Pinoy Pride Paraded in Canada

Vanessa Merjudio-David, ABS-CBN North America News Bureau

CANADA – Pinoy pride could be felt across Canada’s capital as a giant Philippine flag was unfurled right in front of Parliament Hill, spread out for all to see.

Filipinos from Montreal, Toronto and Ottawa gathered along with parliamentarians and diplomats to celebrate Philippine Independence Day.

“With all the Members of Parliament there, even the opposition leaders were there wishing all of us a happy Independence Day. We’re so proud of our heritage,” said Nora Arriola, chairperson of the Philippine Independence Committee.

Senator Tobias Enverga, the first and only Filipino-Canadian senator, has been hosting this event for four years now and more people attend each year.

“It only shows how important Filipinos are to Canada,” he said.

Rona Ambrose, Interim Conservative leader and leader of the opposition, thanked Filipinos for all that they do for Canada, and mentioned that Canada needs more Filipinos despite the Philippines being the number one source of immigration last year.

“I’m so proud that you are Canadian; that you have come to this country to find a new life and your values of hard work, commitment to family, and commitment to your community is shared by all of us,” she said.

Celebrations continued inside showcasing Filipino culture from singing to dancing.

Philippine ambassador Petronila Garcia commended Filipino pioneers who paved the way and established a good reputation for the Filipinos in Canada.

“Nais kong maghandog ng mainit na pagbati sa lahat ng Pilipino sa Canada sa pagdiriwang ng ating araw ng kalayaan. The best part of our nationhood that we bring to this country is our culture,” she said.

As Philippine-Canadian relations grow closer, this tradition of unfurling the Philippine flag in front of parliament is expected for many more years to come.

(Source: ABS-CBN.com)