IT will be remembered several years ago when the Philippine Independence Day Council, the darling of the Filipinos, conceded as the main umbrella for every organization and interest group in the community, it enjoyed the honour as the focal point for unity among us.
Then one year PIDC had a press conference saying they were penniless and struggling. With no financial resources and only a limited number of people to back them up, some board members left because they said they could no longer stand listening to shouting matches during meetings. PIDC was left with nothing and consequently was in a daze on how to start over again. That is when the question of what happened to their resources, the beauty pageants that was their milking cows had to be brought up.
According to former board members, in every meeting, the pageant director would assure them that the PIDC pageants funds were in the bank. Because everyone trusted everybody in the Board, in the old fashioned Filipino way, and since they were all volunteers who depended equally on each other, no one questioned what bank and whose name was it under. Not only was it very unusual that the PIDC Treasurer was not handling the organization’s funds.
The rest is history. Everyone followed this drama because it has been duly documented. Everyone knew what happened. But they talked in whispers. With a small community like ours, nothing can be hidden forever. Some are blunt in saying, we know where it went ….Some are very careful not to be quoted. But just the same, people knew and saw clearly what transpired.
Now fast forward to this year’s Mabuhay Festival. The two-day party held this year at Toronto’s Nathan Philips Square again showcased the beautiful inner soul of our community, but with more depth and amazing colors.
IT showcased our talented artists that continually amazed us, comprised of bands, solos, group dancing presenting traditional, hip hop and Latin numbers. Some notable professionals like Arlene Paculan and noted balladeer Belinda Corpuz really gave honour to a small community that is full of undisputed talents.
Premier Kathleen Wynne and (MP) Marco Mendicino of the Liberal Party were there to hobnob with the crowd, CP 24 reporters and camera men who did not waste the time for another scoop, were seen roaming around taking footages of the event and interviewing PIDC president Norma Carpio and Consul General Rosalita Prospero.
With all the booth renters promoting their own businesses it showed that they trust that the event with all its glitter and known personalities and politicians supporting, can help them penetrate the Filipino market. It was nice to see faces of Balita advertisers that we only communicate through emails and phone.
Our food vendors were really busy and am sure went home with everything consumed and financially happy . Our food has become famous internationally and the sheer variety and very inviting presentation of food booths made it hard to turn your back without trying. The standouts, halo halo, gulaman, sago and other cold drinks were so in demand. Inexpensive and worthwhile, for sure non-Filipinos would also crave and look for them on the next events.
The City Hall, an attraction in itself is always on the itinerary of visiting foreigners and we are glad that a glimpse of our culture was available for them for two days.
The winners of our many local beauty pageants were featured in a fashion show that featured traditional dresses by famous designers from home. Miss Manila, Icess Rawlings, runner up Queenny Bombasi, Miss PiDC Celine Grey and other beautiful models gave justice to the timeless elegance, intricate garments, and accessories and made it truly our own.
It was noticeable of the big failure to start during the segment. People became so restless, thanks for Balita newspapers that were available while waiting. For sure a program director with experience in program logistics would have been a great help.
Another gripe was the lighting ….Yes, we always believe that fashion shows should be done at night but there should have been enough brightness to illuminate the creations of the designers. Merriam Goldberg, Kenneth Barlis, Aisha Peñalosa and Jaki Peñalosa’s incredible designs merit the extra attention and runway glory. Thankful that the delay did not reduce the impact. The fashion show when it finally gathered momentum received a flurry of camera flash continuously, applause and acceptance of the collections and it certainly made the long wait worthwhile.
On Sunday, the grand parade of colours led by Toronto Mayor John Tory, MP Marco Mendicino, Consul General Rosalita Prospero, PIDC officers and special guests and different associations and groups was a hit. Participants that are clearly advocates of community unity and togetherness cheered and waved and they really provided brilliant colours to the event. You can feel they are all connected and it proves the huge support to the organization
PIDC has surely weathered a storm and waking up from that big nightmare, they emerged even stronger. With the help of dedicated sponsors and volunteers, they are once again a powerhouse group on the same level of the FCT Pistahan, Fiesta ng Kalayaan and the biggest Taste of Manila. Like the Taste of Manila, they were also victims of not so pleasant incidents that would forever be a part of their colorful history and existence.
PIDC is another vehicle to show who we are in our adopted country.****
