Cultural gathering highlights Filipino-Canadian artists and immigrant stories

The Filipino Music and Arts Association of Canada Inc. (FMAACI) held Ang Pagtitipon: Musika at Imigrasyon (The Gathering: Music and Immigration) on May 9, 2026, at the Philippine Canadian Centre of Manitoba (PCCM) in Winnipeg.

The event brought together Filipino-Canadian musicians, composers, visual artists, writers, performers, and other cultural workers to share their experiences through music, storytelling, and visual arts.

The program opened with emcee Ana Daniella Ilagan, followed by a land acknowledgment in English and Tagalog delivered by Susan Dimayuga. FMAACI President Ernesto Ofiaza Jr. welcomed attendees, including Manitoba Minister of Public Service Delivery Mintu Sandhu, by performing an excerpt from his original composition, Pinoy Ca (Pinoy sa Canada). FMAACI Secretary and Event Chair Jeanette Perez then introduced the evening’s program.

Featured presentations included:

• Milmar Abellaand Family – Carrying the Melody Across Borders and Generations
• Alex Oyas– Musical Journey of a Filipino-Canadian Benguet Cowboy
• Levy Abad– A Guitar, A Homeland, A New Beginning
• Jeanette Perez– Saturday with U (Ukulele)
• Ernesto Paasa– Lead Me, Lord: A Life Carried by Faith and Song
• Nueva Mabilenand Family – Himig ng Pag-ibig: A Melody That Carried Me Through

The Winnipeg Wild Flowers performed during the intermission, while veteran artist Jun Llanos led the closing musical number.

In addition to the stage presentations, the event featured a mini-painting exhibit by Jogin Tamayo and a comics display by Giboy Trillana. Networking opportunities were also provided for artists, community leaders, and professionals interested in future collaborations.

Attendees Alvin and Dessa Narciso described the event on Facebook as an opportunity to hear stories of immigration and how music and the arts helped Filipino Canadians adjust to life in a new country.

The event was sponsored by Duque Immigration Services and Experior Financial Group with Sarah Voluntad. Media partners were Pilipino Express and CKJS 92.7 FM. Supporting organizations included QPAM, BIBAK, Tropang Guardians, PCCM, Kangen Manitoba, and Aroma Filipino Restaurant.

Organizers said the gathering was intended to support cultural preservation, encourage artistic collaboration, and provide a platform for Filipino-Canadian voices and experiences.