An idea that has been floating around for awhile now has finally come to fruition with the successful convening of the fledgling Filipino Anglers Association of Manitoba (FAAM). May 3rd, 2017 marks the start of what we envision will become a positive Filipino-Canadian community resource and social catalyst for thousands of anglers in our province.
I must mention that right out of the gate, we have already received tremendous support. Vickar Ford at 2000 Main Street was kind enough to host our initial gathering of seventeen active and dedicated fishing enthusiasts. Hot Rod’s Filipino Grill which is located right inside the dealership sponsored the meeting cooking up delicious pansit and pandesal for all who attended. My kuya Glen Pagaduan who manages the very popular new Starbucks at Main & Murray supplied fresh coffee for everyone. Rapala Canada and Kickerfish.ca donated various fishing gear and apparel to give away as draw prizes. And special thanks as well to Ron and The Filipino Journal as he pledged to support the association with his experience and media exposure for our initiative.
As many of you reading this already know, sport fishing is ingrained in our local Fil-Can culture. It is a positive pastime and hobby that families, friends, and groups can enjoy together in the outdoors. With the new FAAM organization, we hope to provide a central hub where anglers can exchange and learn new fishing knowledge, stay in the loop with current information, and share fishing stories and pictures. We want to create opportunities to participate in fun activities such as online photo contests, family-oriented fishing outings, serious angling excursions, and cooking fish seminar get-togethers.
Our mandate will also be based on conservation minded and educational guidelines. We plan to encourage and teach things such as proper fish handling techniques, outlining provincial angling regulations, and respect for the environment.
Ideas were brainstormed at the meeting about organizing a shore fishing derby, ice fishing derby, participation in the Manitoba Filipino Street Festival, and supporting various existing Filipino association fishing derbies and events.
Some of the items agreed upon by everyone in attendance were setting the membership fee at $30. A membership includes an individual and their spouse and children under 16 if applicable. Some benefits of being a member are access to the member’s only FAAM Facebook page, as yet to be determined popular fishing magazine annual subscription, and a sales discount at participating businesses retailers. Meetings were agreed to occur approximately every 3 months during a weekday and would be comprised of teaching workshops, guest speakers, swap meets, and general socializing amongst like minded angling enthusiasts. Also unanimously agreed upon is that FAAM is open to memberships from any and all people and not exclusive to only persons of ethnic Filipino descent.
Stay tuned for much more information about the next FAAM meeting and how to get involved. In the meantime if anyone has any questions please contact me anytime at eric.onthe.red@gmail.com
