SENATOR ENVERGA LEADS FILIPINO-CANADIAN COMMUNITY IN PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS AT PARLIAMENT HILL
The only member of Canada’s Senate of Philippine origin, Senator Tobias Enverga, Jr., played host to a big number of Filipino-Canadians from Ontario who trekked to Ottawa, many of whom traveled all the way from Toronto and suburbs to participate in what now has become an annual tradition with the FilCan senator spearheading the celebration. This year’s celebration is the 117th in the history of the Philippines.
Visibly proud as the event host, Senator Enverga, who was joined by a number of Senators and Parliamentarians during the gathering in front of the Parliament building, announced his vision of having this celebration that included the unfurling of a giant Philippine flag to be held at the Parliament Hill every year and “for the next 100 more years”. This statement from the senator elicited thunderous applause and laughter from the attendees which included many senior citizens and young children, as well as some beauty queens in their beautiful gowns replete with sashes describing their titles. Beautiful songs performed by SOSA, a “rondalla” and choir composed of senior citizens from the suburban city of Scarborough filled the celebratory atmosphere.
Before enjoying the filling lunch, served in one of the Parliament’s social halls, the attendees were ushered in the gallery where Senator Tomas Enverga delivered a speech pertaining to the celebration of the Philippines’ sovereignty to the delight of the visiting Filipino-Canadians in the historical chamber of Canada’s seat of government.
– June 11, 2015 – Ottawa, Ontario