Advisories & News
Press Release
Honorable Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro on her appointment as Secretary of Foreign Affairs
The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto joins the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa in congratulating the Honorable Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro on her appointment as Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines on 1 July 2025.
The Consulate remains committed to advancing the interests of the Philippines and bringing government services closer to Filipinos in the provinces of Ontario and Manitoba, through collaboration and meaningful partnerships with various stakeholders, under the guidance and leadership of Secretary Lazaro.
Continue Reading...PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL IN TORONTO HOLDS CONSULAR OUTREACH MISSION IN GREATER SUDBURY, ONTARIO
The Consulate team poses with officers of the Filipino-Canadian Association of Sudbury during the outreach
22 June 2025 – The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto conducted a two-day consular outreach mission to the City of Greater Sudbury on 21-22 June 2025 with the team providing a total of 83 various consular services during the mission.
The Consular Outreach Mission was held in cooperation with the Filipino-Canadian Association of Sudbury, headed by its President, cardiologist Dr. Angelo Dave Javier, MD. Joining the consular team during the outreach were the DMW – Toronto office led by Welfare Officer Mr. Benny Reyes, and the SSS-Toronto office.
On Sunday, 23 June 2025, the outreach team also attended the 2nd Mabuhay Philippine Festival held at Greater Sudbury’s Bell Park and Grace Hartman Ampitheatre. The festival featured more than 30 vendors and exhibitors, and included food booths, clothing companies, real estate agents, immigration consultants and many others. Around 800 Filipinos reside in Greater Sudbury and the surrounding areas.
Speaking during the Festival’s opening program, Deputy Consul General Kerwin Orville Tate expressed his appreciation for the dedication of Filipino community in Greater Sudbury to keeping and promoting their Filipino identity in this part of Canada. DCG Tate also welcomed MP Viviane Lapointe’s interest in forging closer economic cooperation between the Philippines and Canada, especially where mineral extraction is concerned. Greater Sudbury holds the distinction of being one of the world’s top sources of nickel and other metals vital to modern technology and renewable energy.
Clients availing of consular services during the outreach mission
The Young Voices Choir and the FilCan Chorale singing the national anthems of Canada and the Philippines to open the program of the Mabuhay Philippine Festival
DR. JOSE RIZAL MONUMENT AND HISTORICAL MARKER UNVEILED IN NIAGARA FALLS
The Filipino Community together with officials of the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto, National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) and Canadian officials at the newly unveiled Rizal Monument and Historical Marker (photo courtesy of Mr. Dennis Bustos)
21 June 2025 – The seventh Rizal monument in Canada along with its historical marker was unveiled in the City of Niagara Falls in Ontario Province. The unveiling was attended by Canadian officials, officials of the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto led by Consul General Angelica C. Escalona, officials of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) led by Chair Regalado Trota Jose, Jr. and members of Filipino community. The unveiling was part of the commemoration of the 164th Birth Anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal.
The unveiling of the Rizal monument in Niagara Falls is historic as it is located in the only place in Canada which was verified to have been visited by Dr. Rizal. The historical marker, which was donated by NHCP, attests that Dr. Rizal visited the Falls on 12 May 1888. The bust of Dr. Rizal was sculpted by multi-awarded Filipino visual artist Abdulmari “Toym” Imao, who was present during the unveiling.
In her remarks, Consul General Escalona said that the monument, which overlooks the Falls, “is truly special because we feel that connection with Dr. Rizal. We can see what he saw, and we can feel the awe and wonder that he undoubtedly felt when he saw the majestic Niagara Falls. It inspires us to discover the hero within us.”
The Filipino community lobbied with the city government for the construction of the monument for more than two decades. They were emotional and ecstatic during the unveiling. The Filipino-Canadian Association of Niagara and the Jose Rizal Memorial Committee (JRMC), together with other community organizations, coordinated closely with the concerned agencies and undertook a fundraising campaign to realize the installation of the monument and historical marker.
Mr. Rodrigo Cuizon, Chair of the JRMC, emphasized that the monument is important to remind Filipinos in Canada, especially the youth, of their heritage. “We would like the youth to be inspired by the teachings of our national hero as they are the hope of the future according to Dr. Rizal,” Mr. Cuizon said.
National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Chair Regalado Trota Jose, Jr. (center) with Consul General Angelica C. Escalona (left of Chair Trota), Canadian officials and the Filipino community unveiling the Rizal monument and Historical Marker
First row, seated (left to right) NHCP Executive Director Carminda R. Arevalo, NHCP Chair Jose, Niagara Parks Commission Chair Bob Gale, Consul General Escalona, and Jose Rizal Memorial Committee Chair Rodrigo Cuizon signing the Certificate of Transfer and Acceptance of the Historical Marker
(left) NHCP Chair Jose and (right) Mr. Cuizon giving their remarks (photo courtesy of Mr. Dennis Bustos)
(left) Niagara Falls City Councillor Mike Strange, representing Mayor Jim Diodati, and (right) Niagara Parks Commission Chair Gale giving their remarks (photo courtesy of Mr. Dennis Bustos)
(left) The Rizal monument and historical marker (right) Consul General Escalona in front of the monument (photo courtesy of Mr. Dennis Bustos)
(left) Consul General Escalona with local officials and community members; (right) Officers and members of the Knights of the Rizal
The Kalayaan Cultural Community Centre Rondalla playing the Philippine and Canadian national anthems; (right) Consul General Escalona with Mr. Roberto Eusebio Lavidez, Awardee of the 2024 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas, and his wife, Ms. Joyne Lavidez (photos courtesy of Mr. Dennis Bustos)
Consul General Escalona and NHCP Chair Jose with officials of the NCHP and Philippine Consulate (photo courtesy of Mr. Dennis Bustos)
PHILIPPINE PARK UNVEILED IN MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO
Members of the Filipino community with Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish, Ward 5 Councillor Natalie Hart and Consul General Angelica C. Escalona during the unveiling of the Philippine Park in Mississauga
20 June 2025 – In recognition of Mississauga’s large and growing Philippine community, the city government officially unveiled a Philippine Park at a ceremony attended by city officials and members of the Filipino community. Present during the unveiling were Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish, Ward 5 Councillor Natalie Hart and Consul General Angelica C. Escalona.
The park, located at 2380 Matheson Boulevard East in Mississauga, was previously known as Max Ward Park. In September 2024, the Filipino community in Mississauga submitted a request to the city government for the renaming of the park to Philippine Park. The request received full support from the Mayor and City Council. The renaming of the park to Philippine Park was approved during the meeting of the City Council on 11 June 2025.
Mississauga is among the cities in the Greater Toronto Area with a large Filipino community. Per the 2021 Census of Statistics Canada, there are more than 37,000 Filipinos in the city.
(left) Mayor Parrish and Consul General Escalona, (right) Consul General Escalona and officials of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines led by Chair Regalado Jose Trota, Jr., who were in Toronto for the unveiling of the Jose Rizal monument in Niagara and Historical Marker in Brampton
(left) Consul General Escalona with Filipino community leaders in Mississauga
HISTORICAL MARKER UNVEILED AT THE JOSE RIZAL MONUMENT IN BRAMPTON, ONTARIO
Officials of the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto, National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), Brampton City officials, Knights of Rizal and other Filipino community organizations at the newly unveiled José Rizal Historical Marker in Brampton
20 June 2025 – As part of the continuing celebration of Dr. Jose Rizal’s 164th birth anniversary, another official historical marker was unveiled for his monument, this time in Brampton, Ontario. The unveiling was attended by representatives of the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto led by Consul General Angelica C. Escalona, officials of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) led by Chair Regalado Trota Jose, Jr., Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown, Councillor Rowena Santos, Councillor Gurpartap Singh Toor, and officers and members of the Knights of Rizal and other Filipino community organizations.
In her remarks, Consul General Escalona expressed gratitude to Mayor Brown, the city government and the people of Brampton for honoring Filipino migrants by allowing the installation of a Rizal monument. She also thanked the Knights of Rizal for promoting the legacy of Dr. Rizal.
The Rizal monument in Brampton was built in June 2023.
Left to right: Brampton Councillor Gurpartap Singh Toor, National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Executive Director Carminda R. Arevalo, Consul General Angelica C. Escalona, NHCP Chair Regalado Trota Jose, Jr., Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown, officers of the Knights of Rizal and Brampton Councillor Rowena Santos
Left to right: Consul General Escalona, Mayor Brown, NHCP Chair Jose, Sir Mitchell V. Arrojado of the Knights of Rizal-Brampton Chapter and NHCP Executive Director Arevalo after the signing of the Certificate of Transfer and Acceptance for the Historical Marker
NHCP Chair Jose and Executive Director Arevalo present NHCP publications to Consul General Escalona
(left) NHCP Chair Jose delivers his message, (right) the Rizal monument with the newly unveiled Historical Marker
Officers and members of the Knights of Rizal and Filipino community organizations in Brampton with officials of the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines
HISTORICAL MARKER UNVEILED AT THE JOSE RIZAL MONUMENT IN WINNIPEG, MANITOBA
National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Chair Regalado Trota Jose, Jr. (4th from left) with local officials, the Knights of Rizal and Filipino Community organizations at the unveiling of the historical marker
19 June 2025 – In celebration of Dr. Jose Rizal’s 164th birth anniversary, the official historical marker was unveiled for his monument in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The unveiling was attended by officials of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) led by Chair Regalado Trota Jose, Jr., Philippine Honorary Consul Ronaldo Opina, Member of the Manitoba Legislative Assembly Cindy Lamoureux, Point Douglas Councillor Lady Vivian Santos; and officers and members of the Knights of Rizal-Winnipeg Chapter and other Filipino community organizations. The Rizal monument in Winnipeg was built in August 2020.
Left to right: Member of the Manitoba Legislative Assembly Cindy Lamoureux, Point Douglas Councillor Lady Vivian Santos and Philippine Honorary Consul Ronaldo Opina deliver their messages during the unveiling ceremony
Left to right, seated: NHCP Executive Director Carminda R. Arevalo, NHCP Chair Jose, Knights of Rizal Winnipeg Chapter Commander Sir Ray Anthony Sator and Philippine Heritage Council of Manitoba President Perla Javate sign the Certificate of Transfer and Acceptance for the Historical Marker
KNIGHTS OF RIZAL LEADS WREATH LAYING AT THE RIZAL MONUMENT IN TORONTO’S EARL BALES PARK TO MARK THE 164TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL HERO
Consul General Angelica C. Escalona and Ontario Solicitor General Michael Kerzner (center) with the Knights of Rizal and other Filipino community organizations during the wreath laying ceremony
19 June 2025 – The Knights of Rizal led the traditional wreath laying ceremony at the Rizal Monument at Earl Bales Park in Toronto to mark the 164th Birth Anniversary of the Philippine National Hero. The wreath laying was attended by officials of the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto led by Consul General Angelica C. Escalona, Ontario Solicitor General Michael Kerzner, former Toronto Medical Officer of Health Dr. Eileen de Villa, and officers and members of the Ladies of the Knights of Rizal, Alliance of Ladies of the Knights of Rizal, Kababaihang Rizalista, Rizal Youth and the Philippine Independence Day Council. During the program, the speakers extolled the legacy of Dr. Rizal and how this remains relevant even in Canada and with the present generation.
Consul General Escalona with the Alliance of Ladies of the Knights of Rizal (left) and with Solicitor General Kerzner and Ladies of the Knights of Rizal (right)
Consul General Escalona assisted by Sir Frank Crawford, Regional Commander of the Knights of Rizal-Central Canada Region, during the wreath laying ceremony
Consul General Escalona with Solicitor General Kerzner, who is an honorary member of the Knights of Rizal
PHILIPPINE CONSUL GENERAL HIGHLIGHTS ENDURING PH-CANADA FRIENDSHIP, STRENGTH OF FILIPINO DIASPORA AT 127TH INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS IN TORONTO
Consul General Angelica Escalona with officers and staff of the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto and Attached Agencies
12 June 2025 — To mark this year’s celebration of the 127th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine independence, the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto came together with the Filipino Community today for back-to-back flag raising ceremonies at the Toronto City Hall and the Ontario Legislative Assembly at Queen’s Park.
In her remarks at both events, Consul General Angelica C. Escalona took the opportunity to bid farewell to the community she served for the last two years as she finishes her tour of duty by the end of the month. Reflecting on her eventful assignment in Toronto, she highlighted the enduring friendship between the Philippines and Canada manifested in the meaningful celebration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations last year and the many initiatives towards expanding and strengthening partnerships across key sectors. She lauded the strength and resilience of the million-strong Filipino diaspora in Canada that contribute to Canada’s growth and the wellbeing of its people and urged them to deepen their connection to their Filipino heritage and be leaders and trailblazers in their respective fields and communities.
On behalf of Ontario Speaker of the House Donna Skelly, MPP Andrea Hazell awarded Consul General Escalona a certificate of congratulations for the occasion. In their remarks, representatives of the political parties of Ontario noted the growing Filipino community in the province and conveyed their gratitude for the significant contributions of the diaspora to Canadian society. Citing the recent Lapu Lapu tragedy in Vancouver, MPP Will Bouma, who represented Premier Doug Ford, assured that the Filipino community will always have the support of the Province. Other politicians present during the flag raising ceremony were Solicitor General Michael Kerzner, representing the Progressive Conservative Party, MPP Tom Rakocevic of the National Democratic Party, and Ms. Bonnie Crombie, leader of the Liberal Party.
Jollibee and Pinoy Ontario Vendors’ Kuya Popoy joined the celebration at City Hall, representing some of the many Filipino-owned businesses in the province that help drive the economy.
The events featured a rendition of the Philippine and Canadian national anthems by the Consulate team with multitalented musicians Chyrell Ronquillo and Danny Orbillo and sopranos Lilac Cana and Jennifer Uy. Queen’s Park guests were serenaded by renowned Filipino singer Chiqui Pineda-Azimi. Guro JB Ramos of Combat Science-Warrior Arts in Asia and her students presented a demonstration of arnis, the Filipino martial art.
Because no Filipino gathering is complete without food, the Consulate arranged a simple breakfast of tuna egg pandesal (thanks to the Philippine Independence Day Council and Toronto Community Housing) and Jollibee peach mango pie at City Hall and a sumptuous lunch buffet catered by Graze Oasis and Sir Fred Cuisine/Golden Lechon at Queen’s Park.
Consul General Angelica Escalona leads the flag raising ceremonies at Toronto City Hall (L photo) and Queen’s Park (R photo)
Consulate personnel with Chyrell Ronquillo and Danny Orbillo lead the singing of the Philippine national anthem (R photo)
Above: (Left) Consul General Angelica Escalona receives a Certificate from MPP Andrea Hazell, and (Right) poses with MPP Andrea Hazell, Solicitor General Michael Kerzner and MPP Tom Rakocevic
Below (L-R): Consul General Escalona delivers her Independence Day Message, poses with MPPs Will Bouma and Andrea Hazell and Soon Ok, spouse of MPP Raymond Cho, and cuts the celebratory cake with Filipino Community representative Monina Lim-Serrano
Clockwise from top left photo: Officers of the Consulate with the Jollibee Canada Team; Consul General Angelica Escalona with Jollibee; Jollibee brings joy to Toronto City Hall staffers through its Jolly Crispy Chicken
Above: (Left) Consul General Angelica Escalona with Four Seasons Hotel Toronto Commercial Director Mary Ann Gamboa, former Toronto Medical Officer of Health Eileen De Villa, and Kalamansi Collective Founder Kris Pangilinan, and (Right) Consulate Officers with Pinoy Ontario Vendors’ Kuya Popoy
Below (L-R): Consul General Angelica Escalona with the leaders of the Philippine Independence Day Flag Raising Committee, Philippine Independence Day Council and Ontario Filipino Women’s Club, and other members of the Filipino community in Toronto; Consul General Angelica Escalona with Col. Glen Mark Cabalquinto, PAF, who is participating in the National Security Programme of the Canadian Forces College
Top left: Filipino singer Chiqui Pineda-Azimi serenades the guests; Top right: Senior Master JB Ramos, Head Instructor and Owner of Combat Science:Warrior Arts of Asia in Toronto, and their students do an arnis demonstration; 2nd row from top: The Consulate’s Caterers, Fred Oreal of Sir Fred Cuisine and Cathy Oreal-Hercules and Royce Hercules of Graze Oasis with their sumptuous spread and some of the guests
Consul General Angelica Escalona with members of the Filipino Community in Toronto and representatives of the Ontario Legislative Assembly
PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL IN TORONTO HOLDS CONSULAR OUTREACH SERVICE IN MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO
31 May 2025 – The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto, in coordination with the Kalayaan Community Center of Mississauga, conducted a Consular Outreach Service to the City of Mississauga, Ontario on 31 May 2025. Ninety-two (92) consular services were delivered to the residents of the area while 17 former Filipinos and their dependents reacquired their Filipino citizenships under RA 9225.
In addition to regular consular services, the Consulate General team was accompanied by a representative from the Social Security System (SSS)-Toronto, who assisted around 35 mostly senior citizens with various pension concerns.
The clients, and especially the seniors, voiced their appreciation for the services delivered, with many saying they were thankful for the opportunity. “I am 82 years old, and it is hard for me to travel to Toronto and visit your office, so this is very good for me”, one of them remarked.
The next scheduled Consular outreach service is a consular mission to Sudbury, Ontario on 21-22 June 2025.
Clients availing of consular services during the outreach service
PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL IN TORONTO SENDS OFF ONTARIO-BASED VERY IMPORTANT BUYERS TO THE IFEX 2025 IN MANILA
Consul General Angelica Escalona awards the Certificates of Appreciation to Shiny Star Canada President Jay He (Left photo, center) and APO Products Eastern Canada Division Head Patrick Ang (Right photo, center)
14 May 2025 — On Wednesday, the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto hosted an intimate send-off for two of the eight Very Important Buyers (VIBs) from Canada attending the IFEX Philippines 2025 in Manila on 22-24 May 2025. The IFEX is the Philippines’ premier food trade show, which serves as a comprehensive platform for business matching and collaboration within the food, ingredients, and beverage industry.
Consul General Angelica C. Escalona presented Certificates of Appreciation to Mr. Jay He, President of Shiny Star Canada Ltd., and Mr. Patrick Ang, Head of the Eastern Canada Division of APO Products Ltd. for their participation as VIBs. Ontario-based Shiny Star Canada and APO Products are two of the largest importers and distributors of Philippine products in Eastern Canada. Another Ontario-based importer and distributor, New Almanic International Ltd., was not able to join the event but will also be participating in the IFEX as a VIB.
In her opening remarks, Consul General Escalona underscored the growing popularity of Filipino cuisine even among non-Filipinos. She urged the 2 VIBs to bring to Canada more food, beverages, and ingredients from the Philippines, to cater to the increasing demand from both the Filipino diaspora and the mainstream market. Trade Commissioner Mario C. Tani also provided an overview of the IFEX and what attendees can look forward to while they are in the Philippines for the three-day expo.
The DTI SME Showroom, which currently has on display some of the Philippines’ innovative, export-ready products, including the winners of the 2023 and 2024 Katha Awards for Food and a number of coconut-based items, was the backdrop for the event, providing a sneak peak into what IFEX goers can expect to see at the expo.
The short program was followed by a networking reception with representatives of some Filipino-owned food businesses and Filipino festival organizers. Apart from facilitating direct linkages between the Filipino business owners and the major importers/distributors, the Consulate General introduced and sampled coconut water (NutriAsia’s Locally Merci Buco and Jax Coco), coco condiments (Quezon’s Best Organic Coconut Aminos and Quezon’s Best Pinasarap Pure & Natural Coconut Sap Vinegar), and assorted popsicles made with distilled coconut nectar (NOM Frozen Poptails), which were all well received.
Through these kinds of events, the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto hopes to pave the way for more Philippine products to successfully enter the Canadian market, provide more innovative and healthier choices to both the diaspora and mainstream consumers, and open more doors for Filipino-owned businesses in Canada to engage potential partners and clients.
Consul General Angelica Escalona addressing the VIBs and guests (left photo) and Trade Commissioner Mario Tani providing an overview of IFEX Philippines 2025(right photo)
(L-R) Consul Katrina Isabelle Borja-Martin, APO Products Eastern Canada Division Head Patrick Ang, Consul General Angelica Escalona, Shiny Star Canada President Jay He, and Trade Commissioner Mario Tani
Consul General Angelica Escalona responding to questions from SMNI News and OMNI News (left photo) and the Consulate team, VIBs and guests sampling the coconut products from the Philippines to complement items prepared by Tinuno and Kainan Na Inc. (right photo)
NOM Frozen Poptails with 6% distilled coconut spirit
Below: Coco condiments, coconut water, 2023 & 2024 Katha Awardees
PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL IN TORONTO CONCLUDES THE CONDUCT OF FIRST-EVER INTERNET VOTING FOR THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL ELECTIONS
The Special Board of Election Inspectors (SBEI) composed of Deputy Consul General and SBEI Chair Kerwin Orville Tate (right), Welfare Officer and SBEI Third Member Benny Reyes (left) and SBEI Poll Clerk Jane Ranga (center) prepare to transmit the results of the elections to the Special Board of Canvassers at the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa
12 May 2025 – The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto concluded the conduct of the first-ever internet voting for overseas voters for the Philippine National Elections at around 7:00 a.m. (Eastern Standard Time), simultaneous with the end of voting in the Philippines.
Out of the 29,996 registered overseas voters under the Philippine Consulate, 3,208 or 10.69% cast their votes. The proceedings for the closing of the overseas voting, including the printing of Election Returns, were witnessed by poll watchers, local media representatives and election observers.
In accordance with COMELEC Resolution No. 10181, the election returns have been posted at the Consulate’s bulletin board for public viewing.
The internet voting process, which enabled overseas voters to vote anywhere and anytime using a device connected to the internet, started on 13 April 2025.
Poll watchers, media and election observers intently monitor the results of the elections
The Special Board of Election Inspectors (SBEI) print the election returns
PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL IN TORONTO HOLDS CONSULAR OUTREACH AND VOTER ENROLLMENT SERVICE IN WATERLOO-KITCHENER, ONTARIO
Clients availing of consular services during the outreach mission
10 May 2025 – The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto, in coordination with the Filipino-Canadian Association of Kitchener-Waterloo conducted a Consular Outreach and Voter Enrollment Service to the Waterloo-Kitchener area in Ontario on 10 May 2025. Eight-nine (89) Consular services were delivered to the residents of the area, and 12 former Filipinos and their dependents reacquired their Filipino citizenships under RA 9225.
The Consulate General’s Special Board of Election Inspectors’ representative also enrolled 10 qualified overseas voters to enable them to participate in the ongoing election.
The clients expressed satisfaction with the services delivered, with one of the enrolled voters especially thankful for the opportunity. “I never expected to be able to vote in this election, but now I am able to, thanks to the Consulate’s effort”, she said.
The Consular outreach service to Waterloo-Kitchener is Post’s first special outreach for the year in Ontario. The special outreach is conducted in the Greater Toronto Area and nearby areas with a high concentration of Filipinos as part of Consulate’s efforts to reach out and serve more Filipinos. The next scheduled special Consular outreach service will be at Mississauga on 31 May 2025.
Continue Reading...DUAL FILIPINO-CANADIAN GYMNAST CALLS ON THE PHILIPPINE CONSUL GENERAL IN TORONTO
Consul General Angelica Escalona with Filipino-Canadian gymnast Evan Aliwalas
9 May 2025 — Eighteen year old Evan Thomas Binaday Aliwalas called on Consul General Angelica C. Escalona today to express his gratitude for the Consulate’s assistance in facilitating the consular documents needed for him to represent the Philippines in international gymnastics competitions, including the Olympics.
Evan will be representing the Philippines alongside Eldrew Yulo, the younger brother of 2024 Olympic double gold medalist Carlos Yulo, at the 2025 FIG Artistic Gymnastics 18th Junior Asian Championships in Jecheon, Republic of Korea on 5-8 June 2025. After which, both Evan and Eldrew will be preparing to represent the Philippines this November at the Jr. World Championships being held in Manila.
Born and raised in Canada to former Filipino citizen parents, Evan derived Philippine citizenship as a then-dependent minor of his mother under Republic Act No. 9225 or the Citizenship Retention and Re-acquisition Act of 2003. His mother, Evangelina, hails from General Santos City, and is the granddaughter of Lauro Villarina Binaday, who served under General Paulino Santos and helped establish what is now known as General Santos City, while his father, Nazerlex, is a Kapampangan raised in Manila.
Evan is just one of the many second and third generation Filipino-Canadians who not only have a strong affinity with their Filipino roots, but are also driven by their passion to contribute to the Philippines and make the country proud.
Filipino-Canadian gymnast Evan Aliwalas in action
L-R: Ethan Aliwalas, Evangelina Aliwalas, Consul General Angelica Escalona,
Evan Aliwalas, Consul Katrina Isabelle Borja-Martin, Karen Binaday
LAPU-LAPU FESTIVAL TRAGEDY
The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto is profoundly grateful for the outpouring of expressions of sympathy, support and solidarity from various community groups and public and private organizations and individuals in the Greater Toronto Area in the aftermath of the tragic incident in Vancouver on 26 April 2025 during the 2nd Lapu-Lapu Day Block Party.
The Filipino bayanihan spirit continues to be a powerful, positive force especially in these difficult times. We thank everyone who organized and attended the vigils at the Toronto Peace Garden at Nathan Phillips Square (29 April 2025) and at Earl Bales Park (30 April 2025), the masses at the Our Lady of the Assumption Parish on Bathurst Street and St. Joseph’s Parish in Scarborough on 28 April and 3 May 2025, respectively, and other vigils and masses in the GTA.
MASS AT OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION PARISH-BATHURST
LUKSANG BAYAN VIGIL AT THE TORONTO PEACE GARDEN AT NATHAN PHILLIPS SQUARE
CANDLELIGHT VIGIT AT EARL BALES PARK
FILIPINO MASS AND FELLOWSHIP AT ST. JOSEPH’S PARISH-SCARBOROUGH
PCG OFFICIALS, PHILIPPINE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DELEGATION DISCUSS PROMOTING TRADE AND BUSINESS BETWEEN THE PHILIPPINES AND CANADA
Consul General Angelica Escalona (6th from left, front row) with PCCI President Enunina Mangio (5th from left, front row) and PhilCan BC Co-Chair Sarah Deloraya-Mateo (4th from left, front row) and the rest of the members of the PCCI delegation
30 April 2025 – A 35-member business delegation from the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) led by PCCI President Enunina V. Mangio and Philippines-Canada Business Council (PhilCan BC) Co-Chair Sarah Deloraya-Mateo called on Consul General Angelica C. Escalona on Wednesday, 30 April 2025.
The delegation, which included representatives from the construction, real estate, digital payments, food & beverage, water & wastewater management, flexible packaging manufacturing, pharmaceutical & natural food supplements, education, and human resource staffing sectors, visited Toronto to explore trade and business prospects with Canada.
Consul General Escalona noted, “The delegation’s visit is timely. There is great interest on both sides in promoting economic activity. “ She welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the PCCI and the Canada-ASEAN Business Council (CABC) on 29 April 2025, which is intended to facilitate information exchange, business matching, the conduct of two-way trade and investment missions, and participation in exhibitions, trade fairs, symposiums and other similar events in their respective territories, to enhance economic cooperation particularly in priority sectors such as information and communications technology and innovation, agriculture, manufacturing, franchising, tourism, services, and small and medium enterprise development, and expressed the Consulate’s readiness to assist the PCCI and PhilCan BC in implementing the MOU.
Also at the call were Economic Officer Katrina Isabelle Borja-Martin, Welfare Officer Benny I. Reyes, OIC of the Migrant Workers Office (MWO)-Toronto, and Trade Commissioner Mario A. Tani. They joined the Consul General in answering questions of the delegation members and sharing insights on trade and business opportunities with Canada.
Above: Consul General Angelica Escalona (2nd from left), together with (L-R) Consul Katrina Isabelle Borja-Martin, Welfare Officer and OIC-MWO-Toronto Benny Reyes and Trade Commissioner Mario Tani, addressing the questions of the PCCI delegation on PH-CA economic prospects
Below (L-R): CG Escalona welcomes the PCCI Delegation, CG Escalona receives token from PCCI President Mangio, Fragomen Canada Senior Manager Rafael Fabregas provides overview of their services to the delegation
PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL IN TORONTO HOLDS CONSULAR OUTREACH MISSION IN WINNIPEG AND NEEPAWA, MANITOBA
Clients availing of consular services during the outreach mission
27 April 2025 – The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto conducted a three-day consular outreach mission to Winnipeg and Neepawa, Manitoba on 25-27 April 2025. This was the first mission of the year to Manitoba, with the team providing a total of 579 various consular services during the mission.
An information session was conducted during the oathtaking ceremonies of former Filipinos and their dependents who took their oath to re-acquire their Filipino citizenship under Republic Act 9225. Discussed during the information session were consular and ATN services and the ongoing Philippine national elections, including the enrolment and voting procedures for online voting.
On Friday afternoon, Deputy Consul General Kerwin Orville Tate and Winnipeg Honorary Consul Rolando Opina met with Manitoba Minister of Labor and Immigration Malaya Marcelino to discuss matters related to the welfare of the Filipino community in Manitoba, as well as the consular services available for the Filipino community through the office of the Philippine Honorary Consulate.
On Sunday, 27 April 2025, the Consular Outreach Mission team delivered services to the Filipino community in Neepawa, approximately 180 km. west of Winnipeg. Around 3,000 of the town’s 7,000 residents are Filipino, all of whom are employed directly or indirectly by the Hylife pork processing plant. DCG Tate and Honorary Consul Opina also took the opportunity to meet with the Filipino community and discuss developments, especially with regard to the ongoing elections in the Philippines.
Deputy Consul General Kerwin Tate discusses the ongoing Philippine national elections with the Filipino community in Manitoba.
(Left) DCG Tate and HonCon Opina meet with Minister Malaya Marcelino (Right) DCG Tate and HonCon Opina being interviewed for NACTV.
STATEMENT ON THE INCIDENT AT THE VANCOUVER LAPU LAPU DAY BLOCK PARTY
PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL OFFICIALLY OPENS OVERSEAS VOTING
(Left to right) Special Board of Election Inspectors (SBEI) Chair Kerwin C. Orville Tate, SBEI Poll clerk Ms. Jane Ranga and Special Ballot Reception and Custody Group Chair Rodney Jonas Sumague show the status report of the Final Lockdown and Sealing to the attendees
13 April 2025 – The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto officially opened overseas voting at 8:00 a.m. (Toronto time). Overseas voting for the 2025 Philippine national elections is being conducted through internet voting for the first time.
Prior to the opening of polls, the Consulate General successfully conducted the Final Lockdown and Sealing (FLS) of the Online Voting and Counting System (OVCS) to be used for overseas voting at 4:00 p.m. on 11 April 2025. The purpose of the FLS is to ensure that the OVCS machine to be used for internet voting contains zero votes prior to the official start of voting. Personnel of the Consulate General and Mr. Luisito Queano, media observer for Radyo Migrante, witnessed the FLS.
Registered overseas Filipino voters can now vote anywhere and anytime using any device connected to the internet until 7:00 a.m. (Toronto time) on 12 May 2025. Seniors, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, technologically challenged persons and those who do not have the acceptable Philippine IDs for the pre-voting enrolment may be assisted by the Consulate.
Ms. Imelda Fenandez Axibal, an education assistant based in Toronto and one of those who needed assistance, arrived at the Consulate General around 8:30 a.m. on 13 April and was the first to vote using the voting kiosk. “I am excited to cast my vote and perform my civic duty”, said Ms. Axibal, who re-acquired her Filipino citizenship last April 2024.
Registered overseas Filipino voters are encouraged to vote early and not to wait until the last minute. For further information, queries, clarifications and technical support on overseas voting, voters may visit the COMELEC’s Internet Voting information page: https://info-ov.comelec.gov.ph/ or send an email to the Consulate General through pcgtoronto.ov@gmail.com.
Ms. Imelda Fernandez Axibal (left) casts her vote assisted by SBEI Chair Tate (right)
Mr. Luisito Queano (rightmost), media observer for Radyo Migrante, observes the writing of the minutes of the Final Lockdown and Sealing (FLS)
PMA DELEGATION CALLS ON CONSUL GENERAL ESCALONA
Vice Admiral Caesar Bernard N. Valencia PN, Philippine Military Academy Superintendent, presents a token to Consul General Angelica C. Escalona
9 April 2025 – A delegation from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), which was in Canada to visit the Canadian Defense Academy (CDA) and Royal Military College of Canada (RMCC) in Kingston, Ontario and the Royal Military College of St. Jean in Quebec, paid a courtesy call on Consul General Angelica C. Escalona. The PMA delegation was led Vice Admiral Caesar Bernard N. Valencia PN, PMA Superintendent. Consulate officials and the delegation discussed matters of concern to the Filipino diaspora and prospects for defense cooperation between the Philippines and Canada, particularly training and education.
Consulate officials and the PMA delegation discuss concerns of the Filipino diaspora and Philippines-Canada defense cooperation
(Left to right) LT Julius D. Giron PN, Consul Rodney Jonas Sumague, Consul General Escalona, ADM Valencia PN, LTC Noah M. Hernandez PROF, LTC Reniel M. Malaque PA and CPT Ma. Melissa Bo-Sabong PROF
CELEBRATING FILIPINO FOOD MONTH 2025: HONORING OUR CULINARY HERITAGE, SUPPORTING FILIPINO RESTAURANTS, AND HARNESSING FILIPINO TALENT
8 April 2025 — This April, the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto joins the nation in celebrating the 7th year of Filipino Food Month (FFM) with the theme: “Sarap ng Pagkaing Pilipino, Yaman ng Kasaysayan, Kultura at Pagkatao.”
Pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 469 declaring the month of April of every year as Filipino Food Month (FFM) or Buwan ng Kalutong Pilipino, spearheaded by the Department of Agriculture (DA) as the lead agency, in collaboration with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Department of Tourism (DOT), this month-long celebration is made possible through the invaluable partnership of the Philippine Culinary Heritage Movement (PCHM) and other dedicated stakeholders.
This year’s commemoration highlights the urgent need to preserve and promote the country’s rich culinary traditions. By safeguarding age-old recipes, indigenous techniques, and regional flavors, the celebration fosters appreciation, empowers communities, and ensures the legacy of Filipino cuisine thrives for future generations.
In line with this, the Philippine Embassy and Consulates General in Canada invite everyone to join the fourth iteration of the Filipino Restaurant Month Canada (FRMC). FRMC aims to promote and mainstream Filipino cuisine in Canada, support Filipino restaurants, highlight the skills of Filipino chefs, and encourage the use of Philippine-made ingredients. A total of 19 restaurants representing the provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Saskatchewan are participating in the FRMC, offering prix fixe menus to its customers throughout the entire month of April.
Recognizing the potential of the Filipino diaspora in Canada to amplify our efforts in keeping alive and continuing our culinary traditions, the Consulate is also bringing in renowned Filipino chef and co-author of the book KULINARYA: A Guidebook to Philippine Cuisine, Jessie Cruz Sincioco, to conduct cooking masterclasses for temporary foreign workers serving as personal support workers, caregivers, kitchen assistants and cooks on 23 April 2025.
Our food is more than just nourishment — it’s a rich tapestry of heritage, history, and identity woven through generations.
Let’s unite in preserving and championing our culinary treasures — because every bite of Filipino food is a taste of our history.
Mabuhay ang Kalutong Pilipino!
