Atin Ito | Ontario’s First Filipino Community Newspaper – Trusted News and Stories for the Filipino-Canadian Community Atin Ito is Ontario’s first Filipino community newspaper, delivering trusted news, stories, and updates for Filipino-Canadians. Stay connected with your community.
November 9, 2024, was a memorable evening of Filipino beauty pageantry in Ontario. The Philippine Independence Day Council( PIDC), the quintessential umbrella organization of several community associations in the province held its annual beauty competition at the Korean Canadian Cultural Centre. Leslie Street, North York, Toronto,
Katleen Mae Ranjo Ortiguera was declared Mrs./Ms. Philippine Independence Day Council-2024. The beauty queen’s entourage includes Melba Rosete -1st Runner-Up, Jody Anne Iglesias -2nd Runner-Up and Justine Eric Sacayanan -Mrs/Ms. Filipino Heritage Ambassador 2024. The other beauty candidates were: Nancy Espalmado, Arlyn Florentino, Remielyn Pascual, and Riza San Pedro. Sherry Lacson Tan made her final farewell walk and helped crown the winners. Danny Orbillo of World Financial Group artfully serenaded the candidates.
With more than 400 guests, spectators, supporters, pageant production staff and volunteers, the annual event celebrates beauty, talent and advocacy in the Filipino Canadian community. The winning candidates were selected based on such criteria as Talent, Beauty & Poise, Attire & Casual Wear, Photogenicity, Video messages, Q & A portion, and Fundraising contribution.
The Board of Judges is composed of Maribeth Aguirre, Regine Alaina, Candace Mallari-David, Kate Di, Kaila Enriquez, Michael Herrera, Shaleeza Hossein, Gisele Mirasol, and Sanjaya Peiris. The official results were tabulated and compiled by designated officers of the Association of Filipino Canadian Accountants( ACFA).
Jointly emceed by Scott Dion Brown and Stephanie Artuz, the 5-hour evening program started with a land acknowledgement, national anthems singing, welcome remarks by Ophelia Santiago-Event Chair, and invocation by Aurora Elefano-PIDC Officer. Special greetings were given by Tom Tan- PIDC President, and Agnes P. Miranda -PIDC Pageant Adviser & World Financial Group Senior Executive Vice Chair & Co-Founder. The Inspirational Message was delivered by Gene Pardo- Elamparo-Pageant Overall Chair with closing remarks by Leonor Abad- Event Co-chair. Proceeds of the fundraiser were presented to Gawad Kalinga(GK), a community charitable organization based in the Philippines.
Musical entertainment and special numbers were superbly performed by Fil-Canadian singers and talents such as Elle Lumbao, The Titas, Chelsea Starr, Pink Ribbon, GAFFA Cultural Dance Group, Unstoppable Dancers, and Dance Life Social- DLS. It was distinctively a successful and lively time of collaboration, coordination, and cooperation showcasing Filipino beauty, creativity and culture in the Ontario landscape. ( Tony A. San Juan, OCT)
By Tony A. San Juan, OCT.
