National Roots, Rhymes and Resistance

Toronto, ON – June 16, 2010 – Once again, Filipino youth, women and workers across Canada are seizing the moment in a resounding call to make Filipino youth count in Canada’s future. The culture of resistance takes centre stage as dynamic Filipino youth spill their talents on a national level at “Roots, Rhymes and Resistance: Panahon Natin, Our Moment! Step Up, Stand Out!”

The show will be held at the Arbor Room at the University of Toronto’s Hart House on Friday, July 16, 2010 from 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Building off the momentum of Toronto’s first RRR held last December, event goers will be able to see a stronger and more vibrant range of performers from Sinag Bayan Ontario and more. Be prepared to unravel your creative minds as Filipino youth step up to the challenge of redefining Filipino culture through music, theatre, spoken word, dance and multimedia.

Throughout history, youth have always been at the forefront of stimulating change within their communities. In recognizing the inherent dynamism of Filipino youth, UKPC/FCYA-ON are committed to harnessing the potential of all Filipino youth across Canada through different artistic and cultural forms.

“We don’t come into this country as blank slates,” says Aila Comilang, a UKPC member. “We have our own histories, our own dreams and our own ideas of what it means to be Filipino-Canadian.” Since its first show in Vancouver over 13 years ago, Roots, Rhymes and Resistance has created a living history of resistance that inspired scores of Filipino youth to exercise their vision of an empowered community. 13 years later, that vision now reverberates on a national level as “Panahon Natin, Our Moment! Step Up, Stand Out!” is simultaneously celebrated in Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto.

Slated to be more lively and inspiring than the last, “Panahon Natin, Our Moment! Step Up, Stand Out!” the night’s performances are sure to wow audiences by stirring them into action. Steeped in the culture of resistance, Filipino youth are asserting their rightful place towards attaining the community’s just and genuine settlement and integration in Canada. “Roots, Rhymes and Resistance: Panahon Natin, Our Moment! Step Up, Stand Out!” will be another monumental event that firmly reflects our community’s legacy of resistance.

“National Roots, Rhymes and Resistance
Panahon Natin, Our Moment: Step Up, Stand Out!”
Friday, July 16 2010, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Doors open at 6:00 PM, show starts at 7:00 PM
Arbor Room, 7 Hart House Circle
Tickets $10.00
U of T Downtown Campus
$10 Cover

For tickets and information, contact:
Kim Abis
(416) 519-2553
ukpc-on@magkaisacentre.org
www.magkaisacentre.org

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