A rare sight for Boyce Farmers' Market to be filled on a weekday, but this was not just an ordinary day. The place became a melting pot of cultures with people from different parts of the world participating in a multicultural event on Wednesday, March 19th.

The whole day fair was a celebration of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination which is observed every March 21st.

The festival showcased cultural dances and native foods and products. Among those who participated were immigrants from the Philippines, South Korea, India, Thailand, China, Japan, Egypt, Ireland and Africa.

Members of FANB sold Filipino craft and jewellery during the event.

They also participated in the fashion show. Luisa, Misa-Toyer, Earl Denver Montanez, and Julie McDonald walked on the stage, garbed in traditional Filipino clothes while Mae Ghanem was explaining the origin of the costumes.  

After the fashion show, FANB performed the Bulaklakan dance or dance of the flowers. Gemma Geslate-Boulianne, Julie McDonald, Melissa Bernier, Marissa Gesmundo and Luisa Misa-Toyer danced on stage while Sharihan Ghanem, Veronika Samimi and Vanessa Samimi, danced on the floor below the stage.

They all wore the native costume and they used arcs decorated with flowers, lending color to the performance.

McDonald, chair of the cultural committee organized the presentations. Ghanem and Toyer choreographed the dance. Toyer crafted the arcs of flowers and Ghanem facilitated the purchase of the costumes from the Philippines.

Please check this related article from the Daily Gleaner: http://dailygleaner .canadaeast. com/cityregion/ article/245152

 

 

Booth promoted Filipino crafts

By MARIA VICTORIA ANTIVOLA-FARKAS

“Very beautiful!” was the comment that has been repeated many times over as people checked out what FANB showcased in their booth during a multicultural event held last Wednesday, March 19th, at the Boyce Farmers' Market. 

Handicrafts from the Philippines, especially the jewellery, have always been a popular sell-out. FANB took the opportunity to promote the world-renowned crafts by selling them during the festival.

Mae Ghanem has facilitated the purchase of the jewellery, bags, table mats and other handicrafts from the Philippines. The booth also sold dried mangoes.

The volunteers had a wonderful time interacting with people from different cultures. Many stopped by to just simply browse through the items while others inquired about the products.   A gentleman stopped by and looked not on the products alone, but also checked out the ladies that were standing behind the counter and with a smile said ”Philippine women are beautiful!” And that made their day!