For Ignacio “Mogi” Mogado, a Markham-based artist and community leader, Filipino Heritage Month represents decades of work by community advocates seeking greater visibility and recognition for Filipinos in Canada.
“Too many kababayans (countrymen) are uninvolved in our community events, unlike other ethnic groups,” Mogado said.
“This needs to change to enhance our identity, visibility, and acceptance.”
Mogado said Filipino Heritage Month also reflects the efforts of early Filipino Canadian community leaders who worked to preserve Filipino culture while helping newcomers integrate into Canadian society.
“In the ’70s and ’80s, there were very few of us who stood up for our community,” he said.
“We wanted to empower our compatriots to be patriotic, as well as be vigilant with their
needs to integrate in Canadian society.”
Philippines’ National Hero
Among the figures most closely linked to Filipino heritage is Dr. Jose Rizal, the Philippines’ national hero.
A physician, author and reformist, Rizal used his writings to challenge injustices under Spanish colonial rule and inspire a growing sense of national identity among Filipinos.
Following his execution in 1896, he became a powerful symbol of the country’s struggle for freedom.
For Mogado, Rizal remains one of the most important symbols of Filipino identity both in the Philippines and among Filipino communities around the world.
“He is truly unique in his place in our Philippine history and in the history of the free world,” Mogado said.
“(He is) a man of peace, an advocate for freedoms and democracy, the brotherhood of man, diversity and inclusivity—ideas aligned with the multicultural policy of Canada,” he said.
Jose Rizal Monument
That belief inspired Mogado to create one of the most recognizable Filipino landmarks in Canada: the Dr. Jose Rizal monument at Luneta Gardens in Markham.
The more than six-foot-tall bronze monument was unveiled in 2019 through a partnership between the Markham Federation of Filipino Canadians and the City of Markham.
Located near Rizal Avenue, the monument was gifted to Canadians as part of the Canada 150 celebrations and serves as a permanent tribute to the ideals Rizal championed throughout his life.
“Since my student days, I had become a disciple and avid student of Rizal, so it was a lifelong dream to honour him,” Mogado said.
The project took years of planning and community support before becoming a reality.
Looking back at the monument’s unveiling, Mogado remembers a moment of immense pride.
“(It was the) biggest parade in Markham history, with kababayans from all over GTA and other countries.”
For younger generations, Mogado hopes the monument encourages curiosity about Filipino
history and identity.
“Genius has no country. It blossoms everywhere. Genius is like the light, the air. It is the
heritage of all,” he said, quoting the inscription featured on the monument’s memorial wall.
“A message meaningful and relevant for our youth to assert themselves and be proud of who
they are,” Mogado said.
A Time for Reflection, Celebration and Pride
For Noel Nathaniel, a culinary professional and student living in Canada, Filipino Heritage Month offers an opportunity to celebrate those roots in everyday life.
“Filipino Heritage Month is a time for reflection, celebration, and pride,” Nathaniel said.
“It is an opportunity to recognize the contributions of Filipinos in Canada while also honouring traditions and our culture.”
Nathaniel said living in Canada has deepened his appreciation for Filipino culture.
“Being surrounded by many different cultures has helped me recognize how unique Filipino
traditions, values, and cuisine are,” he said.
“It has also inspired me to learn more about my roots and find ways to share Filipino culture with others.”
As someone working in the culinary industry, Nathaniel regularly incorporates Filipino
influences into his work.
“Whenever my chef asks me for ideas on a new dish, my ideas almost always lead back to Filipino cuisine,” he said.
He believes staying connected to cultural roots is especially important for younger Filipino
Canadians.
“Cultural traditions, language, food, and the values we uphold provide a strong support to build confidence and pride in one’s heritage,” Nathaniel said.
As Filipino Heritage Month celebrations continue across Canada, Mogado hopes more Filipino Canadians, particularly younger generations, will take the time to learn about their history and embrace their identity.
Luis Miguel De Castro is a Changing Narratives Fund-Local Journalism Initiative reporter at Mabuhay Canada and a journalism graduate at Humber Polytechnic in Toronto. Originally from the Philippines, he is passionate about community storytelling, multimedia journalism, and amplifying Filipino voices through meaningful local coverage.
