Filipino Fiesta

provides an opportunity to showcase the depth and richness of Philippine culture through arts, entertainment, celebration of traditional and ethnic foods.

This is the only major event in

Edmonton to-date that provides wide access to Filipino culture, arts, and food for multiple days, while providing opportunities for local businesses, local performers, artists, and artisans to get promoted and pets. There is a “food bank” for pet food available in the city through Boyle Street Community Services. For information you can go to http:// old.boylestreet.org/we-can-help/ adult-services/pet-food-bank/

While this is no way an exhaustive list, the goal is to encourage seeking out information and assistance for connected with the community. This is a community-based, non-profit event promoting Philippine culture and local talents and businesses, serving Edmonton and surrounding areas. Each and every year, the number and variety of vendors, performers, attendees, exhibits, and cultural activities continue to grow.

There is a myriad of things to see and experience for the whole family in the following areas: a) Food: Filipino meals and snacks offered in kiosks and food trucks, b) Marketplace: local products and services increasingly being customized to the Filipino community, c) Main Stage hosts the Fiesta programs from Saturday morning all the way to closing time on Sunday and features performances by singers, bands, dancers, and choral groups; d) Fiesta Parade on Saturday at 2PM which reflects the creativity and vivacity of group and individual participants; e) Heritage Zone provides information and workshops on Philippine culture and tradition, as well as displays from various visual artists; f) Family Zone consists of a play area with bouncy castles, and crafts and heritage books, face painting, and a sari-sari store with trademark goodies straight from the Philippines. There is also a any type of challenge, no matter how big or small, whether common or not. For any readers who are not directly served by the area where the outlined programs are listed, it is likely that equivalents are available by searching the topic and adding the name of your location.

Community Hub where non-profits and community organizations can promote their services and connect with the community, and a Tiendacitas area which allows artisans and crafters, especially the young ones, to display, promote, and sell their wares. Starting this year, we will also feature a different Guest Culture every year to raise awareness about other cultures, heritage, and traditions and to foster closer relationships with our neighbours in Edmonton.

The Edmonton Filipino Fiesta is organized and executed by PHIDEAS (Philippine Edmonton Events and Arts Society) in partnership with the City of Edmonton. We rely on volunteers to organize prior to the event, as well as many more volunteers during the event itself for the smooth running of the various areas outlined above. We encourage you to join us.

If you are interested in participating in the Fiesta as a vendor, performer, artisan, or volunteer, and for more general information, please visit the Edmonton Filipino Fiesta website at https://www. edmontonfilipinofiesta.com and check us out on Facebook and Instagram. You can also write to us at: yegphilippinefiesta@gmail.com.

CELEBRATIONS OF LIFE: Moving Forward

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Jhong & Chandra

With family and guests coming from the Philippines, US, The Caribbeans, and all over Canada - George "Jhong" Jocson - one of Alberta's Basketball Icon and Chandra Mendis - one of Edmonton's finest RCIC, are tying the knot on the 23rd of May 2023 in Spruce Grove, AB. 11 years of togetherness on their exact wedding day, Jhong & Chandra never thought they could ever reach this far along. A celebration of true love brought together by their faith and belief that no matter what the circumstance, God and His angels are behind all these.