By Abel Pagaling
Just over three month ago, Jerry Caingcoy (or KJerry as I call him, short for Kuya Jerry), approached me about being a part of his advocacy group called The Filipino Champions of Canada or TFCC. This isn’t the first time KJerry has approached me about doing public service for the Filipino community. For those who don’t know KJerry, he is probably one of the most passionate Filipino public servant in the city of Calgary. I wrote an article about him early this year (http://filipinojournal.com/alberta/jerry-caingcoy-the-rise-of-a-diversity-champion/). I encourage you to read it. You’ll be inspired.
 |
| TFCC Team with partners and guests |
KJerry’s vision for TFCC is simple, yet powerful – to connect, share, and inspire the Filipino community in Canada. Imagine if all 600,000 or so Filipinos in Canada started connecting with each other, sharing knowledge, skills and experiences, and inspired one another to excel in their work, business, or community. This would make the Filipino Canadian community a vibrant community that can contribute significantly to Canada’s continued success as country that embraces multiculturalism. Given this vision and KJery’s passion, I jumped on board! I soon learned that another individual, Brent Anotado, had committed to be part of this vision. He too is passionate about seeing the Filipino community thrive and excel in Canada.
At first I wasn’t sure how this will work, or if there’s even people who would give us support. But after several blogs, videos, and through KJerry’s effort to share TFCC vision to other people, we started to get support and a good following, all in a short period of time. Other individuals have also joined our group. We now have a team of writers. We’re looking forward to share their work in the coming months which we hope will attract more people who will share their talents and skills to support our vision.
 | |
| TFCC Founder, Jerry Caingcoy with Dave Bonk |
But here’s what surprised me. Not only are we getting individual support, we’ve received support from local businesses as well. These businesses believe in TFCC vision. They want to see a vibrant Filipino community just as we do. They’ve provided their services and time, and for one particular company, funds to help us move our vision forward. Steve and Rhonda Martin became our first major sponsor. Their support is incredibly important. They’ve supported TFCC’s vision from the start, and continues to do so today. Other businesses such as Milliano Skin Clinic (http://www.milianomedspa.com/), H&V (https://www.facebook.com/hanesandveronica) have also supported us. This comes to show that there are companies who really care about Filipino community in Canada.
 |
| TFCC Team with Dave Bonk and Heather Patrao |
This takes me to our very first public showing named “Champions Night”, last Monday night, June 15, 2015. Given the support we’ve received from both individuals and businesses, we saw it fit to have a night where we can gather our team, supporters, and those interested in what we do. It was a small event, a “soft launch” with select individuals and business owners. We presented our vision, mission, and values to group (which will be posted on our Facebook and Blog sites shortly). The highlight of the night was the inspirational talk by Dave Bonk. Dave is the founder of Hearts and Hammer advocacy group. He is another person who is passionate about helping families. Here’s more info on Hearts and Hammer-www.heartsandhammers.ca.
Another person that attended the event was Heather Patrao, former Miss Philippines Calgary Canada champion, a public servant, writer, and just an amazing individual and a role model. In all our first “Champions Night” was big success! We connected, shared, and inspired those who came. Many in the audience offered to help us further our cause. We’re grateful for their support. Those who attended made new friends and connections which down the road could spark other noble movement!
The “Champions Night” is small taste of what can be achieved when a group practices collaboration with individuals and business supporters. We’re thankful to our team members who were able to make it to the event at short notice: Rex, Romy, Marianne, and Angelo. I want to specially mention Organo Gold for providing us with the free coffee, and for Hanes Anotado of H&V Styling for preparing all the materials, the place, and for ushering our attendees! I can’t mention everyone, but below is a list of individuals who made the night a success. We hope you can be a part of this movement!
We want to see more individuals, groups, and businesses partner with us so we can build a vibrant and dynamic Filipino Canadian community. You can support us by following our Facebook page and blogs, sharing our material, and by supporting our future events so that we can CONNECT, SHARE, AND INSPIRE our community!
If you’d like to know more about how you can be part of TFCC, either as a contributor or as a partner, please contact us, or leave a comment. Let’s connect, share, and inspire!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We would like to thank our partners and the people who made this event a big success for TFCC.
Rhonda and Steve Martin
MILIANO Skin & Body Care Official
H&V - Hair and Make-up/Styling
BA Productions - Video
Abel Pagaling -Communications & Programs
Mary Ann Caingcoy - Invitation
Grace Bumanglag - Photos
Caitlin Caingcoy - Reception
Kyle Bumanglag - Reception
Southcentre Mall - Venue
Guest Speaker - Dave Bonk, Founder - Hearts and Hammers
Inspirational Message - Jerry Caingcoy, Founder - TFCC
TFCC Vision Mission Goals - Abel Pagaling - TFCC Communications and Programs Lead
Operations and Productions Goals -Brent Anotado, TFCC O&P Lead
Testimonials:
Brianne Niles - Organo Gold
Heather Patrao - Miss Philippines Canada (Calgary) 2013
Marietta Pangan - Diaryo Filipino
Marianne Mallaca - Investors Group
Merril Evangelista - Light of Jesus Community - Calgary
Jonathan Montanez - Book Author
Dhon De Gracia, Founder - Canada Filipino Community Groups
Millicent Garma-Cotoner - Owner, Miliano Skin and Body Care
Fe Tolentino - Immigration Consultant, My Canada Dream
Special thanks to Gemma Castillon-Baayens and to Organo Gold for providing us with healthy and flavourful coffee and to all our friends and guests who made the event a truly inspiring evening.
------------------------------------------------
Abel Pagaling is the TFCC Communication and Program Lead. He manages a team of business analysts with a major Canadian insurance company. He is also an entrepreneur, a writer, a community servant, and a motivational speaker. He is passionate about personal development and leadership.
Email: abel.pagaling@gmail.com
Twitter: @abel_pagaling
Facebook: www.facebook.com/abelpagaling1
No comments:
Post a Comment