Philippine Independence Day Council

PAID RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY

RISE Tribe is collaborating with ThinkPlace, a global design collective, on an important research study exploring how people send money or provide financial support to family and friends abroad. This study is being conducted by ThinkPlace in partnership with World Bank, and we’re looking to hear directly from members of the Filipinx community across the GTA.

Participation is completely voluntary and confidential, and all participants will be compensated for their time and insights. Selected participants will be invited to join through one of the following:

An in-person group conversation (90 minutes) in Parkdale on June 3 (exact location to be shared directly with participants)
An in-person one-on-one interview (60–75 minutes) on June 4 or 5 at their homes
A WhatsApp journal activity with short prompts over 2-4 weeks
Interested in participating? Click here to complete a short questionnaire (approximately 5–7 minutes) to apply. All responses are confidential and will only be used to select participants for the study. Applications close on May 22.

Any questions? Please contact Dee at [email protected].

The first ever "Ina ng Bayan" organized by Gawad Kalinga (GK) was held on May 16th at the Novotel North York. GK Board include PIDC Board Members Jean Pardo and Aurora Elefano.

MABUHAY PHILIPPINES FESTIVAL 2026
✨ OFFICIAL MODEL CASTING CALL ✨

Are you ready to represent Philippine culture on the runway? We are looking for fresh faces, experienced models, and vibrant personalities to showcase traditional and modern Philippine fashion at this year's Mabuhay Philippines Festival!

🔹 Where and When
- June 20 and June 27, 2026
- 1:00 to 8:00 pm
- 3 Rean Drive, North York

🔹 What to Wear:
• Black Fitted Top
• Fitted Bottom or Jeans
• Heels (At least 3 inches for female applicants)
• Light/Natural Makeup Only

Be part of the biggest celebration of Philippine heritage and culture in Canada!

📌 Tag a friend who belongs on the runway!

For inquiries, contact Ophelia Monterde at [email protected]

Growing up in Canada means carrying the warmth of the Philippines in your heart while navigating life in the land of the maple leaf.

We’re searching for the next Miss Philippines PIDC who is proud of her roots and ready to lead her community. This journey is about empowerment, heritage, and growth. Join a platform that celebrates your identity and gives you the tools to succeed—both on the pasarela and in your career.

To register, email Rory Elefano at [email protected]

🔥 2026 Combat Science - Warrior Arts of Asia Demo Team 🔥

Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) is coming alive this summer across the GTA 🇵🇭

We’re excited to officially present the 2026 Combat Science Demo Team as they showcase the art, discipline, and culture of Arnis/Eskrima through live performances in the community.

This is more than a demonstration—it’s an invitation to experience what we train, how we move, and why Filipino Martial Arts continues to grow globally.

📍 Upcoming Appearances:

📍 June 6 – Philippine Consulate General in Toronto Event, Earl Bales Park

📍 June 13 – TNO - The Neighbourhood Organization Filipino Heritage Month Celebration, East York Town Centre (Thorncliffe Park)

📍 July – TBA

📍 August 22 – Philippine Independence Day Council, Mabuhay Philippines Festival Toronto Festival

👊 See FMA in action
👊 Meet our instructors and students
👊 Learn how to get started in training

Whether you’re new to martial arts or looking to return to training, this is a great opportunity to connect with our community and explore Filipino Martial Arts firsthand.

📩 Interested in joining classes or upcoming programs?
Contact us: [email protected]

A landmark moment for the Siné Institute. 🏛️✨

This past weekend at the 2026 Asian Heritage Month Award Gala, our organization reached a new milestone in our journey from “startup experiment” to a credible institution. We are incredibly proud to celebrate two of our own being honored with the Outstanding Asian Canadian Award:

• , our President and Founder
• , our lead for International Relations

This double recognition is a powerful testament to the “leader of leaders” culture we’ve cultivated at Siné. To have two representatives from our organization recognized on the same stage proves that our mission is built on collective strength and professional excellence.

We know that no leader rises in isolation. This honor is deeply rooted in the trust and mentorship of community trailblazers who believed in us:

Special thanks to and the for their nomination of Michaelangelo. Rosemer, your lifelong commitment to service remains the gold standard we strive to follow as we build Siné’s legacy.

Our heartfelt gratitude to and the for their nomination of BK Jimenez. Tom, your support of our leadership team highlights the vital partnership between our organizations as we serve the Filipino-Canadian community.

We also wish to acknowledge Melinda Manlapaz and the Canadian Multicultural Council for their tireless work in bringing our diverse communities together.

To the entire Siné Institute team and Board: these awards are yours. By moving from “hustle” to “systems,” we have built an organization that is bigger than any one individual. We aren’t just building a project—together, we are building a lasting institution for Toronto and beyond. 🥂🇵🇭🇨🇦

Calling all successful Filipinos in Canada and around the world
On Auqust 22, 2026, at the Mabuhay
Philippines Festival in Toronto Canada,AANDREI DAVID will present a special solo Fashion Show in two parts.

Hibla ng Kapuluan: Threads of the
Philippine Islands, this part celebrates the success and pride of Filipinos
We are now looking for accomplished
Filipinos who are ready to step into the spotlight and walk the runway not just in stvle. but with purpose

Limited slots only.

For more information. contact Charlotte
Brazil at [email protected]
or reach Michael Bristol on WhatsApp at +639277774647