By Karen Tan
A big congratulations to the Markham Federation of Filipino Canadians as they
celebrated their 35th anniversary on November 8th with a gala event filled with music
and laughter! The MFFC held their gala at Crystal Fountain with a dinner show that was
well attended by guests dressed in their best evening wear.
The evening started with a speech from the chairman of MFFC, Arthur Canseco,
followed by local MPP Logan Kanapathi who formally congratulated the group on work
being done, thanks to receiving a $96,300 Capital grant from the provincial
government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). The grant, awarded this summer, is
helping to make needed capital upgrades to the community centre located on Denison
Street.
Yolanda Ladines, one of the honorary chairperson, started the dinner with a
prayer. The show called A Salute to Broadway, opened with the youth group Rhythm
Re-Choired as well as the entire cast’s appearance. Performers Jason Nunez,
Candace Santos, Emilio Zarris, Alvin Alba and Ma-Anne Dionisio serenaded the crowd
with songs from Broadway musicals, with the event chaired and emceed by Karen Tan.
The evening was capped with Mayor Frank Scarpitti’s appearance and surprise
performance with a broadway song, Edelweiss from the musical Sound of Music.
Congratulations to the members and board of the MFFC and looking ahead for many
more years to come!