My family and I have been invited to attend the second annual Filipino-Canadian Year-End Celebration at the RMSS (Ridge Meadows Senior Society) Activity Centre in Maple Ridge, BC, and it sure turned to be a very successful event. It was my pleasure to have been able to provide the guests with Latin dance lessons, one of the services I offer as owner of Markond International. Markond International offers Latin dance lessons and musical theatre classes, among others.
Organized by Liza Schroers, this annual celebration is a gathering of former and present concerned caregivers who, after their very busy work schedules during the year, come together to share their experiences, goals and aspirations, and simply inspire one another to keep going no matter how difficult it could be to live away from their loved ones. These caregivers leave behind their husbands, wives, children, parents, siblings, or immediate families to come to Canada to work as caregivers.
I was invited to teach basic Latin dance and it was a pleasure being able to also speak about musical theatre.
Committee member, Acel de Guzman, with overall event organizer, Liza Schroers (right).
Great job, ladies!
The event started at 6 PM with a short program, a lot of games, overflowing food, raffle draws and dancing. The highlight of the program was a song performed by all caregivers entitled, “Sa Araw ng Pasko”. I am not particularly familiar with this song but it is very appropriate for caregivers or any Filipino who works away from his family. It was a very touching rendition and though I have never been a caregiver, the song brought to mind the families that we have left behind such as my wonderful parents-in-law who I love so very much, and my loving brothers and sisters and their families who I terribly miss. With this void in our lives, I definitely could relate to the song.
I was invited to show some basic Latin dance lessons and variations and I thought that Cha cha cha would be a good start. It was definitely enjoyed by all those who have participated and the pleasure was mine, as well! People danced till midnight and once again, I enjoyed the night dancing with either my husband, Raffy, or my youngest daughter, Ria, who is fast becoming a great dancer and teacher herself.
Filipina past and present caregivers render a very touching Christmas song, "Sa Araw ng Pasko", that speaks of one's loneliness during Christmas in the absence of loved ones. I am not particularly familiar with the song but anyone who has left a loved one in the Philippines will truly relate to this song.
Free Style Dust is fast becoming a favorite among DJs or music providers. Managed by James, this great tandem of music makers made possible an endless night of dance and music!
Interested parties, please contact James at 604-339-4659.
According to organizer, Liza Schroers, this event will be held annually and is open to all Filipino caregivers and immigrants as well. All newly landed immigrants in the Lower Mainland particularly are invited to this affair which also serves as a great way to network with one another, to find jobs, and to discover what everyone can do and offer.
Great work, Liza! You have proven once again that the Filipino is full of enthusiasm, talent, and concern for the other. This event was very successful because you, along with the other committee members (Mary Anne Dait, Romy and Connie Villanueva, Lucy Belinski, and Acel de Guzman) make everyone of us very proud! Keep it up and count on us again next year.
That's me with my youngest daughter, Ria. At 11, Ria creates and edits videos, plays the piano, sings and dances, and is a great performing artist.
Romy and Con Villanueva, owner of VBoys Filipino store, were among the event organizers. VBoys is located on 224th Street, Maple Ridge, BC; Tel. No. 604-463-7743.
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Calling all Canadian landed immigrants, caregivers and workers, and Filipino-Canadian citizens: Share with us your success story so that, together, we can inspire our former countrymen to look forward to a brighter future in Canada.
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I was invited to teach basic Latin dance and it was a pleasure being able to also speak about musical theatre.
Committee member, Acel de Guzman, with overall event organizer, Liza Schroers (right).
Filipina past and present caregivers render a very touching Christmas song, "Sa Araw ng Pasko", that speaks of one's loneliness during Christmas in the absence of loved ones. I am not particularly familiar with the song but anyone who has left a loved one in the Philippines will truly relate to this song.
Free Style Dust is fast becoming a favorite among DJs or music providers. Managed by James, this great tandem of music makers made possible an endless night of dance and music! 
That's me with my youngest daughter, Ria. At 11, Ria creates and edits videos, plays the piano, sings and dances, and is a great performing artist.
Romy and Con Villanueva, owner of VBoys Filipino store, were among the event organizers. VBoys is located on 224th Street, Maple Ridge, BC; Tel. No. 604-463-7743.
Calling all Canadian landed immigrants, caregivers and workers, and Filipino-Canadian citizens: Share with us your success story so that, together, we can inspire our former countrymen to look forward to a brighter future in Canada.