Every year, the Pinoy Fiesta celebrates the anniversary of the independence of the Philippines though music, dance and food. This year marks the eighth annual day of celebration in Yorkton.
Melinda Montebon, President of the Parkland Filipino Canadian Association Inc, says that the goal is to connect people, whether it’s the different Filipinos in the Parkland area or their Canadian friends.
“This is our way of saying thank you to the Canadian community, especially in the city of Yorkton, for having us.”
The theme of the event was celebrating Filipino heritage, but Montebon says they wanted to show that it’s a living culture, bringing together people of all ages together in the celebration. She says that bringing youth into the event is something that is deep into Filipino culture, as she says they show who they are and their roots.
“That shows our roots, who we are, where we come from and what Filipino is all about. This is our celebration and this is our way of celebrating things the Filipino way.”
The goal was also to show that the Philippines is a place of great variety, and Montebon says that the Fiesta is about showing how varied the community is and how they’re connected together.
“We have 77 dialects, 7,000 islands. Right there, you can see how many people living different ways of life. But we have one way of communicating, which is Tagalong, our national language.”
PFCAI has been heavily involved in Yorkton events, not just at things like the Pinoy Fiesta. Montebon says that they want to be a part of everything they can in the community, and
“Our goal is to be of service to the Canadian community... Not only earning a living, but being able to touch the Canadian community in our own special way.”
Montebon says that she’s humbled by the success of the event, and she would like to thank everyone involved, whether that means sponsors, participants, volunteers or attendees. She emphasizes that it’s a group effort.
“This is one of my greatest blessings as President, to see the different working committees because I can’t do this on my own... The team effort is evident.”
Montebon believes that the most important thing that PFCAI can do is continue to connect people, whether through events like the Pinoy Fiesta or other events held in the region, and they want to get involved in any way they are able.
“We’re looking forward to connecting to our Canadian family. We’re very happy and we’re always looking to be a part of any events in Yorkton.”
