Lantern and singing contests at lively Pasko ng Bayan in Ottawa

Philippine Ambassador to Canada Petronila P. Garcia welcoming kababayan to the Pasko ng Bayan in Ottawa. DFA PHOTOS

OTTAWA, Canada–Filipino Canadians here staged their annual Pasko ng Bayan on December 5 at the Sandy Hill Community Centre, complete with a parol-making contest, Christmas food contest and a singing competition.

A record number of Christmas lanterns vied in the parol-making contest and exhibit, following workshops on parol-making conducted by Mr. and Mrs. Ed Escares in October for adults and children.

Handcrafted parols lent a rich Christmas ambience to the community center. Emma Riza Sapon made the winning parol, which had an intricate crèche embedded in the heart of the small but exquisite handmade lantern.

Other entries presented by Lily and John Lay, Roger Guevarra, Laarni Casiple and the Hiligaynon Association earned prizes from Western Union and special mention from judges Nora Cote, Sonia del Rosario and Consul General Eric Tamayo.

Young participants in the parol workshop were also cited for their works, namely, Jacob Wilson, Samuel Wilson, Annabel Wilson, Gianna Casiple, Brianna Casiple, Elean Moreno, Luc Moreno, Tyson Lay, Shine Tejada and Gianpaolo Bragais.

Christmas food entries were judged by Chef Armando Baisas, Chef TJ David and Dr. Ruby Formoso. Thelma Rogers’ bangus sisig and leche flan garnered the best scores while Betty Obas’ pork sisig and Bicol Express placed second.

The singing competition dubbed “Pamaskong Palabas ng Pamilya at Barkada,” and a Christmas bazaar were the highlights of this year’s Pasko ng Bayan.

Each Christmas carol presentation by Filipino Canadian families and friends drew hearty applause from the audience. Vanessa Merjudio-David and friends Jhune Leonardo and Mic Lomocso bagged the first prize for their a capella rendition of “Carol of the Bells.”

Guests at the Pasko ng Bayan with Ambassador Garcia.

The Timog girls, Quitain Family and Kanata Songbirds placed fourth, third and second, respectively, in the competition, which was judged by Vanessa Gomez, Bernice Reyes and Oliver Librada.

Pilipinong Migrante sa Canada were guest performers, along with 2014 Ottawa Idol Bernice Reyes, Nora Cote, Miguel Luis Moreno, Gianpaolo Bragais and Marie Mendillo.

Philippine Ambassador to Canada Petronila P. Garcia said the Pasko ng Bayan is a convergence of the embassy and the community.

“The happiness we derive from the company of fellow Filipinos underpinned our Pasko ng Bayan activities, “ Garcia said. “Filipino-Canadians have every reason to be proud of their heritage and their role as culture bearers transmitting admirable Filipino traditions and values not only to the younger generations but also to mainstream communities.”

The annual Pasko ng Bayan is organized by the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa in partnership with the Filipino community. Western Union and the St. Laurent Medical Centre Pharmacy were this year’s contest sponsors, along with the Philippine Embassy, while community volunteer Marie Medillo emceed the program.

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