Advisories & News
Press Release
PCG Toronto joins “SUPER SAYA”, Taste of Manila’s Virtual Presentation for 2020
2020-09-17
PR 50-2020
10 September 2020, Toronto, Ontario – The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto participated in the Taste of Manila (TOM) Virtual Presentation dubbed “Super Saya”, in celebration of its 7th year Anniversary.
Taste of Manila, since its maiden festivity in 2014, is one of the biggest Filipino street festivals in North America, happening in August every year. This year’s event was organized by the Philippine Community Events & Services Ontario (P.E.S.O. Community). The 3-hour pre-recorded event streamed on 29 August 2020 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm via the Facebook page of TOM.
Super Saya opened with the singing of the Canadian and Philippine national anthems. A brief presentation on Philippine Revolution, Filipino national heroes, as well as today’s modern-day heroes – our Overseas Filipino Workers and frontline workers. Mr. Rolando Mangante, Founder and CEO of TOM/P.E.S.O. Community, opened the online presentation, welcoming everybody to the virtual celebration of TOM. Mr. Pepito Torralba, Vice President for Finance and Board of Director of P.E.S.O. Community, likewise gave his message to the online viewers of the event saying, “we will not let COVID-19 stop us from celebrating Taste of Manila”.
The successful staging of TOM over the years was included in the virtual presentation, including the challenging year of 2018 when the popular Pinoy festival almost did not push through. This year, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the organizers persevered to continue the tradition.
Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Francisco Noel F. Fernandez of the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa congratulated the organizers and participants for the remarkable fete of celebrating TOM despite the challenges. He said, “Filipino ingenuity, initiative, creativity and strong sense of community endure…the event is a source of joy for everyone in their homes and a reminder of what the Philippines can achieve by working together. Our unity as a country and as a community here in Canada is particularly important as we address the pandemic. We have to look out for each other.” He also lauded all Filipinos working in the frontlines, saying “their hard work ensures that the other members of society continue to receive essential services while observing physical distancing protocols.” He also reminded everyone to stay safe and to adhere to the health regulations and distancing restrictions of Canada.
Consul General Orontes V. Castro’s message for the organizers and viewers of the virtual festival was also featured in the program. He said that this year’s celebration is a “testament to the Filipinos’ virtues of resiliency and utang na loob (gratefulness)”. He added that the Filipinos’ cheerful nature help us to overcome challenges and difficulties of life, as evidenced in the way Filipinos have risen and recovered from various natural calamities. He mentioned that the festival, being a tribute to frontline, essential, and overseas Filipino workers, shows our gratefulness and appreciation for their sacrifices, compassion, extra-ordinary care for the sick, and selfless service to the community. He commended the perseverance of P.E.S.O. Community and TOM founder, Mr. Rolly Mangante, in organizing the online festival, and wished for them to continue promoting Filipino heritage, arts, food and music. He reminded everyone to adhere to the Canadian government’s regulations on social distancing and safety and hygiene protocols.
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Assistant Secretary for Regional Operations Demphna Du-Naga lauded TOM as a partner of the One Town One Product (OTOP) Philippines, a priority program of the government enabling localities and communities to determine, develop, support, and promote products or services that are rooted in its local culture, community resource, creativity, connection, and competitive advantage. It supports micro and small and medium-scale enterprises (MSMEs) to manufacture, offer, and market distinctive products or services using indigenous raw materials and local skills and talents. She added that TOM helps support local MSMEs and OTOPreneurs build and expand their network. She ended by urging everyone to support Philippine MSMEs and OTOPreneurs.
Top from left: Premiere Doug Ford, MP Marco Mendicino, and MP Salma Zahid
Bottom from left: MP Roman Baber, Toronto City Mayor John Tory, and Toronto Councillor James Pasternak
The messages from Canadian government officials were also shown at the virtual presentation. Messages from Ontario Premiere Doug Ford, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Marco Mendicino, Member of Parliament Salma Zahid, Member of Parliament Roman Baber, Toronto City Mayor John Tory, and Toronto Councillor James Pasternak. They all acknowledged the many contributions of Filipino-Canadians in the economy and cultural diversity of Canada.
Toronto Mayor John Tory said in his message, “the Filipino community is a key part of the rich cultural diversity we are so lucky to enjoy here in Toronto and I encourage all residents, not just Filipino community members, but all residents, to continue to support local Filipino businesses and restaurants.” He also shared that he regret not being able to fulfill what he committed to do in this year’s Taste of Manila Festival since it is not happening in person, which is to “eat a balot…, but we will carry it forward to 2021 and look forward to being back up at Bathurst and Wilson and having a balot there. And I do look forward to gathering with the Toronto’s Filipino community when it is safe to do so. I know that in the meantime, you will continue to be the loving, and caring and unifying community that you are.”
There was non-stop entertainment at Taste of Manila’s Super Saya, from home-grown artists to artists from the Philippines, all showcasing the great talents of the Filipinos. – END