The Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver recently held the highly anticipated 3rd Proudly Philippines Food & Travel Fair at Robson Square in downtown Vancouver. The event, which took place on June 3, 2023, saw a vibrant mix of cultural displays, delectable Filipino cuisine, and an exciting roster of entertainment, highlighted by the new Tinikling 2.0 Dance Challenge.
Among the many high notes of the day was a performance by Filipino-Canadian lawyer, Melissa Briones, mortgage broker and realtor, Charen Cusi and executive coach, Buena Kilala-Chua. With the fair’s objective of celebrating Filipino culture and heritage in full swing, the trio from the UP Alumni Association in British Columbia (UPAABC) entertained the audience with classics like Limang Dipang Tao, Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika, Sino and Baliw and Salamat, Salamat Musika.
A treat for the attendees was the special permission granted by renowned composer Claude-Michel Schönberg to perform the song, “I Still Believe” from the global sensation, “Miss Saigon”. This moving musical piece further amplified the festivities, resonating deeply with the attendees and paying homage to the worldwide impact and recognition of Filipino talent in the performing arts.
The resounding success of the 3rd Proudly Philippines Food & Travel Fair reaffirms the event’s role as a premier platform for showcasing Filipino culture, traditions, and talent to a broader audience. The day was indeed a testament to the vibrant and rich Filipino heritage, with each performance and activity adding a unique flavor to the overall cultural mosaic of the fair. As the Philippine Consulate General Vancouver looks forward to future events, it takes pride in the meaningful engagement and multicultural exchange that the Proudly Philippines Food & Travel Fair fosters. With the sustained support and participation of the community, we expect to see this annual event continue to flourish and keep the Filipino spirit burning brightly in the heart of Vancouver.
Photo courtesy of Charen Cusi.
