The PCCT (Premiere Philippine Chamber of Commerce-Toronto) anniversary gala program hosted by Michele Serrano, event chair and PCCT auditor, started with the singing of the Philippines and Canada national anthems led by Celine Gray, followed with the opening remarks by Martin Lagman, PCCT 1st Vice-President, and an invocation by Marsal Drilon, PCCT Director, Special Projects. Current PCCT President, Steve Pagao aptly invited guests to the dance floors by officially closing the portion of the program with profound thanks and acknowledgements 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 Senior Trade Commissioner Maria Roseni "Nini" Alvero (Global FWN100™ '16). Musical entertainment was provided by popular FilCan singers Martha Joy, Emilio Zarris and Josephine Mancini to the delight and admiration of all the guests.
7 remarkable Filipino leaders in the fields of arts, business, judicial, political and social endeavours were awarded "Certificates of Excellence" which included the 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.
About Philippine Chamber of Commerce - Toronto (PCCT):
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 and other nations; sponsoring information sessions & business seminars; and hosting & guiding trade, business and investment delegations from the Philippines.
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