The Philippine Heritage Council of Manitoba kicked off the new year with an inaugural meeting held at Max’s Restaurant Winnipeg on Saturday, January 14.

In attendance were the members of the Executive Committee, along with representatives of member organizations and sponsors which included Manitoba Association of Filipino Teachers, Inc., Filipino Music & Arts Association of Canada, Inc., Filipino Friends of Immigrants in Manitoba, Quezon Province Association of Manitoba and RBC Royal Bank, among many others.

The newly-active Filipino Manitoba Chapter – Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba was represented by Rey Robillos, Jr. who happened to be celebrating his birthday. Also present were the Filipino international students representing the Red River Mabuhay Club.

The meeting opened with a prayer from Pastor Andy Capesinio of Filipino Inter Church Federation. This was followed by a land acknowledgment by VP for Programming and Administration Gani Casalla, then a brief welcome from PHCM president Tita Perla Javate.

After enjoying a buffet lunch of steamed rice, pancit bihon, crispy pata, kare-kare and Max’s trademark fried chicken, there was a round of introductions of each attendee before proceeding with the following key items on the agenda:

  • Motion to approve the updated Constitution
  • Update about the ocular visit to the prospective venue for Philippine Independence Ball 2023
  • Creation of Filipino Heritage Month Committees and Committee Assignments
  • Announcements.

As the newly-appointed PHCM Secretary, Gen Navarro will be disseminating the minutes of the meeting to the members.

The meeting was adjourned around 3 pm, with Saturday, February 4 pegged as the tentative date for the next meeting. The venue will be announced in the coming days via email or through the PHCM Messenger thread.