PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL IN TORONTO SENDS OFF ONTARIO-BASED VERY IMPORTANT BUYERS TO THE IFEX 2025 IN MANILA

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Consul General Angelica Escalona awards the Certificates of Appreciation to Shiny Star Canada President Jay He (Left photo, center) and APO Products Eastern Canada Division Head Patrick Ang (Right photo, center)

14 May 2025 — On Wednesday, the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto hosted an intimate send-off for two of the eight Very Important Buyers (VIBs) from Canada attending the IFEX Philippines 2025 in Manila on 22-24 May 2025. The IFEX is the Philippines’ premier food trade show, which serves as a comprehensive platform for business matching and collaboration within the food, ingredients, and beverage industry.

Consul General Angelica C. Escalona presented Certificates of Appreciation to Mr. Jay He, President of Shiny Star Canada Ltd., and Mr. Patrick Ang, Head of the Eastern Canada Division of APO Products Ltd. for their participation as VIBs. Ontario-based Shiny Star Canada and APO Products are two of the largest importers and distributors of Philippine products in Eastern Canada. Another Ontario-based importer and distributor, New Almanic International Ltd., was not able to join the event but will also be participating in the IFEX as a VIB.

In her opening remarks, Consul General Escalona underscored the growing popularity of Filipino cuisine even among non-Filipinos. She urged the 2 VIBs to bring to Canada more food, beverages, and ingredients from the Philippines, to cater to the increasing demand from both the Filipino diaspora and the mainstream market. Trade Commissioner Mario C. Tani also provided an overview of the IFEX and what attendees can look forward to while they are in the Philippines for the three-day expo.

The DTI SME Showroom, which currently has on display some of the Philippines’ innovative, export-ready products, including the winners of the 2023 and 2024 Katha Awards for Food and a number of coconut-based items, was the backdrop for the event, providing a sneak peak into what IFEX goers can expect to see at the expo.

The short program was followed by a networking reception with representatives of some Filipino-owned food businesses and Filipino festival organizers. Apart from facilitating direct linkages between the Filipino business owners and the major importers/distributors, the Consulate General introduced and sampled coconut water (NutriAsia’s Locally Merci Buco and Jax Coco), coco condiments (Quezon’s Best Organic Coconut Aminos and Quezon’s Best Pinasarap Pure & Natural Coconut Sap Vinegar), and assorted popsicles made with distilled coconut nectar (NOM Frozen Poptails), which were all well received.

Through these kinds of events, the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto hopes to pave the way for more Philippine products to successfully enter the Canadian market, provide more innovative and healthier choices to both the diaspora and mainstream consumers, and open more doors for Filipino-owned businesses in Canada to engage potential partners and clients.

Consul General Angelica Escalona addressing the VIBs and guests (left photo) and Trade Commissioner Mario Tani providing an overview of IFEX Philippines 2025(right photo)

(L-R) Consul Katrina Isabelle Borja-Martin, APO Products Eastern Canada Division Head Patrick Ang, Consul General Angelica Escalona, Shiny Star Canada President Jay He, and Trade Commissioner Mario Tani

Consul General Angelica Escalona responding to questions from SMNI News and OMNI News (left photo) and the Consulate team, VIBs and guests sampling the coconut products from the Philippines to complement items prepared by Tinuno and Kainan Na Inc. (right photo)

NOM Frozen Poptails with 6% distilled coconut spirit

Below: Coco condiments, coconut water, 2023 & 2024 Katha Awardees

CONSULAR OUTREACH TO SUDBURY, ONTARIO

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PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL IN TORONTO CONCLUDES THE CONDUCT OF FIRST-EVER INTERNET VOTING FOR THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL ELECTIONS

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The Special Board of Election Inspectors (SBEI) composed of Deputy Consul General and SBEI Chair Kerwin Orville Tate (right), Welfare Officer and SBEI Third Member Benny Reyes (left) and SBEI Poll Clerk Jane Ranga (center) prepare to transmit the results of the elections to the Special Board of Canvassers at the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa

12 May 2025 – The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto concluded the conduct of the first-ever internet voting for overseas voters for the Philippine National Elections at around 7:00 a.m. (Eastern Standard Time), simultaneous with the end of voting in the Philippines.

Out of the 29,996 registered overseas voters under the Philippine Consulate, 3,208 or 10.69% cast their votes. The proceedings for the closing of the overseas voting, including the printing of Election Returns, were witnessed by poll watchers, local media representatives and election observers.

In accordance with COMELEC Resolution No. 10181, the election returns have been posted at the Consulate’s bulletin board for public viewing.

The internet voting process, which enabled overseas voters to vote anywhere and anytime using a device connected to the internet, started on 13 April 2025.

Poll watchers, media and election observers intently monitor the results of the elections

The Special Board of Election Inspectors (SBEI) print the election returns

PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL IN TORONTO HOLDS CONSULAR OUTREACH AND VOTER ENROLLMENT SERVICE IN WATERLOO-KITCHENER, ONTARIO

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Clients availing of consular services during the outreach mission

10 May 2025 – The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto, in coordination with the Filipino-Canadian Association of Kitchener-Waterloo conducted a Consular Outreach and Voter Enrollment Service to the Waterloo-Kitchener area in Ontario on 10 May 2025. Eight-nine (89) Consular services were delivered to the residents of the area, and 12 former Filipinos and their dependents reacquired their Filipino citizenships under RA 9225.

The Consulate General’s Special Board of Election Inspectors’ representative also enrolled 10 qualified overseas voters to enable them to participate in the ongoing election.

The clients expressed satisfaction with the services delivered, with one of the enrolled voters especially thankful for the opportunity. “I never expected to be able to vote in this election, but now I am able to, thanks to the Consulate’s effort”, she said.

The Consular outreach service to Waterloo-Kitchener is Post’s first special outreach for the year in Ontario. The special outreach is conducted in the Greater Toronto Area and nearby areas with a high concentration of Filipinos as part of Consulate’s efforts to reach out and serve more Filipinos. The next scheduled special Consular outreach service will be at Mississauga on 31 May 2025.

DUAL FILIPINO-CANADIAN GYMNAST CALLS ON THE PHILIPPINE CONSUL GENERAL IN TORONTO

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Consul General Angelica Escalona with Filipino-Canadian gymnast Evan Aliwalas

9 May 2025 — Eighteen year old Evan Thomas Binaday Aliwalas called on Consul General Angelica C. Escalona today to express his gratitude for the Consulate’s assistance in facilitating the consular documents needed for him to represent the Philippines in international gymnastics competitions, including the Olympics.

Evan will be representing the Philippines alongside Eldrew Yulo, the younger brother of 2024 Olympic double gold medalist Carlos Yulo, at the 2025 FIG Artistic Gymnastics 18th Junior Asian Championships in Jecheon, Republic of Korea on 5-8 June 2025. After which, both Evan and Eldrew will be preparing to represent the Philippines this November at the Jr. World Championships being held in Manila.

Born and raised in Canada to former Filipino citizen parents, Evan derived Philippine citizenship as a then-dependent minor of his mother under Republic Act No. 9225 or the Citizenship Retention and Re-acquisition Act of 2003. His mother, Evangelina, hails from General Santos City, and is the granddaughter of Lauro Villarina Binaday, who served under General Paulino Santos and helped establish what is now known as General Santos City, while his father, Nazerlex, is a Kapampangan raised in Manila.

Evan is just one of the many second and third generation Filipino-Canadians who not only have a strong affinity with their Filipino roots, but are also driven by their passion to contribute to the Philippines and make the country proud.

Filipino-Canadian gymnast Evan Aliwalas in action

L-R: Ethan Aliwalas, Evangelina Aliwalas, Consul General Angelica Escalona,
Evan Aliwalas, Consul Katrina Isabelle Borja-Martin, Karen Binaday

LAPU-LAPU FESTIVAL TRAGEDY

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The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto is profoundly grateful for the outpouring of expressions of sympathy, support and solidarity from various community groups and public and private organizations and individuals in the Greater Toronto Area in the aftermath of the tragic incident in Vancouver on 26 April 2025 during the 2nd Lapu-Lapu Day Block Party.

The Filipino bayanihan spirit continues to be a powerful, positive force especially in these difficult times. We thank everyone who organized and attended the vigils at the Toronto Peace Garden at Nathan Phillips Square (29 April 2025) and at Earl Bales Park (30 April 2025), the masses at the Our Lady of the Assumption Parish on Bathurst Street and St. Joseph’s Parish in Scarborough on 28 April and 3 May 2025, respectively, and other vigils and masses in the GTA.

MASS AT OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION PARISH-BATHURST

LUKSANG BAYAN VIGIL AT THE TORONTO PEACE GARDEN AT NATHAN PHILLIPS SQUARE

CANDLELIGHT VIGIT AT EARL BALES PARK

FILIPINO MASS AND FELLOWSHIP AT ST. JOSEPH’S PARISH-SCARBOROUGH

OVERSEAS VOTING IMPORTANT DATES

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CONSULAR OUTREACH TO MISSISSUAGA, ONTARIO

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PCG OFFICIALS, PHILIPPINE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DELEGATION DISCUSS PROMOTING TRADE AND BUSINESS BETWEEN THE PHILIPPINES AND CANADA

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Consul General Angelica Escalona (6th from left, front row) with PCCI President Enunina Mangio (5th from left, front row) and PhilCan BC Co-Chair Sarah Deloraya-Mateo (4th from left, front row) and the rest of the members of the PCCI delegation

30 April 2025 – A 35-member business delegation from the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) led by PCCI President Enunina V. Mangio and Philippines-Canada Business Council (PhilCan BC) Co-Chair Sarah Deloraya-Mateo called on Consul General Angelica C. Escalona on Wednesday, 30 April 2025.

The delegation, which included representatives from the construction, real estate, digital payments, food & beverage, water & wastewater management, flexible packaging manufacturing, pharmaceutical & natural food supplements, education, and human resource staffing sectors, visited Toronto to explore trade and business prospects with Canada.

Consul General Escalona noted, “The delegation’s visit is timely. There is great interest on both sides in promoting economic activity. “ She welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the PCCI and the Canada-ASEAN Business Council (CABC) on 29 April 2025, which is intended to facilitate information exchange, business matching, the conduct of two-way trade and investment missions, and participation in exhibitions, trade fairs, symposiums and other similar events in their respective territories, to enhance economic cooperation particularly in priority sectors such as information and communications technology and innovation, agriculture, manufacturing, franchising, tourism, services, and small and medium enterprise development, and expressed the Consulate’s readiness to assist the PCCI and PhilCan BC in implementing the MOU.

Also at the call were Economic Officer Katrina Isabelle Borja-Martin, Welfare Officer Benny I. Reyes, OIC of the Migrant Workers Office (MWO)-Toronto, and Trade Commissioner Mario A. Tani. They joined the Consul General in answering questions of the delegation members and sharing insights on trade and business opportunities with Canada.

Above: Consul General Angelica Escalona (2nd from left), together with (L-R) Consul Katrina Isabelle Borja-Martin, Welfare Officer and OIC-MWO-Toronto Benny Reyes and Trade Commissioner Mario Tani, addressing the questions of the PCCI delegation on PH-CA economic prospects

Below (L-R): CG Escalona welcomes the PCCI Delegation, CG Escalona receives token from PCCI President Mangio, Fragomen Canada Senior Manager Rafael Fabregas provides overview of their services to the delegation

PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL IN TORONTO HOLDS CONSULAR OUTREACH MISSION IN WINNIPEG AND NEEPAWA, MANITOBA

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Clients availing of consular services during the outreach mission

27 April 2025 – The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto conducted a three-day consular outreach mission to Winnipeg and Neepawa, Manitoba on 25-27 April 2025. This was the first mission of the year to Manitoba, with the team providing a total of 579 various consular services during the mission.

An information session was conducted during the oathtaking ceremonies of former Filipinos and their dependents who took their oath to re-acquire their Filipino citizenship under Republic Act 9225. Discussed during the information session were consular and ATN services and the ongoing Philippine national elections, including the enrolment and voting procedures for online voting.

On Friday afternoon, Deputy Consul General Kerwin Orville Tate and Winnipeg Honorary Consul Rolando Opina met with Manitoba Minister of Labor and Immigration Malaya Marcelino to discuss matters related to the welfare of the Filipino community in Manitoba, as well as the consular services available for the Filipino community through the office of the Philippine Honorary Consulate.

On Sunday, 27 April 2025, the Consular Outreach Mission team delivered services to the Filipino community in Neepawa, approximately 180 km. west of Winnipeg. Around 3,000 of the town’s 7,000 residents are Filipino, all of whom are employed directly or indirectly by the Hylife pork processing plant. DCG Tate and Honorary Consul Opina also took the opportunity to meet with the Filipino community and discuss developments, especially with regard to the ongoing elections in the Philippines.

Deputy Consul General Kerwin Tate discusses the ongoing Philippine national elections with the Filipino community in Manitoba.

(Left) DCG Tate and HonCon Opina meet with Minister Malaya Marcelino (Right) DCG Tate and HonCon Opina being interviewed for NACTV.

ONLINE GLOBAL TOWN HALL MEETING ON INTERNET VOTING

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ON-SITE ASSISTANCE FOR THE INTERNET VOTING

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PUBLIC HOLIDAY NOTICE

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STATEMENT ON THE INCIDENT AT THE VANCOUVER LAPU LAPU DAY BLOCK PARTY

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PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL OFFICIALLY OPENS OVERSEAS VOTING

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(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)

VOTING PERIOD FOR THE 2025 NATIONAL ELECTIONS OVERSEAS VOTING

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The 30-day voting period is officially Open!

Voting is from 13 April to 12 May 2025, 7:00 AM (Toronto time)
Don’t wait until the last minute. Vote early and make your voice count.

You must be a registered Overseas Filipino Voter and enrolled in the Overseas Voting Counting System to vote. Enrollment is ongoing until 07 May, 11:59 AM (Toronto time).

For more information on the pre-voting enrollment and overseas voting, you may go to the COMELEC’s information page https://info-ov.comelec.gov.ph or send an email to pcgtoronto@gmail.com.

PMA DELEGATION CALLS ON CONSUL GENERAL ESCALONA

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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

CONSULAR OUTREACH TO KITCHENER-WATERLOO

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CELEBRATING FILIPINO FOOD MONTH 2025: HONORING OUR CULINARY HERITAGE, SUPPORTING FILIPINO RESTAURANTS, AND HARNESSING FILIPINO TALENT

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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!

NOTICE OF FINAL LOCKDOWN AND SEALING

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