The Philippine Cultural Celebration in Richmond drew a crowd of 1,700 as Filipino cultural and literary talents within the context of books and library services were showcased on 1 December 2012 at the Richmond Public Library, Brighouse. In its post-event congratulatory report, RPL estimated that about 1,700 people came through the gates from 10 am -1 pm on that day. Many Richmond residents as well as other community members who live as far as White Rock, Vancouver, Burnaby, Westminster, and Coquitlam partook of the festivities and were enthralled by world-class Filipino cultural and literary talents. In attendance were Mable Elmore, M.L.A., Vancouver Kensington; Linda McPhail, Acting Mayor, City of Richmond; The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors) and MP for Richmond; The Honourable John Yap, Minister of Advanced Education, Innovation and Technology and Minister Responsible for Multiculturalism and M.L.A., Richmond-Steveston; Mark Bostwick, Trustee, Richmond Public Library Board; and The Honourable Jose A.P. Ampeso, Consul General, Philippine Consulate General, Vancouver.
Miguel Syjuco, author of the award-winning book Illustrado, gave a book presentation and a talk hosted by Joseph Planta of Thecommentary.ca and Marieton Pacheco of The Filipino Channel.
Rosario Strings and Philippine Cultural Arts Society of BC performed traditional dances and musical numbers.
Mel Tobias, Eleanor Guerrero-Campbell, BC Lee of Anyone Can Act Theatre performed an excerpt of the Stage Reading of Portrait by Nick Joaquin to be performed at Gateway Theatre three days after the event.
There was an art exhibit by the Dimasalng III International Artists Group featuring SYM Mendoza, Rod Pedralba, Jess Hipolito, Leo Cunanan Jr., Esmie Gayo McLaren, and Danvic Briones.
There was also cultural and arts and crafts displays by community volunteers and sponsors Alpha Phi Omega Alumni Association of BC, Ateneo Alumni Association of BC, Kababayan UBC Filipino Students Association, GMA Pinoy TV, One LaSalle Vancouver, Tulayan – Bridging the Filipino Diaspora, and the University of the Philippines Alumni Association of BC.”
Photos by Jay Aquino