More fun at ‘Holy Spirits’ Halloween masquerade in Toronto

TORONTO, Canada — Expect medieval knights and noble ladies, perhaps ice queens, mermaids and pirates, definitely some colorful gowns, flamboyant masks and a grand sit-down dinner to mark the 10th anniversary of the College of the Holy Spirit North America Foundation Canada Chapter (CHSNAFC).

Rembrandt Banquet Hall (930 Progress Avenue) in Toronto will be transformed into a fantasyland on Friday, October 31 for “Holy Spirits,” a Halloween Masquerade.

The event is a fundraiser for CHSNAFC’s “Classroom Without Walls” (CWOW) project (https://chsmwow.org/).  CWOW, now at the pilot centre, College of the Holy Spirit Manila, seeks to provide students with educational supplies and electronic learning tools to help them cultivate 21st century skills and be more competitive in both the local and global employment marketplace.

Other recipients include the TOYS (Teach Our Youth to Share) Project with Handmaids of the Holy Spirit in Paranaque and Convent of the College of the Holy Spirit in Baguio.  White Cross Children’s Home in San Juan also stands to benefit.

CHSNAFC is a nonprofit charitable organization made up of CHS alumnae who are based in North America.  The Canada Chapter was established in 2004.  Since then, CHSNAFC has built two Gawad Kalinga Villages in the Philippines (one in Bungad and another in Tatalon).

CHSNAFC’s philosophy of “Paying It Forward” means that part of the masquerade proceeds will be shared with Toronto’s Yonge Street Mission (https://www.ysm.ca/) and the Fred Victor Centre (https://fredvictor.org).

“Holy Spirits” will feature a DJ and the 10-2-6 Band led by Karen Tan, roving dance instructors from 6 p.m., “Shhhh,” a silent bazaar-cum-auction with unique items just right for holiday gifts, face mask painting from 6 to 8 p.m., and Photo Boo, a selfie photo booth.  There will be hors d’oeuvres to start, lechon and sweets at midnight and many more surprise treats.

“Holy Spirits” also signals CHSNAFC’s membership drive. Malou Capistrano-Parcero, current president, issued the call, “If you attended any CHS school–grade school, high school or college or taught in any of the campuses, please contact us to join.”

The organization has lined up several activities for members and their families and friends. There will be seminars on health and wellness, retirement, financial planning, among others.

Doors open at 5 p.m., dancing starts at 6 p.m., dinner is served at 7:30 p.m.  Tickets are $50 per person and are available through Melissa Unidad, 647 886 0878 (chsnafcanada@gmail.com), Yam Esmele (yamchscan@gmail.com), or Malou Parcero (malouchscanada@gmail.com).