philippine integrated community OF kingston, ontario
128th Philippine Independence Day Civic Celebration
CONFEDERATION PARK, KINGSTON, ON
The 2nd Annual Philippine Independence Day Civic Celebration in Kingston, Ontario marked a significant milestone in promoting Filipino culture, heritage, and community engagement. Through a collaborative partnership between artist Bayani Catapang and the Philippine Integrated Community of Kingston Ontario (PIC-KO), the celebration brought together art, culture, history, and tradition in a way that inspired both the Filipino community and the broader Kingston community. This partnership was made possible through a recommendation from the Kingston Arts Council (KAC), which connected Bayani Catapang with PIC-KO after recognizing their shared commitment to celebrating and showcasing Filipino identity through the arts. Encouraged by KAC's recommendation and inspired by the organization's vision, Bayani enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to collaborate with PIC-KO and contribute to one of Kingston's premier celebrations of Filipino heritage and culture.
Following a meeting with PIC-KO on June 1, 2026, Bayani Catapang was appointed as the Featured Artist of the 2nd Annual Philippine Independence Day Civic Celebration. During the festivities on June 20, 2026, he presented The Modern Filipino Collection—an exhibition of 45 fine art prints celebrating Filipino identity, heritage, and national pride. Visitors were invited to explore the national symbols of the Philippines while learning about their cultural, historical, and environmental significance through Bayani's presentations and personal engagement. Drawing upon his childhood upbringing, Bayani also showcased the craft of traditional Filipino soap making, preparing handcrafted Ylang-Ylang soap and sharing its cultural and economic importance to the visitors of the Arts & Culture Showcase booth.
One of the celebration's most memorable highlights was a visit from the Philippine Ambassador to Canada, Ambassador Jose Victor V. Chan-Gonzaga, who expressed genuine interest in The Modern Filipino Collection. During a personal conversation with the ambassador, Bayani shared his mission of promoting Filipino identity through the arts and civic engagement. In recognition of this work, Ambassador Chan-Gonzaga purchased five Philippine Eagle fine art prints from the collection—an especially meaningful acknowledgment of Bayani's artistic vision and ongoing commitment to fostering Filipino cultural appreciation through art.
The celebration extended beyond the visual arts. As part of the official program, Bayani further demonstrated his passion for storytelling through spoken-word performances of two original poems, Patriarch and Matriarch, which paid tribute to Filipino heroes and heroines whose courage, leadership, and sacrifice continue to shape modern Filipino identity. The poems are part of a larger collection of 45 original spoken-word compositions written by Bayani Catapang. This anthology explores themes of Filipino identity, heritage, and belonging, while highlighting the experiences of first-generation immigrants as they navigate assimilation and preserve their cultural roots throughout the diaspora.
The celebration was also a family affair. Upon learning of Bayani's involvement in Kingston's 2nd Annual Philippine Independence Day Civic Celebration, his mother enthusiastically volunteered to take part in the festivities. She travelled from Vancouver, BC to support the collaboration, proudly wearing Filipiniana attire and participating in PIC-KO's Kakanin Showdown—where she prepared and sold Ilocano Carioca, adding another authentic expression of Filipino heritage to the event. Her presence reflected the strong family values that underpin Filipino culture and demonstrated her unwavering support for Bayani's artistic journey. She made the cross-country trip to Kingston, ON and stayed for less than 54 hours—a testament to her commitment to both her son and the celebration of Filipino culture.
