SUNDRE – The community was offered a special treat with a taste of traditional Filipino cuisine and culture on Saturday when members of the newly-formed Guild of Filipino-Canadian of Sundre Alberta and Area (Gofilcans) hosted a meet and greet at the Sundre Community Centre.
The event also served as an opportunity for the new officers of the fledgling organization – which was officially established as a non-profit group earlier this year on Jan. 22 – to swear their oaths.
Digna Almonte, president, said there were 51 members of the Filipino community with approximately 230 guests attending throughout the duration of the event that started in the morning and ran into the evening.
“We’re so happy,” Almonte said. “It is more than what we expected.
“That’s why we are so glad, and we’re happy that the community of Sundre is accepting the Filipino community.”
The unity of Filipinos was on full display, with all hands on deck eager to help any way they could to facilitate the inaugural event, she said.
“I think we made history,” she said.
Rating the function an “eight out of 10,” she said no event is perfect and added there were a few hiccups that resulted in a delayed start to the program.
But for a first attempt, Almonte was beaming with enthusiasm about the outcome and grateful to have received plenty of compliments. Some people were inquiring about the possibility of buying some Filipino food, she said, adding others asked if the event would become annual.
“We want to promote our Filipino culture – we want to share it to the community,” she said. “We’re planning to celebrate this event annually.”
There may, however, be some consideration given to rescheduling the date.
“We are now part of the community, so we will be joining other organizations’ events,” she said, adding that out of respect for the annual Sundre Pro Rodeo they may adjust their date for July.
“We are really thankful for everyone,” she said, adding sponsors and donors didn’t hesitate to give their support.
Almonte arrived in Canada as an immigrant with her husband early in 2013 in Trochu and just months later relocated to Sundre when he found employment with West Fraser – Sundre Forest Products. The couple became citizens in 2017.
Gofilcans is a member of an umbrella group called Alberta Fil-Can Community Leaders Association.
MLA Jason Nixon made a brief appearance and Sundre deputy mayor Connie Anderson, who offered a few opening remarks, stayed around to enjoy the opportunity to sample some Filipino dishes and desserts.
Sheila Dela Cruz, secretary of the Association of Filipino Canadian in Mountain View County – formerly known as the Olds Filipino Community Group – served as master of ceremonies and provided insight into the performances that featured several musical numbers and dances including an interpretive piece about a bountiful catch at sea.
Jun Martin, president of the Filipino Airdrie Association, also attended to swear in the new group’s officers. He spoke about service to community and recalled past experiences aiding communities affected by calamities, whether in the Philippines or in Canada.
Recollecting his experience with a personal tragedy after losing their own home to a fire earlier this year, Martin said they found solace from the devastating loss in the support they received from different people and organizations.
“I realized this is one advantage of getting involved in the community,” he said. “You’re not going to be alone no matter what. You can share ideas, plans to improve your community and will be able to help people in need.
“Eventually, you will receive the same support you have given when you need it most.”
He also encouraged everyone not to give up in the face of negative reactions and comments in whatever they choose to do, but rather to remain “strong and just do what you think is best for you and your community.
“In this world of uncertainly, humanity still exists,” he said.
“Remember – leadership is not about title. It’s about carrying the weight of others and setting good examples to be followed especially to the youth; that will be your legacy.”
Visit www.gofilcansundre.ca for more information.
