News from PHL Embassies, Consulates & Missions

PHL Consulate in Toronto Launches “Heritage Tour” 2013

Thursday, 21 March 2013 11:46
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Toronto

21 March 2013 - The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto successfully launched the 8th Ambassadors, Consuls General and Tourism Directors Tour to the Philippines (ACGTDT) to a full house at Casa Manila Restaurant in York Mills, Toronto last Friday evening, March 15.

More popularly known as the “Heritage Tour,” the launch was well-received by the attendees, who were mostly Filipino-Canadians living in Ontario, as well as several local and foreign friends of the Consulate, including United Nations (UN) and Rotary International Representative Mr. Douglas Vincent. Councilor Raymond Cho likewise graced the occasion with his presence, while Philippine-born Federal Senator Tobias “Jun” Enverga, Jr. was the event’s guest-of-honor. Both officials spoke of their support for the Tour, and encouraged everyone present to join ACGTDT.

Aside from the detailed presentation of the tour itself, the other highlight of the night was the Consulate’s recognition ceremony for the Filipino-Canadian recipients of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medals, which are awarded to British Commonwealth citizens for their notable and exemplary achievements in their respective communities.

A total of 30 awardees were acknowledged by Consul General Junever Mahilum-West and presented to a very appreciative audience.

The Heritage Tour is the brainchild of former Philippine Ambassador to the United States and now Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert F. del Rosario to promote the Philippines as a holiday destination for tourists coming from North America, and is done in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

This year’s Tour will feature various provincial destinations aside from the basic Manila-based itinerary, which includes a visit to Malacañan Palace and courtesy call on President Benigno S. Aquino III.

The Tour will run from July 9 to 15 and will be part of DOT’s “It’s More Fun in the Philippines!” tourism campaign. END

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Philippines Joins Commemoration of Christchurch Earthquake 2nd Anniversary

Thursday, 21 March 2013 11:45
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Wellington

21 March 2013 - A touching and meaningful Civic Memorial Service was held in Latimer Square, Christchurch on February 22 to commemorate the second anniversary of the 2011 Canterbury earthquake.

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key and Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker, together with the diplomatic corps, the bereaved family members of the earthquake victims, survivors and other distinguished guests, attended the commemorative event hosted by the Anglican Christchurch Cathedral.

The Philippines was represented by Philippine Ambassador to New Zealand Virginia H. Benavidez.

The service was multi-faith and included a one-minute silence at 12:51 p.m., the actual time the earthquake hit Christchurch and claimed 185 lives, including 11 Filipinos.

After the ceremony, Ambassador Benavidez, accompanied by Philippine Honorary Consul Peter Wait, Third Secretary Glenn Joseph Obach, and Christchurch-based Godofredo Bernadas, Jr., visited the area where the CTV Building used to stand and the site where the Filipinos died. They also offered a moment of silence at the location of Oxford Terrace Baptist Church, where 185 Empty Chairs painted by Pete Majendie as an act of remembrance, were on display.

Ambassador Benavidez, together with some Filipinos led by Delia Richards of the Christchurch Migrant Center, then proceeded to Avonhead Park Cemetery to offer special prayers and flowers.

The Avonhead Park Cemetery is a special interment site for unidentified remains of the earthquake victims. Filipino priests Rev. Fr. Rodello Rempillo and Rev. Fr. Joselito Quinones led the memorial service at the Cemetery.

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In the late afternoon, a mass was celebrated at the Sacred Heart Church, followed by a reception at the Sacred Heart Hall where a short program was held in honor of the 11 Filipino victims.

Organized by the Philippine Culture and Sports in Christchurch, which is chaired by Ms. Richards, these two events were well-attended by Filipinos as well as guests including Members of Parliament Nicky Wagner and Lianne Dalziel, and Christchurch City Councilors Jimmy Chen and Yani Johanson. The night ended on a hopeful note.

In his speech to the community gathered, Mr. Obach acknowledged everyone present who shared precious time to be with one another in remembering the lives lost in the February 22, 2011 earthquake.

“Two years on, as we look forward to the rebuilding and reconstruction of Christchurch, we thank the New Zealand government and Christchurch City Council for being right behind us, for walking this journey with us,” said Mr. Obach. END

 

 
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