The 118th Philippine Independence Day celebrations in Vancouver on June 4 will feature three living legends of Filipino music.
Rock icon Mike Hanopol, and folk greats Florante and Heber Bartolome will take the stage at the Memorial Memorial South Park (5955 Ross Street and 41st Avenue).
The performances by Hanopol, Florante and Bartolome are among the expected highlights of the celebrations organized by the United Filipino Canadian Associations in BC (UFCABC).
The Philippine Consulate General under Consul General Neil Ferrer and Deputy Consul Anthony Mandap is a partner in the celebration. The consulate is celebrating its 60th year anniversary.
Also making a special appearance at this year’s Pista ng Bayan is Shawna Warhurst, who was crowned Miss Teen Philippines of the World 2014.
Warhurst in 2015 represented the Philippines in Guatemala for the Teen Universe pageant and was awarded Miss Congeniality. In late 2015, Shawna competed in Miss Calendar Girl and was crowned the title holder. In April 2016, she competed in Miss Teenage British Columbia and was crowned Miss Teenage Maple Ridge.
Warhurst will serve as muse in the parade that will open the Pista ng Bayan. She will also perform on stage.
Another celebrity joining the celebration is GG Starr, a model, singer, and musician making waves in the U.S.
GG Starr is Glenda Galura, who was nicknamed Glenda Starr, after Brenda Starr, the 1940s’ comic strip about a blonde and glamorous reporter. GG is based in Los Angeles.
GG Starr has been hosting since 2007, livening up events in different Fil-Am venues in Los Angeles such as Bistro Manila, Bamboo Bistro, Noypitz, Kapistahan Grill, Crew Bar in Long Beach and Josephine’s Bistro. She also hosts and co-produces an online talk show “Wednesday Star Talents” at thefilipinocentral.com which features talented Fil-Americans.
The UUFCABC is led by Joel Castillo, and has more than 25 organizations under its umbrella.
A gala will follow the June 4 Pista ng Bayan.
Vice Consul Charmaine Guevara will host the 118th Philippine Independence Day Gala Night on June 11 at the Westin Bayshore in Vancouver BC.
The 2016 festivities will be on a two stage event, an outdoor Filipino Fiesta and a formal dinner to celebrate the historic day for Filipinos.
To kick off the celebrations at the Pista ng Bayan, there will be a Paradang Pinoy, with the community marching and dancing to the beat of the AtiAtihan drums and Filipino music.
Pista ng Bayan at Memorial South Park is a long time tradition when the community gathers together for a whole day event and showcase various aspects of Filipino culture. There will be various food, civil, business and commercial stallholders showcasing their products and services to the thousands of people who will attend the event. And a long day entertainment program featuring local artists, games, performances and lots of prizes and giveaways that represent the filipino culture, as well as special guest celebrities will perform and be awarded.
A ton of prizes are going to be raffled at this year’s celebration of Pista ng Bayan.
One of the event’s biggest sponsors is Sukhi Bath Motors, located at 15437 Fraser Highway in Surrey.
Led by founder and president Sukhi Bath, the car dealership will provide as a Platinum Sponsor three round trip tickets for two people each to Las Vegas, plus two nights of accommodations. This means that six lucky winners will have the chance to travel to Las Vegas.
In addition to raffle prizes, attendees will also be able to sample food and drinks from 88 Supermarket (4801 Victoria Drive, Vancouver).
Independence day event organizer UFCABC will give away 10 lechons or whole roast pig in raffles as part of its treat to the community.
The other event celebration is the Gala Night. The gala is a crown event that highlights the rich culture and tradition of the Filipino-Canadian community. This year, the organizers see “a rebirth of patriotism timely with the rapid changes in the politicosocial landscape in the Philippines.” The annual gettogether promises to be “an event that will excite your senses, fulfill your longing and nostalgia of the motherland.” The big event is an effort of love and dedication of the organizers and supporters who share in the vision and excitement of the night.
The original diva, Asia’s Queen of Songs Ms. Pilita Corrales (Filipino Celebrity and Icon) will entertain the attendees who are expected to be dressed up to the nines to enjoy an equally classy evening with exquisite food, great company, and quality entertainment.
The June 4 celebration will be followed a week later by a formal gala with no less than Pilita Corrales, Asia’s Queen of Songs, as guest.