Dear Distinguished Guests and Friends,
While we have hoped to join you at this year’s gala, my wife Melissa, gave birth to our beautiful twin girls recently – Amelia Rose and Nadia Gianna. As you are all suit up looking fabulous and elegant, I am at the comfort of my home watching my basketball game and having a beer, and spending time with my family.
As outgoing President of the MFBC, it is my honour to bring warm greetings to you all on behalf of the Filipino business community to our 6th Annual Awards Gala! We recognize and celebrate the rich and diverse talent of business people, entrepreneurs and special partners of the Filipino community.
This year is very special as we host our Gala at the beautiful Fairmont Winnipeg. We will celebrate our province’s rich Filipino heritage with special performances and Fairmont style Filipino food cuisine! I want to thank Drew Fisher, General Manager of Fairmont, whom I met with very early on the planning stages and who committed to a fantastic gala event at the Fairmont.
It is important to recognize that the Manitoba Filipino Business Council Inc. (MFBC) would not be present today if not for the support of our own community. The board of directors and benefactors who laid the foundation to achieve where we are today.
I still vividly remember MFBC’s launch in 2010 and from thereon I was involved with MFBC holding various board positions. With a growing population of over 80,000 people, the 3rd largest in the country, it is worth building a chamber of commerce for. My love and passion for the Filipino business community to thrive in Manitoba was and is my motivation.
To raise the business profile of the Filipinos. That is worth making time and sacrifices for, and which I did for almost 8 years as a board director. I am extremely proud of the people and various team that I have worked with. Of course, most especially the current board – Dale Voluntad, Jihan Aquino, Ray Mutuc, Valen Vergara, Jackie Wild and Lex Mariano. We accomplished a lot as a board and develop friendships along the way which I know for some will last for a lifetime. Thank you to each and every one of you.
I want to especially thank MFBC’s benefactors and partners whom I have worked with along the way and supported our organization – Holly Toupin, RBC; Larry Vickar, Vickar Auto Group; Tom Frohlinger and Gary Sarcida, PKF Lawyers, Pascal Belanger, Winnipeg Airports Authority; Ron Cantiveros, Filipino Journal; Chris Voogt, Canadian Western Bank; Marina James, Mariette Mulaire, Joelle Foster, Loren Remillard, and many others.
The talks continue with The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce and MFBC to collaborate and progress the idea of a united and diversified chamber movement. The Partnership Agreement in principle exists and is the future of MFBC becoming a full pledged chamber of commerce, with The Chamber’s support and various resources. This strategic vision and leadership coming to fruition means more valued-add for our existing and new members and patrons.
Lastly and on a personal note, I would like to thank my very supportive family, Melissa – my rock, and my munchkins – Noah, Amelia and Nadia, who gave me the strength, confidence and time to be able to fulfill the great honour and privilege to serve as board director and president of the MFBC. I am very proud to be part of the Filipino business community.
Thank you sharing this very special event with us and becoming a part of our MFBC family!
Maraming Salamat Po,
Hipolito Alibin Jr., CPA, CGA
