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.

Through the generous funding of the City of Markham's "Celebrate Markham" grant program, the Markham Federation of Filipino Canadians held their 118th Philippine Independence Day celebration with a flag raising ceremony, greetings from dignitaries from different levels of government, picnic and entertainment provided by the MFFC Performing Arts Youth Group and the MFFC Seniors.

The raising of the Philippine Flag which will be displayed at the Civic Centre grounds for one whole week, as in past years. Present were Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Michael Chan, Markham Councillor Alex Chiu, Philippine Consul General Rosalita Prospero, York Region Catholic School Board Vice-Chairperson Marlene Mogado, MFFC Co-chairperson Yolly Ladinez and other dignitaries.

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 (MFFC) celebrated 26 years with a masquerade ball.  Their party was held on October 26^th and the event was marked by fabulous costumes, wonderful food, a great turnout of guests and amazing performances by the MFFC Seniors and Youth.  The evening was emceed by James Abanador and Karen Tan with welcoming address given by President Yoly Ladines.  Special performances were also given by Trinity, the Rize and Karen.  After the performances, the guests danced the night away!  Thank you to all the members who made this party very successful and fun!  For more photos, click here.

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.  The seniors ret