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Pictured is Tricia Cruz, daughter of Upsilonian Antonio “Jun” Cruz ’64 and Mayette Cruz, who made history as the very first depositor of Pilipinas Credit Union, the organization from which ATIN ITO was born.
On October 3, 2026, Atin Ito will celebrate a remarkable milestone—its 50th Anniversary Gala, marking five decades as Toronto’s first Filipino newspaper and Canada’s longest-running Filipino community newspaper.
For half a century, Atin Ito has chronicled the stories, achievements, challenges, and aspirations of Filipino Canadians. More than a newspaper, it has been a trusted source of information, a bridge that connects communities, and a lasting testament to what can be accomplished through volunteerism, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to service.
Although Atin Ito published its first issue in December 1976, its story began a year earlier.
In 1975, a group of Upsilonian fraternity brothers from the Upsilon Sigma Phi Fraternity—the oldest campus-based fraternity in Asia, founded at the University of the Philippines—came together with a shared vision of helping the growing Filipino community in Toronto.
The founders—Dr.Edgardo Lim, Eddie Lee, Jimmy Borres, Antonio Cruz Jr., Roger Concepcion, and Noel Cruz—first established the Pilipinas Credit Union, which quickly grew to more than 800 members. As membership expanded, so did the need for a publication that could keep members informed about the credit union’s programs, activities, and developments.
What began as a modest newsletter soon evolved into something much greater.
Recognizing the need for a publication that would serve the broader Filipino community, the founders envisioned a newspaper that would report not only local community news but also important developments from the Philippines. That vision gained new momentum when Ruben Cusipag, another Upsilonian and an experienced journalist from the Philippines, joined the group. His editorial expertise helped transform the humble newsletter into a full-fledged community newspaper.
By December 1976, Atin Ito was born.
To ensure its long-term sustainability, the founders adopted an advertising-supported model that enabled the newspaper to become increasingly self-sufficient while remaining steadfast in its mission of serving the community.
As the Filipino population across Canada continued to grow, so did Atin Ito. The newspaper expanded beyond Toronto by establishing bureaus in Vancouver and Calgary and increased its publication frequency from monthly to twice a month, allowing it to reach more readers across the country.
Always seeking new ways to connect with the community, Atin Ito expanded into broadcast media in the late 1970s with the launch of the weekly Sunday radio program Sounds of Manila, hosted by Rey Tolentino. It also forged a strong partnership with the weekly Filipino television program Filipinesca, extending its reach beyond print and further strengthening its role as a unifying force within the Filipino-Canadian community.
Perhaps the most remarkable chapter in the Atin Ito story is that it was built almost entirely through volunteerism. Its founders, editors, writers, photographers, distributors, supporters, and staff devoted countless hours without expecting financial reward. It was truly a labour of love. Bound together by friendship, fellowship, brotherhood, and a shared desire to serve, they sustained the newspaper through changing times, economic and political challenges, and the dramatic evolution of the media landscape over the past five decades.
Today, Atin Ito stands as far more than a newspaper. It is a living legacy of resilience, dedication, and community service. It has preserved the history of generations of Filipino Canadians, celebrated their achievements, and strengthened the bonds that unite our community.
The 50th Anniversary Gala on October 3, 2026, promises to be a memorable evening celebrating this extraordinary journey. Guests will enjoy a nostalgic look back at Atin Ito’s rich history, reunite with founders, former staff members, contributors, advertisers, supporters, and loyal readers, and witness special recognitions honoring the many volunteers whose dedication helped shape the publication over the past fifty years.
More importantly, it will be an evening of rekindled friendships, shared memories, heartfelt gratitude, and joyful celebration.
We warmly invite our advertisers, patrons, community partners, former volunteers, contributors, supporters, and generations of readers to be part of this historic occasion. Your encouragement, loyalty, and unwavering support have made this remarkable journey possible. This golden anniversary is not only a celebration of Atin Ito—it is a celebration of everyone who has helped write its story.
As we commemorate fifty years of serving the Filipino-Canadian community, we also look ahead with renewed optimism and purpose. Guided by the same spirit that inspired its founders half a century ago, Atin Ito remains committed to informing, connecting, and inspiring future generations of Filipino Canadians.
Join us on October 3, 2026, as we celebrate 50 years of history, community, friendship, and service. Together, let us honour our past, celebrate our present, and embrace our future—because the story of Atin Ito is, and always will be, our story.
