Pinoy Festival 2024 Sets Record as Largest Filipino Event in British Columbia
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 24, 2024
Burnaby, BC – All roads led to Burnaby on Saturday as thousands of festival goers attended the Pinoy Festival: Panahon na para Magsaya (Come join the Fun) celebration at Swangard Stadium.
The Pinoy Festival 2024 drew a record-breaking number of visitors of all ages and from as far as Vancouver Island, Kelowna, Alberta and the US - making it the largest Filipino event in British Columbia's history. It provided an unparalleled platform for Filipino community organizations, performers, small businesses, and food establishments to shine, celebrating and strengthening the community's sense of pride and cultural heritage.
It showcased the rich heritage and diverse culture of the Philippines, featuring over 70 Filipino organizations participating in a grand parade and cultural performances representing regions from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Attendees were treated to traditional dances, modern Filipino pop music, and an array of culinary delights from local vendors and food trucks, offering a true taste of Filipino hospitality and culture
Sammie Jo Rumbaua, Chair of Mabuhay House Society’s Board, expressed her pride in the event's success, stating, "The Pinoy Festival is a testament to the strength and unity of our community. It serves as a vital platform for representing Filipino culture and community in Canada, bringing us all together to celebrate our heritage and share it with the broader public."
Genaro Bhoy Tamongan, a Board Member of the Pinoy Festival Alliance, highlighted the overwhelming attendance, noting, "We are thrilled to see so many attendees from across British Columbia, Alberta and the USA and from all walks of life. It demonstrated the widespread appeal and significance of our Filipino community and the Pinoy Festival. It's heartwarming to witness such a large gathering of Filipinos and supporters of Filipino culture."
The festival was graced by the presence of various government officials from federal, provincial, and municipal levels. Premier David Eby participated in the festivities with a lively performance of the Sisiwit Dance and reiterated his commitment to the Filipino community.
"We work closely with Mabuhay House to reach out across the community to gather information and put together a new questionnaire on the government website so you can tell us what you want to see in a cultural centre. We will keep working with Mabuhay House to ensure your voice is heard," Premier Eby stated.
One of the event's highlights was the TFC Happy Hour featuring Martin Nievera, the Philippine's "Concert King," who performed his greatest hits to an enthusiastic crowd of kababayans (fellow Filipinos), adding to the day's festive atmosphere.
The Pinoy Festival was entirely volunteer-run with hundreds of volunteers contributing to its preparation, organization, and execution.
The Pinoy Festival is proudly supported by the Provincial Government of British Columbia, Tourism Burnaby, and the Burnaby Grant Program. Pinoy Festival is also grateful for the contributions of our community sponsors, TD Bank, Burnaby Fire Fighters, and the Hospital Employees' Union together with community supporters, Power of Three, Anthem, Alexander College, and Remitly.
The event is presented by the Pinoy Festival Alliance Society and Mabuhay House Society in cooperation with the Benguet Society, Ateneo Alumni Association, Barangay Burnaby, Inarte Society, BFCS, Pinoy Pride Vancouver, Intercity Basketball League, Bisayan Alliance and the Fraternal Order of Eagles - Vancouver Hinirang Eagles Club.
Photos by: Vancouver Wedding Studios
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About Mabuhay House Society
Established in 2021, Mabuhay House Society is a registered non-profit society working closely with the provincial government to develop a provincial Filipino cultural centre that will be an inclusive, intercultural, and intergenerational space that Filipino Canadians can call home, where everyone is welcome. Mabuhay House Society is paving the way for the Filipino connection and community to thrive in BC. Visit our website at mabuhayhouse.ca.
For more info:
Sammie Jo Rumbaua
Board Chair, Mabuhay House Society
chair@mabuhayhouse.ca
604-334-1800