It was a perfect day for a perfect celebration! At 6:30 a.m. Saturday, June 30th, the FILTOBA Walk for a Cause started at the NACI parking lot. About 40 participants came to join the walkathon. Fortunately, the weather was perfect as the bright sun and gentle breeze welcomed the group. Everyone was in high spirits so the walk from NACI to the Royal Canadian Legion was filled with laughter and cheer. By 2 p.m., everybody congregated at the Legion for the Little Miss Philippines Neepawa 2012 pageant. The candidates lined up and posed at the stage like super models as the parents pretended to be the paparazzi. The audience, comprised of Filipinos and Canadians, watched as the little girls showcased their beauty, talents and intelligence. The candidates were Cheska Siopongco, Tricia Calma, Alyza Sadiamona, Jheaniel Gutierrez, Denise Ashley Laus, Jasmine Tarun, Monique Malsi, and Cail Shawndrey Salonga whose ages range are seven and younger. The board of judges were Justin Castillo, Susan Umali, Leo Macaraeg and Sheila Delfin. Cheska won Miss Photogenic. Tricia was Miss Summer Wear and was crowned Little Miss Philippines Neepawa 2012. Ashley got the Miss Friendship award and won the Little Miss Philippines First Runner Up. Miss Talent was Monique and the Darling of the Crowd award was given to Cail who also won as Little Miss Philippines Second Runner Up. The Neepawa Crew Movers presented a lively dance number while Mae Ann Sadiomona played a tune on the piano. Pablito Andama did a short but hilarious magic show. The audience enjoyed watching not only the kids but also the “stage moms” who coaxed/coached as they danced and sang with their daughters. The Pinoy Supper Fiesta started late at 8 p.m. because it took a while for all the food to be brought in. HyLife Foods donated 160 pounds of pork for the occasion. The regional representatives cooked up a storm as they presented over a dozen different delicacies. FILTOBA president Olivan Afuang hosted the program. Andrea Winik did the opening remarks by welcoming our gracious Canadian friends who were all excited to try the Filipino foods prepared by the regional representatives. She also thanked the HyLife newcomers for coming. Andrea told the newbies they are very lucky to be in Neepawa therefore they should always be mindful of their responsibilities as employees and members of the community. FILTOBA’s Mike Malli and Eleazar Resolis gave inspirational speeches for the newcomers. The latter reminded the workers that they should always maintain good behaviour towards their new neighbours. He assured them that the members of FILTOBA are available at all times whenever they may need assistance or guidance. Olivan informed the workers about the different churches in town. He introduced the International Worship Center and asked Ms. Paula Lofamia to say a few words about their prayer group. The FILTOBA president also asked Andrea Winik to tell the newcomers about the Baptist and Calvary churches. He then mentioned the presence of St. Dominic’s Roman Catholic Church in Neepawa. The Canadian guests were amazed with the amount of food FILTOBA prepared. Some even tasted the “infamous” pork blood stew! To their surprise, the dish turned out to be absolutely delicious. But the “all-time favourite” was the pansit or stir-fry vegetables with noodles. The final part of the program was the parlour games wherein the newcomers eagerly participated. The whole day affair celebrating the 114th Philippine Independence Day was a huge success. Although it was kind of an “organized chaos”, the FILTOBA members and guests shared a day of fun, food and friendship.