Photo by Jonathan Kozub NHLI, Winnipeg Jets
It was a special moment for four outstanding Winnipegers at the 2nd Annual Winnipeg Jets Filipino Heritage Night at centre ice for the ceremonial puck drop. Larissa Pagdato, Jordy Wyant Hanna Pagdato, who recently clinched bronze for Team Philippines at the Union women’s ice hockey tournament in the United Arab Emirates. Gil Buenaventura, the Executive Director of Magdaragat Philippines, and Folklorama’s Pearl of the Orient Pavilion.
Winnipeg Jets 2nd Annual Filipino Heritage Night
The Winnipeg Jets hosted their second annual Filipino Heritage Night, a vibrant celebration of Winnipeg’s significant Filipino community, on Saturday, Jan. 13, against the Philadelphia Flyers. This event, marking the presence of Canada’s third-largest Filipino community, was a festive showcase of Filipino culture, cuisine, and collaborative efforts within the community.
It was a special moment for four outstanding Winnipegers at the 2nd Annual Winnipeg Jets Filipino Heritage Night at centre ice for the ceremonial puck drop. Larissa Pagdato, Jordy Wyant Hanna Pagdato, who recently clinched bronze for Team Philippines at the Union women’s ice hockey tournament in the United Arab Emirates. Gil Buenaventura, the Executive Director of Magdaragat Philippines, and Folklorama’s Pearl of the Orient Pavilion.
Ma-Buhay!, co-created by Joseph Sevillo and Rainbow Stage sang the US and Canadian national anthems. Ma-Buhay!, co-created by Joseph Sevillo and Rainbow Stage. Ma-Buhay! will bring a fusion of pop/hip-hop music, integrating both English and Tagalog lyrics into their lively choreography.
Cultural entertainment was provided by Magdaragat Philippines, hosts of Folklorama’s Pearl of the Orient Pavilion.
On-ice projections during the game were digital media elements created by students from Sisler High School’s CREATE program. This entertainment arts training program showcases the creativity and skills of local students, contributing a digital flair to the night’s festivities.
Enhancing the in-game experience, Jets gameday hosts collaborated with local radio personalities Donna Natividad-Arenas (CKJS 92.7) and Tyler Magnaye (Virgin Radio) introducing elements of Tagalog into the presentation, further emphasizing the evening’s theme.
The culinary aspect at Canada Life Centre concessions will feature beloved Filipino dishes. The menu includes pork and vegetable lumpia rolls, a unique Filipino Jet Dog topped with sweet and sour shrimp, chicken adobo skewers, a sesame soy chicken rice bowl, and the sweet treat of turon – a caramelized banana dessert spring roll.
Another special moment was the First Shift hockey players taking to the ice in the first intermission. The Apna/Jets Bauer First Shift program in collaboration with Apna Hockey, has introduced over 120 kids, many of Filipino heritage, to hockey, providing them with full equipment and training from Apna Hockey instructors. This initiative is a part of True North’s commitment to expanding hockey at the grassroots level.
In a charitable gesture, six limited edition, autographed Winnipeg Jets Filipino Heritage jerseys were up for silent auction at the game. The proceeds will support various Filipino organizations and Filipino youth hockey initiatives. These jerseys, featuring a unique Filipino Heritage logo designed by Jonato Dalayoan and Marc Gomez, will also be available online for auction.
Photo credit:
Jonathan Kozub and Darcy Finley, NHLI / Winnipeg Jets
Ron Cantiveros, Mike Macaraeg, Star Roxas and Danny Truong, Filipino Journal
