Volume 21 • No. 12 • June 16-30, 2025
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49 years of Magdaragat’s cultural voyage
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Tarah Valencia
Calendar Girl, Tarah Valencia
Miss Supranational Philippines 2025 Story on page B8
L-r: Minister Malaya Marcelino, Goldie Garcia, Caroline Beaudoin, and Nicole Tamayo by Malaya Marcelino, Minister of Labour and Immigration Editor’s Note: In celebration of Filipino Heritage Month and Magdaragat’s 49th anniversary, we are proud to feature this tribute by Minister Malaya Marcelino. It honours the legacy of founder Dante C. Buenaventura and the group’s lasting impact on Filipino culture in the province. Magdaragat’s journey has been one of resilience, creativity, and love for Filipino heritage – a true gift to Manitoba and beyond.
Tony Award winner Nicole Scherzinger Story on page B1
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June 2, 2025, was proclaimed Magdaragat Philippines Inc. Day by the Province of Manitoba in celebration of 49 years of Magdaragat’s cultural legacy and commitment to the performing arts. The proclamation specifically recognized late founder, Dante C. Buenaventura’s artistry and pioneering efforts to cultivate Filipino heritage, culture and history through dance, poetry, theatre, and music. The proclamation was presented to Magdaragat’s core production team, Goldie Garcia, Nicole Tamayo and Caroline Beaudoin, who accepted it on behalf of Gil Buenaventura, long time executive director, who took over this leadership position after the death of his brother, Dante, in 1988. The gathered audience at the Legislature erupted into loud, spontaneous cheers and a standing ovation after Magdaragat’s
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performance including songs, dances, poetry reading by Ed Basaran and a tribute to Dante by Rolly Del Rosario. Other board members including Chairperson Manny Reyes, Secretary Linda Garcia, Treasurer Mely Buenaventura, Auditor Connie De Villa, and many volunteers were present to participate in the proclamation. Dante’s vision: Culture, history, and youth empowerment Dante’s dream was to form a dance company that would teach the rudiments of dance as well as the history of a nation. Dante was
adamant that Magdaragat would nurture patriotic consciousness in young Filipinos in Winnipeg. What started in 1976 with eight
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