North Vancouver, BC. A sig­nificant milestone in the celebra­tion of the Philippine Day Festival, commemorating the annual an­niversary of Philippine Indepen­dence Day in Metro Vancouver, was achieved last March 5, 2012 when Kuya Alvin Koh Relleve, President of the Metro Vancouver Philippine Arts & Culture Expo­sition Society (MV-PACES) suc­cessfully presented and justified the group’s appeal to extend the annual celebration to become a 2-day undertaking this year, spe­cifically scheduled for June 9-10, 2012. Speaking before a complete forum of the North Van Council, headed by Mayor Darrell Mus­satto, Kuya Alvin cited the cur­rent limited window to showcase Philippine Culture and Arts with a one-day celebration, and out­lined the various advantages for the extension request. Following Kuya Alvin’s 10-minute presen­tation, Mayor Mussatto heard the Council’s recommendations where positive endorsements were quickly voiced by Councillor Don Bell, who has witnessed the annual event managed by MV-PACES since its inception over the last 7 years.

“I have seen first hand how this community event was well coor­dinated by this group, and how it created a generally positive im­pact not only to the Filipino com­munity, but all the attendees to the celebration.” Councillor Bell opined.

Councillor Craig Keating sup­ported this statement with his own observation “I was there last year, and I have also witnessed how organized and colorful the event was, while mindful of the surrounding residents within the confines of the park.

Councillor Linda Buchanan also shared positive feedback about the conduct of the event. Mayor Mussatto, who has never missed this celebration each year, whether he is a guest of honor or simply one of the guest dignitar­ies, supported the request in its entirety and spearheaded the unanimous vote from the coun­cil to approve the request for this year’s celebration.This 2012 event, celebrating the 114th anniversary of the decla­ration of Philippine Independence day by General Emilio Aguinaldo in Kawit-Cavite, poses a huge challenge to for MV-PACES man­agement, and will spell the con­tinuance of the 2-day celebration for 2013 and beyond.

With over 12,000 in atten­dance during last year’s one-day event, the 2-day event extension is expected to draw more people coming from all over BC and neighboring provinces. Exciting announcements, including sur­prise participation from the Philip­pines, will come out next month as preparation goes into full swing.

Interested Sponsors and ad­vertisers may call Kuya.Alvin at 604.773.6641, Tita Soc at 604.833.2023, Tony Mangili­man at 604.783.1272, Beth Ca­bal604.787.6322 and Rey Calin­isan at 604.377.5895. For stage performances and field presen­tations, kindly call Direk Rober

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