INSIGHT INTO THE FUN PHILIPPINES EXPERIENCE

Fun Philippines Toronto Food & Music Festival is your gateway to Filipino culture at its best.

A three-day festival showcasing the best of Filipino culture highlighting its colourful cuisine, melodious cultural music, native arts and crafts, and world class entertainment celebrated with Filipino warmth and hospitality.

Visitors will savor the vibrant flavors of Filipino-inspired cuisine served at lively food booths. Indulge in a culinary journey with delectable dishes like adobo, lumpia, and halo-halo, celebrating the rich tapestry of Filipino flavors and culinary traditions.

The festival weekend promises double the excitement with two cultural parades and community group dancing each day. Prepare to be captivated by the vibrant displays and lively rhythms. Make sure to participate and immerse yourself fully in the festivities—it's an experience you won't want to miss!

Experience the enchanting beauty of Philippine dance with the acclaimed Culture Philippines Ontario. They will dazzle the crowd with a one-hour cultural dance presentation, showcasing the vibrant traditions and artistry that embody Filipino culture. Audience will be captivated by the energy and passion of Culture Philippines Ontario and Folklorico dancers as they share the rich heritage of the Philippines through their stunning performances.

Art enthusiasts will be treated to an array of visual delights at the festival. The Philippine Artist Group of Toronto proudly presents public exhibitions, showcasing vibrant artworks. Explore a heritage exhibit featuring intricate Philippine symbols, including a stunning, life-size replica of the endangered Philippine Eagle, boasting an impressive 8-foot wingspan.

Film enthusiasts can indulge in a curated selection of Filipino films, spotlighting famous actors and iconic titles. Presented by TFC, experience cinematic excellence and immerse yourself in the rich storytelling and cultural depth of Philippine cinema at the festival.

Get hands-on at the festival's dynamic workshops! Dive into the art of basket weaving and craft your own intricate designs. Unleash creativity with Parol making, mastering the traditional Filipino lantern. Join us for interactive sessions celebrating craftsmanship and cultural heritage—where learning meets creativity in a festive atmosphere!

Prepare to be enchanted by the musical extravaganza featuring exceptionally talented artists from the Filipino community. Get ready for an unforgettable musical experience as Fun Philippines celebrates the 50th anniversary of OPM live in Toronto with the original Manila Sound composer and original band member, Mon Torralba, of the iconic Hotdog Band.

TFC presents “Happy Hour” with a stellar lineup of legendary OPM artists Ogie Alcasid and the iconic Zsa Zsa Padilla, and the electrifying boyband BGYO. It's a weekend filled with unforgettable moments for Filipino fans, celebrating their favorite artists in a star-studded showcase of talent and passion.

The festival programs and activities are created to accommodate and energize an audience of all ages and groups.

We are focused on bringing together Filipino artists, entrepreneurs, and cultural groups of various traditions from Canada, the U.S.A. and the Philippines, to showcase the Philippines. The main goal is to develop a deep appreciation and genuine admiration of the Filipino culture and its people.

FUN PHILIPPINES TORONTO FOOD AND MUSIC FESTIVAL is co-produced by the Philippine Legacy and Cultural Alliance (PLACA) and Harbourfront Centre.
 

FESTIVAL THEME

The Philippines is known as Asia’s Pearl of the Orient Seas because of the richness of its culture and majestic landscape. The Philippines is home to warm and hospitable people and the legendary Filipino hospitality has become a trademark known worldwide.

Just as the Philippines comprises 7107 islands amid the Pacific Ocean (and China Sea), Harbourfront Centre sits in Canada's premier waterfront on Lake Ontario. The metaphors on water, tides and earth’s vital nature have great impact and definition in our community lives back in the homeland and now in our adopted country - Canada. As such, our theme for this year is “Experience Philippines: Pearl of the Orient Seas”.
 

ABOUT HARBOURFRONT CENTRE

It is Canada’s leading destination for contemporary culture, the place where creative thinking thrives, ideas are shared, and the next generation of artistic talent is nurtured.

Harbourfront Centre is an international centre for contemporary arts, culture and ideas, and a registered, charitable not-for-profit cultural organization operating a 10-acre campus on Toronto’s central waterfront. Harbourfront Centre provides year-round programming 52 weeks a year, seven days a week, supporting a wide range of artists and communities. We inspire audiences and visitors with a breadth of bold, ambitious and engaging experiences. We champion contemporary Canadian artists throughout their careers, presenting them alongside international artists and fostering national and international artistic exchange between disciplines and cultures.
 

ABOUT PHILIPPINE LEGACY AND CULTURAL ALLIANCE (PLACA)

Philippine Legacy and Cultural Alliance (PLACA) is an Ontario-registered non-profit organization founded in January 2019 by a group of cultural-minded individuals, entrepreneurs, artists, and community advocates.

PLACA is proud of its passionate volunteer base and committed community partners. It constantly creates meaningful ways to engage members of the community to work well together and impress upon fairness, recognition and inclusivity.

For more information, please visit www.placa.ca
 

ABOUT FUN PHILIPPINES FOOD AND MUSIC FESTIVAL

In July 2022, PLACA presented its hallmark event, popularly known as FUN PHILIPPINES TORONTO STREET FESTIVAL, staged at the 1 km stretch of Bathurst St. from Wilson Ave to Laurelcrest Ave., in North York, Ontario. A two-day street festival celebrated with Filipino warmth and hospitality; Fun Philippines has become a gateway to Filipino culture at its best. Its inaugural festival attracted over 200K attendees over the weekend. In July 2023, Fun Philippines was attended by no less than the Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, and newly minted Mayor of Toronto, Olivia Chow.

This year marks a significant shift for Fun Philippines as it relocates to downtown's Harbourfront Centre, departing from its roots in Little Manila, North York. This move has garnered attention and underscores PLACA's bold initiative to introduce the festival to a wider audience, backed by a strong and steadfast support from the Filipino community. The goal is to enhance the reputation and elevate the standing of the Filipino festivals in Canada, fostering a deeper sense of cultural pride and unity.

For more information, please visit www.funphilippinestoronto.com


CONTACT INFORMATION:
Teresa M. Torralba
Executive Director, PLACA
Overall Festival Director, FUN PHILIPPINES
Tel: 647-718-1360
Email: funphiltoronto@gmail.com

Sgt. Philip Mendoza (Ret.)
Chair, PLACA
Deputy Festival Director, FUN PHILIPPINES
Tel: 647-867-2324
Email: philplacaboard2023@gmail.com

Office Address:
3768 Bathurst Street, Unit 207
North York, ON M3H 3M7