 |
| It might as well be spring!
by Anthony de
Barras |
FELINO JAVIER BIRTHDAY BASH WITH A DASHThe dashing Felino Javier natal bash was a blast. Prominent personalities of our vibrant Fil-Canadian community, splashed their presence at the FCT Hall on Parliament. Relatives of the Cerrudo-Javier clan, emmnating from the USA and Europe, flew in to be part of the milestone celebration. The B-boy gave an eloquent, moving speech, thanking everyone for their invaluable presence and categorically single out the love of his life, Lynda J . and the FCT family . Their lovely daughters Lin Barbara Dickenson and Lin Antonette Rogers, gave a moving tribute of their great Dad.
Musicale fare were rendered by Oscar Lomongo on sax, Del Isles on electric guitar , and Manny Belbis sang a tagalog ditty. The evening grand surprise number was when the two prim and proper , plus rich Doctoras, Nenette de Villa and Vicky Santiago, were channeling the racy Sasha Fierce incantation of Beyonce, in their pop hip hop, booty shaking "Single Ladies" dance number. It literally brought the house down with moi, shouting "love it , love it, love iiittttt." Stalwarts of the FCT family, also presented an elegant Tango Argentina dance number.
The affair was also a fund raising event with the deep pocketed coterie of guest, requested to dole out cash or cheque donations instead of the material gifts. Later in the wonderful fun soiree, I glimpsed at the no-nonsense Ed Birondo with his Finance team , counting the evening windfall, that will definitely go a long way in financing the FCT renovations. That scenario, clearly illustrate the transparency mechanism of how the FCT conducts their financial affair...
A BRUNCH WITH POY AND LIGAYA CANAThere's no denying that Ligaya Cana is the quintessential hostess. The recent easter brunch held at their elegant residence in you can never miss Missisauga, was definitely a grand affair. For starter, delectable finger food was laid out which was washed with a choice of red or white vintage wine, while doing the polite art of conversation. Later, we proceeded to the main dining room, where the celadon round plates were gingerly handed. I nimbly stuff my self silly, with the gastronomic delights in the fully laden slide table.
Lilac Cana, the great Diva, was on hand , to entertain the guest, considering that the night before, she had a show, where she regaled the Chinese-Canadian community which gave her the now predictable standing ovation, matched with a loud clamor for an encore. A week before, Lilac , was flown to Ottawa through the invitation of Ambassador Greg Brillantes, where the cosmopolitan Diplomatic set of the Nation's Capital and the Fil-Canadians, were thrilled by her command performance.
One of the luncheon guest, was Steve Commilang, rated as one of the top 5 Elvis Presley imperonators in the world. He is also a bonafide card carrying menber of the Screen Actor Guild and is represented by an influential agent. Right now, Steve can be seen on a one page commercial for New York Fries, if you perused the pages of the glossy magazines like Elle International, Chatelaine, Toronto Life, etc.
To Poy and Ligaya Cana and their three wonderful children in full attendance, I must say, grazie, gracias, merci, danke, arigato and daghang salamat for that wonderful lunch in such a wonderful ambience...
AFCA GOLDEN RULE JAM AT GOLDEN VALLEYThe golden rule clearly dictate, if the group project was a resounding success, it's not only chic and civilized, to tender an appreciation day. That exactly what the top brasses of the AFCA, the President Egay Gonzales and Minerva Garcia, VP and committee chair for the Tax Clinic. They invited the volunteers and sympathizers for a sumptuous lunch at the Golden Valley Banquest Hall in Scarborough. The said establishment, owned and managed by entrepreneur of all the years, Henry Sia, is known exactly for its delicious food concoctions.
The program was brief and concise, like Sol Aquino, did the invocation, Minerva Garcia did her welcome fare with flair. There were testimonials and reports by team leaders like Maria Antonio, Tony Mandrique, Vida Cruz, Sol Aquino, Joe Ragual, Rodel Acoba, Imee Bautista, Mariette Gique, Mercy Gonzales and Jun Perez. As ever. Minerva Garcia, handed certificate of appreciation to all the volunteers who made this year’ tax clinic of the Association of the Filipino Canadian Accountant another great feather to it's cap. President Edgardo "Egay" Gonzales, in his concluding remarks, stressed the point that the association must not rest on its laurels but must strive for more relevant success.
As the fun party was winding down, it was clearly announced that Ted Dayno the low-key and highly respected businessman-accountant was paying for the whole party expense, from his own personal account. That my dear, is not only civilized but a supremely generous gesture, we love you Ted Dayno ! ...
DR. STANLEY NOVAL... OSCILLA'S DIRECTOR“The Philippine Diaspora, the current exodus of Filipinos leaving their island shores, for the proverbial greener pasture, is triggered generally due to economic reason." Stop right there and not so fast, Lucresia Depataranta, I find that statement, utterly condescending! It’s not a general rule that all Filipinos are leaving the Philippines due to dire necessities or lack of the bare essentials. Some left for the chance to change, to venture or for an adventure, or due to romance that turned Bro-mance, etc. Drt. Stanley Noval is a prime example. Eeight years ago, he decided to travel, leaving his thriving medical practice in the Queen city of south Cebu and his teaching job as instructor in neuro-anatomy and micro-biology at the Gullas College of Medicine. He went first around Asia, onward to Europe, crossed the pond to America and Toronto was the last stop to ostensibly visit a sister based in Brampton.
It was on a lark and fun trepidation, when he accepted a position as personal assistant to Cecil and Selma Halpern. The couple is visible in Toronto's social scene for their Philanthropic contribution to several worthy causes. Dr. Noval candidly admitted, the paramount reason he accepted the job, was to experience winter. It has been his childhood fantasy to play in the snow in a winter wonderland. Beside, the work paid handsomely and the chance to travel. Some of his compatriots, he noted looked down on his new line of employment, but the kind doctor just shrugged it off. Who cares, he made more money compared to their office work and he goes to fine places that their monthly budget certainly curtail.
He worked for the Halpern's for five years, when Madame Halpern, who from the start has a full faith in his capacity, prodded him to go back to school. Thus, he enrolled at the Toronto Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology, where he finished a Quality Assurance and Quality Control course. Presently, he works as a medical research associate at CETERO, one of Ontario's top Med-Lab. To do his share, in helping our vibrant Filipino-Canadian community, Dr. Noval, still find time to teach and as Director of Education at the famed Osilla Institute of Health Personnel. The school has been churning a lot of effective graduates in the personal support field of endeavor!
.
Print
Tell friend
Top
