A year has passed and a new one has just began. How can one sum up a year of challenges, of major leaps and bounds, and receiving minor scuffs along the way? How about, Philippine Centre Canada! Talk about taking leaps of faith, of forging ahead then pulling back, of making a big contribution then still feel it’s not enough. However one looks at it, it was a very rewarding year, indeed!

A new Board was elected in January 2005. The group were comprised of veterans and green-horns, but all were committed and determined. A diverse batch of PCC caretakers, from a long retired senior, to just retired individuals, to workaholics, and to individuals in the prime of their parenthood. A dynamic and vibrant set of people who are creative, vocal, grounded, and optimistic.

As caretakers, the Board is supposed to ensure that the centre can generate its own income, but with no centre in sight the focus had to change to fund-raising. The Board embarked on not just one, but two major fund-raising projects and minor ones, as well, to ensure that Ambassador Francisco Benedicto’s dream come true. With this commitment taken to heart, PCC has forged partnerships with the various community organizations. As well, PCC has been the recipient of generous donations from the Phil. Heritage Foundation and the senior citizens, by way of OVFCSCA. Contrary to what some perceive, Philippine Centre Canada is just a community center for the Filipino-Canadians. One of the PCC’s mandates is to be of service to the Filipino-Canadian community here in Ottawa and all-over Canada., thus becoming a positive contributor to our adopted country.

The determination to be financially sound, brought about the different projects and events. The two major fund-raising events were PCC’s 2005 Raffle Extravaganza and PCC’s 2005 Year-End Raffle Bash; and the minor ones were the Philippine Independence Gala with PICOV and New Year’s Eve Party Blast with PDTO, generating approximately $45,000.00 all in all. Not wanting to appear greedy or ungrateful, PCC gave an Appreciation BBQ Picnic last summer to return the community’s generosity and support. With the community’s renewed faith in having a center, PCC was able to serve by hosting information sessions; such as Computer Courses – under the tutelage of Danny de Castro and Edwin Acuna, and for the New Migrants with the Philippine Embassy.

As 2006 begins, PCC already has projects and events lined-up. The on-going Computer Courses, more information sessions: Income Tax Information, Health and Wellness, Safety Awareness for Youth and Food Safety. The annual fund-raising raffle and a new contest, like the search for "Batang Makata"(Young Poet), both of which will coincide with the Independence celebration.

Like any undertaking, a few hands will do, such were the responses of Tinig Pinoy, Access Philippines, Pinoy, Eh! and a handful of volunteers. Their talents and unwavering support helped spread the word and the load light. But more lending hands will make it succeed beyond expectations, for now is not the time to rest and enjoy what we have gained but rather work harder than ever as the center is just looming on the horizon. Which means, more volunteers are needed. Lend a hand for a project or two, you can be assured that it will be tiring but, definitely, very rewarding and heart-warming.

Nobody can say what the future holds for the Philippine Centre Canada, but hand in hand in hand, it will become a reality.