Dan Gutierrez-The Filipiniana Newspaper (Greater Toronto Area-Canada)
Photos by Noli Gumapac – www.4ensphotography.com

Besides the annual Independence Day Picnic held on June 7, 2009 at the Mississauga Valley Community Centre and jointly holding a successful Gala dinner with the Philippine Independence Day Council (PIDC) from the East end of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), the Kalayaan Filipino Cultural Organization (Kalayaan 2009) also presented an artistic commemoration of the historical event at the Living Arts Centre in Mississauga.


To mark the 111^th year anniversary of Philippine Independence Day, Kalayaan 2009 Chairperson Ms. Juliet Perez commissioned the Artistic Director of Culture Philippines of Ontario, Ms. Eleanor Mescallado-Kalash to conceptualize and direct the Philippine Independence Day Show at the Living Arts Centre. The show was dubbed “Malayang Pilipinas – The Road to Freedom in Dance and Music” The Kalayaan 2009 Cultural Show committee was chaired by Resty del Rosario, and co-chaired by Vangie Alcasid.



The three major Filipino cultural dance organizations in the Greater Toronto Area readily agreed to participate in the show: Fiesta Filipina Dance Group (established 1966), Folklorico Filipino Canada (established 1973), and (*)Culture Philippines of Ontario (established 1985). Toronto’s Soprano Diva Ms. Lilac Cana, balladeer John Alix and Toronto’s Pop Diva Ms. Josie de Leon - were among the hundred artists of Malayang Pilipinas. Joey Omila, founder of Philippine Cultural Foundation Inc. in Tampa Bay, Florida, flew in to narrate the show.


The audience that filled the RBC Auditorium of the Living Arts Centre was not only awed and thrilled by the colourful and dynamic dances, excellent singing and well orchestrated music, but were also emotionally moved by the Revolution segment that depicted the long struggle and hard won freedom of the Filipinos over a century ago.



Many shed tears as they were touched by the beautiful choreography of Ms. Kalash, the excellent story, flawless acting, expressive music and dance performances of the Culture Philippines of Ontario dancers and musicians in the Revolution segment. The powerful voices of the singers added life to this segment. Truly a top rated show! It was a night to remember by both the audience and performers!



Kalayaan Filipino Cultural Organization (Kalayaan) is a group dedicated to celebrate the annual Philippine Independence Day in the west end of the GTA. Kalayaan is also committed to ensure the financial viability of the Kalayaan Cultural Community Centre for use by the Filipino community. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!
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(*) Culture Philippines of Ontario (CPO) will be participating at the International Folklore Festival Moerbeke-Waas, Belguim from July 30 – August 2, 2009 representing the Philippines. (info: http://www.folklorefestival-moerbeke.be )


Schedule of CPO Stage Performances in
International Folkfestival at Moerbeke-Waas:

THURSDAY, JULY 30TH (11:00hr) (EEKLO)
2x 30 minute performances

SATURDAY, AUGUST 1ST (Moerbeke-Waas)
Evening Gala Performance starts @ 7 pm all participating countries including Philippines

SUNDAY, AUGUST 2ND
(Moerbeke-Waas)
Morning - Parade (10:00hr)
Morning after the parade - 15 minutes Musicians' performance @ the Aperetif Concert
Evening Gala Performance starts @ 7 pm all participating countries including Philippines

MONDAY, AUGUST 3RD
(Moerbeke-Waas)
Afternoon Performance @ 2:30 pm for the Seniors

Note: MUST Visit website before attending: http://www.folklorefestival-moerbeke.be for possible change of schedule.