Westman Filipinos celebrate heritage
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 12/06/2024 (474 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Faces beamed with pride outside Brandon City Hall on Tuesday morning as the Philippine flag was hoisted alongside the Canadian flag.
About 40 people, dignitaries and members of the local Filipino community came out to recognize the Philippines’ declaration of independence from Spain on June 12, 1898.
They were also celebrating Filipino Heritage Month, which has been recognized in Manitoba since 2022 after the passage of a private member’s bill put forward by former Brandon East Progressive Conservative MLA Len Isleifson.
Three members of 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry raised the Philippine flag as the crowd sung the country’s national anthem, “Lupang Hinirang,” led by Mariane Nadala.
That was followed up by a rendition of “O Canada” led by Tomi Orale.
Addressing the crowd, Westman Filipino Community president Joseph Mamuric, Jr. said it was a special day and a moment he never would have foreseen when he moved to Canada a decade ago.
“For a second year in a row, we see the flag of our motherland flying alongside that of our adoptive home,” Mamuric said.
“As we celebrate Filipino Heritage Month, I would like us to remember what makes this day so special to us Filipinos. Tomorrow, our country will celebrate its 126th anniversary of its independence from Spain. We must strive to remember and honour the sacrifices made by those of our ancestors, particularly the freedom and democracy we and our families back home enjoy to this very day.”
He went on to say that he hopes the local Filipino community continues to carry the torch lit by the countless overseas Filipino workers and immigrants who came to Canada before them, helping develop Manitoba in their unique way.
Mayor Jeff Fawcett said during his remarks that he’s connected to the Philippines through his sister-in-law and nephew, who were both raised in Cebu.
“I just want to mention how it’s great, the role the Filipino community is playing in the City of Brandon,” Fawcett said. “I think the one thing that we always have in common now is that we’re Brandonites now. You bring about your heritage, you’ve shared it with us and that makes us even stronger.”
He said the soldiers of Filipino heritage raising the flag were a strong example of the connection between the Philippines and Canada.
Other dignitaries at the event included Brandon West PC MLA Wayne Balcaen as well as representatives from the offices of Brandon East NDP MLA Glen Simard and Brandon-Souris Conservative MP Larry Maguire.
Even though the flag raising has already happened, the celebrations have only begun as Westman Filipino Community is hosting the second annual “Barrio Fiesta” this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m at Princess Park.
Mamuric and WFC board chair Joy Escalera told the Sun that the event is meant to echo the fiestas (the Spanish word for “party” or “festival”) that are held every month during the summer in the Philippines.
“Last year, it was just really focused on the Filipino community,” Mamuric said. “But now it’s starting to be a little bit more open to the public so that people can watch cultural dances and taste some of the food.”
“Filipinos are known for being hospitable,” Escalera said. “This is our way of showcasing that we welcome not just Filipinos, but our community members to join us in our celebrations … It’s a really great time to (learn) more about the Philippines and a little bit about the Filipino culture.”
If visitors to the fiesta try one thing, Mamuric said it should be lechon — whole roasted pig.
“It can be intimidating when you see a pig’s face staring back at you, but it’s the signature of any good Filipino fiesta,” he said. “Come with an open mind. We have some games that maybe Canadians may not be familiar with.”
Entry to the event is free, but some vendors will be selling Filipino arts and crafts.
In the case of a downpour, Mamuric said they’re hoping Westman Immigrant Services might allow festivities to take place inside their multicultural centre.
The event is being put on with the help of RBC, Fusion Credit Union, Royal LePage, Sunrise Credit Union, Charlie and Jean Mamuric-Cruz, A Tea Love, Westoba Credit Union, TimTom Asian Grocery and McDonald’s.
» cslark@brandonsun.com
» X: @ColinSlark