FilCom in Toronto holds Santacruzan

Toronto, Canada— The Makabansang Unifikasyon ng Guardians Brotherhood International Inc. (MUGBII), a patriotic organization dedicated to serve Filipino-Canadian community in Canada and the Philippines, has successfully commemorated the “Santacruzan 2025”, with a theme “Embracing Culture and Tradition-Santacruzan”.

MUGBII, with over 45 members in Toronto alone, has started hosting this event since last year and being attended by hundreds from the Filipino-Canadian community. In 2021, Toronto’s population included approximately 192,000 individuals of Filipino descent, making up 6.2 percent of the city’s total population.

MUGBII chairman Mariolito “Ala Eh” Perez, in his speech during the event, said he’s grateful for the continued cooperation of the Filipino-Canadian community in Toronto. “United as One. Mabuhay ang MUGBII. Mabuhay ang mga Filipino-Canadian community,” Perez said, citing the tremendous support they are getting for the success of the organization’s activities, including this year’s Santacruzan.

During the event held in the Korean Canadian Cultural Center in York, Ontario, Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for York Centre Michael Kerzner has presented a special plaque of recognition for MUGBII’s Santacruzan 2025.

Kerzner said “we would like to congratulate you and your continued excellence in your field, helping to showcase the rich Filipino culture and heritage in Toronto. Our diversity remains our greatest strength.”

“Santacruzan is so much more than just a parade, it’s a vibrant expression of Filipino faith, tradition and community and commemorates Queen Helena’s sacred journey and marks the beautiful culmination of the Flores de Mayo,” Kerzner pointed out.

Consul Rodney Jonas L. Sumague of the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto, on the other hand, echoed Kerzner’s thoughts, noting that “Santacruzan ay isang magandang paraan para ipakita at payabungin ang ating makulay na kultura dito sa Canada.”

Photo Source: MUGBII - Cornelio Gindap