This was an Independence Day that we will never forget. Last June 11, 2023, hundreds of Pinoys from all over the National Capital Region, with some guests from New Brunswick gathered at the Capital Memorial Gardens for the 125th Philippine Independence Day picnic. Organized by the Philippine Independence Day Committee of the Ottawa Valley (PICOV), the picnic kicked off with a parade of colours, with representation from Filipino organizations and Welcome Remarks by the PICOV Chairperson, Nora Arriola, followed by the inspiring message of the Philippine Ambassador to Canada, the Honorable Andrelita S. Austria. The festivities did not just stop there! The event was sponsored by various Filipino businesses and organizations, including the Philippine Centre Canada – Ottawa, which provided members of the Pinoy community a chance to connect with others. The festivities continued with the afternoon entertainment and a Battle of The Bands. Throughout the event, attendees were treated to afternoon entertainment of live bands and musical performances. Guests were able to enjoy the competition among talented performers while sampling varieties of delicious Filipino cuisine. The day was truly a chance for the Filipino-Canadian community to come together and celebrate the Filipino’s vibrant culture, expressed through the costumes, music and food. At the end of the day, the members of the Pinoy community left the Capital Memorial Gardens with a heart full of power and pride to be part of this historical event. May we all continue to celebrate with patriotism the country that we proudly call our original home.

We look forward to a bigger celebration for the 126th Philippine Independence Picnic in 2024!