Volume 19 • No. 15 • August 1 - 15 , 2023 Publication Mailing Account #41721512
Maine Mendoza
Experience Folklorama 52
10 The Ambassadors’ General embody Folklorama’s mission of celebrating diversity and promoting cultural understanding. They represent the organization throughout the year at events and in the media. The 2023 Folklorama Ambassadors General from left: Lovepreet Singh Virdi, 2023 Adult Ambassador General Julia Amato. 2023 Youth Ambassador General Samantha Luczenczyn-Lane, 2023 Adult Ambassador General Jessica Deminco, 2023 Youth Ambassador General. Story on p15. Photo Credit: Tony Nardella.
8 Philippines’ First Gold! PSsg Maria Caress Arnejo wins Gold in the 21K half marathon event. See pp 8-9
MP Rechie Valdez makes history as first Filipina-Canadian cabinet minister Mississauga-Streetsville MP Rechie Valdez made history yet again as she was sworn-in as the first Filipina-Canadian cabinet minister in Ottawa on Wednesday, July 26. She was among seven rookie parliamentarians appointed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and will hold the small business portfolio. Valdez first made history when she was elected to the federal seat in September 2021 to become the first ever FilipinaCanadian to hold that post. Inside Rideau Hall in Ottawa, a visibly emotional Valdez recited her oath with passionate See RECHIE p6