirez, (Co-Founder, Pwrforward), a fashion show directed by Claris Minas Manglicmot (Founder and Creative Director of Couture Culture and Arts) showcasing the creations of Filipino designers Tristan F. Licud, Sherwin Darrel Magtulis, and Simon Ariel Vasquez, and a networking reception highlighting Filipino comfort food, such as taho, empanada, chicharon, ube cake and ube mousse, and a charcuterie table spread with Filipino elements, generously provided by Filipina-owned member-vendors of Kain Tayo Food Village.
The event was organized to recognize outstanding young Filipino-Canadian women who have made an impact through their businesses and advocacies, and allow other members of the community to be inspired and moved to action by their stories.
In her remarks, Consul General Angelica C. Escalona called on the Filipino-Canadian women present in the room to play a greater role in shaping the future of the Filipino diaspora and of both Canada and the Philippines.
Consul General Angelica Escalona delivering her opening remarks. (Right photo) Consul General Angelica Escalona (center) with the panelists
The panelists underscored the importance of resourcefulness and diskarte and finding one’s voice to overcoming challenges from gender-based or racial discrimination and economic hardship. They also urged the Filipino community to flip crab mentality on its head and instead pull each other up towards mutual success.
Consul General Angelica Escalona (center) with some of the models
The fashion show was a celebration of Filipino talent in fashion design. It highlighted more modern and wearable Filipiniana pieces that appeal to Filipinos and foreigners alike and culminated in the announcement of the partnership that the Consulate facilitated between visiting designer Simon Ariel Vasquez and Filipina-owned Brampton-based Filipiniana retailer, Manila Center, for the sale of SAV’s pieces in Canada.
The food feature was the Consulate’s way of helping promote the Filipina-owned food businesses in the Greater Toronto Area, many of which were established during the pandemic.
The event was attended by some 80 guests, as well as about 30 volunteer models and backstage crew for the fashion show.
Couture Culture and Arts’s Claris Minas Manglicmot (above, center) with her models and (below) introducing the fashion show
Consul General Angelica Escalona (center) joins fashion designer Simon Ariel Vasquez and Filipiniana retailer Eileen Azarcon for a photo following the announcement of the SAV x Manila Center partnership
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PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL IN TORONTO HONORS PAFIOO AWARDEE ROBERTO EUSEBIO R. LAVIDES, RECOGNIZES DISTINGUISHED FILIPINO-CANADIANS IN THE 75 FACES OF MIGRATION PROJECT
(From left to right) Mr. Patrick Ong, representing Mr. Rodolfo Ong, Mr. Richard Llanera, Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Nonato, Consul General Angelica Escalona. Mr. Robert Eusebio Lavides, Deputy Consul General Kerwin Orville Tate, Ms. Gelaine Santiago and Dr. Patrick Alcedo
13 March 2025 – The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto organized a ceremony to confer, on behalf of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., the Presidential Awards on Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (PAFIOO) Pamana ng Pilipino Award to Mr. Roberto Eusebio R. Lavides, the lone awardee for Canada. The PAFIOO is a biennial search to honor and recognize overseas Filipinos and other individuals or organizations who contribute to Philippine development initiatives or promote the cause and interest of Filipinos overseas.
Mr. Lavides, a narrative artist and creative director hailing from Gumaca, Quezon province, was given the award for his exemplary achievements in the arts and literature and staunch efforts in propagating Filipino culture and Dr. Jose P. Rizal’s legacy among the Filipino diaspora. His many notable achievements include the introduction of the Filipino language in Ontario schools and the International Rizaliana Art Tour in 1996 to commemorate the centenary of Rizal’s martyrdom.
As part of the event, the Consulate also recognized some of the distinguished Filipino-Canadians included in the 75 Faces of Migration publication and photo exhibit. The project was a joint initiative of the Embassy and Consulates General of the Philippines in Canada and the Embassy of Canada in the Philippines to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Canada last year. It featured 75 Filipino-Canadians who excelled in their respective fields and made valuable contributions to different sectors of Canadian society. Among those recognized were:
• Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Nonato – first Filipino-Canadian to command the Royal Regiment of Canada, one of the largest and oldest military regiments in Canada.
• Mr. Richard Llanera – first secondary school principal of Filipino heritage in Northern Ontario, who taught at the First Nation Native Sena School in North Caribou Lake. He also mentored and supported several Filipino teachers to become licensed teachers in Ontario.
• Mr. Rodolfo Ong – President of APO Products Ltd./UNO Foods Inc., which has been distributing Filipino food products across Canada for 40 years. He was represented by his son, Mr. Patrick Ong.
• Ms. Gelaine Santiago – co-founder and CEO of Cambio & Co., an ethical fashion retailer based in Toronto, which has helped Filipino artisans and promoted Filipino culture among the younger Filipino-Canadians.
• Dr. Patrick Alcedo – first racialized Chair of Department of Dance at York University since its founding in 1970. He was also a PAFIOO Pamana Presidential Awardee in 2022 for achieving excellence in his profession.
In her remarks, Consul General Angelica C. Escalona noted significance of the PAFIOO and 75 Faces of Migration Project in recognizing distinguished overseas Filipinos who have contributed to uplifting the Filipino spirit and exemplified the highest ideals of service, professionalism, and dedication. She cited the potential transformative power of the one million Filipinos in Canada, and how the honorees serve as inspirations to the diaspora to do more for the community.
In his response, Mr. Lavides said that he is receiving the award at a critical time in history when there are threats to peace, autonomy, and world order. Emphasizing that Dr. Rizal’s ideals remain relevant today, he said, “This is a quintessential moment where Rizal’s internationalist vision is reverberating loud and clear, echoing in symbolic proportions, prompting us to face this looming adversity head on, prodding us to hold our head high, and motivating us to defend what is universally right.” He added that the award is a reminder that the ideals of Philippine heroes serve as an important guide to overcome challenges.
The families of the honorees, Consulate personnel and consular clients witnessed the ceremony.
PAFIOO Pamana ng Pilipino awardee Mr. Roberto Eusebio Lavides delivering his response
Mr. Lavides with his family, Consul General Escalona and Deputy Consul General Tate
Consul General Escalona with Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Nonato and his family (left photo) and with Ms. Gelaine Santiago and her parents (right photo)
Consul General Escalona with Dr. Patrick Alcedo (left photo) and with Mr. Richard Llanera (right photo)
Consul General Escalona with Mr. Patick Ong, representing Mr. Rodolfo Ong (left photo) and with Mr. Roberto Eusebio Lavides (right photo)
The honorees with their families, Consulate officials and guests
GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY PAVES THE WAY FOR THE INSTALLATION OF THE LONG-AWAITED RIZAL MONUMENT IN NIAGARA FALLS
The Filipino community and officials of the local government and Philippine Consulate during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Rizal Monument in Niagara Falls (photo courtesy of Mr. Dennis C. Bustos)
09 March 2025 – Consul General Angelica C. Escalona joined Mayor Jim Diodati of the City of Niagara Falls, members of the City Council, Member of Parliament Tony Baldinelli, Member of Provincial Parliament Wayne Gates and officials of the Niagara Parks Commission led by Commissioner Bob Gale at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Dr. Jose P. Rizal Monument overlooking Niagara Falls, one of the most popular tourist spots in the world.
The groundbreaking ceremony was organized by the Filipino community in the Niagara Region spearheaded by the Filipino-Canadian Association of Niagara and the Jose Rizal Memorial Committee. Various Filipino community organizations, including the Knights of Rizal, lobbied for the construction of the monument for many years.
The monument will be the seventh Rizal monument in Canada. The other monuments are located in the cities of Toronto, Markham and Brampton in Ontario; Winnipeg in Manitoba; Airdrie in Alberta; and Montreal in Quebec.
The installation of a Rizal monument in Niagara Falls holds a special meaning as it is the only place in Canada which was verified to have been visited by Dr. Rizal. In 1998, the National Historical Institute (now National Historical Commission of the Philippines) donated a historical marker to the Filipino community citing the visit of Dr. Rizal to the falls on 12 May 1888. In 2023, the City of Niagara Falls, through the Niagara Parks Commission, approved the installation of a monument of Dr. Rizal with the marker.
“It was here at this very spot that Dr. Jose Rizal paused to admire the beauty and grandeur of Niagara Falls. This monument will stand as a lasting symbol of friendship between Canada and the Philippines and a tribute the many contributions of Filipinos to Canada”, Commissioner Gale said during the groundbreaking ceremony.
Noting the fact there will soon be seven Rizal monuments across Canada, Consul General Escalona said “this reflects not only the growing number of Filipino migrants in this country, but also the growing recognition of their value to Canadian society.”
Mr. Rodrigo Cuizon, Chair of the Jose Rizal Memorial Committee, emphasized that the event is a milestone not just for the Filipino community in Niagara but for Filipinos all over world.
The unveiling of the monument is scheduled in June 2025.
Consul General Angelica C. Escalona (6th from right) and Mayor Jim Diodati of Niagara Falls (7th from right) lead the groundbreaking ceremony (photo courtesy of Mr. Dennis C. Bustos)
Consul General Escalona with members of the Filipino community in Niagara (photo courtesy of Mr. Dennis C. Bustos)
Consul General Escalona with Mr. Rodrigo Cuizon (rightmost), Chair of the Jose Rizal Memorial Committee in Niagara (photo courtesy of Mr. Dennis C. Bustos)
The historical marker donated by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines reads “Dr. Jose Rizal (1861-1896). The National Hero of the Philippines visited this magnificent falls and paused between the two rocks on May 12, 1888.”
Consul General Escalona, Member of Parliament Tony Baldinelli (7th from right, back), Member of Provincial Parliament Wayne Gates (10th from left) and members of the Filipino community in front of the Niagara Falls (photo courtesy of Mr. Dennis C. Bustos)”
PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL IN TORONTO OPENS FOR CONSULAR SERVICES ON INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
Clients of the Philippine Consulate in Toronto on International Women’s Day celebration
08 March 2025 – The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto was open for consular services today in celebration of International Women’s Day and National Women’s Month.
The Consulate held a simple ceremony with its clients to mark the occasion. With purple globally recognized as the color of women, symbolizing justice and dignity, Consulate personnel wore purple-colored clothes and served ube (purple yam) flavored Filipino snacks such as hopia, pandesal and ube bars to clients.
Deputy Consul General Kerwin Orville Tate delivered brief remarks emphasizing the importance of the role of women in society, quoting the famous aphorism “women hold up half of the sky.”
Filipino Canadian singer Maria Salac serenaded the clients with a song number.
Clients, both women and men, expressed appreciation for the celebration prepared by the Consulate. “We were not aware of the celebration. We are happy to be reminded of the importance of commemorating the sacrifices and achievements of women,” said one of the clients.
Ube bars, hopia and pandesal were served to clients
Personnel of the Philippine Consulate General led by Deputy Consul General Kerwin Orville Tate (7th from left) with clients
PHILIPPINE CONSULATE CLIENTS AND VISITORS ENJOY PLAYING “SUNGKA” TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL ARTS MONTH
Consular clients playing the Philippine traditional game “Sungka”
28 February 2025 – In celebration of the 2025 National Arts Month, the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto put up a “Sungka” Corner at the Consulate for clients and visitors to try their hand at this traditional game.
“Sungka” is a game of strategy and skills using shells and a boat-shaped board with two rows of seven small holes and two larger holes referred to as “house” at both ends of the board, one for each player. The two players take turns distributing shells into the 14 small holes and their own house. The objective of the game is to gather the most number of shells, and clean out your opponent.
Consular clients who are familiar with “sungka” demonstrated their skills while the younger clients enthusiastically observed and learned the mechanics of the game.
“Magaling ako maglaro ng sungka noong kabataan ko. Halika turuan kita,” said one client as she invited her friend to try the game.
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#PHinToronto
#Nationalartsmonth
2025 NATIONAL WOMEN'S MONTH
The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto joins the Filipino nation in the celebration of the 2025 National Women’s Month.
The sub-theme for this year’s celebration is “Babae Sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas” with the goal of fostering a society where all women have equal rights, power and opportunities. For more details on the National Women’s Month,
please click the link of the PCW https://pcw.gov.ph/2025-national-womens-month-celebration/
Upcoming Women’s Month activities organized by the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto will be announced shortly.
#PHinToronto
#PCW
#NationalWomensMonth
CONSUL GENERAL ESCALONA, CANADIAN RED CROSS DISCUSS PLANS FOR COLLABORATION ON RISK READINESS, EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT, AND CONTINGENCY PLANNING FOR FILIPINOS AND SMALL BUSINESSES IN CANADA
Clockwise from front L: Consul General Angelica Escalona, Consul Katrina Isabelle Borja-Martin, CRC Volunteer Laura Isidean, and CRC VP for Ontario Liane Fernandes
27 February 2025 — Canadian Red Cross (CRC) Vice-President for Ontario, Liane Fernandes, and Volunteer Laura Isidean visited the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto today. The CRC team shared their ongoing efforts to increase outreach to the diverse communities in Ontario, aimed at enhancing awareness about the CRC’s various programs as well as enlisting new volunteers.
Consul General Angelica C. Escalona, joined by the Consulate’s Economic Officer, discussed opportunities for collaboration in supporting the Filipino diaspora in Canada, including through the conduct of emergency preparedness and risk readiness workshops and seminars with Consulate personnel, Filipino community leaders, and small business owners in Ontario and Manitoba, and the regular sharing of information on CRC resources as well as volunteer and work opportunities.
The CRC has been a long-time partner of the Philippine Red Cross. It has supported the Philippines during many disasters, including in the aftermath of typhoon Haiyan, and in the last 10 years contributed significantly to disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) efforts in the Philippines, particularly on WaSH services and embedding gender protection in all DRRM programs.
BARRIOLYMPICS: LARO▶️PLAY PHILIPPINE TRADITIONAL GAMES VIDEO ANIMATION
Today’s episode of Barriolympics: Laro▶️Play features Sungka, a distribution board game of strategy and skills using shells and a boat-shaped board with two rows of seven small holes and two larger holes referred to as “house” at both ends of the board, one for each player.
The two players who take turns in distributing shells into the 14 small holes and their own house. The objective of the game is to gather the most number of shells to clean out your opponent.
Watch the exciting duel between the players of the Green Team and the Blue Team.
Who are you counting on to win?
This episode is made possible by Toei Animation Inc.
Barriolympics is a project between the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Animation Council of the Philippines.
#DFAForgingAhead
##CulturalDiplomacy
#Barriolympics
#LaroPlay
#PhilippineGames
#PhilippineAnimation
#NationalArtsMonth
#AnimationCouncilOfThePhilippines
#ToeiAnimationPhilippines
OVERSEAS VOTING ONLINE
Registered Filipino overseas voters (in Posts/Countries adopting online voting) may vote online in the May 12, 2025 elections.
To participate, you must be pre-enrolled as an online voter.
Pre-enrolment for online voting via the COMELEC Voting Portal is from March 10 to May 7, 2025.
The 30-day overseas voting period is from 13 April 2025 until 12 May 2025, at 7:00PM Philippine Standard Time.
Your voice matters, so don’t miss out! Let’s make sure your vote counts!
#COMELECOFOV #2025NLE #NLE2025 #OverseasVotingOnline #2025NLEOnlineVoting #NLE2025OnlineVoting #MakaBAGOngHalalanParaSaMakaBAGOngPilipino #PHinCanada
Continue Reading...CALL FOR REGISTRATION FOR FILIPINO AND FILIPINO-CANADIAN GRADUATE STUDENTS, SCIENTISTS, ENGINEERS AND EXPERTS IN CANADA, AND FILIPINO SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ORGANIZATIONS IN CANADA
Consistent with Republic Act 11035 or the Balik Scientist Act implemented by the Philippine Department of Science and Technology, and as part of the Philippine Government’s efforts to strengthen and expand research and development networks and capabilities in the industry, energy and emerging technology sectors, the Philippine Foreign Service Posts in Canada are calling on all Filipino and Filipino-Canadian Graduate Students, Scientists, Engineers, and Experts in Canada, and Filipino Science and Technology Organizations in Canada to register and be informed of programs, including the DOST Balik Scientist Program (BSP).
The BSP is a brain gain initiative of the Philippine government which aims to tap into the ingenuity and expertise of Filipinos abroad to strengthen the S&T capabilities of local researchers in the academe, public and private institutions, and industry. The program was established in 1975 and was institutionalized in 2018 as a DOST-administered program.
Register through https://qrco.de/FilCanScientists until March 15, 2025, and learn more about the Balik Scientist Program!
By providing your information, you are consenting to the inclusion of your details in the Philippine Embassy and Consulates in Canada’s directory, as well as the Department of Science and Technology- Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development. Your information will be treated with the utmost confidentiality and will not be shared with any third party.
CIVIL REGISTRATION MONTH
February is Civil Registration Month in the Philippines.
Check out this video by the Philippine Statistics Authority which talks about how and when we started celebrating this month to remind Filipinos to register significant events, such as births, marriages and deaths.
This applies to all Filipinos, no matter where you are in the world. For those in Canada, specifically in Ontario and Manitoba, the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto serves as your Local Civil Registry.
For the requirements and procedure for registering your child’s birth, your marriage, or the death of a family member, visit our website at
https://philcongen-toronto.com/consular/consular_report.php.
#PHinToronto #35thCRM
Continue Reading...NATIONAL ARTS MONTH CELEBRATION
In celebration of National Arts Month, the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto is pleased to invite everyone to view the online exhibit of the Museo ng Kaalamang Katutubo (MusKKat) entitled “Strong and Lustrous”, dedicated to the beauty and significance of abaca.
Abaca fiber comes from Musa textilis, a non-edible banana native to the Philippines. It has become a part of the Filipino way of life and has proven its versatility in various industries, including in handicraft, paper and automotive production. Abaca is also used as native textile for the traditional Filipino dress, ropes, banknotes, and even coffee filter.
#PHinToronto #SentroRizal #musKKatPH #NAM2025 #AniNgSiningDiwaAtDamdamin #NCCA #sentrorizalph
JOLLIBEE CANADA PAYS COURTESY VISIT TO THE PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL IN TORONTO
L-R: Trade Commissioner Mario Tani, Jollibee Canada Marketing Manager Lea Kristina Sudio, District Manager Jhoana Feraren, Senior Director for Operations-Canada Region Agnes Delos Santos, Consul General Angelica Escalona, Consul Katrina Isabelle Borja-Martin, District Manager Rhea Martinez, and General Manager-Jollibee Yonge & Broadway location Jonard Talamayan and Welfare Officer Benny Reyes
29 January 2025 — The Jollibee Group North America team composed of Ms. Agnes Delos Santos, Senior Director for Operations-Canada Region, Ms. Lea Kristina Sudio, Marketing Manager for Canada, District Managers Jhoana Feraren and Rhea Martinez, and Mr. Jonard Talamayan, General Manager-Jollibee Yonge & Broadway location, paid a courtesy visit to the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto today.
The Jollibee team shared updates on Jollibee’s expansion plans in Canada. Consul General Angelica C. Escalona, joined by the Consulate’s Economic, Trade, and Welfare Officers, discussed opportunities for collaboration in supporting the Filipino diaspora and promoting Jollibee to the broader community in Canada.
Jollibee opened its first Canadian location in December 2016 in Winnipeg and has since grown to 28 stores across five provinces in Canada, including 12 in Ontario and 3 in Manitoba.
Continue Reading...CONSUL GENERAL ESCALONA MEETS WITH NURSES AND MUSLIM-FILIPINO ORGANIZATIONS, DISCUSS OPPORTUNITIES FOR COLLABORATION TO PROMOTE THE INTERESTS OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY
Muslim Filipino Association in Canada (MFAC) President Jonathan Macala (right) and Acting Deputy Secretary General Norkhalila Mae Mambuay-Campong (2nd from right) present a miniature kulintang to Consul General Angelica Escalona (2nd from left) with Consul Rodney Jonas Sumague (left)
23 January 2025 – Consul General Angelica C. Escalona, together with Consul Rodney Jonas L. Sumague, met with the officers of two Filipino community organization, the Integrated Filipino Canadian Nurses Association (IFCNA) and the Muslim Filipino Association in Canada (MFAC), and discussed possible opportunities for collaboration, particularly on issues affecting the Filipino community.
IFCNA President Mark Gravoso and Founding Chair Austine Gaqui briefed Consul General Escalona on the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) they are signing with the Quirino Memorial Medical Center (QMMC). The MOA aims to provide Filipino nurses in Canada who are not yet licensed in the country the opportunity to train in QMMC as one of the options for the Evidence of Practice required by the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) to be registered as a nurse in the province. The MOA will ensure that the nurses will get the correct training from a reputable institution and will be recognized by CNO.
MFAC President Mr. Jonathan Macala and Acting Deputy Secretary General Norkhalila Mae Mambuay-Campong laid out their plans for 2025, which aims to highlight not only Muslim Filipino culture but the whole of Mindanao as well. This includes promotion of traditional food, halal products and performing arts from Southern Philippines. MFAC expressed interest in collaborating with the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto, the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC)-Toronto, other Filipino community organizations and the academe on these projects.
Consul General Escalona sought the support of IFCNA and MFAC on the Philippine Consulate General’s activities, requesting in particular assistance on information dissemination for Overseas Voting for the 2025 National Elections, which will be done by internet voting for the first time.
Discussions with MFAC on promoting culture and products of Southern Philippines
IFCNA President Mark Gravoso and Founding Chair Austine Gaqui sign the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Quirino Memorial Medical Center (QMMC) on the training of nurses as Consul Sumague looks on
Mr. Gravoso and Mr. Gaqui (on the right) pose with Consul General Escalona and Consul Sumague while holding the signed MOA
SEAFOOD CITY INTRODUCES SFC+ DIGITAL MARKETPLACE APP TO FILIPINO COMMUNITY LEADERS
Consul General Angelica Escalona (2nd from left) and Trade Commissioner Mario Tani (right) with Seafood City management at the introduction of the SFC+ app held at Seafood City Scarborough
18 January 2025 – Seafood City invited Consul General Angelica Escalona, Trade Commissioner Mario Tani of the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC)-Toronto, and Filipino community leaders to the Seafood City branch in Scarborough to introduce its SFC+ digital marketplace app.
The SFC+ app was officially launched in Canada in December 2024. Customers using the app can earn suki points that can be used to pay for groceries, purchase digital gift vouchers from Filipino brands that have partnered with Seafood City, and avail of discounts and promotions.
Seafood City was represented by Mr. Danilo Torres, Small Business Unit (SBU) Food Service Manager; Mr. Alexis Bantilan, Scarborough Store Manager; Ms. Joan Edora, Customer Service Representative; and Mr. Edgardo Convento, Grocery Head Buyer. Also present were representatives of a number of Seafood City’s partner Filipino brands.
Consul General Escalona and Mr. Tani welcomed the launch of the SFC+ app in Canada. The Consul General said, “I urge our kababayans to be ambassadors of Filipino brands. We have so many high-quality food, personal care and household products. We look forward to working with Seafood City and the community to bring more Filipino brands and introduce the best of the Philippines to the broader Canadian market.”
Mr. Tani noted that Seafood City, apart from being a partner in bringing in more innovative and exciting Filipino products to Canada, also supports the growth of Philippine Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Philippine Consulate General in Toronto officials, Seafood City managers and Filipino community leaders
at the introduction of the SFC+ app
FILIPINO FASHION DESIGNER SIMON ARIEL VASQUEZ PREVIEWS COLLECTION AT THE PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL IN TORONTO
16 January 2025 — Filipino fashion designer SAV Simon Ariel Vasquez previewed his collection of ready-to-wear Filipiniana and barong at the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto, ahead of his fashion show in Calgary at the Mr. & Ms. Philippines Alberta 2025. He has previously exhibited his creations in various cities including Calgary, Paris, Rome, Tokyo, among others.
CONSUL GENERAL ANGELICA ESCALONA CONVEYS NEW YEAR GREETINGS TO THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR OF ONTARIO
1 January 2025 – At the Lieutenant Governor’s 2025 New Year’s Levee held at Queens Park, Consul General Angelica C. Escalona conveyed New Year greetings to the Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, on behalf of the officers and staff of the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto and the Filipino community.
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