Volume 20 • No. 19 • October 1 - 15, 2024 Publication Mailing Account #41721512
Barbie Forteza
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Philippine diplomats grace FCNC conference in Winnipeg by Lucille Nolasco-Garrido The Filipino Canadian National Congress (FCNC) held its Third Annual Leadership Convention and National Gala on September 21 at the Victoria Inn Hotel and Convention Centre in Winnipeg. With the theme “Strengthening Communities from Coast to Coast to Coast,” more than a hundred delegates from different parts of Canada spent the day building connections, new friendships, and listening to inspiring guest speakers on various topics. Among the guest speakers were Senator Gigi Osler who spoke about the health and safety of the elderly; MP Rechie Valdez who discussed entrepreneurship; and Ambassador Andrelita Austria who touched on the Credentials Recognition Program. “Every time Filipinos come together for a singular purpose is very important. If the Filipinos can come together and agree on pursuing certain actions, I am sure See FCNC p2
Her Excellency Maria Andrelita Austria, Philippine Ambassador to Canada
From Manila to Manitoba: the VC Cuevas journey of baking success
L-r: Michael, Beverly and Anna Michaella Reves, Cora and Ver Cuevas. Photo by Rey-Ar Reyes On November 7, 2024, Vergilio “Ver” Cuevas will attend a grand reunion in the Philippines of member-bakers of the Asosasyon ng mga Panaderong Pilipino (APP), formerly known as Cuenca Bakers Association. The town of Cuenca in Batangas is famously known as the baker’s capital of the Philippines.
It is currently the largest community bakers’ organization in the country, and bakeries operated by its members are mostly located in Metro Manila and surrounding areas. Cuevas is expected to be feted with a special honour during the reunion. This is his story. The year was 1965. Fifteenyear-old Ver Cuevas started his
journey from of Cuenca, Batangas, toward bakery success in Pandacan, Manila. His uncle Wilfredo Miranda, who owned a bakery, trained him on how to make delicious Filipino breads such as pandesal, ensaymada, pan de coco and so many others. There, Ver also See CUEVAS p9
SEE PAGE 4 FOR DETAILS