Leonardo “Jun” Isla: Forefront and background of community service

by Levy Abad

Leonardo Isla, better known in the Filipino community of Winnipeg as “Jun Isla,” is the treasurer of the Filipino Music and Arts Association of Canada Inc. (FMAACI) since 2017 (https://fmaaci.ca/). Jun was also active with the Manitoba Filipino Street Festival from 2014 until 2023 and was also a member of the board of directors from 2015 to 2023. His other community volunteer involvement includes: president of the Cabuyao Association of Manitoba (2014-2015), president of the Mindoreños Association of Manitoba Inc. (2016 to present), and the president of the Filipino Seniors Group of Winnipeg (FSGW) for two terms (2016- 2019 and 2020-2024).

I asked Jun what inspired him to be involved in the community. He explained that he loves to volunteer and doesn’t mind sacrificing time to help with community tasks. He added that just like the leaders before him, he wants to be part of the process of community building and empowerment despite the sacrifices it entails.

Jun was born in Calamba, Laguna, in 1958. He hails from Cabuyao, Laguna, but would eventually move to Sampaloc, Manila. He completed mechanical engineering at Far Eastern University in the early 80s, during the peak of student unrest against the Marcos dictatorship.

Life in Canada

Jun Isla arrived in Winnipeg on June 11, 2011, together with his better half, Elizabeth and three kids: Olga, Patrick and Kristopher. He told me that he took a leap of faith, hoping that the choice would provide a better future for his children and grandchildren. It is worth noting that before going abroad, Jun was the publisher of a pocketbook branded Queen of Hearts (a Tagalog pocketbook). After this business venture, he decided to go abroad as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) twice (1984-86 and 2008- 2009).

A people person

Personally, I know Jun as a selfless person. Every time FMAACI conducts a yearly program, which sometimes involves several community events throughout the year, such as workshops on songwriting, music, painting, dance, and organizing the Filipino Folk Music Fest, Jun would take on the technical tasks like setting up the sound system, mixing, stage managing, as well as helping in cleaning up after each event. Aside from FMAACI programs, he helps with other community partner organizations, such as the Philippine Heritage Council of Manitoba, where FMAACI co-chairs and runs the Philippine-flag raising program, as well as the Multicultural Picnic in the Park, which is part of the Filipino Heritage month celebration.

I asked the president of the Filipino Music and Arts Association Canada Inc., Ernesto Ofiaza, about the leadership qualities of Jun Isla.

“Jun Isla is a trustworthy, calm treasurer who keeps clear, accurate records and explains finances in plain language. He also brings strong technical skills in sound and stage management, helping run events smoothly while always acting with the community’s best interest in mind.”

Aida Champagne, three-term president of the FSGW (2010-2017), which was founded in 1977, sent me her quote about Jun.

“I have known and worked with Jun Isla since 2012. He is a hard-working person and a handyman. He has been looking after the maintenance of the FSGW facilities for many years. His dedication and talent are very much liked in the Filipino Seniors community.”

Community service continues

As part of the executive of the FMAACI, Jun is busy preparing for the upcoming Filipino Folk Music Festival 2026 on August 15 at the West End Cultural Centre. The event will feature the best of Filipino folk music (Freddie Aguilar, Coritha, Noel Cabangon, Florante, Joey Ayala, Gary Granada, Heber Bartolome, and many more), which will be covered by some of Winnipeg’s musicians, namely: Daniel Tabo-oy, Glenn and Jack Unlayao, Julius Cesar Eugenio, Yzza Reyes Lijauco and yours truly, Levy Abad. As always, Jun Isla will be the ever-reliable stage manager. Whether in the forefront of promoting Filipino Culture and Heritage in the Winnipeg Filipino diaspora or in the background preparing the stage and the needs of the artists, Jun gives his best to promote the community.