Featured Country at Klondike Days 2002
By Noreen S. Berkes
Something wonderful is happening this summer at the Northlands Agricom! Through the ingenuity, dedication, and hard work of a handful
of Edmontonians, visitors to the Klondike 2002 will be transported to an
exciting place in scenic Philippines.
Preparations are in full swing for this year's Philippine cultural, historical, and business trade fair. Dick Wong, Executive Director of the Mabuhay Pilipinas 2002 organizing committee, has paved the way for our local community to make this gigantic task a reality and a success.
With the help of Tita Vasquez, Isabelita Wheeler and Terry Surtida, the
committee has made great strides in planning and creating a show that will
be totally unique and extraordinary.
Artists, musicians, businesses, and government leaders from the Philippines
will participate in the 10day event that will feature our cuisine, music.
culture, and Philippine-made products, among others.
Father Shay Cullen, Nobel Peace Prize nominee for 2001 and recipient of
the German government's Human Rights Award 2001, has communicated his desire
to bring products made by the PREDA Foundation in Olongapo City, and his
popular theatre group, to Edmonton.
LINGAP has volunteered to prepare and set up the educational, cultural, and
historical display.
The project has met with great enthusiasm from the Filipino community in
Calgary and elsewhere in Alberta. In a meeting with community leaders in
Calgary in early February, Dick Wong was assured of their support and
cooperation. He also met with the Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines,
Robert Collette, who expressed his excitement over the project.
Mr. Collette has promised to speak with government and business leaders
in the Philippines, and encourage their participation.
Meanwhile, in Edmonton, Dick has met with businesses and community leaders
to drum up local support and cooperation.
For his part, Honorary Consul-General Wilf Ladores has met with the leaders
of Philippine-Edmonton associations to answer questions regarding the fair
and what roles they expect to play.
There are many ways to get involved. Business can set up booths to display
and sell their Philippine-made products. Groups and individuals who want to
be a part of the 10-day entertainment can audition and submit their tapes. You can send information and encourage businesses from your
hometown to participate by bringing or sending their products to the show.
You can invite your families and friends from across the country to
visit Edmonton to see the exhibit.
You can sign up to be a volunteer.
You and your organizations can assist the planning committee financially by
getting donors, sponsors, or patrons for the event.
If you are interested in becoming involved, please contact Dick Wong or Tita
Vasquez at (780) 420-6768 or 780 429-9038 Fax: 780 429-9651, E-mail:
mabuhay2002@hotmail.com
