Held at the Philippine Canadian Centre of Manitoba Inc. (PCCM), the historic evening served as a vibrant crossroads where collective creativity met the deeply personal, lived experiences of Filipino migrants. The special cultural gathering united a diverse tapestry of talent, drawing in musicians, composers, visual artists, writers, performers, and cultural workers from across Winnipeg.
An Evening of Culture, Identity, and Song
The program commenced with emcee Ana Daniella Ilagan welcoming the audience, followed by a dual-language Land Acknowledgment delivered in both English and Tagalog by Susan Dimayuga.
In a beautifully unconventional opening, FMAACI President Ernesto Ofiaza Jr. welcomed attendees, guests led by Minister of Public Service Delivery Mintu Sandhu, sponsors, and partners by performing an excerpt of his original composition, “Pinoy Ca” (Pinoy sa Canada). FMAACI Secretary and Event Chair Jeanette Perez then provided a framing introduction, highlighting the vital significance of the event as an essential space for healing, identity, and artistic survival.
The heart of the evening was found in its rich, multi-disciplinary program, which seamlessly blended intimate storytelling with live musical presentations.
Featured Storytellers & Musical Presentations:
• Milmar Abella and Family – “Carrying the Melody Across Borders and Generations”
• Alex Oyas – “Musical Journey of a Filipino-Canadian Benguet Cowboy”
• Levy Abad – “A Guitar, A Homeland, A New Beginning”
• Jeanette Perez – “Saturday with U (Ukulele)”
• Ernesto Paasa – “Lead Me, Lord: A Life Carried by Faith and Song”
• Nueva Mabilen and Family – “Himig ng Pag-ibig: A Melody That Carried Me Through”
The evening also featured a captivating mid-show intermission performance by the Winnipeg Wild Flowers, concluding with a resounding, high-energy finale song led by veteran artist Jun Llanos and company. A Multi-Sensory Celebration of Heritage Ang Pagtitipon was designed not just as a performance showcase, but as an intentional, multi-disciplinary space for dialogue, mentorship, and community-building. Beyond the main stage, attendees immersed themselves in a rich visual and networking experience:
• Mini-Painting Exhibit by Jogin Tamayo: A striking visual display featuring original works that explored deeply personal themes of heritage, identity, and the migration journey.
• Comics Display by Giboy Trillana: An engaging feature that brought sequential art and graphic storytelling into the cultural spotlight, showcasing the versatility of the community’s creative talent.
• Networking and Collaborative Spaces: A dedicated environment allowing local artists, community leaders, and cross-industry professionals to connect, share resources, and spark future artistic collaborations.
The profound impact of the night was echoed by attendees Alvin and Dessa Narciso, who shared their experiences in Facebook, noting: “We had the privilege of watching these talented Filipino-Canadians perform. The stories of survival in a new country, and how music and the arts played a massive role in overcoming those challenges, were deeply moving. It was truly an evening filled with inspiring stories and nostalgic songs.”
Powered by Community Collaboration
The success of the evening was made possible through the generous support of community-minded sponsors, media advocates, and organizational partners who share FMAACI’s vision for cultural preservation. The event was proudly sponsored by Duque Immigration Services and Experior Financial Group with Sarah Voluntad. Keeping the community connected, Pilipino Express and CKJS 92.7FM served as official media partners. Vital support was also provided by prominent community organizations, including QPAM, BIBAK, Tropang Guardians, and the Philippine Canadian Centre of Manitoba (PCCM), alongside Kangen Manitoba and Aroma Filipino Restaurant. Shaping the Future of the Diaspora’s Creative Sector Beyond celebrating existing heritage, organizers emphasized that Ang Pagtitipon is a vital stepping stone for the future. The immense energy and solidarity generated by the event aim to build long-term momentum toward upcoming collective projects, collaborative festivals, and essential advocacy initiatives for racialized artists across Canada. By bridging the gap between established cultural workers and the next generation of creators, FMAACI has set a renewed benchmark for how immigrant narratives are honored, preserved, and elevated through the power of the arts.
For more information on upcoming initiatives, future events, or how to get involved with the Filipino Music and Arts Association of Canada Inc. (FMAACI), please contact: Email: info@fmaaci.ca; Website: fmaaci.ca. (ENOJR)
