'Like my second home': The Pearl of the Orient Philippines pavilion at Folkorama
Manitoba's favourite ethno cultural event is back as Folklorama returns in full force, with 40 pavilions showcasing cultures from around the world over the next two weeks.
At the Pearl of the Orient Philippine pavilion, 364 Dufferin Avenue, performers have been rehearsing non-stop in preparation for the thousands of expected attendees this week.
"We're going to be performing different dances from different regions of the Philippines," said Tayea Malaya, "Every suite represents a different region and each dance has a story behind it."
Malaya, 17, has been involved with Folklorama from a young age. She said it has helped her learn about Filipino culture.
"I don’t think I would have learned as much if I wasn't part of the group," she said. "To me this is like my second home."
Caroline Calitis works with the pavilion's production team, helping choreograph dance routines and teaching them to children.
She also became involved with Folklorama as a child in the 1980s. Calitis said the festival has helped her connect with her heritage.
"I was born in Canada so this was my first taste of the Philippines because I had never had a chance to go back," she said. "So I think it's great for me as a Filipino to learn about my own culture in Canada."
In the kitchen, cooks busily worked on barbeque pork skewers, sautéed noodles, and other Phillipine delicacies. The pavilion bar features tapioca punch and a number of imported Filipino beers.
Malaya said there's something for everyone at the Pearl of the Orient Philippine pavilion. "Lots of exciting dances, lots of intense music, lots of storylines as well and good food."
She said Folklorama is her favourite time of year. "To be able to represent my culture - and my family before me - is really important to me."
Week one of Folklorama wraps up Saturday, August 12, 2023.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Iran President Ebrahim Raisi found dead at helicopter crash site, state media says
Iranian president, the country’s foreign minister and others have been found dead at the site of a helicopter crash Monday after a search through a foggy, mountainous region of the country’s northwest.
The push to Parliament's summer hiatus is about to begin, here's what you need to know
When MPs file back in to the House of Commons on Tuesday, it will be for the final five-week parliamentary push before hitting the barbecue circuit. Looking ahead to what could be a raucous rush to the summer hiatus, CTVNews.ca spoke with top House representatives to get a sense of what's atop their priority list.
ICC prosecutor seeks arrest warrant for Israeli and Hamas leaders, including Netanyahu
The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court said Monday he is seeking arrest warrants for Israeli and Hamas leaders, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in connection with their actions during the seven-month war.
What do we know so far about the mysterious crash of the helicopter carrying Iran's president?
The apparent crash of a helicopter carrying Iran's president and foreign minister on Sunday sent shock waves around the region.
Stittsville residents seeking answers as bylaw cracks down on street basketball nets
Stittsville residents on Kearnsley Way are seeking answers after an unusual bylaw crackdown on Friday. Every home with a basketball net received a ticket instructing homeowners to remove their nets from the road.
Court eases internet restrictions for Sask. man who matched with a 15-year-old girl on Tinder
A Saskatchewan man who had a sexual encounter with a 15-year-old girl he met on Tinder successfully appealed to shorten release conditions barring him from online dating.
'A horrible way to start the summer': 3 killed in serious boat crash on lake north of Kingston, Ont.
Three people were killed and five others were injured Saturday night following a boat crash on the Buck Bay area of Bobs Lake, north of Kingston, Ont., the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) said.
Michael Cohen to face more grilling as Trump's hush money trial enters its final stretch
Donald Trump's hush money trial is heading into the final stretch, with prosecutors' last and star witness back on the stand Monday for more grilling before the former president's lawyers get their chance to put on a case.
Walmart, Costco refusing to sign grocery code of conduct 'untenable': industry minister
Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne says it's 'untenable' for 'smaller players' like Walmart and Costco to delay signing on to the government- and industry-led grocery code of conduct, now that industry giant Loblaw has agreed to do so.