SASKATOON — The Philippine Pavilion will be missed at this year’s Saskatoon Folkfest, after the Filipino-Canadian Association of Saskatchewan (FILCAS) opted not to participate in the festivities tentatively set for the third weekend of August.
The Philippines has been one of two pavilions that have been part of the annual summer event since its inception in 1979, showcasing Philippine culture and heritage through dances, songs, art, language and traditional dishes.
The FILCAS board, in a statement sent to SaskToday, said it had hosted the two Philippine pavilions for 45 years, and the province’s 40,000-strong Filipino community should be proud of that legacy. There are an estimated 13,000 Filipinos residing in Saskatoon.
The statement explained that the direction in which Saskatoon Folkfest organizers are heading is the reason why FILCAS decided not to participate in this year’s festival, one of the city's most popular and widely anticipated summer events.
“Although we are disappointed, we remain committed to our mission and will continue to serve you through various cultural events and initiatives throughout the year,” said FILCAS.
FILCAS added it will take this opportunity to refresh and reimagine ideas to improve the Filipino community’s participation. The group said it looks forward to joining and working with the Saskatoon FolkFest organizers again next year.
FILCAS thanked all the volunteers, the Kumintang Dance Ensemble, entertainers, sponsors, vendors and the thousands who attended the Philippine Pavilion each year to learn more about the Philippines.
“FILCAS encourages everyone to continue supporting the various cultural celebrations that help make Saskatoon the beautiful, diverse and vibrant community that it is today,” the statement concluded.
