THE PHILIPPINES ON DISPLAY ON VICTORIA DAY

May 18, 2015, was a bright and sunny day to have the 117th Island Farms Victoria Day Parade. The Filipino community participated in the parade in full force, with representatives from the Victoria Filipino-Canadian Association, the Bayanihan Cultural and Housing Society, Victoria Filipino-Canadian Caregivers’ Association, Victoria Filipino Canadian-Seniors’ Association, and the VFCA-Youth and Cordillera Group.

For the second year in a row, our community won a prize – this time third place in the Walking Group Category. This was a significant achievement given the number of participating groups!

The judging started at the staging area by Mayfair Mall at 8am. The parade then proceeded to Douglas Street and headed for Belleville St.

Our little Nipa Hut was carried by our youth volunteers – a visible expression of “Bayanihan,” or “Working Together” as a community. The women wore colorful Filipiniana dresses and the men wore the traditional Barong Tagalog.

The Sampaguita Youth Dancers and Sampaguita Adult Dancers enlivened the parade with their dance steps and flower garlands.

The participants in the parade had a wonderful day. Lunch and refreshments were served at the Bayanihan Community Centre after the parade.

Thank you to Maricel Ames who organized the event and Leonor Santos who coordinated the food and refreshments. And most of all thank you to all the volunteers who made our participation memorable and enjoyable! Your efforts and willingness make our community successful. See you again next year! Mabuhay!