FILIPINO CENTRE TORONTO HOSTS MEMBERS APPRECIATION EVENT

 

By Tony A. San Juan, OCT-Retired
Photo Credits: Joey Baking-LM Confidential
Toronto-Canada
October 2, 2021
 




In faithful and fascinating fashion, the Filipino Centre Toronto( FCT) hosted an "Appreciation Afternoon" on September 19, 2021 at its Social Hall , Sheppard Avenue East, Scarborough, Toronto. The event was organized and offered to say "Thank You!" to its many volunteers, friends, supporters, staff, and members over the years.

Cynthia Lai, Toronto City Councillor for Scarborough North, graced the occasion and presented a "Certificate of Appreciation" to the Filipino Centre Toronto. FCT President & CEO Mary Ann S.San Juan presided over the gathering and in her opening remarks said: "This 21-year old volunteer-run hub is for the members of the Filipino community for tomorrow".



During the 4- hour program, special numbers were carried out such as 1) Show and tell by artist Frank Cruzet of his 4 oil & acrylic-based paintings of impressionist and abstract art; 2) "Arnis" and karate martial arts demonstrations by Filipino Martial Arts school's  Michael Rivera- karate black belter-champion, Leo Jace- arnis specialist  and his 2 protegees, brothers Leon and Troy Orea; 3) Pre-funeral arrangement sales promotion by Baby Palumbarit;  and 3) health and wellness aid demo by Eva De Villa. supervised by Wendy Arena and Mina Martin, raffled gift prizes were also handed to grateful winners

Among those who attended were: Paul Arena, Joey Baking, Ed & Eves Birondo, Ted Cresencia, Eva De Villa, , Ed Joaquin, Cecilia Kolmegies, Denise Martin, Mina Martin, Fran & Baby Palumbarit , Rechie Pardinas, Nenette Salcedo, Theresa Salcedo, Tony & Joy San Juan, Fermer Santos, Luchie Sivilla, Rose Tijam, Dodong Tumulak, and Carlos Unas. The FCT officers present were Wendy Arena, Philip Beloso, Suzette Cresencia, Frank Cruzet, Efren De Villa, Alvin Marasigan Flor, Lino Javier, Thess Lumanlan, Leo Mascarinas, Mary Ann San Juan, Precy Tumulak, Atbp.



Observing mandated health and safety protocols, the guests and attendees were treated to an early dinner catered by a Scarborough-sited Fil-Can restaurant. The food selections included oxtail caldereta, lumpia shanghai, pancit bihon, buttered chicken, laing, and sisig, together with desserts and soft drinks. Some of the appreciative attendees went home happily with their own take-home "loot bags." (Tony A. San Juan, OCT-Retired)