Press Release

Ambassador Garcia attends Mabuhay Festival Gala Night in Toronto

2019-08-29

29 August 2019, Toronto-Ambassador Petronila P. Garcia flew in from Ottawa to attend the 21st Mabuhay Festival Gala Night hosted by the Philippine Independence Day Council (PIDC) at the Toronto Sheraton Centre Hotel on 22 August 2019.

Member of Parliament Michael Levitt of York Centre (center) is flanked by Ambassador Petronila P. Garcia (left) and Mrs. Norma Carpio (right), Chairman Emerita of the Mabuhay Festival.

In her remarks, Ambassador Garcia, said that “this year, the Filipino community in Toronto has many reasons to celebrate, foremost of which is the first Canada-wide celebration of Filipino Heritage Month in June.” She also expressed delight in learning that the PIDC is at the forefront of platforms that feature the richness of our cultural heritage.

Ambassador Petronila P. Garcia poses for a photo with members of the organization called Rise Tribe, composed of young professionals of Filipino descent whose mission is to empower the next generation of Filipino-Canadians.
(From left to right): Clyde Pacis, Nezy Lacdao, Ambassador Garcia, Louroz Mercader. Also in photo is Gala Chair Mr. Tom Tan (center).

Ambassador Petronila G. Garcia is flanked by titlists of the various beauty pageants held in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

Aside from Ambassador Garcia, special guests during the Gala Night included, Member of Parliament (MP) Marco Medicino, representing the riding of Eglinton-Lawrence, MP Michael Levitt representing the riding of York Centre and Member for Provincial Parliament (MPP) for Scarborough-Guildwood, Mitzie Hunter.

The Gala was the kick-off to the Mabuhay Philippines Festival, which took place on August 24-25, 2019 at the Nathan Phillips Square. The Mabuhay Festival featured cultural performances, a fashion showcase, and gathered a variety of vendors of Filipino food, products and services at the Square. The Festival also showcased activities for the whole family and a basketball tournament. The highlight of the two-day Festival was the parade held on the second day along parts of major streets in downtown Toronto. END.

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