A GREAT Kapuso Experience !

July 18, 2009- True to its trademark as the biggest , the most  exciting and mostly attended summer Filipino event- the PIDC Mabuhay Summer Festival was successfully participated by the different ages of not only by Filipinos but other members of the Canadian community.

Filipinos From US And Canada

Majority of the annual visitors travel as far as the neighboring US states and all over Ontario to attend the cultural extravaganza featuring the best among the Filipino Arts, Culture the display of  booths and of course the food.An example of the anticipation was- Nilo Reyes and family of New Market started to prepare a week before to plan to attend the event and brought with him even his in laws. In the end he told his friends that it is worth the drive to Toronto to see the many Kababayans who were present. Such is the nature of the Mabuhay Festival –there is always something to see and for the whole family.

PIDC committed officers fresh from bringing the GMA  Kapuso  artistas to the tour of the Niagara Peninsula almost stayed the whole night preparing and supervising the cycle of activities to ensure that the Metro Manila Convention Pavilion will be ready for the thousands of expectators. The President Jun Enverga and the Executive VP Minda Neri and the Board as well as untiring volunteers assigned up to the wee hours of the morning have only few hours of sleep just to ensure all are properly coordinated.

The Venue

A wider hall at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre as venue has afforded more room for exhibitors and visitors, the lay-out allowing for smooth indoor traffic. The huge venue has also allowed for more food concessionaires, something that food-loving patrons appreciated. PIDC accounted for 170 booth spaces occupied, while PCCT brought in 67 exhibitors that include the 10 food vendors. Over-all total of 237 booths  became the cornerstone of display of products and services including enterprising youths who exhibited their enterprising streak by renting stalls where they sold T-shirts and other youth-targeted paraphernalia. For 2009 PIDC added an extra 2000 chairs so that a lot more will be able to enjoy their favourite shows in comfort.

The Exhibits

In front, guests were greeted with a bahay-kubo laden with kiping, the colorful rice wafers of the world-famous Pahiyas festival of Lucban, Quezon Province. The festival honors San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of farmers, in thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest.  Traditionally, houses along the old streets of Lucban are artistically decorated with agricultural harvest, and of the very unique highlight of the festival, the “kiping”.  Drop by the Mindanao Corner to have a feel of the exotic and the rich culture of the Philippine South which featured a simulation of the real Vinta The area was very busy for picture taking and souvenir photo opportunities. A paparazzi haven indeed.

A Gawad Kalinga depicting a real village GK housing project is situated in the strategic area of the venue. This is to show where the donations and proceeds will be going and the charitable beneficiary for this year’s event.

The Program

The day started solemnly with a Holy Mass at 8 a.m.officiated by Fr. Ben Ebcas the pastor of Our Lady of Assumption. This was followed by a performance of the Tinikling, and song numbers by the famed Filipino operatic voice, Ms. Eleanor Calbes. Pepe Smith and the Juan de la Cruz band rocked the crowd early in the morning to set the tone for the day. Pacific and Polynesian dances on stage revved up everybody by their moves.  Winners of the Seniors’ Karaoke singing contest performed ala Frank Sinatra and Diomedes Maturan of the 60’s songs. On the youth number, students and members of PATAC , Migrante Youth, University of Toronto and Ryerson University performed the call of the nationalist youth and the search of the true Filipino Identity with their performance of the “ Panambitan ng Kabataang Makabayan” . It was started by Belinda Corpuz, this year’s winner of the most versatile vocal in the Young Asian Singing Competition and the winner of the Young Pinoy Idol. Myke Miranda of Kapisanan and U of T, touched the crowd with his spoken words titled “Quarter Spanish “ and the songs of Levy Abad Jr.of PATAC called  “Na Shock Ako”  depicted the thousands of Filipino Migrants experiences and conditions working in a far away land.

In the centre of the hall were the three award-winning photographers which showcased their work at the festival an example is renowned artist &  photographer Carlos Esguerra who is based from New York City displayed amazing photos and almost sold out . During the afternoon the Kapihan was busy to those who made siesta while viewing the exciting photo exhibit dubbed ” Pilipinas  – Images of a Country and its People” . The photo montage/collage  highlights award- winning photos by Revoli Cortez  and Edwin Bacasmas , a stylized showcase Filipino culture including personalities, places and events taken in various regions of the Philippines.

A display of banners and slogans depicting the plight of the Filipinos were also featured with the participation of many regional associations and cause oriented groups among them Lucena Association, Santaginians Association, Knights of Rizal, Migrante Ontario, Philippine Renal Nurses, PCUAA, Archdiocesan Filipino Catholic Mission and many others.

The Minerva Studio was busy and buzzing with impromptu events emanating a real live studio performances and experiences. The Baylehan is the venue where serious dancers displayed their talents. Table Tennis Exhibition and competition showcased the best of our Ping Pong enthusiasts, some coming from out of town and the KIDZ ZONE was also busy as ever.

The kapihan or tambayan corner made good its promise of respite from one’s walkabout, serving affordable coffee and favorite Pinoy snacks.  More importantly, it’s “sari-sari” store façade made for good conversation piece for patrons, many unable to resist asking storekeepers if they sold “Choc Nut” like in the Philippines (and the answer was “yes”!)

Mid in the afternoon everybody consumed their energy by laughing with the jokes of, Mr. Ron Josol, one of the funniest men alive – another Filipino success story in the comedy showbiz world. The traditional PIDC Pageant beauties graced everyone as they sashayed and strutted their stuff on stage. Late in the afternoon the Santacruzan wound its way around the hall, a reflection of the Filipino’s religious tradition.  Afterall, the festival was about the Filipino and his culture.

The display of arts and talents was carried forward towards the night  as the Fiesta Filipina Dance Troupe  and Culture Philippines-Ontario performed the famed Pista sa Nayon a performance of intricate collection of Philippine folk and ethnic dances, world-class entertainment that have won for the dance troupes invitations to renowned international folk festivals. Pinoy pop culture is very much alive.  This was proven by Studio 6 talents like Ms. Josie de Leon (who now has her own TV show) who headlined the musical revue titled “Girl, Ikakasal Ka Nga Ba” which was well received by the audience now numbering thousands.

The Stars!

Pandemonium erupted immediately  upon the arrival on stage by the much awaited GMA Kapuso stars. Raymund Gutierrez of “Showbiz Central” fame was joined by Iza Calzado (that she is head-turner is no hype) on stage to get things going before the headliners—Richard Gutierrez and Rhian Ramos—made their own  appearance. There is no doubt die-hard fans of Richard and Rhian (or “Zorro” for that matter)  were more than happy to see  their favorite actors up close and personal.  The love team could have done more acts on stage (perhaps following the song-and-dance routine that is staple in such shows) but nature had its way of interfering with events. First, a ravaging typhoon prevented GMA 7’s leading stars from leaving Manila on a flight that would have arrived in time for a meet-the-press function where only Raymund and Iza made it. Second, and more seriously, Richard had been very unwell from since leaving Manila en route to Toronto.

Perhaps, among Richard’s lingering memories of his Toronto visit would be his trips to St. Mike’s Hospital where he went for treatments even within the hour just prior to his stage appearance.  However, Faye Nalicat, GMA International’s Consultant for Canada, assures everyone that the audience’s cheers and screaming (some on the verge of crying) echoed the longest in Richard’s ears.

Ms. Nalicat  writes: “We are all so pleased with the turn out with over 13,000 people! We can’t believe how warm the welcome was for Richard Gutierrez, Rhian Ramos, Iza Calzado and Raymund Gutierrez. It felt like GMA Pinoy TV has been available in Greater Toronto for several years, when in fact, it has been for less than two years. GMA Pinoy TV and its Kapuso Artists are very honoured to be at the Mabuhay Festival on July 18 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.”

The long cue for autographs at the end of the show certainly spoke volumes.

The Volunteers, Supporters, And  Sponsors

It was a fun filled afternoon but over-all it was a tremendous success due to the participation of the many volunteers, organizations, vendors, media and  specially the major sponsors like ROGERS Communications Inc and, GMA Pinoy TV, Casa Manila to name a few and most of all to everyone who came inspite of the economic recession which in the end it is all worth it not only have they enjoyed and have funfilled memories but made a difference since  by buying a ticket for the festival, they in turn contributed to the charitable efforts of PIDC geared towards helping the  poor.

Ms. Minda Neri, Mabuhay Festival 2009 Chair, President Jun Enverga and PIDC Board and Council  members, thank everyone for yet another successful festival. It can only get even better next year, with the community’s continued support.  After all, the festival and the Pinoy in Canada are now kapuso. SEE YOU ALL ON JULY 24, 2010 !