By Janice Lozano
As we gather to celebrate Canada Day, I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude, reflection, and pride—for the country I now call home and for the journey that brought me here.
I came to Canada from the Philippines with my mom when I was just six years old. Like many immigrant families, we arrived with hope in our hearts and little else. I still remember the uncertainty, the excitement, and the wide-eyed wonder of stepping into a new country that would soon become my home. Canada didn’t just give me a place to live—it gave me a life. It gave me opportunity, safety, dignity, and the foundation for a better future.
This country embraced my family and embraced me. It allowed me to grow into the person I am today. Canada didn’t ask me to forget where I came from—it encouraged me to bring my culture with me. And for that, I am forever grateful.
Growing up here, I learned what it means to be free. I learned the value of diversity, of community, of hard work, and of compassion. Canada has taught me resilience, inclusion, and the importance of giving back. It has given me the tools to thrive and to contribute meaningfully to the society that welcomed me.
Today, I stand proud—not only as someone who calls Canada home, but as someone shaped by both my Filipino heritage and this country’s values. And today, that pride was on full display.
As we joined the Canada Day celebration at Jack Poole Plaza, I was honoured to stand alongside our organization, UFC (United Filipino-Canadian), as we showcased the richness of our culture through our booth and our presence. It was more than just representation—it was a celebration. A celebration of who we are, where we come from, and the country that brought us all together.
To celebrate our culture while also celebrating being Canadian—that is the beauty of this day. That is the power of this country. We don’t have to choose between our roots and our Canadian identity. We are both. We carry the heart of our ancestors and the spirit of Canada within us.
There’s a unique mix of emotions on days like today—gratitude for the opportunities, pride in our identity, nostalgia for the homeland, and hope for what lies ahead. But above all, there is joy. Joy in knowing that we belong, that we contribute, and that we are seen.
Happy Canada Day to everyone—those born here, those who came here, and those still finding their way. May we continue to honour our stories and celebrate the beautiful, diverse tapestry that is Canada.
Caption: TRUE NORTH HINIRANG EAGLES CLUB
Special thank you to all our wonderful performers: 4 ME DANCE COMPANY, ZUMBA, LIL RYDERS, MASSRARA, ZAMBALES, RED FILOS, FOREVER YOUNG, GRUPO ILOCANO, UKELELE STRUMMERS, HIMIG KABATAAN, ANAHAW PERFORMING ARTS
ReyFort Media 
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