LAC LA BICHE - Holiday cheer in Lac La Biche County saw the Filipino community celebrate one of the most cherished holidays of the year, earlier this month.
‘Paskong Pinoy’ (Filipino Christmas), is an opportunity for the area's residents to get together, feast and enjoy each other's company, says Odon Manalese, a member of the Filipino Committee of Lac La Biche.
“Filipino Christmas is actually the most important holiday we wait for every year. It’s our means to be together, each and every family, especially here in Lac La Biche, we’re far away from our loved ones.”
According to Statistics Canada, 110 individuals identified as Filipino during the latest 2016 census report. Manalese says many of the individuals residing in the area, are not only building their lives but are far from their home country and family. He adds, the annual Filipino Christmas event is a chance to take a break and simply be together.
“Most of the community here, their families are in the Philippines or somewhere abroad and we’re here to make a living for them, that’s why Christmas is actually our chance to at least be a part of something that’s really important in our lives and back home.”
The evening event was held on Dec. 17 at the Light of Christ Catholic School in Lac La Biche, and included several dishes prepared by the Filipino community with classics such as lumpia (Filipino egg rolls), roasted pork belly, pancit (Filipino noodle dish) and Canadian Christmas classics like roast beef, mashed potatoes and many desserts, says Manalese.
Music filled the school’s gymnasium, a 50/50 cash prize of roughly $500 was won, and raffle draws were held thanks to gifts donated by local businesses. For the youth, a secret Santa gift exchange was a part of the evening event.
Lac La Biche County Mayor Paul Reutov also spoke during the celebration thanking the community and embracing the holiday season.
While the celebration is highlighting one of the most important holidays for the Filipino community, Manalese says everybody in the area is welcome to attend annually.
“Most of our community have many Canadian friends and we would love to have our community celebrate with us.”
