PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL IN VANCOUVER CELEBRATES THE 128TH PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE WITH FILM SHOWING FEATURING WORLD RENOWNED PHILIPPINE NATIONAL LIVING TREASURE APO WHANG-OD, KALINGA MASTER TATOOIST

19 June 2026, Vancouver B.C.  — On 11 June 2026, the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver hosted a reception and film screening at the Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) Center commemorating the 128th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence, operating under the official theme from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP): "Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan." (Freedom. Future. History.).

This year's celebration carries historical significance, marking the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the Philippine Consulate in Vancouver (May 1956)—the very first Philippine Foreign Service Post in Canada. It also marks exactly 165 years since Benson Flores, the first recorded Filipino arrival in Canada, settled on Bowen Island, British Columbia, in 1861.

A Warm Filipino Welcome and Cultural Reception

The festivities commenced in the VIFF Center Lobby and atrium with a vibrant reception, where arriving dignitaries and guests were warmly received at the reception line by the officers of the Philippine Consulate General. Leading the welcome were Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin, Labor Attaché Ma. Celeste M. Valderrama, OWWA Welfare Officer Allan A. Ignacio, and SSS Representative Darwin Karl C. Soria.

Guests indulged in a menu of classic Filipino delicacies from Goldilocks-Canada, including pansit miki bihon, chicken empanada, vegetable lumpia, and hopia. As an extra sweet gesture of hospitality, everyone in attendance also received signature peach mango pies from Jollibee-Granville.

Honoring the Past, Bridging the Future

The evening balanced celebration with solemn remembrance. The main theater program was beautifully opened by the Himig Kabataan Cultural Society—a youth choral and cultural ensemble comprised of Filipino-Canadian youth dedicated to preserving and promoting Filipino heritage through music in British Columbia—who delivered stirring renditions of the Philippine and Canadian national anthems. This was followed by the showing of the video message of His Excellency President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on the 128th anniversary of the Philippine Independence.

(Photos Above) The singing of the Philippine and Canadian National Anthems by the Himig Kabataan Cultural Society;  Video Messages of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (left) and Premier David Eby and MLA Susie Chant (right) (Photos by Vancouver PCG)

In her opening address, Philippine Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin led a moment of silence for the victims of the recent tragic 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Sarangani Province in the southern Philippines.

The Consul General in her message highlighted how the shared history of both nations paved the way for a vibrant, interconnected community today, stating:

"Over the past year and a half, I have witnessed firsthand the extraordinary vibrancy of the Filipino communities across British Columbia, the Yukon, and the Northwest Territories... From those pioneering days to the present, our contemporary history continues to be written through excellent bilateral relations... As we celebrate today’s event, let us continue building bridges across oceans, cultures, and generations."

(Photo Above) Consul General Gina Jamoralin delivers her remarks before the guests

Consul General Jamoralin also highlighted the strengthening of bilateral relations between the Philippines and Canada, recently underscored by the official visit of Philippine Ambassador Jose Victor Chan-Gonzaga to British Columbia in May 2026. Furthermore, she highlighted the Philippines' global role as the 2026 ASEAN Chair, following the historic 48th ASEAN Leaders’ Summit held in Cebu last month.

A joint video message from British Columbia Premier David Eby and MLA Susie Chant, was shown during the program; both officials extended their warmest wishes to the community. In their address, they celebrated the over 170,000 British Columbians of Filipino heritage, emphasizing the crucial contributions of Filipino artists, entrepreneurs, and healthcare providers in shaping BC into an amazing province. They also recognized the historic 128th anniversary of Philippine independence, honoring the resilience of a nation that has withstood colonialism and occupation, and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the economic and trading partnership between Canada and the Philippines. After the video message, a special message of sympathy from British Columbia Premier David Eby for those affected by the disaster was also read during the program.

As a poignant symbol of local solidarity, Vancouver City Councilor Lenny Zhou, attending as the representative of Vancouver City Mayor Ken Sim, spoke about the vital contributions of the Filipino diaspora in Vancouver and the excellent relations shared between the city and the community. In an inspiring moment, Councilor Zhou expressed his hope that the next Philippine Independence Day celebration would take place in a new Filipino cultural center next year. He then invited fellow City Councilors Mike Klassen, Sean Orr, and Lucy Malone to join him on stage, where they collectively read the official city proclamation paragraph by paragraph, declaring June 12, 2026, as Philippine Independence Day in the City of Vancouver.

(Photos Above) The Councillors of the City of Vancouver read the proclamation during the program (Photo by Vancouver PCG)

Following the city proclamation, the keynote address was delivered in person by the Honorable Raj Chouhan, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. Speaker Chouhan spoke warmly of the excellent relations between the Philippines and British Columbia. In a personal and moving moment, he shared his enduring history with the country, recalling his formative time spent as a young labor leader in the Philippines. Also in attendance to show provincial support were MLA Teresa Wat (Richmond Bridgeport) and MLA Gavin Dew (Kelowna-Mission).

(Photos Below) Speaker Raj Chouhan delivers his remarks, while Consul General Gina Jamoralin joins MLA Teresa Wat (left), MLA Chouhan and MLA Gavin Dew. Consul General Jamoralin also presents the certificate and token of appreciation to Speaker Raj Chouhan. (Photos by Vancouver PCG)

Cultural Showcase and Program Lineup

Prior to the film screening, award-winning Filipino-Canadian filmmaker Kent Donguines took the stage to introduce his work to the almost full-capacity crowd. Donguines, a highly regarded Vancouver-based director and producer known for amplifying underrepresented diaspora stories and cultural narratives, provided the audience with unique insights into the creative journey and cultural weight behind his project.

The centerpiece of the evening’s cultural showcase was a special screening of his acclaimed documentary, Treasure of the Rice Terraces. The film explores the ancient pre-Hispanic tattooing art form of the Pintados, preserved through generations by legendary master tattooist Apo Whang-od in the Kalinga province, juxtaposed against the enduring beauty of the Banaue Rice Terraces.

(Photo Above) Mr. Kent Donguines introduces the film to the audience. (Photo by Vancouver PCG).

As the evening concluded, this landmark celebration not only underscored the historic milestones of the past 165 years of Filipino presence in British Columbia, but also illuminated a dynamic path forward for bilateral relations.

The following day, 12 June 2026, Philippine Independence Day, the iconic Sails of Light at Canada Place were brightly illuminated with the colors of the Philippine flag - a symbolic gesture of the continuously strengthening bonds of friendship and solidarity between the City of Vancouver and the Philippines.

Through shared cultural pride, deep economic cooperation, and the enduring strength of the Filipino diaspora, the event serves as a powerful testament to the community's profound impact on the Canadian fabric. By uniting diplomatic leadership, local governance, and inspiring artistic storytelling, the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver and its partners have set a vibrant stage for a future of deeper connection, mutual prosperity, and unwavering friendship between the Philippines and Canada. END.