The Association of Filipinos in Portage la Prairie is hosting multiple events this June to celebrate Filipino Heritage Month. Althea Almazan of the association says the celebrations honour both cultural traditions and Philippine Independence Day on June 12.
"We were under Spanish rule for 300 years," Almazan notes. "June 12 marks our Independence Day from Spain."
Events include a yard sale on June 8, a sports festival at Central Plains RecPlex, and a flag-raising ceremony at Portage City Hall on Independence Day. The main celebration happens June 15 with a motorcade parade ending at Herman Prior Centre, featuring cultural performances and guest speakers including Mayor Sharilyn Knox.
Building community connections
Association president Oliver Ryan Cabading explains this is only their second year hosting heritage month events in Portage. The young organization aims to strengthen Filipino community ties while contributing to Portage la Prairie.
"We chose this to be our home," Cabading says. "Part of our goal is to contribute to the betterment of Portage and give back."
The June 15 celebration at Herman Prior Centre will showcase traditional dances, music and Philippine history presentations. The motorcade begins at 3:00 p.m. from the old mall parking lot, traveling down Saskatchewan Avenue.
Growing Filipino presence
With Portage's Filipino population growing steadily, the association hopes to make heritage month an annual tradition. Secretary Gayle Reniedo emphasizes their desire to share culture while supporting the broader community.
"We're very excited to help out," Reniedo adds. "We want to share our heritage and assist with local needs like wildfire relief efforts."
Residents can learn more through the association's Facebook page or by attending this month's events. Sponsors include Portage Community Revitalization Corporation, Stride Credit Union and several local businesses.
Events this month include:
- Filipino Sports Fest
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Date: June 8
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Time: 8:00 a.m. (basketball), afternoon (volleyball)
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Location: Southport RecPlex
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Details: Basketball and volleyball tournaments testing potential annual tradition
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Flag Raising Ceremony
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Date: June 12 (Philippine Independence Day)
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Location: Portage la Prairie City Hall
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Significance: Commemorates 1898 independence from Spain after 300+ years of colonial rule
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Main Heritage Celebration
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Date: June 15
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Schedule:
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3:00 p.m. Motorcade parade from old mall parking lot down Saskatchewan Ave
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3:30 p.m. Program begins at Herman Prior Centre
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Features:
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Cultural performances (folk dances, music)
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Historical video presentation
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Guest speakers including Mayor Sharilyn Knox
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Traditional Filipino food and festivities
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Additional Notes:
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All events organized by the Association of Filipinos in Portage la Prairie (established 2022)
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Celebration theme: "Bayanihan" (community spirit/helping one another)
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Major sponsors include PCRC, Stride Credit Union, and local businesses
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Facebook page available for updates: "Association of Filipinos in Portage la Prairie Incorporated"
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