As a senior in high school, I had the chance to head the delegation from the Philippines for the Philppine Centennial conference in Edmunton, Alberta together with other amazing students from Miriam College High School. I remember I had to make a speech and I was so honored.
Philippine Centennial Conference
EDMONTON, ALBERTA 1998
Do you remember when we still used to put on suits to fly?
I can’t believe I still kept the program!
We met wonderful Pinoy-Canadian counterparts. We all prepared Filipiniana performances and we were blown away by how advanced our Filipino-Canadian counterparts were.
Coming from Mindanao, I have Maranao blood. Though we are already Catholic, my family wanted to honor that by letting me wear a Maranao outfit with my Grandma’s Malong. A fabric that can become a skirt, dress or even a blanket in a pinch. I still remember how beautiful the gold and maroon malong was with my gold hijab. We had a black top with gold beaded edging made especially for this event.
There was an organizer that kept raving about it and I ended up giving it to them. I honestly still regret it to this day. My family was so mad because it was an heirloom item. As a child I did not know how valuable it was. And I’ve spent my life looking for a similar Malong and never found it. It’s such a unique Filipiniana and I wish I still had it.
At least I still have pics and I made sure to scan them so I could show my son & future grandkids.
Downtime in between activities
We had so much fun hanging out with our Fil-Canadian counterparts! But boy was it COLD. Brrrr! I had to buy this extra THICK hoodie to layer with my other winter clothing coz I couldn’t take it.
I had never been so cold in my life!
After a few days it was time to fly to Florida, USA go to Disneyworld. I thought it was such a cool experience to have with my schoolmates! And a nice reward for all the work we did for the Centennial Conference.
