An active member of the Filipino community, Paul Ong has once again made fellow kababayans proud after he received CBC Manitoba’s Future 40 award, a recognition that honors outstanding young Manitobans who are 40 years old or under and making a difference in their communities. This year, CBC highlighted 10 shining stars who bring success, innovation, accomplishment, and charity to the communities. Paul is happy to have represented the Asian-Canadian community and the good things it does through this recognition.
FJ: How does CBC Manitoba’s Future 40 award impact your advocacies for the community?
“It makes me feel thankful to be recognized for the work we have been doing out of passion and a strong belief in what we do- what a bonus! This award was not achieved on my own, and is a result of the community support that has allowed me to use my gift, and transform it into a platform to create a collective community engagement to make a positive impact in the community through the performing arts.”
FJ: What other positive changes do you see yourself doing for the community in the future?
We are starting a conversation for our 10th Concert for a Cause in 2024. More exciting details to come once the 2023 concert is done. In addition, we are planning to start our endowment fund which will allow charitable giving for perpetuity. This will hopefully be up and running by early 2023.
FJ: You said that moving to Canada made your purposeful dream come true, what advice can you give to those who want to make a positive impact on the community like you?
First, remember that every act of kindness and positivity makes a difference. There is no such thing as a big or small act of kindness. If we can make a positive impact and inspire an individual to pay it forward, then we are able to hold a community that supports one another.
Second, find your purpose and pursue it. Canada is a place where most opportunities are equitable and accessible to everyone who is willing to work hard to achieve their goals. I feel very privileged to be given the opportunity to use my gift as a platform for social change. This is only possible through the support of the community and it makes me feel that I have fulfilled my purpose as a singer and a community member.
And lastly, be thankful and give back. Gratitude is great, but acting on it and giving back is something we need to do more of. Through spreading acts of kindness that stem from a place of gratitude, not only are we able to help others, but we are also able to inspire and empower them.
Currently, Paul is busy working on his Annual Concert for a Cause with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra slated for April 29, 2023, at the Calvary Temple. This concert which he has been doing since 2015 has raised nearly $100,000 for local charities like the Sistema Winnipeg which is again the beneficiary of next year’s concert.
The other Future 40 awardees are: Dr. Melanie Lalonde, Tracie Leost, Ben Carr, Dr. Brett Houston, Dr. Kaarina Kowalec, Rylee Nepinak, Dustin Murdock, Joseph Chaeban and Filiz Koksel
To know more about them, check out https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/community/future-40-mb-1.6595982
