Proceeds for reconstruction projects in Samar…
With the proceeds to build houses in one of the ravaged barangays in Samar, the four candidates for the Mrs. Phiippines Manitoba 2014 have accepted the challenge to be actively involved in the fund raising mandate of the Manitoba Council of Canadian Filipino Associations, Inc. (MaCCFA).
Introduced lately to the public in a very special way, the candidates include Zeny Calimlim, Mrs. OFSAM; Fely Paredes, Mrs. FILCASA; Gloria Magpali, Mrs. FIDWAM; and Precy Merluza, Mrs. QPAM.
“Proceeds to build a house is the reason why I joined this contest. My family commented that I am already old enough to join and when I told them the purpose, I got the green light. At least in a small way I can extend the hopes of our kababayans and increase their faiths towards other people that they are no alone”, Magpali said with a smile.
Zeny Calimlim said with inspiring voice, “It is a great feeling to help the victims of typhoon Haiyan and it is not the winning which I aimed for this beauty but the winning hearts of those who suffered most, even at the beginning of this contest we have won already.”
“After MaCCFA and QWPAM officials explained to me the purpose of this beauty contest, I decided to join and to extend whatever help I can. We are blessed here in Canada and by this contest, in our own special ways,and with the support of my family and friends, we will extending our helping hands to uplift the spirits from helplessness among the victims of the typhoon.” Precy Merluza said with an assuring voice.
Fely Paredes, in her simple way said:”Being a candidate for Mrs. Philippines Manitoba 2014 is one of the best way to share the graces we have been receiving here in Winnipeg; and I am inspired how the people opened their hearts and wallets to help our kababayans, and by raising funds this way will become a very memorable for me, for we have helped those who need most.”
Both Larry Vickar, CEO and president of Vickar Autogroup and MLA Melanie Wight commended the candidates for accepting the challenge; “I do highly commend and congratulate these four ladies who accepted to take part in this humanitarian effort, and I do feel the good with your intentions to help the less fortunate Filipinos.” Larry said during the event. Larry and his wife Tova together with the Transcona Rotarians have been involved in building houses in the Camiguin Islands, Philippines.
For Ms. Wight, MLA for Burrows, said: “I am moved by the ways these four lovely candidates expressed their willingness to open their hearts to help the victims of the super typhoon Haiyan by this event. I wish I could be a candidate, ” Wight excitedly impressed when she addressed the event.” And look at this beautiful set-up, very special, and I do congratulate the organizers, the candidates and the community, you’re such amazing people.”
This event is one of the mandates extended to help other people in the Philippines and in other countries by the officers and members of MaCCFA. MaCCFA and FCPTAM raised lately more than $50,000 for the Haiyan typhoon victims; and in the past years, both associations had raised more than $17,000 for Haiti earthquake victims. MaCCFA conducts a- year-round fund raising efforts for their HELPfund Calamity Fund.
“I know that Filipinos, especially in the Philippines and in some Filipino communities in Canada and the USA, are obsessed with many beauty pageants; but our Mrs. Philippines-Manitoba 2014, here in Winnipeg, is obsessed with charity,” said Rod E. Cantiveros, president of MaCCFA. “With these lovely candidates who answered the call to help others, we, the officers,members and supporters of MaCCFA are totally inspired to work hard for more funds for the reconstruction projects in Samar,” he added.
The MaCCFA officers and executive board members include Rod E. Cantiveros, president; Julie Javier, vice-president; Clarita Nazario, secretary; Florencio “Tony” Antonio, treasurer; Norman Padilla, internal auditor; Jun Oquendo, financial secretary; Rowena Oquendo, immediate past president; and Letty Antonio, as advisers.
The following associations and organizations are members of MaCCFA and these include OFSAM, Quezon Province Association of Manitoba (QPAM), Batangas Association, Bulacan Association, Lupao Assocaiton of Manitoba, Pangasinan Group of Manitoba and Teatro Filipino (Philippine Theatre Ensemble.)
MaCCFA is extending the heartfelt thank you to Justin Merluza, of Jut_In Couture who, for the short notice, the venue for the presentation of the Mrs. Philippines Manitoba 2014 magically became so special, a crowd drawer and pleaser; and to Aldrin and Miriam Deuna of Melon Balloons, to Jun Oquendo for music, to the management of Canad Inns, McPhillips, to the Filipino Journal, as media sponsor, and last but not least to our four candidates and their families; and to those who attended and enjoyed this special occasion.
For more information about MaCCFA and how to join this council, please feel free to phone Rod E. Cantiveros(204.489.8894); Tony and Letty Antonio (204.783.8820); Julie Javier (204.430.6113) Rowena and Jun Oquendo (204.283.0103) Clarita Nazario (204.694.6270) and Norman Padilla (204.230.7186)
Photos by Norman Padilla
