21 August 2018, Calgary -   Filipino dances, food and fireworks were featured at the Global Fest held at the Elliston Park attended by some 100,000 Calgarians who were awed by the pyrotechnics show of the Philippine team. 

Consul General Gilberto Asuque congratulated the organizers of the Global Fest that gave the over 75,000 Filipinos in Calgary the opportunity to share the Filipino culture and be part of the diverse and inclusive character of the community life in Canada. 

The Filipino Cultural Pavilion with Irene Macaraeg as Overall Coordinator, Diaryo Alberta Society with Executive Director Marietta Pangan and  the Philippine Culinary Federation of Canada with President Gilmars Bacani (photos left and right) joined their resources and talents to promote the Philippines as the feature country at the Global Fest on August 21.   Global Fest is a not-for-profit society dedicated to celebrating and showcasing Calgary’s cultural diversity and artistic excellence within its communities locally and across the globe. 

Filipino chefs (photo above) pooled their talents to offer native cuisine at the Philippine pavilion where native products including jusi barong Tagalog and dresses were put on display. The Golden Sparkes, Kasayahan Performing Arts foundation and the University of Calgary Filipino Students’ Association performed Filipino dances at the main stage. 

The highlight of the Philippine night at Global Fest was the fireworks designed and presented by Robert Basihan entitled Apocalypse (War in Heaven).  The theme of the fireworks display of the Philippine team focuses the nation’s constant battle to survive against all things that may come to test its strength and faith to withstand temptation and to prepare for the final destination; heaven. 

The Philippine fireworks show opened with a prelude commemorating the heroism of the late Sen. Benigno Ninyo Aquino, Sr, who passed away on August 21, 1983, followed by music from various Filipino artists including “Magkaisa” by Virna Lisa and Lalaban Ako by Sen. Manny Pacquiao and a finale with the 2001: A Space Odyssey by Richard Strauss and the cannon segment in Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture. 

Mr. Basihan represented Legendary Fireworks, Inc, a third-generation pyrotechnics company, with its factory in San Ildefonso Bulacan.  Legendary Fireworks, Inc. is just one of the few local pyrotechnics company in the Philippines to use a computerized firing system to deliver a world-class pyrotechnics show.   

Consul General Asuque congratulated Filipino-Canadians Ms. Nikki Macaraeg, Associate Producer of Global Fest, and her parents Nelson and Irene, for the magnificent fireworks show of the Philippine team and for their support in the participation of Filipino artists, chefs and stores at the international festival.