Advisories & News
Press Release
PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL TORONTO JOINS KABABAYANS AT TORONTO RAPTORS FILIPINO HERITAGE NIGHT
2024-01-29
The Philippine Heritage Band performing at the Toronto Raptors Filipino Heritage Night at the Scotiabank Arena
26 January 2024 – The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto led by Consul General Angelica C. Escalona joined kababayans at the first Filipino Heritage Night hosted by the Toronto Raptors. Held at the Scotiabank Arena, the home of the Raptors, the event was an opportunity to shine a light on the Filipino community. There are now more than one million Filipinos who live, work and study in Canada.
The Filipino Heritage Night saw the Toronto Raptors playing against the Los Angeles Clippers to a capacity crowd. Authentic Filipino dishes were offered at the food concessions in the concourse. Among the Filipino musical artists featured were Edmark Dalmacio who sang the national anthems of the two teams, the Philippine Heritage Band, and Juno award winning artist Preston Pablo who performed at half-time.
Consul General Escalona said, “It is wonderful to see many kababayans here tonight. Filipinos love basketball, and we love the Raptors”. The Consul General noted that the Philippines initiated a World Basketball Day resolution at the United Nations General Assembly. Adopted in August 2023, the resolution proclaimed December 21 as World Basketball Day in recognition of basketball’s global popularity and its ability to promote peace, empowerment and health. END
Filipino Heritage Night banner at the Scotiabank Arena monitor
Toronto Raptors versus LA Clippers in action
Preston Pablo performing at half-time
Consul General Angelica Escalona with Cultural Officer Maricel Samonte, Finance Officer Cristopher Baguya and Protocol Officer John Fajardo