Immigrating to Canada at the age of 9, I found it challenging to navigate between assimilating into Canadian culture and preserving my Filipino heritage.
Back then, I longed for resources and organizations like the ones available now, especially those led by the youth.
Here are three remarkable Filipino-Canadian groups in the GTA, dedicated to empowering and educating Filipino-Canadian youth:
Rise Tribe
Location: Toronto
Rise Tribe is an exciting movement and charity founded in 2016 by passionate young Filipino-Canadians.
Their motto, “Reshape. Reimagine. Redefine.” displays their dedication to uplifting and empowering the next generation of Filipino-Canadian leaders.
Securing funding from the Government of Canada in 2022, Rise Tribe launched a mentorship program, offering internships in business and the creative arts.
Rise Tribe doesn’t just talk the talk—they walk the walk by actively engaging in initiatives aimed at supporting and empowering Filipino-Canadian youth.
Their standout collaboration is their partnership with Raptors 905 and Toronto Raptors for Filipino Heritage Night, an annual event showcasing Filipino culture and talent in style.
Their recent partnership with Maple Leafs Sports Entertainment (MLSE) for a memorable Filipino Heritage Night with the Raptors featured Filipino-owned companies on the concourse, a Kamayan meal for the MLSE organization, and ads showcasing Filipino-Canadians throughout the stadium.
But that’s not all: Rise Tribe also holds fun events like their Annual Rise Tribe Golf, or events that feature a Filipino-Canadian panel to encourage discourse and growth among the Filipino community.
Whether you’re interested in gaining hands-on experience through their paid internship programs or lending a helping hand as a volunteer for their events, there are plenty of opportunities to make a difference.
Attend their workshops, fundraising events, or simply apply to join the team directly – the choice is yours!
A full-day retreat will be held on June 1, 2024 dedicated to the Filipino youth community.
Filipino Centre Toronto
Location: Scarborough
Filipino Centre Toronto stands as a community hub in Scarborough’s buzzing Filipino community, established in 2000.
Run entirely by volunteers, they’ve provided unity and resources for Filipino immigrants.
Recognized by the Philippine consulate for their commitment to fostering connections within the Filipino-Canadian community, this organization hopes to preserve and promote Philippine culture in the GTA.
There’s always something exciting happening in the Filipino Centre as they offer a diverse range of recreational programs, from line dancing classes to free ukulele sessions.
Additionally, they host events catering to low-income families and new immigrants, such as their “no cost dental hygiene service,” in partnership with the Fil-Can Dental Hygienists’ Society, providing free dental hygiene services for the community.
Their website also offers employment networking through job postings and networking events.
FCT also boasts the first Filipiniana library in the Greater Toronto Area.
Partnered with the University of the Philippines Alumni Association Toronto and Folklorico Filipino, the library offers a treasure trove of Filipino heritage and literature published in the Philippines by Filipino authors.
There are plenty of opportunities to get involved: as an event volunteer, as a participant in their recreational programs, or as a receptionist at the centre.
Filipinos Forward
Location: Mississauga
If you’re a high school student looking to get more involved in the Filipino-Canadian community, Filipinos Forward is for you!
An impressive youth-led non-profit based in Mississauga, Filipinos Forward offers a fantastic platform for high school students eager to dive into the Filipino-Canadian community and connect with peers across the Greater Toronto Area.
Created and managed by fellow high schoolers, the organization brings a fresh, Gen Z perspective to Filipino-Canadian youth culture, with lively content on platforms like Instagram that feature trends and reels that resonate with young audiences.
Their exciting basketball tournaments, sponsored by local businesses, have been their most favoured events.
These events are a a perfect blend of sports and culture, while creating memorable experiences for the youth involved.
As a high school student, joining this organization can help rack up valuable volunteer hours towards graduation.
Upcoming events include an Eating Contest: a great and fun way to showcase Filipino cuisine.
It is exciting and inspiring to see these organizations led by Filipino-Canadians making a mark in the community while providing invaluable resources and opportunities for youth empowerment.
Whether you’re interested in volunteering, donating or attending an event, make sure to follow these incredibly organizations that uplift the Filipino-Canadian youth community.
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