BURNABY – A dazzling evening saw the successful 2011 Maharlika Awards event that recognized several members of the Filipino Canadian community for their outstanding achievements. It was a night that packed many B.C. dignitaries at the grand ballroom of the Delta Burnaby Hotel.
Among the guests were Member of Parliament Randy Kamp, parliamentary liaison to the Filipino community; Burnaby North MLA Richard Lee, representing the B.C. government; Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson; Burnaby Mayor Derek Corrigan; and North Vancouver Mayor Darrell Mussatto. Attending the event with Mayor Corrigan was his wife Burnaby-Deer Lake MLA Kathy Corrigan. Philippine Consul-General Jose Ampeso spoke at the event. The guest of honour was Marco Amoranto, Managing Director of ABS CBN International based in Toronto. Also in attendance was Vancouver-Kensington MLA Mable Elmore.It was the second Maharlika awards ceremony organized by the Filipino Canadian Cultural Heritage Society. “In recognition of valuable pioneering work, leadership achievements in various fields, and exemplary community service, the Filipino Canadian Cultural Heritage of BC (FCCH) gives honor to various individuals and organizations in British Columbia,” the group states.
“We believe that by highlighting the work of these achievers to the Filipino Canadian community, it will serve as inspiration to many and propel them to strive to be the best in what they do, discover new horizons for success, and set the pace for other members of the community to emulate.“
The sponsors of the October 23 Maharlika Award Event The Filipino Channel (TFC), Canadian Western Bank, Bank Of Montreal, Scotia Bank and New Quest International Trading Inc. (Authorized Saladmaster Dealer) Dr. Marina Roma-March, a member of awards screening committee, explained the first category of the awards, which was for arts and culture.
The awardees for the Maharlika Category for Arts and Culture were: Ed and Salve Dayao, Mel Tobias, and Grace Chan. Richmond school trustee Rod Belleza, also a member of the awards screening committee, introduced the Maharlika Category for Leadership.
The leadership awards were given to Vicente Cordero, Felipa Garcia, Wilfredo Bagunu, Laila de Lara Pires, Michael Calingo, Teresita Fumerton, and Rafael RJ Aquino. Tom Avendano of the Multicultural Helping House Society explained the third category which was for community service. The community service awardees were Oscar Tiu, Elena Agala, Dr. Dan Vargas, Irene Yatco, and Sammie Jo Rumbaua. Butch Dulay of the screening committee explained the Maharlika award category for outstanding Filipino associations. Recipients of this award were the Multicultural Helping House Society, Filipino Canadian Sports Association of BC, and the Philippine Diamond Society of British Columbia.
The event also saw Consul General Ampeso endorsing the candidacies of the following Filipino Canadian candidates: Aquino for Vancouver council; Belleza for Richmond school trustee; Gabby Kalaw for Vancouver park board; and Juliet Andalis for Vancouver park board. With the November 19 municipal elections just around the corner, the awards night teemed with many politicians. Vancouver councillor Suzanne Anton, who is running for mayor of Vancouver, came with the civic slates of her party, the Non-Partisan Association. These included Gabby Kalaw, candidate for park board, and Bill McCreery, candidate for council. Incumbent Vancouver councillor Ellen Woodsworth and Brent Granby, a candidate for Vancouver park board, were also present.
North Vancouver councillor Craig Keating, who is seeking another term, came with Mayor Mussatto. Two candidates for Richmond council attended the event. These are Chak Au and Cynthia Chen. Surrey was represented by two candidates for council, incumbent councillor and former Surrey mayor Bob Bose and Stephanie Ryan. Bose and Ryan are with the Surrey Civic Coalition. The ceremonies were emceed by CTV broadcaster Jason Pires, and ABS-CBN’s Marieton Pacheco.
Click here to view more photos
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
