On June 11 members of the Strathmore Filipino community will be marking their independence day, also known as Araw ng Kalayaan, or Day of Freedom at Kinsmen Park.

Annelyn Brissaw, President of the Strathmore Filipino Canadian Association explains that the event is open to the entire community and is a great chance for people to take part and view a showcase of the local Filipino community in Strathmore.

“This is our second time celebrating here in Strathmore. Because of COVID the previous years, we were not able to make it, so this will be the first time after COVID.” She explained that “We'd like people to know that we have a strong association here in town and as a way to show our appreciation, we would like this celebration to dedicate it to the town,” she said.

There will be a lunch and other festivities to celebrate Filipino culture, “This lunch will be our way of thanking the town for opening their arms to us and welcoming us as a minority in this town. This is a showcase of our culture showing this town what the culture and what the Philippines are all about,” she said.

“We are so thankful for the government and the Town of Strathmore for letting us show them our culture, show them what we are, and let them know about our diverse culture.”