Philippine Chamber of Commerce Toronto celebrates silver milestone

The anniversary gala program, superbly hosted by Michele Serrano, event chair and PCCT auditor, started with the singing of the Philippines and Canada national anthems led by Celine Gray,  with opening remarks by Martin Lagman, PCCT 1st Vice-President, and an invocation by Marsal Drilon, PCCT Director, Special Projects. Current  PCCT  President, Steve Pagao  officially closed  the program with profound thanks  to all the Association’s generous sponsors, donors, guests, officers, members and gala committee chairs.

Honourable John McCallum, MP and Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, delivered the keynote address highlighting the Liberal government’s “enhanced policies on both trade and immigration” with continuing encouragement and challenges to Filipinos and their families. Special greetings were delivered by Philippine Consul Edna May Lazaro and Special Trade Commissioner Maria Roseni Alvero. Musical entertainment was provided by popular FilCan singers Martha Joy, Emilio Zarris and Josephine Mancini to the  delight and admiration of all the guests.

Inrecognition of excellent achievements and contributions of 7 remarkable Filipino leaders in the fields of arts, business, judicial, political and social endeavours , the Chamber awarded “Certificates of Excellence” to  Fiesta Filipina Dance Troupe President & Executive Director Estrellita Aguinaldo, Superior Court of Justice Hon. Steve Coroza,  FV Foods President & Owner Melchor Galeon,  Taste of Manila Chairman & Founder Rolando Mangante, World Financial Group Executive Vice-Chairman, Agnes Miranda, Rementilla Group of Companies Founder & Chair Dr. Francis Rementilla and former Niagara -on-the Lake Lord Mayor Arturo Viola.

The awards presenters include  PNB Remittance Co. president & CEO Manolo Arnaldo, PCCT  Director, Gemma Mendoza, IAdvertube President and CEO, Bill McConkey, TD Bank Manager, PCPM Founder Corrie Laraya-Coutts, Dr. & Mrs. Romeo Tan and Canadian “Franchise King” Michael Lublin.

Among the event special guests were some officers of the Turkish Canadian Chamber of Commerce-TCCC, the Canadian Tamil Chamber of Commerce -CTCC,  past PCCT presidents, Monina Lim-Serrano, Eddie Lee, Rubi Talavera, Mann Mancario and Oswald Tugadi and representatives PCCT’s anniversary  sponsors , Action Honda, Allstate Insurance, Ancop Canada, Blueprint Canada, Bodybliss, Empireone, FV Foods,  iAdvertube, Law Office of George Garvida, Metrocare Health Academy,RE / Max Willie Reodica & Robyn Reodica-Mangubat, Royal Bank of Canada, Dr. Romeo Tan Medical Clinic, Scotiabank, SmartRay, Sunlife Financial, TD Bank, Walter Roberts Insurance Brokers, and World Financial Group.

Formed in 1991, PCCT is a private, not-for-profit volunteer-driven business organization . It aims to “promote  business growth and community development” by representing “Filipino Canadian businesses in various industries” in Canada, especially in the Greater Toronto Area ( GTA). To achieve its mission, PCCT “encourages and promotes bilateral economic relations between Canada and the Philippines”, through partnerships with other business groups & chambers of commerce; leading trade missions to the mother country & other nations; sponsoring information sessions & business seminars; and hosting & guiding  trade, business and investment delegations from the Philippines.