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SIGNING AND TURN-OVER OF A HISTORICAL CENTENNIAL PAINTING TITLED “CRY OF BALINTAWAK”, ON THE OCCASION OF THE QUINCENTENNIAL COMMEMORATIONS OF THE PHILIPPINES FOR THE YEAR 2021
2021-03-15
PR-2021-08
12 March 2021, Toronto, Ontario – The Sentro Rizal Toronto of the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto received the generous donation by the Philippine Heritage Band (PHB) of a centennial artwork painted by its late member, Mr. Jess Abaya. The painting titled, “Cry of Balintawak” was made by Mr. Abaya in 1998, in celebration of the Philippines Centennial. The donation of the centennial artwork to Sentro Rizal is the Philippine Heritage Band’s event contribution to the 2021 Quincentennial Commemorations of the Philippines.
The Signing of the Deed of Donation and Acceptance was consummated at the Philippine Consulate General, between Ms. Aurelia T. de Lara, President of PHB, and Consul General Orontes V. Castro, representing Sentro Rizal Toronto. Some officers and members of the PHB were likewise present to witness the ceremonial turn-over and signing of donation documents.
Consul General Castro presented to Ms. De Lara a Certificate of Appreciation for the invaluable donation by the PHB of the artwork “Cry of Balitawak” and for her significant and valuable support to the programs of Sentro Rizal Toronto and the Philippine Consulate General Toronto, on the occasion of the Quincentennial Commemorations in the Philippines.
The Philippine Heritage Band, founded in October 1980 by Mr. Oscar Fariñas, is based in the City of Vaughan, Ontario. It is one of the centerpieces of Filipino cultural pride in North America, with the mission of contributing to the enrichment of Canada’s multicultural society. It is a marching band of 100 volunteer members engaged in entertaining communities everywhere. The youth marching band has performed in high profile parades in Canada and the U.S. and in various Filipino-Canadian community events. In 1998, PHB won the prestigious Banaag Award for Outstanding Services Oversees – Philippine Presidential Award for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas, at ceremonies held at Malacañang Palace. – END
