Philippine Consulate General in Calgary

WATCH: Message of the Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro on the International Day of the Seafarer

PR No. 26-2026
“SineMa 2026 celebrates Filipino Heritage through Film and Culture”

20 June 2026 - In celebration of the Philippine Heritage Month in Alberta, the Philippine Consulate General in Calgary, in collaboration with Fiesta Filipino, the National Music Centre, and Culturtain Musicat Productions Inc., held the 2nd Sine Mabuhay Calgary Multicultural Film Festival (SineMa 2026) at Studio Bell in downtown Calgary.

The festival commenced on 19 June 2026 with a reception as part of the celebration of the 128th Philippine Independence Day. It was attended by members of the Calgary Consular Corps, partner organizations, and Filipino-Canadian community organizations. Following the reception, guests were ushered into the film venue and were entertained by the Association of Kalinga Residents in Alberta (AKRA) group by performing a combination of Tachok, Salip and Banga dances before the screening of the featured documentary entitled “Treasure of the Rice Terraces”. The screening was followed by an engaging Q&A with Filipino-Canadian Director Kent Donguines. The discussion generated a diverse set of comments from both older and younger generations about cultural identity and heritage preservation.

On the second day, Fiesta Filipino presented a curated selection of short films by Filipino-Canadian film makers, including “Assembly,” a documentary highlighting community efforts to protect Alberta’s natural environment; “The Boxing Ring,” a coming-of-age story exploring identity, family expectations, and self-discovery; “Roots to Table,” which followed a second-generation Filipino-Canadian chef’s journey of reconnecting with his heritage through food; and “Nasaan,” a moving reflection on family, music, and the shared experiences of the Filipino diaspora. Together, the short films offered diverse perspectives on belonging, culture, and community.

The festival concluded with a complimentary screening of the award-winning Filipino musical film “Ang Larawan”, a fitting finale for an event hosted at Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre. Prior to the screening, FlipSide Theatre Collective, a local Filipino-Canadian youth theatre company, performed an excerpt of their upcoming musical production.

By showcasing Filipino stories and performances on a multicultural platform, the festival strengthened the Filipino brand as an integral part of Calgary’s multicultural landscape. Overall, SineMa 2026 fulfilled its objectives of celebrating the Philippine Heritage Month by encouraging Filipino-Canadians, especially the younger generation, the importance of maintaining connections to one’s roots and taking pride in their cultural heritage. END

PR No. 24-2026
“Calgary PCG holds a Flag-Raising Ceremony to commemorate the 128th Anniversary of Philippine Independence”

12 June 2026 - In celebration of the 128th Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence, the Philippine Consulate General in Calgary and the Government of Alberta held a Flag-raising Ceremony at the historic McDougall Centre in downtown Calgary.

The raising of the Philippine flag at one of Alberta’s principal government facilities underscored the province’s longstanding recognition of the Filipino community, whose contributions to Alberta’s economic, cultural, and civic life were formally acknowledged through the proclamation of June as Philippine Heritage Month in the province in 2018.

Despite the inclement weather, members of the Filipino community, government officials, and guests gathered to mark the occasion. The ceremony proceeded with the singing of the Philippine and Canadian national anthems by Ms. Sofia Illaina Madeline Vista, accompanied by two Filipino-Canadian members of the Alberta Sheriffs Branch.

Among those in attendance were Speaker of the Alberta Legislative Assembly Hon. Ric McIver, Associate Minister Muhammad Yaseen, MLA Kathleen Ganley, Member of Parliament Blake Richards, and Member of Parliament Greg McLean. The Premier of Alberta, the Hon. Danielle Smith, also graced the occasion, taking time to meet members of the Filipino community and other attendees.

More than one hundred guests from across Alberta participated in the ceremony, reflecting the vibrant presence of the Filipino community throughout the province.

In her remarks, Consul General Emma Sarne expressed appreciation to the Government of Alberta for its continued support of multiculturalism and inclusion, and thanked the Filipino community in Alberta and Saskatchewan for serving as bridges of friendship and understanding between the Philippines and Canada.

“As we commemorate the 128th anniversary of Philippine Independence, we also celebrate the contributions of Filipino-Canadians who continue to enrich the social, cultural, and economic life of the province of Alberta. Through their hard work, service, and community leadership, they strengthen the enduring friendship between our two countries,” Consul General Sarne said. She also added, “Let us also celebrate not only the freedom won for us by our forebearers, but also the responsibility we share to preserve these freedoms, opportunities, and values that independence made possible.”

As the Filipino diaspora continues to thrive, celebrations such as this ensure that the legacy of heroes who valiantly fought for Philippine independence remains cherished and passed on to future generations.

Following the ceremony, attendees gathered for fellowships and refreshments provided by Jollibee. END