Cochrane’s vibrant Filipino community will be sharing its culture this Saturday (June 7) at its annual celebration in honour of Philippines Independence Day.
Organized by the Filipino Canadian Association of Cochrane Alberta (FCACA), the event returns to the Cochrane Ranche historic site for four hours of live music, dancing, family fun and a delicious feast. It runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
It is also one of the final events of Cochrane’s busy Seniors Week celebration.
Local MP Blake Richards is expected to stop by for a special presentation to Filipino youth in recognition of a recent dot art project that will be displayed that day.
Returning performers include the Maharlika Divas dancers and the Diamond Senior Rondalla.
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While thrilled to share their heritage with the community, FCACA president Mila Prout says she is especially pleased to heavily involve youth this year, particularly in a group dance performance.
“This dance that we’re doing is multigenerational. There are kids who are nine and 14 years old, and then there’s us. I think I’m the most senior of the group.”
“I told the kids to be gentle with me because I might trip on my toes — and they laughed.”
She says the tradition of wrapping up Seniors Week with the Filipino celebration is fitting.
"Without seniors, we wouldn’t know anything about our heritage, our history, our language. Seniors play an important role in passing along knowledge."