Third Annual Winnipeg Jets Filipino Heritage Night

by Jon G. Malek

	Photo courtesy of the Winnipeg Jets

On Saturday, January 11, 2025, the Winnipeg Jets hosted the third Filipino Heritage Night in their game against the Colorado Avalanche, in which the home team won 3-0 in front of 14,782 fans. The Heritage Night is an initiative between the community and the Jets organization to celebrate Filipino culture through the presentation of songs, dances, and unique interpretations of traditional Filipino foods.

Pre-game performances

The game began with the singing of the American national anthem by Winnipeg’s Filipino jazz star, Jovelle Balani. The Canadian national anthem was performed by the talented kids of the MAFTI Performing Arts group, led by the creative director, Marilyn Malek, and Mary Jane Napolitano, who is also the President of MAFTI and the co-ordinator of the After-School      Program. The Performing Arts Group is part of MAFTI’s After-School Heritage Program in which kids participate in cultural programming and education about the Philippines and Filipino culture. This is the second year that the Performing Arts Group has partnered with the Winnipeg Jets to celebrate Filipino heritage in the province under Marilyn Malek, having previously performed cultural dances and songs at the Winnipeg Jets Fan Fest in 2023 and 2024. In front of nearly fifteen-thousand fans, the kids proudly proclaimed the national anthem.

Other performances during the pre-game and intermissions included dance groups DMCI’s Finest and Sisler’s Most Wanted, and music by DJ Hipnotic, DJ Tayne, and DJ Headrush. Tricia Magsino Barnabe and her band Phoenix Reborn (with Phil Corrin, Julie Maniate, Duncan Swatek, and Jimmy Orellano) also performed a mix of popular songs and upbeat Filipino songs. MAFTI Performing Arts Group also  performed the traditional dance Karatong from Palawan, named after the bamboo struck by the male dancers. The dance included colourful costumes and hand-made props designed by Marilyn Malek including the crowning centrepiece, vibrant blossoming mango flowers. Filipino youth participants in the First Shift program showed off their skills during the first intermission. This program is designed to introduce new-to-hockey families to the sport by making it accessible, affordable, safe, and fun.

Celebrities & community heroes

Hosting the game were media personalities Marjorie Dowhos and Jim Agapito. The game presentation included electronic designs by Sisler High School’s CREATE program cast onto the surface of the ice. Present at the game, too, were the much-coveted Heritage Jets gear featuring the Filipino-themed logo designed by graphic designer Jonato Dalayoan. Special Filipino Heritage Jets Jerseys were auctioned at the game to raise funds to go towards the Filipino community. The Jets organization also celebrated local community heroes, including Genalyn Tan (former President of MAFTI), the Mabuhay District and Kultivation Festival, and the Quezon Province Association of Manitoba.

Cuisine

Another exciting element of the night was the special menu designed by Chef Allan Pineda and Chef Eejay of Manila Nights/Bahay Kubo in collaboration with Canada Life Centre’s Executive Chef Richard Duncan. The dishes included lechon poutine, smoked ticino pulled pork pandesal, and lumpia with chilli sauce. I’m sure more than a few of us eagerly await their next creative offerings.

Representation matters

Everyone involved in this deserves a hearty pat on the back and heartfelt congratulations. We are all proud of all of you. The willingness of the Winnipeg Jets to host these Heritage Nights provides a massive venue for community members and organizations to showcase their cultural background. In a past column reviewing the concert of Moira, held at the Canada Life Centre, I wrote that representation matters. Having Filipino events in venues that do not typically have Filipino events, like the Canada Life Centre, helps to bridge any divides with the community. Even if these sorts of events do not address the real issues facing the Filipino community in Manitoba, like recognition of foreign credentials, it does offer the opportunity to demonstrate the pride that Filipinos feel and to expose the wider community to that culture. In a way, Heritage Night is a bridge between wider society and the Filipino community, just one of many ways that Manitoba extends its arms to the Filipino community, and how it embraces in return.

Speaking to Jovelle before she went on ice to perform the American national anthem, she said how much representation matters. While it was no doubt a major accomplishment for her, Jovelle also recognized how important it was for Filipinos in general – and, especially for Filipino women as she was joined on ice by Marilyn. For Jovelle, it is more than just advocating for Filipino jazz or even Filipino musicians in Winnipeg – an important task – but for Filipino representation in general. Jovelle, Marilyn, Chefs Allan and Deejay – everyone involved in the night – do so much to promote that representation and inclusion. The presence of Filipino politicians, artistic performers, newscasters, professors, and teachers, etc., is growing but more representation is needed; considering how large our community is in Winnipeg, there is much more room to normalize the presence of Filipino professionals.

Together, let’s congratulate and celebrate the 2025 Filipino Heritage Night and everyone who made it a great success.