On September 1, 2024 at Parliament Hill, history was made as PLACA Chair Sgt. Philip Mendoza (Ret.) and Mr. Eduardo Villarta, Chair of KaMPi-Ca [left], officially sealed a groundbreaking partnership to bring the FIRST-EVER Fun Philippines Ottawa Food and Music Festival to life in May 2025. Surrounded by prominent Filipino community, long-time leaders Teresa Torralba, Exec.Director of Philippine Legacy and Cultural Alliance (PLACA), Chit Villanueva, Vice-Pres. of Ottawa Valley Filipino Canadian Senior Citizens Association (OVFCSCA), Danny Arriola, Founder/Pres. of Philippine Dance Troupe of Ottawa (PDTO), and Nora Arriola, Chairperson of Philippine Independent Committee of Ottawa Valley (PICOV), stood as witnesses to this monumental moment, marking the beginning of a vibrant Philippine cultural celebration that Fun Philippines will bring to the National Capital Region of Canada.

In a landmark collaboration aimed at celebrating and amplifying Filipino culture in Canada, the Philippine Legacy and Cultural Alliance (PLACA) and Kultura at Musika ng Pilipino sa Canada (KaMPi-CA) are thrilled to announce their partnership to co-organize the FIRST-EVER Fun Philippines Ottawa Food and Music Festival in May 2025. This highly anticipated street festival will bring together the vibrant flavours and rhythms of the Philippines in Canada’s National Capital Region. The exact dates and venue for the festival will be announced soon.

The alliance between PLACA and KaMPi-CA marks a significant moment in the cultural landscape, merging their expertise and passion to create an unforgettable experience for the Ottawa community and beyond. The festival promises to showcase the rich and diverse heritage of the Philippines through a variety of culinary delights and musical performances that reflect the essence of Filipino culture, while also championing Canada’s strength in diversity.

Key Highlights of the Fun Philippines Ottawa Food and Music Festival:
Culinary Delights: Attendees will enjoy a wide range of authentic Filipino dishes from various food vendors, featuring both renowned chefs and local culinary talents. The festival will offer everything from beloved street food to gourmet creations, showcasing a delicious diversity of Filipino cuisine.
Musical and Dance Spectacle: The festival will feature non-stop live performances by Filipino artists, bands, and performers, offering a dynamic mix of traditional and contemporary music and dance genres that reflect the Philippines’ vibrant entertainment landscape.
Cultural Presentations: Colourful and expressive folk dances and vibrant parades, will move through the festival grounds, celebrating the Philippines as a land of fiestas, a cherished tradition at the heart of Filipino culture.
Cultural Exhibitions: The festival will present a rich array of cultural displays, showcasing traditional arts and crafts. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in interactive activities designed to deepen their understanding of Filipino traditions and heritage.

PLACA and KaMPi-CA are committed to fostering cultural understanding and appreciation through this festival, creating an inclusive platform for the Filipino Canadian community in Canada’s National Capital Region and for festivalgoers to connect and celebrate together.

Sgt. Philip Mendoza (Ret.), Chair of PLACA, expressed his excitement about the collaboration, stating, “We are incredibly excited to join forces with the very forward-thinking KaMPi-CA for this groundbreaking event. The Fun Philippines Ottawa Food and Music Festival is a testament to the strength of our community and our shared dedication to celebrating the beautiful Filipino culture. We can’t wait to share this vibrant experience with Ottawa.”

Eddie Villarta, President of KaMPi-CA, acknowledged, “Partnering with the well-regarded PLACA to bring this festival to life is a dream come true. Our goal is to create an event that not only entertains but also educates and enriches the cultural tapestry of our city. We’re also thrilled about the economic benefits that Fun Philippines Ottawa will bring to our city. Watch out for more details on what promises to be an extraordinary celebration!”

The Fun Philippines Ottawa Food and Music Festival is set to be a landmark event, and both organizations are working tirelessly to ensure it delivers an exceptional experience. Stay tuned for updates on the festival dates and venue and join us in celebrating Filipino culture in Ottawa!

For Media Inquiries:
Contacts:
Teresa Torralba
Executive Director
Philippine Legacy and Cultural Alliance (PLACA)
Email: funphiltoronto@gmail.com
Website: placa.ca and funphilippinestoronto.com

Jerica Gelle Mariano
Public Relations Director
Kultura at Musika ng Pilipino sa Canada (KaMPi-CA)
Email: jerica.mariano@fcsedi.ca