Today, and all the days of June, we celebrate Filipino Heritage Month. Expect a whole slew of interesting events and activities from the numerous leading Filipino-Canadian communities around Canada, precisely to recognize, celebrate and raise awareness about the Filipino community in Canada and their valuable contributions throughout Canadian history. And rightly so.
As stated in the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa regarding the Filipino Diaspora in Canada…
“As of 2021, there are 925,490 people in Canada of Filipino ethnic origin, according to the census conducted by Statistics Canada. Of countries in the Indo-Pacific region, Filipinos and Filipino-Canadians constitute the third-largest population in Canada in terms of ethnic or cultural origin, following the Indian (1,347,715) and Chinese (1,713,870) populations in the country.
From 2016 to 2021, Canada welcomed 1,328,240 new immigrants. The Philippines continues to be the second-largest source of immigrants after India, contributing 151,490 individuals (or 11.4% of the total) to the country.”
In 1949, diplomatic relations between Canada and the Philippines began.
75 YEARS OF TIES THAT BIND – CANADA AND THE PHILIPPINES
This year marks 75 years of diplomatic relations between Canada and the Philippines.
About Canada-Philippines relations, the government of Canada states that…
“The national interests if both countries align on many issues, which have resulted in regular collaboration in the multilateral system, such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), United Nations, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), and the World Trade Organization. Canada supports efforts by the Philippines to advance inclusive and accountable governance, diversity, human rights, and the rule of law.”…
…”Ever-increasing people-to-people links between Canada and the Philippines contribute to the growth of both societies. According to the 2021 census, close to 1 million citizens of Philippine origin live in Canada, while a growing number of Filipino citizens visit family and friends in Canada, study at Canadian colleges and universities or immigrate to Canada. A significant number of Canadians visit the Philippines each year for tourism, work, and family visits.”
With all that said and more, I now bring myself to wish or better yet, advocate for something simple…
A MORE MEANINGFUL PRESENCE OF THE PHILIPPINES AT THE ROM
The Royal Ontario Museum or ROM is home to a world-class collection of 18 million artworks, cultural objects and natural history specimens, featured in 40 gallery and exhibition spaces. The ROM was opened in1914 and showcases art, culture and nature from around the world and across the ages.
It is considered to be one of the top 10 cultural institutions in North America. ROM welcomed “1.34 million visitors in 2019. This makes the ROM the most visited museum in Canada.” This impressive levels of attendance have contributed to the ROM’s ranking as No. 7 among North America’s top art museums
I encourage all our fellow Filipino-Canadians to visit the ROM. Experience its vast and diverse collections of different cultures. A perfect embodiment of how Canada has embraced people from countries around the world. In the process, look for the Philippine exhibit.
In one corner, you will find the exhibit about the Philippines. See for yourself. If and when you do, you will understand why I am advocating for a more meaningful presence of the art, culture and history of the Philippines.
This is not to say that ROM is somehow lacking. I am sure they are doing their best. But I feel that it needs the cooperation, support and collaboration from Filipinos or Filipino-Canadians like us. After all, who would know best about the heart and soul of the Filipino than ourselves?
I rest my case, for now.
In the meantime, visit the ROM. Take your family. I believe they have free admission days. Check out their website. Perfect weather these days to visit one of the top 10 museums in North America. Also, perfect way to celebrate Filipino Heritage Month.
AN EXCITING NEW DRAMA DISCOVERED – JOY OF LIFE Season 2
Before I take my leave, I must update you on the latest C-drama I have been following. This is one of the best (“sabi ko nga”, one of the best.” Marami akong” best) costume dramas. It is starred by Zhang Ruoyun and Lin Qi, two of China’s top actors. The series is still ongoing. OMG! I am loving it. Sadly, I have to keep waiting. They post only one episode a day on YT. So, I have to make “abang” on a daily basis. ARghh!
“Patience is a virtue” said the English poet William Langland in his poem “Piers Plowman” in 1360. Amen to that. At least, “Joy of Life S2” is daily. And not weekly. I mean the episodes of “Joy of Life S2”.
“Hanggang sa susunod na Balita”. Take care and enjoy the month of June. Celebrate your Filipino-ness. Remember my suggestion above?
Mabuhay!
Tessie O. Taylor
