Philippine Independence Day Council 2017 Annual  Beauty Pageant Now Underway in Ontario-Canada

By Tony A. San Juan, OCT
Ontario-Canada
February 1, 2017



The annual beauty - and - talent competition for Miss Philippines and Little Miss Philippines PIDC 2017 titles is now underway.  The widely popular contest is being sponsored by the prestigious Philippine Independence Day Council (PIDC), a 19- year old not-for-profit, cultural and societal - responsive organization in the Filipino Canadian and mainstream communities.

PIDC has been prominently showcasing Pinoy heritage - centred programs such as the Mabuhay Philippines Festival, Salo Salu sa Earl Bales Park, Mabuhay Cup Volleyball Tournament, Mabuhay Golf, Mabuhay Cup Invitational Basketball Tournament and the Philippine Independence Day Flag-Raising rites at Queen's Park.

Coronation Night is going to be held on June 3, 2017, Saturday at the Isabel Bader Theatre, UT- Victoria University , 93 Charles Street W., Toronto. The Little Miss Philippines contest will begin at 2:00 until 5:00 PM and the Miss Philippines final selection is scheduled at 7:00 PM. Ticket Admission Price:  $15.00/person (children 5 below free).

Prizes for all major winners will receive a crown, sash and flowers including the following cash awards :  Miss Philippines PIDC 2017 - One round trip ticket to the Philippines ; First runner up- $400.00; Second Runner Up - $200.00 and for Little Miss Philippines PIDC 2017 - $800.00; First runner up- $400.00  & Second Runner up- $200.00.

On January 22, 2017, the PIDC officially launched the pageant with a meet-and- greet event  at the Toronto City Hall.

The second launching day is slated on February 19, 2017, from 2:00 to 5: 00 PM at the same venue. 

According to PIDC pageant coordinators, Rehearsals will start on Sunday, March 26, 2017, from 2:00 to 5:00 PM for Little Miss Philippines contestants and 4:00 to 6:00 PM for Miss Philippines candidates at the Gotta Dance Studio, 3581 Dundas St. West, Toronto.. The rehearsals will continue every Sunday until May 28, 2017.

The rehearsals will focus on preparations and instructions for every contestant 's opening performance, catwalk and program presentation  in casual dress, talent, gown competitions. The same rehearsal sequence is to be observed for both events including a Question-and-Answer portion for the Miss Philippines only. Other vital schedules include : 1) a photo opportunity on April 23, 2017, Sunday; 2) dress rehearsal on June 2, 2017, Friday , from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.at the Gotta Dance Studio, Toronto.

The PIDC officers and directors tasked to organize and coordinate the yearly pageant include the Overall Pageant Chair:  Rory Elefano; Miss Philippines Chair: Gene Pardo-Elamparo; Little Miss Chair:  Helen Lao and Pageant Coordinator:  Ophelia Santiago.  Program Director:  Karen Pascual–Binaday;  Stage Director: Aris Elefano and Ric Nerona with  Website administrator Randy Bucao and long-serving President Norma Carpio as Pageant Adviser.  Board Members Ben Corpuz, Aimee Maravilla, Al Tupe, Verth Bugtong, Filomena Ticzon, Tom Tan, Chyrell Samson, Suzy Llanera, Roy Start, Jun Villaruz, Nanding Ticzon and Rose Cruz have rendered additional support and assistance.

For further information or anyone who is interested in joining this prestigious pageant – please e-mail:   or visit the PIDC website www:pidctoronto.com  (T. San Juan).