Opinions
There’s a beautiful rhythm building in our community! The Filipino Music and Arts Association of Canada Inc. (FMAACI) has just revealed its 2026 flagship season, and it’s shaping up to be a warm, vibrant invitation to celebrate the ties that bind us all together.
Whether you have called Manitoba home for decades or you have just stepped off the plane, FMAACI is rolling out the red carpet with three major events that blend the nostalgic sounds of the Philippines with the fresh, bold energy of life in Canada.
This year, FMAACI is focusing on three big themes: the journey of immigration, the spark of youth, and the power of bringing different cultures together. Here is where you can join the fun:
1. Ang Pagtitipon: Musika at Imigrasyon, May 9, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Philippine Canadian Centre of Manitoba (737 Keewatin Street). Ang Pagtitipon (The Gathering) brings together musicians, writers, and visual artists to share their “lived experiences” through their craft. It’s a space to talk, listen, and celebrate the creative courage it takes to build a life in a new land.
2. Musikalayaan 2026 on June 6, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the FSG Event Hall (49 Euclid Avenue). Blending the Tagalog words for freedom (kalayaan) and music (musika), this event kicks off Filipino Heritage Month with a bang. It’s a multi-generational showcase where community members take centre stage.
3. Filipino Canadian Folk Music Festival 2026 on August 15, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the West End Cultural Centre (586 Ellice Avenue). FMAACI is closing the summer by building bridges. This festival brings Filipino artists together with Indigenous and other diverse local performers. It’s all about Bayanihan – the Filipino spirit of community and helping one another. Expect storytelling and traditions that will leave you feeling more connected to your neighbours than ever.
FMAACI is a non-profit organization fuelled by passion, and they are looking for local businesses and community leaders to join the team. Sponsoring an event is about more than just a logo on a poster; it’s about helping young artists find their voice and keeping cultural traditions alive for the next generation.
“Sponsoring these events empowers our youth and preserves our heritage,” the FMAACI team shares. “It’s about making Manitoba’s multicultural arts scene even stronger.”
If your business, company, or organization values diversity, inclusion, and a good old-fashioned community celebration, the FMAACI team would love to chat with you about how to get involved.
From educators and music lovers to families looking for a night out, these events are designed for everyone. FMAACI isn’t just putting on a show; they’re building a home through the arts.
Ready to get involved? E-mail: info@fmaaci.ca and visit their website: fmaaci.ca. (ENOJR)