News

An application to the Government of Ontario‘s Seniors Community Grant program was approved for the Markham Federation of Filipino Canadians (MFFC) for a maximum of $8,000.  The grant for “Seniors’ Health, Fitness and Trip Project” will allow our ever growing membership of seniors to go on trips, learn brain games, Zumba and ballroom dancing. 

The project objective is to explore Ontario’s historical places, promote/ maintain quality of life, self-worth, mental stimulation, physical activity, link to the outside world for seniors while providing opportunities for them to participate in the community through performances at cultural/fundraising events and at senior homes.  The funding will enable up to 56 seniors from Markham and neighbouring communities to attend two trips, brain games, Zumba and ballroom lessons and perform at milestone events and senior homes.

Their first trip will be to the Hop on–Hop off Toronto trip on July 26-27, or July 28-29, or July 29-30, 2017.

By Victoria A. Torres

Despite the clouds and cool temperatures, the Markham Civic Centre was warm with colours and an overwhelming sense of Philippine national pride as the Markham Federation of Filipino Canadians (MFFC) celebrated Philippine Independence Day on Sunday, June 4, 2017. The singing of O Canada by the Youth Performing Arts Group (YPAG) and Lupang Hinirang by the Seniors’ Choir was accompanied by the raising of the flags. Though Mayor Frank Scarpitti was unavailable due to an appointment in Ottawa, speeches from officials such as Member of Parliament Michael Chan, Markham Councilor Alex Chiu, and many others graced the crowd.

Following the flag-raising ceremony and speeches, the celebration moved to the MFFC Centre at 1151 Denison Street in Markham for an afternoon of food and music. The Youth Performing Arts Group and the Seniors’ Choir were among the performers for the afternoon, along with many other group and individual songs and dances, ranging from traditional Filipino songs to current Top 40 hits.

By Victoria A. Torres

Nine members of the Markham Federation of Filipino Canadians were among the recipients of the 2017 Volunteer Service Awards, presented on May 11th, 2017 at the Crystal Fountain in Markham. Youth Awards for 2 years of service were given to Joelle Mansueto, Julianna Garvida, and Chloe Musca, and Adult Awards for 10 years of service were awarded to Gloria Mariano, Florence Paras, Luz Lim, Jeannie Todas, Elsa Hung, and Vince Masongsong.

The Ontario Volunteer Service Awards, presented by the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration and the Ontario Honours and Awards Secretariat, recognize volunteers for providing committed and dedicated service to an organization. Every year, Ontario’s youth - 24 years old and younger - are awarded for two or more years of continuous service, while adults are awarded for five to 65 years of continuous service, as nominated by their organization.

Dear Friends,

Warm greetings from Philippine Consulate General in Toronto.  
Attached for your information and guidance is the Advisory on Registration of Filipino Citizens For Philippine National Elections.  You may wish to disseminate the Advisory to your members and to other interested individuals in your community.
Maraming Salamat po.
Consulate General of the Philippines

The following were elected as board members at the Annual General Meeting held on March 10th 2016 at the MFFC Centre:

For a term of 3 years:

• James Abanado
• Art Canseco
• Marian Cusi
• Joe Ragual
• Ester Toribio

For a term of 2 years:

• Yoly Ladines
• Ramon Ombao
  

Markham Federation of Filipino Canadians and the Alex Chiu Golf Tournament donated $70,000, that helped built the Markham GK Village which you will see in this video. "We opted to go for a Markham Village as a tangible and lasting symbol of the generosity of the people of Markham, beginning with our Mayor Frank Scarpitti, and our City Council, and the countless friends and supporters of our Filipino community", said Councillor Alex Chiu.

"It's our way of helping the victims of typhoon Haiyan in that part of the homeland to pick up their lives again, a legacy I hope that will connect Markham to Palo, Leyte for generations to come", he added. 

Thanks to all the donors. 

The Markham Federation of Filipino Canadians celebrated 25 years in fashion at the Crystal Fountain Banquet Hall.  The evening was filled with awards, photo-ops, music, food, performances and lots of dancing and door prizes!  Emcees Karen Tan and Aaron James Abanador led the program with opening remarks from the gala chair, Lolita Bruneau and prayers by Father Albuen followed by entertainment.  The MFFC Seniors donned their Hawaiian outfits and danced beautifully followed by the MFFC Youth Performing Arts Group who performed a Beatles medley.&n

All over Toronto, the enthusiasm was electric!  The overall tone of the crowd was excitement – the venue, food, smells, event, performances.  You can sense that everyone is anticipating what’s to come as they all venture into different stalls, see different things, smell the wonderful food around them and the big stage right in the middle of the street at the intersection of Kennedy Road and Steeles Avenue. 

By Mogi Mogado
Markham-Ontario-Canada
March, 4, 2014

Presenting Cheques for Markham Village Project in Palo, Leyte: (L to R) Markham Federation of Filipino Canadians Chair Yoly Ladines; Councillors Allan Ho, Don Hamilton,Logan Kanapathi; guest John Tidball; Jun Clarita, Alex Ascano of ANCOP; Jojo Querubin of Gawad Kalinga; Sunny Paragas of ANCOP; Consul General Junever Mahilum-West; Councillor Alex Chiu; Regional Councillor Gord Landon; Councillor Colin Campbell; guests Rosita Tam and Benson Sy; and Agnes Manasan Of Gawad Kalinga. 

On Sunday, June 9, The MFFC (Markham Federation of Filipino Canadians) held a flag-raising ceremony and celebration at the Markham Civic Centre to commemorate the 115th Anniversary of the Philippine Independence. 

Numerous guests and V.I.P.s participated in the event, including representatives from the Municipal, Provincial and Federal governments. Some of the dignitaries include Hon. Michael Chan., Mayor Frank Scarpitti, Councillor Alex Chiu, Consul General Junever Mahilum-West, and other members of the Markham and York Region councils and York Region Catholic and Public School Board Trustees.