The Phenomenon that was Yeng Constantino

I must admit that when I was informed that Yeng Constantino was the selected artist to grace the Edmonton Filipino Fiesta through the auspices of TFC (The Filipino Channel) Canada, I did not know much about her. The realization on how big and significant she is, I was able to gauge based on the public’s reaction to the announcement of her participation at the Fiesta. You could feel people shaking with excitement and hyped up through social media posts. I was getting calls from outside of Edmonton asking for details, as they were driving to Edmonton as far away as BC. People were also willing to shell out money for a chance to see Yeng live and were just too happy to learn that it was open to the public.

Once the excitement of the news of her performance waned, we buckled down to preparations for her arrival - i.e. performance stage, adjunctive activities, programming, and what seemed to be the most pressing one, security and safety

in terms of crowd control. Call me naive but I had a thought that the concern was a little bit overplayed. I recall stories of sightings of Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Ed Sheeran, Sarah Jessica Parker at the West Edmonton Mall; of Stephen Tyler at Churchill Square; Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez by downtown - and  of people maintaining distance and respecting their privacy. I was constantly told - “Well, it seems it’s a different story with Filipinos.” And judging from what actually transpired, Filipinos do love and go crazy over their local celebrities.

Yeng Constantino is a singer-songwriter, host and actor. She is dubbed as the Pop Rock Princess. Her breakout moment in the music industry was bagging the Grand Star Dreamer in the inaugural season of Pinoy Dream Academy in 2006. She has recorded several platinum albums and is the singer and songwriter for the hits “Hawak Kamay”, “Ikaw”, “Salamat”.

Yeng arrived in Edmonton from Manila close to midnight on June 21. On June 22, running on just three hours of sleep, she engaged in a Philippine Arts Council Learning Table session with students and young artists in the morning, and a TFC Hour performance at the Edmonton Filipino Fiesta in the evening. From the Fiesta, she went straight to the airport and headed to Surrey for another Fiesta/Philippine Heritage Month celebration on June 23. The following day, June 24, she flew back to Manila. Apparently, this kind of schedule is not out of the norm for her. She travels a lot and in fact, finds the buzz of the plane or the car as a calming, and at times, inspiring sound for her. Some of her songs were written during these times. With this hectic schedule, Yeng remains a true professional in her engagements.

Before her arrival in Edmonton, I did some research on her and watched some of her vlogs to have a sense of her personality. Meeting Yeng at her hotel room, I was amused at how quickly she transformed from a worried professional suffering from a sleepless night, to an ecstatic fan when presented with a Raptors merchandise. I was surprised to learn that she was nervous about The Learning Table, and anxious about not meeting people’s expectations. There was nothing for her to worry about and I gave the assurance that the intent is to learn from her, that the participants are eager to know more about her, to present herself as she is, and just be her own person. And boy, did she do that and more. Yeng was genuine in her sharing and rapport with the participants. She was vulnerable and revealed her insecurities. She was also greathearted in sharing how she coped with uncertainties, in responding to the questions, and giving advice. Majority of the participants for The Learning Table were regulars of previous The Learning Table sessions and projects of the Philippine Arts Council. So they are not easily fazed and can sometimes be jaded. But never had I seen them more star struck than this one with Yeng.

Her appearance at the Edmonton Filipino Fiesta for the TFC Hour was both record breaking and refreshing. It was heartwarming to see the overwhelming crowd just having a really good time. They were enamoured and in high spirits. Yeng had good banter with her audience and hosts, and was gracious even with technical difficulties. Her singing, needless to say, was exceptional. Yeng was running on a tight schedule, yet she somehow managed to suspend time by singing an extra song from her playlist, and engaging in conversations with fans during the Meet and Greet just before heading to the airport.

And this is Yeng’s appeal. Apart from her undeniable talent, she is right off the bat charming and down to earth. A person who is deeply spiritual and emotional, knows her boundaries, and values her authenticity. From this experience, I have gleaned that Filipinos do really love and adore a role model hailing from the home country. It is good to see that all this fawning and adulation is for someone truly deserving of all these. Yeng’s visit to Edmonton was courtesy of TFC Canada -  true to their vision of bringing joy to Filipinos wherever they are, in the spirit of “Kapamilya”. 


* This article was published in the July 2019 issue of the Alberta Filipino Journal and written by Ida Beltran Lucila.

Behind the Masks of the Girls of the Crazy Sexy Cool (GCSC)

Victor Hugo said that Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face. Within the Filipino circle, there is a group gaining increasing popularity and following, very visible in most Filipino events and concerts, and headlining their own shows bringing laughter and fun to their audience. This group is The Girls of Crazy Sexy Cool (GCSC).

The GCSC is a trio of transgender performers: Isabella Araneta-Marquez, Jerome Salvador Weissbach in real life, a retail manager with Guess; Mimi Flowers, aka John Cabarrus who works in Hospitality at the Matrix Hotel; and V'gina Grande, aka Juven Paul Somcio, also a retail manager in another Guess location. Isabella and Mimi met about four years ago while doing individual guestings, and then formed the group The Girls of Crazy Sexy Cool as a comedy and singing act at the Panciteria de Manila, with the prodding of Bayani Alcantara. The trio then consisted of Isabella, Mimi and Megan Starr (by Jerome Martinez, who has since returned to Manila, and replaced by V'gina Grande).

"Dying is easy, comedy is hard" is a popular quote with actors. With this group, not only do they face the challenge of making people laugh but simultaneously hurdle issues of prejudice on their gender orientation and subsequently, their capabilities. The GCSC was initially formed as a way of having fun and as a form of personal expression. After a couple of years, this objective evolved into gaining more popularity and fame. But lately, it has transformed into an altruistic objective of bestowing joy, respite and a sense of affinity with their audience. And it is this latter purpose that propels them to forge ahead, taking into stride the negative perceptions and viewing every critical comment as a chance to improve, to focus on the positive aspects and to remain true and authentic to their passion and identified calling.

To the outsider, it may seem to be all fun and games for this trio. But cognizant of the difficulty they have hurdled individually and as a group, and in anticipation of impending challenges to attain bigger dreams, they work hard. Show or no show, they have committed to meeting at least twice a week to brainstorm, practice their songs and choreography, and work on their styling to fine tune their acts. Their lives rotate around the GCSC so much that the daily encounters are now a source for their acts where an observation, a simple event or a thoughtless remark is immediately jotted down and worked as a spin-off or punchline for future acts. They are serious with their craft, and they aim to be taken seriously as performers. Their journey of four years has taken them beyond their expectations - from individual guestings as a hobby, to becoming fillers then regular front acts for shows, and finally, headlining their own shows and touring these shows. They are surprised by their popularity, of being recognized in public places, and are deeply touched by their audience's heartfelt regard of them, relayed face to face or via social media.

However remarkable these achievements are to them though, they are unanimously grateful for the intangible benefits they derive from the group. For the GCSC is not just an entertainment act for them, but a sisterhood as well. They bond both as performers and as their regular selves. Their work process is one of collaboration and reinforcement. Each brings in their own expertise and personality - Isabella, the non-singer, is the host and business strategist who loves being the shock factor of the group; V'gina, who is the youngest, is the dancer and rap artist who loves urban pop fashion; and Mimi, is the belter, the experienced singer and eternal optimist, who loves nature tripping. They are co-workers but more importantly, they are friends. The group is close knit and has become a supportive avenue in their personal journey, for self-exploration, self-validation and self-empowerment.

And now, fortified and sustained, they dare to dream on. They aspire to be regarded as professional artists by learning more of the technical aspects of their craft; to be instrumental in the understanding of gender roles and stereotyping by using their own stories in their acts; and to be a positive example of self-discovery, of persistence and overcoming challenges.

Like the two masks of theatre, I have discovered through my onstage and offstage encounters with them, that The Girls of Crazy Sexy Cool is a study of contrasts. They are timid but at the same time bold. Insecure yet courageous. Humble in their approach and proud in their accomplishments. All these translate into being strong enough to make themselves vulnerable, and to overcome hurdles to come out stronger - traits that are respectable and admirable. With their costumes and make-up, they command a powerful presence. But behind the mask, in person, they capture you with their personal stories of resilience. Yes, these are The Girls of Crazy Sexy Cool. They are daring enough to be crazy, confident enough to feel sexy and smart enough to be cool.

This was published in the January 2018 issue of the Alberta Filipino Journal.

Behind the Scenes at the Edmonton Filipino Fiesta

 The Filipino community saw another successful Edmonton Filipino Fiesta last June 9-11, 2017 at the downtown Churchill Square. This is the second year of organizing for a valiant group of individuals comprised of: Tony Santiago (head of the Organizing Committee); Herald Casana (Logistics); Ida Beltran-Lucila (Program & Entertainment); Jojo Lucila (Parade); Mila Bongco-Philipzig (Family Zone and Canada150 mural); Jeanette Dotimas (Communications); Carlos Lorena (Finance); Ariel Pascual (Volunteers & Security); Warren Duclan, Albert Rosana and Hermo Pagtakhan.

The idea of an Edmonton Filipino Fiesta started with a question, in typical battle of Alberta fashion, “Why does Calgary have a fiesta when  Edmonton, the capital of Alberta, does not?” And so this group worked, step by step, learning as we went on the “City of Edmonton Events 101”. In each meeting we would talk about our vision, plans, and end the meeting feeling daunted with the tasks at hand. Having started the planning in March 2016 with a considerable tight timeline for a June event, we would end the evening agreeing to think over our plans and return with a decision on whether we would actually push through with the event or not. We would then assemble after a week or two, go through the same cycle of being caught up in the excitement and frenzy, until it was impossible to back out at all. In the most stressful times, we would ask each other, “Why are we doing this again?” This roller coaster ride for two years, however, was marked with humour, respect, determination and hard work.

The vision for the Fiesta was a Filipino celebration that is inclusive, diverse in its offerings and demographics, and accessible. The Program (which I can personally talk about) was conceived as an avenue for both established and aspiring performers. The acts are unscreened, uncensored and non-hierarchical. Everyone is given a chance - as long as you’re Filipino, of Filipino-descent, or a non-Filipino but working on a Philippine medium or form of art. The goal is to bring the Filipino artists together - be aware and appreciate each other’s presence, talent and work, and hopefully, lead to further collaborations.

In the two years of the Fiesta, I’ve seen: artists go to international competitions and win; a singer performer during the first year of the Fiesta come back on the second year with a children’s choir he has established; a resurgence of younger performers; new performers on the first year returning with a more polished performance the succeeding year; artists meeting up during the planning stages and end up doing joint acts; and performance gigs being offered. And there are still more untapped Filipino talent. The Open Mic section alone saw additional Filipino talents that were not even on my radar.

These attest that arts within the Filipino community is thriving, and needs to be nurtured and kept vibrant. And this is also my personal advocacy, and the reason why I enjoy working on this project - to be instrumental in bringing the Filipino artistic community together, in providing an avenue to showcase their artistry, and for some, provide some form of mentorship. These are also what artists and altruistic people realize when they volunteer their time and work. That through these efforts in building a community, the intangible benefits reaped outweigh any, or the lack of, monetary compensation.

And this is why, despite offers to bring in pop artists from the Philippines, it was a conscious decision that, even if we had the financial resources to cover the cost of importing pop artists, that we would concentrate and invest the resources to local artists and develop on the grassroots level. There was a defining moment this year, with one of the performers who was in both years’ Fiesta. We were backstage and she was looking around at the performers and the crowd. Then she says to me, “I can now see what you are trying to do.” What she saw were the enthusiasm of emerging artists, a growing circle of Filipino performers, and the development of an audience for them. Yes, it definitely feels good when someone gets it.

However, whatever headway the organizers have achieved in the past years, the state of future Fiestas is tentative. First off is the logistical question of where it will be held, what with the LRT construction downtown next year. But more importantly, is the subject of sustaining the human and financial resources required in the organization of the Fiesta. Because the reality of it is that the organizers are all volunteers and life sometimes imposes itself and takes over. And contrary to what others may think, the Fiesta does not earn money for the organizers. These are just my personal thoughts, and not representative of the organizers as a whole. And so with this in mind, this is in a way, a paean to my fellow organizers, who simply loved to have a good party, rolled with a good idea and met the challenges head on and with composure. So here's a toast to a job well done and hopefully, to a less nerve wracking future Fiesta!

This article was published in the July 2017 issue of the Alberta Filipino Journal.

The Fiesta in Philippine Culture

Edmonton Filipino Fiesta

Fiesta is a Spanish and Latin word for a festive celebration of a religious holiday. In modern times, it connotes a feast, a holiday or a carnival. The Philippine culture is marked with various fiestas, both pagan and Christian in origin. These fiestas may commemorate a moment in history, the feast of a patron saint, or celebrate a bountiful harvest. The fiestas are so spread out in time and geography that it is virtually impossible to participate or witness them all. In fact, the Manila Broadcasting Company has organized the Aliwan Fiesta, an annual event that gathers the different cultural festivals, as a one-stop showcase not only to the people in Metro Manila, but as an attraction to those abroad.

Before the arrival of the Spanish colonizers, the Filipinos were already engaged in mystical beliefs, worshipping and appeasing gods believed to control their family, livelihood, prosperity, health and their safety.

Fiesta in Toronto

The Spanish colonizers, especially the friars, used the fiesta in converting the pagan Filipinos into Christianity. The processions, festivities, music and pomp, would lure the “natives” from the remote fields, into the “plaza” or centre of the town. Instead of outlawing the pagan celebrations, the dances and rituals were altered as offerings to the saints.

In these modern times, the fiestas may be used to promote economic, political or tourism objectives. But with every Filipino, it is a social time, a time for fellowship, and a holiday. Although most fiestas originated as religious events, it has become secondary to the general spirit of celebration.

Fiesta in Sacramento

Components of Filipino fiestas are banderitas (small flags), endless or continuous eating, processions, parades, dances, entertainment programs, religious or cultural rituals, trade fairs, pageants, games and contests and holy mass. Filipinos are known for their hospitality and there is no better avenue to showcase this than during a fiesta. One can be in a fiesta and partake in meals in several houses in one street!

Much like the fiestas organized by the early Spanish missionaries who were homesick, and flavored the festivities with practices back home, anywhere in the globe where there is a strong Filipino community, some form of fiesta has been celebrated. Go through any social media newsfeed and you will find Filipino fiestas held in North America, United Arab Emirates, Australia, and Europe. In Edmonton alone, there have been several events on patron saint’s feast days and regional festivals. Because as diverse as the Filipinos are in geography and ethnolinguistics, it is the fiesta that unifies us all. With its atmosphere of revelry and pageantry, the fiesta embodies what we crave for and aim to sustain - the invitation to connect, celebrate, and affirm the Filipino life and culture.

Fiesta in Honolulu

To quote Florentino H. Hornedo in his book Culture and Community in the Philippine Fiesta and Other Celebrations, the fiesta is rooted in the communitarian and expressive instincts of human nature, is a durable venue for Filipino culture and expressions, and is a symbol of Filipino sense of community as they struggle against modernization, involving individuals in their community. It serves as a cultural anchor, whereby the fiesta recreates for the Filipino a sense of being home, renewing his identity, and sense of belonging to a home and familial village.

Fiesta in Australia

History has shown how the fiestas serve as a tool for varying purposes. The Filipino fiesta in today’s context, especially abroad, is whatever we, as a Filipino, make of it. We shape it based on how we view our Filipino-ness and how we want it to be perceived and celebrated in the society or community we live in. It is a reflection of who we are in that point of time and location. It an event by the Filipino community, for the Filipino community and secondary to the other people in whatever foreign place the Filipino may be.

Edmonton will be having its own Edmonton Filipino Fiesta on June 9-11, 2017 at the Sir Winston Churchill Square. For more information, go to edmontonfilipinofiesta.com or philippineartscouncil.com/edmfilfiesta.


This article was published in the May 2017 issue of the Alberta Filipino Journal.

Emerging Artist Series: Young Morrie

Apart from opportunities to work and collaborate with established artists, one of the satisfying moments in an arts career is taking note of emerging artists and following their career trajectory. Admittedly, some of those I’ve observed did indeed soar to dizzying heights, and some have crawled to frustration and oblivion. As someone who has gone through the artist’s ups and downs, I always harbor high hopes for an emerging artist. And one such fellow is rap artist Young Morrie.

Young Morrie is Ralph Giralao in real life, 25 years old, born in General Santos in the Philippines, and was on his third year of nursing studies when his family moved to Edmonton five years ago. And like any young man eager to claim independence in a foreign adopted country, he worked different jobs mostly in the food and entertainment service industry.

As a young child, Ralph remembers accompanying his father to the video rental store and seeing a drum set in the store next door. And because he was still too small to play that particular drum set, his father started him on piano lessons instead. He would later train himself on drums by observing and imitating other drummers, using the couch and whatever was handy at home as his drums. His love for music was established during his elementary years - performing with school bands and composing his first song in Grade 5. The band gigs and song writing would continue up to his adult years. His favorite music artists and influences would include Eminem, Andrew E, Blink 182, Bamboo, Salbakuta, Kawago, Story of the Year, Snoop Dogg, and Powerspoonz.

In Canada, he looked for a band to join but for some reason, it just did not pan out. This lead him to a period of frustration, desiring for an outlet for his music. Being an introvert, music was his way of connecting with people. This period also lead him to a period of introspection, of self-discovery, and a mature way of looking at life. He saw the inability to join a band as the universe’s way of telling him that he just might need to go in another direction. He thought, “If I can’t find a band, why not use my music writing myself?” Fortuitously, at work, where he has the habit of singing/rapping out his latest beats, a co-worker encouraged him to come up with a mixed tape. This was when Ralph decided to use the stage name Young Morrie, inspired by Mitch Albom’s book Tuesdays with Morrie. The emergence of Young Morrie was in August 2015. Since then, he would record and upload his music, and perform during Open Mic nights at Tavern on Whyte.

I first came into contact with Young Morrie through the Edmonton Filipino Fiesta last June 2016, where he was one of the performers for the Entertainment Program, of which I was the organizer. He then struck me as a very easy person to talk to, respectful and at the same time intense. He was one of the few performers in the Fiesta who sang original works, instead of doing covers. To date, he has a total of 25 compositions, 14 of which still need to be recorded. Among those recorded and available in the Young Morrie YouTube channel, Facebook page and iTunes are: In It, Get the Money, After 5, Blue Wave, Moment with You, High, Question Air, I’m Sorry, Drive, Hold on Tight, among others. His album was produced by Juno-nominated, Western Canadian Music awardee, and Canadian Independent Music awardee, Mr. Sandro Dominelli. Based on public feedback during the Fiesta, Young Morrie was one of the favorite performances.

Since then, we’ve been in touch through social media - listening to his new music, providing feedback when solicited and keeping up with his various guestings. I am struck by the contrast in persona of the Young Morrie and Ralph Giralao. Whereas Young Morrie comes across in performances as the confident, ready to face the world and its challenges, young man, Ralph on the other hand, portrays the typical young artist treading on career insecurities, obstacles and wistfulness of one yearning for validation and recognition. His dialogue in our conversation vacillates from a determination of living out the dream, to the practicalities - facing the realities and hardships of life. He counters this conflict by inspiring and motivating himself through his favorite books: Tuesdays with Morrie, Steal Like an Artist, Awaken the Giant Within, and Relentless.

The music of Young Morrie is a snapshot in time of Ralph Giralao’s life. Music is Ralph’s way of verbalizing and expressing his thoughts and feelings, and once it’s out there, causes him to reflect and understand his behaviour and dreams. It is admirable when someone makes himself vulnerable, opening one’s heart and mind. He is focused in being true to himself and in living life to the fullest - essential lessons and guiding principles learned from Tuesdays with Morrie. I am glad that Ralph has the Young Morrie alter ego to channel and harness his aspirations. In this quest, how can one not hope but only for the best for him in all his endeavours? For Ralph Giralao/Young Morrie, music is his journey. With or without fame and fortune, I wish for him an awesome and extremely fulfilling ride.

For all artists, both the established and especially the emerging ones, a rapport with the audience is essential, and a validation of your work. Go check out his music and connect with him through the Young Morrie YouTube channels, Facebook page and better yet, purchase them through iTunes.

This article was published in the January 2017 issue of the Alberta Filipino Journal.

Karilagan Dance Society at the Edmonton Filipino Fiesta

The Karilagan Dance Society is one of the featured performers at the Edmonton Filipino Fiesta on June 11 and 12, 2016 at the Sir Winston Churchill Square.

Karilagan Dance Society is a non-profit organization founded in 1971 from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. It is composed of Filipino-Canadians who aim to promote and live the Filipino culture and heritage through dances, songs and culture. This group has been travelling, performing and competing in and out of the country taking home major prizes.

For the Fiesta, they will be performing:

Bumaya - Is an Ifugao dance of thanksgiving to their God for a bountiful harvest. The movements of this dance mimic those of a rooster scratching the ground.

Binasuan - Means with the use of a drinking glass. The dancers display good balance, graceful movements, and unusual skills. They dance with three glasses half-full of water, one on their heads and one each in the palm of their hands as they execute continuous fast turns, sitting and rolling on the floor.

Binuyugan - A dance that portrays women fetching water from the well.

Tinikling - Known as the bamboo dance, the national dance of the Philippines. It is a dance imitating the movements of “tikling” birds as they play and chase each other. The dancers show their skills, endurance and grace as they hop and leap between two bamboo poles that are clicked together in time with the music.

Paunjalay - From the island of Mindanao, here is a tribal dance called “Paunjalay” that is traditionally performed by the bride and groom prior to their wedding.

Singkil - A dance of Muslim royalty, to the rhythmic clapping of bamboo poles, the dancers weave expertly through crisscrossed bamboo poles in solemn faces and maintaining a dignified pose dancing at a slow pace as it progresses to a faster tempo.

D'9 Zero Crew at the Edmonton Filipino Fiesta

The D'9 Zero Crew is one of the featured performers in the Edmonton Filipino Fiesta on June 11 and 12, 2016 at the Sir Winston Churchill Square.

The D’9 Zero Crew was formed in October 2015. They are a group of 4 millennials who were teenagers during the 90’s in the Philippines. That’s what the “9 Zero” stands for, the decade of the 90’s. They didn’t know each other then in the Philippines, and just met each other through friends here in Edmonton. They discovered that they all have the same passion, dancing.They all had their own dance crew back then. They claim “We may be old now, don’t have the same body built and can’t perform as energetic as we were before, but our passion for dancing is still burning inside.”

Couples in Harmony at the Edmonton Filipino Fiesta

Couples in Harmony is one of the featured performers at the Edmonton Filipino Fiesta on June 11 and 12, 2016 at the Sir Winston Churchill Square.

Couples in Harmony was formed in October of 2008. Inspired during the worship in their household prayer meeting, they sang beautifully and spirit-filled. Since then came the birth of the choir serving different parishes and has welcomed other members who share the same passion in music and serving the church. 

Emma and Sharmaine Pagtakhan at the Edmonton Filipino Fiesta

Emma and Sharmaine Pagtakhan are featured performers in the Edmonton Filipino Fiesta on June 11 and 12, 2016 at the Sir Winston Churchill Square.

Emma and  Sharmaine Pagtakhan are sisters who love to sing and dance.  Emma is 16 years old and  Sharmaine is 14. They have been singing ever since they were little. They have been opening acts for several Filipino concerts and celebrities including Be Careful with My Heart World Tour, Got 2 Believe, and  Pinoy Champs. They have competed and won several awards at the Big Valley Jamboree in Camrose, Northern Star Talent Search at K Days, and Futuresfest at Visionary College. They are also occasionally invited to sing at birthdays and weddings. 

Jimmy Buena at the Edmonton Filipino Fiesta

Jimmy Buena is one of the featured performers at the Edmonton Filipino Fiesta on June 11 and 12, 2016 at the Sir Winston Churchill Square.

Jimmy Buena is a nunior high teacher at Sister Annata Brockman Catholic School. He teaches Math, Science and Filipino Language at the said school. With regards to his singing accomplishments, he started singing when he was 10 years old and has been joining different singing competitions and concert front acts (Darren Espanto, Sam Milby, Angeline Quinto, Jovit Baldovino, the cast of Be Careful with my Heart, Randy Santiago, Gino Padilla and many more) since then. As for contest awards, he has placed 2nd in the Tanghalan ng Kampeon Bulilit portion in 1990, 2010 Pinoy Singing Sensation 3rd placer, 2014 Edmonton's PNT Idol Champion, 2011 FSGC Singing Idol Champion and 2013 Calgary Singing sensation Champion. This July 7-18, 2016, he will be one of the representatives of Team Canada for the World Championship of Performing Arts under the Senior Vocal category in Long Beach, California where more than 50 countries will be participating.

Filipino Senior Citizens of Alberta at the Edmonton Filipino Fiesta

The Filipino Senior Citizens Association is one of the featured performers at the Edmonton Filipino Fiesta on June 11 and 12, 2016 at the Sir Winston Churchill Square.

The Filipino Senior Citizens Association (FSCA) of Edmonton, Alberta was founded in 1982,  with the prime objectives to encourage Filipino seniors to help and support one another, enjoy each other’s company and friendship, and maintain goodwill and togetherness among themselves.

Today, FSCA is a  vibrant society with more than 200 active membership.  With the strong and competent leadership of its President, Joyce Dizon and the sterling attributes  of all the other officers, who go above and beyond their roles and responsibilities,  they forge forward to carry on  the objectives.  They meet every Sunday and enjoy singing, dancing, fellowship and camaraderie.  Special occasions like monthly birthday parties, Mother's Day, Flores de Mayo and many others are celebrated with  gusto.  To further enhance the life and well-being of its members, they take educational and cultural tours, engage in other social activities  outside of their weekly get-together.  They do fundraising events to defray the cost of the activities.

Kudos and laurels to its officers and members from its inception to the present for a job well done.  FSCA  continues to be vibrant and active  in the new millennium, with new youthful faces and energy keeping the senior spirit alive.  "Life is a gift - we enjoy it, we treasure it and live it. Long live, Mabuhay, FSCA !"

Angellica Rose Cruz at the Edmonton Filipino Fiesta

Angellica Rose Cruz is one of the featured performers in the Edmonton Filipino Fiesta on June 11 and 12, 2016 at the Sir Winston Churchill Square.

Angellica started singing when she was 3 years old. She joined several singing contest during her teen years. This includes winning 2nd place in Awitanghalan Grand Finals in 2000. She also recorded a Pangasinan song when she was in high school. She joined a Cultural Dance Group when she was in college and had a part time job as acoustic singer. After college she focused on her career working in a bank. Angel migrated in Canada in 2013. 


In 2014, she won 1st place in Lola Emma's Karaoke Singing Contest. In 2015, she won as the grand champion in Singing Star Search Edmonton. She was also one of the act singers during Showtime and Alden Richards Concert here in Edmonton.

Angel will be competing for the upcoming World Championship of Performing Arts in Long Beach California. She will be representing Canada in the solo vocal category.

Philippine Warrior Arts Society at the Edmonton Filipino Fiesta

The Philippine Warrior Arts Society is one of the participants in the Philippine Festival Parade at the Edmonton Filipino Fiesta on June 11 and 12, 2016 at the Sir Winston Churchill Square.

The Philippine Warrior Arts Society was convened on July 6, 2012, for the sole purpose of preserving and promoting authentic and original Filipino martial arts systems. They strive to seek the truth in combative efficiency and ensure that the Filipino martial arts actually follow the principles of combat applicability that they are known for.

They are dedicated to helping all Filipino-origin combative styles, and are committed to ensuring high standards of quality and professional instruction among their membership.

Anyone wishing to join must be free of personal and martial baggage, and have an open mind and be willing to learn and improve their combative abilities.

Those interested can message Guro Ollie through Facebook, or call 587-708-2000.

Young Morrie (Ralph Giralao) at the Edmonton Filipino Fiesta

Young Morrie (Ralph Giralao) is one of the featured performers at the Edmonton Filipino Fiesta on June 11 and 12, 2016 at the Sir Winston Churchill Square.

Among Ralph's achievements are:

• Edmonton's only Young Morrie
• Opening Act at Alden Richards' "The Bae Tour"
• Drummer
• Songwriter
• Rapper
• Singer
• Produced by Juno-nominated, Western Canadian Music awardee, and Canadian Independent Music awardee, Mr. Sandro Dominelli
• has two albums on iTunes:
• Flight '11 - released on October 2015
• Peripeteia - released on April 1, 2016

Timpuyog People's Club of Canada at the Edmonton Filipino Fiesta

Timpuyog People's Club of Canada is one of the featured performers in the Edmonton Filipino Fiesta on June 11 and 12, 2016 at the Sir Winston Churchill Square.

Timpuyog People's Club is a non-profit organization founded in the year 2008 which are joined by all Filipino individuals living in Canada regardless of sex, religion, occupation and ethnic diversity with the following objectives:

1. To establish unity and camaraderie among members.
2. To cultivate, understand and promote cultural diversity.
3. To act as a support group to all members in need.

Koro Filipino at the Edmonton Filipino Fiesta

Koro Filipino is one of the featured performers in the Edmonton Filipino Fiesta on June 11 and 12, 2016 at the Sir Winston Churchill Square.

Well-known in the performing arts community as one of Edmonton's leading Filipino show choirs, Koro Filipino (formerly The Philippine Choral) actually started as a small church choir in 1991. Through their unique harmonies, they inspired many churchgoers with their uplifting spiritual hymns and mass songs. Their love for music and community service eventually widened their repertoire to include classic and contemporary Tagalog songs as well as English, French, Spanish, Italian, Polish and even South African pieces.

Today, Koro Filipino boasts of 21 energetic singers eager to captivate and engage their audience with their signature showmanship. They have had numerous concerts all around the city including a sold-out performance at the Winspear Centre. They are often asked to perform at Filipino events, senior centres, and civic functions that showcase cultural talent. As well, they are sought after for weddings, anniversaries, and other private functions.

Although they have grown in number and reputation, Koro Filipino never forgot their roots as a church choir. They still sing regularly at Sunday masses at various parishes. And every Christmas, the make a special music ministry at the Simbang Gabi (Filipino Christmas Night Mass). Koro Filipino singers are truly perfect music ambassadors of Filipino-Canadian goodwill.

Kalinga Edmonton Association at the Edmonton Filipino Fiesta

The Kalinga Edmonton Association is one of the featured performers in the Edmonton Filipino Fiesta on June 11 and 12, 2016 at the Sir Winston Churchill Square.

The Kalinga Edmonton Association is an organization composed of Kalinga people based in Canada as overseas Filipino workers and immigrants of this wonderful country.

The Province of Kalinga is a landlocked Province in the Cordillera Administrative Region, north of Luzon in the Philippines. United by our strong sense of tribal membership and filial loyalty, the Kalinga people are able to preserve their culture despite centuries of occupation by the Philippine conquerors in the history of their native land. Thus wherever they are, and whatever situation they are in, the resilience of Kalinga culture, bound by a deep regard of Filipino spirit live on.