GANANOQUE, ON
sep 2023

IN COMMUNITY 

[ OVERVIEW ]

Gail in Community documents where I show up in Kingston, supporting others or observing new spaces. These moments reveal how I build understanding, belonging, and confidence in a new city.

These are not KNB events but places where, as a newcomer with temporary status, I learn about Kingston from the ground up. Embracing these diverse spaces helps me gather language, customs, and the confidence essential for adjusting far from home—even when I barely understand what is said, I am searching for cues that help build a sense of how things work here.

By observing local customs and what is shared or unspoken, I see how these spaces shape my sense of belonging. I use these observations as anchors, bringing them to KNB’s gatherings and sharing them with other newcomers as we learn to connect across differences in Kingston.

A woman with long brown hair, wearing a snakeskin patterned blouse, navy pants, and nude heels, smiling at a social gathering with other women in the background.
Two women standing next to a large vertical banner for St. Lawrence College, promoting global learning programs including study abroad, intercultural skills, and international support. They are inside a building with glass doors and informational posters visible behind them.
A woman with long wavy hair wearing a yellow coat with black buttons, standing against a dark textured background, smiling. The bottom of the image features the logo and text for Kingston Business Awards.

February 2023, Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser and Silent Auction

Everyday Community Spaces

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Group of six people sitting around a table at a festive meal, with plates of spaghetti, salads, bread, and cans of Coca-Cola, in a decorated indoor setting with other people dining in the background.

With my classmates under Prof. Christina Decarie class in International Business Management - Winter Class 2022, it was our first time to be invited for free in this kind of fundraising event. It’s all new to us; so this was so memorable for a chance to spend with our teacher and bond with our classmates: Rishav Sharma, Deep Shikha , Xiaohui Zhu , and Ara Leslie Acdal.

This fundraising event is in support of Prof. Christina’s daughter; Girl Guides 61st UK Trip 2024 Pathfinders and Rangers

Venue: Royal Canadian Legion Branch 631

For photo and video, what the room felt like, and short reflection, see my Instagram post.

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A woman standing on stage during a TEDxQueensU event, with a large screen behind her displaying the words 'Resilience: I Am the Walking Dream of My Ancestors' and decorated large red letters spelling 'TED' and smaller white letters spelling 'QueensU'.

When you finally hear the iconic Tedx music theme live… it gave me and Ara Leslie Acdal goosebumps! From just watching in Youtube to seeing it in person feels like a dream. We never thought we get to experience this amazing event right here in Kingston! I showed up twice (day 1 and day 2)! I

Venue: Grand Theatre, Kingston

Two women at a TEDx event in QueensU, standing in front of a branded backdrop with large silver balloons spelling 'TED' in the background. They hold signs related to TED talks, smiling and dressed warmly.
A woman standing on stage giving a presentation at a TEDx event. The background screen displays the quote 'Life's currency is showing up.' The stage has shelves with plants and decor, and large red and white letters spell out 'TED Queens'.
Woman standing in front of TEDx QueensU backdrop with large balloon letters spelling 'LOVE' and holding a sign that says 'REVIVE.'

February 2023, Black Entrepreneur Ecosystem Launching

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First time to volunteer as the photographer in the launching of BEE’s non-profit organization, and experience Canadian networking culture. Also first time to see the Mayor Bryan Patterson, Jimmy Hassan, MP Mark Gerretsen in one room that left a very positive impression to me. That if these very important people walked into the room, celebrating for the important cause of the community; it signals that whatever out cause matters and that we belong in the community. So, this very exposure to networking gave me an idea to start scouting for city-wide events, then take videos and photos, for other international students like can get a glimpse of what’s “networking” looks like, it’s dynamics, and so on.

Venue: Daft Brewing

For short reflection, see my LinkedIn post

March 2023, First Music for a Cause

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Three performers on stage; two women singing into microphones and a man playing an acoustic guitar. Audience members are visible in the foreground.

Together with my sibling Kim and his wife, Gertrude AND more than eight talented musicians, sharing music through singing and instruments for a cause to help raise donations makes it purposeful and satisfying. This event was in support for the Kingston Interval House, a local shelter for survivors of domestic violence.

Hosted by: Kingston Seventh-day Adventist Church

For the music video and short reflection, see my Instagram post.

March 2023, First Coffee Chat with Pam Fountas

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Inside of a coffee shop with a cup of coffee on a table, a folded gray sweater, and sunglasses. In the background, a woman with white hair is sitting near a large window. A black wall with white chalk writing and drawings about coffee is visible, along with a potted plant.

Coffee Chat? Meet-up? Those are foreign words to me and couldn’t visually imagine the dynamics when people “cofee chatting.”

What felt even more unsettling and surprising was that someone through Norman Musengimana, who connected us over a shared interest in fitness—actually reached out because she wanted to know more about me, and was willing to spend an hour learning about each other.

If it hadn’t been a class requirement, I don’t think I would have been brave enough to show up for this “casual” meeting.
But that hour with Pam at Kingston Coffee House was a small lighthouse. The language and ideas of “community building” sounded familiar, but in her mouth they meant something different: a way to stay resilient as a newcomer by being bonded with others around a cause you truly believe in. She painted a picture of how powerful it is—for others and for yourself—when people gather around that kind of work. What stayed with me most was how light‑spirited, animated, and witty she was, and how her mind carried so much lived experience in community work. She is more than an inspiration; she is a role model.

Venue: Kingston Coffee House

For video and short reflection, see my Instagram post.

April 2023, Spring Open House

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A group of nine diverse people standing together in a modern room, some smiling and others with neutral expressions, with a digital display behind them showing various images and icons.

Volunteering at the College to welcome and guide the guests/visitors is a difference experience because there are set of instructions we need to follow to help the visitors around the campus. It’s fun (and tiring) but seeing parents and their sons/daughters touring a College with their potential course to take before enrolling feels heartwarming. Made me wish it was me, too!

Venue: St. Lawrence College

For video and short reflection, see my video LinkedIn post, LinkedIn post 

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Four diverse women smiling and taking a selfie together in an office or community space, with a sign reading 'KINGSTON' behind them.

I represented my mother’s cleaning business, B.HAIG Building & Office Care, in this free 2-hour workshop. I appreciated the emphasis on the importance of being DEI-aware as a business in today’s work environment.

Venue: St. Lawrence College

For a short reflection, see my  LinkedIn post.

May 2023, Health Care Administration (HCA) Career Networking Event

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Group of diverse students talking and smiling in a modern indoor setting at a college or university event.

Volunteering as the photographer in this busy networking was really an incredible and tiring experience! It’s all worth it. Experience matters and being valuable matters.

Venue: St. Lawrence College

For short reflection, see my LinkedIn post.

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Stage with a large screen displaying "WELCOME" at the Kingston Business Awards, illuminated KBA letters, and stage lights

This is the most elegant and awe-inspiring event I have ever attended. I also find it more challenging to create a small talk to other entrepeneurs as I’m not a business owner; only representing my mother’s commercial cleaning business. Nevertheless, I met a few friends (former SLC teachers, networking buddies), familiar faces like Zach Fang, co-owner of Miss Bāo Restaurant + Cocktail Bar that won in the Hospitality category, and met new ones like Sir Vivek Gupta who instantly made me feel at ease and not left out.

Hosted by: Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce

Venue: The Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts

For photos and videos, what this room felt like and a short reflection, see my LinkedIn post, reposted video from Chamber of Commerce

A woman taking a selfie on a staircase at a crowded indoor event with many people gathered in the background, some near a buffet table and large windows.
Three people taking a selfie at a formal event or gathering, with a wooden wall and other guests in the background.

May 2023, SA Voice Podcast Guest

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A promotional graphic for a podcast episode featuring guest Gail Manigsaca, a digital marketing communications student, discussing the power of networking for students. The graphic includes a photo of Gail smiling, with text details about the episode, including the episode number, season, and platforms for listening such as Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts.

Just sitting and chatting over headphones about networking experiences was one of the best and most fun first‑time experiences I’ve had—who knew? Thank you so much, Sean, for offering this rare, out‑of‑the‑blue opportunity.

Podcast host: Sean Allan Ozeer

Venue: SLC Innovation Hub

Watch the interview on SA’s Youtube channel, and see the SA Instagram post.

June 2023, Pam Fountas - Invest in You - Women in Business Event

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Three women smiling and posing together indoors, with artwork and photographs on brick and white walls behind them.

This has been one of my most memorable experience. To be in this room with amazing women, with entrepreneurial, creative, innovative women and get a glimpse in how they think and show up to their lives, work, community; to be invited by Pam herself, to volunteer in her event are a wonderful gift to myself that left a lasting mark. With me is my co-volunteer Gertrude Faith Marie Talasan.

Venue: The Studio By Kaufmann Photography

For photos/videos, what this event felt like and a short reflection, see my Instagram post.

June 2023, Meeting with Prof. Michael Carter

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A woman and a man taking a selfie against a white brick wall. The woman wears a black shirt with the letter 'M' on it, and the man wears glasses, a gray blazer, and a plaid shirt.

This is one of a kind experience that I still find it too good to be true. A faculty of SLC is interested to know more of KNB and how can support my personal project. Meeting with someone who shares similar values of helping newcomers socially integrate Kingston feels like I am not alone. Thank you for making time to hear my story and for posting our meeting encounter in your LinkedIn. It means a lot to me, Prof. Michael. Thank you.

Venue: St. Lawrence College

For photos/videos, what this event felt like and a short reflection, see my LinkedIn post, my short reflection, and featuring me in his #FollowFriday post.

July 2023, Jessie Mundell

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In this video, Jessie invited me to demo exercises for her upcoming updated program at Focus Personal Fitness Studio.

Long before I migrated to Canada, I looked up to her work; she taught me to think differently about training, to respect my body as a woman and a mother, and to see my own clients with more compassion. So when I finally met her at a networking event hosted by Pam Fountas, where I was volunteering, I could not believe my luck—“star‑struck” felt too small for what that moment meant.

Check out for more thoughts on my encounter with Jessie, Instagram post.

Venue: Focus Personal Fitness Studio

July 2023, Signature Stables - ‘A Summer Evening in the Islands’ - Gala Fundraiser

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A group of three people smiling for a selfie outdoors with a green lawn, trees, and a body of water visible in the background.

For Gertrude and me, it felt like a privilege to volunteer for this event—welcoming participants and trying to make their experience as comfortable as possible. Being trusted by the Pilon family was more than enough to be grateful for; in this photo, we are with Luc Pilon, owner of the Signature Stables and President of Heli-Transport Inc.

Venue: Signature Stables, Gananoque

For my short reflection, see my LinkedIn post.

August 2023, Coffee Chat with Tanvi Nandani

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Two women taking a selfie inside a cafe or restaurant, with large windows behind them showing the interior and some customers at the counter.

When Tanvi was still the SLC Alumni Coordinator (she’s also a part-time professor primarily teaching in the Healthcare Administration program) and invited me for a coffee chat, deep in my heart, I felt a sense of gratitude that KNB’s work reached to the Department. This was the conversation that helped me build trust in me and KNB’s work supporting others like me who are navigating transitions in the new place. Thank you for seeing KNB as contributing to the international student community.

Venue: The Juniper Café

September 2023, Book Launch of Take Me Back to Cairo

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A room filled with people attending a presentation or conference, with two presenters at the front near a whiteboard and digital display.

I volunteered as the photographer for the book launching. It’s a new experience hearing the author herself read the book. It makes the book come alive and more engaging. With this volunteering experience, this led me to work part-time as Book Marketer/Media Assistant for Take Me Back to Cairo, and the Social Media Specialist for Weller’s Pharmacy, community pharmacy founded by Tarek Hussein (the co-author).

For short reflection, see my LinkedIn post, authors’ Facebook post.

September 2023, Kingston Writers Fest

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Three women standing next to a whiteboard with a handwritten presentation title, posing for a photo in an indoor conference room.

Volunteering here gave me a unique role: I served as a wrangler (an author’s personal assistant) and a captain across three incredible events.

Meeting the authors, watching them teach, and seeing the book signings up close gave me a fresh perspective on what shows up in community events and how much quiet labour it takes to make them work. This experience reminded me that volunteerism—people organizing around a common cause—can actually mobilize a room and make an event successful.

With me is the author Tanis Macdonald, Nomusa Mngoma as one of the participants is the Founder, CEO & Artistic Director of Dansani Dance Company

Venue: Holiday Inn Kingston

For photo, what this room felt like, and short reflection, see my Instagram post.

September 2023, Filipino Meet & Greet

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A woman wearing a polka dot dress holding a microphone speaks in front of a presentation slide that reads 'Inspirational Message, Gail Manigsaca, Founder, Kingston NetworkBuddy', with colorful bunting and a cartoon truck illustrated on the slide.

Hosted by: SLC Filipino Club

It is exciting and with warmth knowing that the St. Lawrence College has now a Filipino Club. And it was a privileged to be chosen as one of the committee member to help set up this first event Filipino students and alumni event. Because of Rechell Bernales, she made it possible.

Also, it’s a weird and kinda new and elating feeling to speak to an event to talk about the importance of networking.

Venue: St. Lawrence College

For photo, what this room felt like, and my short reflection, see my LinkedIn post.

September 2023, DMC Orientation Day

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A diverse group of people presenting and sitting in a modern, open conference room with large windows. Four individuals are standing in front of two screens, while several others sit at tables listening.

Being invited to speak at the Orientation Day made me realized that I have done something valuable in the international student community.

For this, I am thankful to Prof. Jessica Bredschneider, one of my teachers in my class who believed in me, of what I’m trying to do.

Venue: SLC Innovation Hub

Check for more in this event posted by Prof. Scott Maybee in his LinkedIn post, my thoughts of this experience.

September 2023, Fundraising Musical Concert

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To be able to visit other Church to help raise funds and support Foodbank in Brockville, ON is a meaningful experience for me, my brother Kim and his wife, Gertrude. We strive to be useful for others.

Venue: Brockville Adventist Church

For short reflections, see my LinkedIn post.

October 2023, Guest Class Speaker, HCA Common Hour

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Event details for October 4, 2023, from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM, titled 'HCA COMMON HOUR with Gail Manigasca, founder of Kingston,' held via Microsoft Teams Meeting, with a colorful logo in the upper right corner.

Being invited for the first time to speak about Networking in the Health Care Administrations class was a nerve-wrecking. Because I’m no expert. I’m just like the rest of the newcomers navigating transitions. Still back in my mind I’m just trying to survive by showing up to networking events and learn something in return. But when I felt that Tanvi Nandani and Prof. Julie White believed in my experiences as valid and of value to their students.. it made me believed in me. Thank you.

October 2023, AMC/DMC Program Advisory Committee Meeting

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Slide from a virtual meeting titled 'Faculty of Business and Community Services (FBCS) Program Advisory Committee (PAC) Meetings, October 26, 2023, St. Lawrence College.'

I’m deeply honoured and thankful to my Program Coordinator, Kathy Patterson, for choosing me to serve as a graduate representative on our Program Advisory Committee, helping faculty and industry partners improve the curriculum.

This role is meaningful to me because it lets me bring newcomer and international‑student experience directly into how the program evolves

December 2023, Coffee Chat with Elizabeth Hesp

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Two women standing together in a room with green plants, smiling at the camera.

This meet‑up with Elizabeth was a blessing. I had seen her in networking events before, but we had never had the chance for even a quick chat.

Around then, I was close to giving up on KNB for good—burned out from showing up in different rooms, juggling work as a mom and cleaner, and feeling that KNB was “too much” for something nobody had asked me to build. In January, I even wrote a LinkedIn post saying the 2024 winter gathering would be the last KNB event. Underneath that, there was still a small spark saying I needed a real social anchor for my own crossing as a newcomer.

Elizabeth saw her earlier self in me, back when she was new to Kingston decades ago, and her story and lived wisdom made me feel seen and heard—not as someone who had “arrived,” but as a hand held during the crossing.

That conversation planted the seed for how I wanted the 2024 gatherings to feel: warm, honest rooms where people are allowed to be mid‑crossing.

Later in 2024, Elizabeth offered team leadership coaching for the KNB core team through her coaching practice, and we felt deeply cared for—proof that KNB’s work is also helping others, not only ourselves. For a season, she also coached me one‑to‑one, giving structure to my work and helping me see what truly works for me.

For more information in Elizabeth’s coaching and consulting practice, see her work in Elizabeth Hesp Coaching & Consulting.

Venue: Lay Low Café

January 2024, SLC Filipino Club -SA Club Days

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Group of nine young women, some wearing black 'SLC Filipino Club' t-shirts, posing and smiling indoors at an event or gathering.

Showing up to support my fellow Filipinos during Club Days felt important, even after I graduated. That there are people ahead of them who understand what it’s like to start over in a new country.

Venue: St. Lawrence College

For photos/videos, what this event felt like and a short reflection, see my Instagram post.

March 2024, Women in Business and Leadership

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Three women smiling and taking a selfie together indoors at an event or gathering.

Hosted by: Pam Fountas

Helped Pam, the community builder and connector host their networking night (sign‑in, welcoming guests). It is always a pleasure to be of service to her. She was the first person to introduce me tot he power of community, and what it means to be a part of the community.

Venue: Blu Martini

For photo/video, wha this room felt like, and short reflection, see my LinkedIn post.

March 2024, ‘Conversations to Connect (Networking for Women)’

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Group of eight women standing together indoors, smiling at the camera.

Hosted by: Sheri Godfrey

Guest speaker: Jocelyn of Popped Closet

I’ve walked into this room carrying my past experience as a fitness gym owner and carrying my family’s business name here in Kingston, B.HAIG Building & Office Care. I wanted to have a different experience with another community, and makes them unique and valuable. The women I’ve met and spoken to brought aura of confidence and knowledge and knows their worth.

Venue: RE/MAX Finest Realty Inc.

For short reflection, see my LinkedIn post.

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Group of seven people smiling for a photo in a room with a large screen behind them.

Joined a local Toastmasters club to practise speaking and to watch how people support each other while learning. Later, I briefly served as Vice President Public Relations, but stepped down after a short term because of capacity limits in the rest of my life.

Check out a short reflection in this LinkedIn post.

April 2024, Toastmasters at Queen’s - Thursday Night Dinner

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A group of nine people sitting around a long restaurant table with plates of food and drinks, smiling and posing for the photo

This dinner with the Toastmasters at Queen’s felt like having dinner with family. Conversations just flowed, and I felt grounded and safe—it’s rare to be in a space where you can simply exist as you are.

Venue: Tir Nan Og Irish Pub

See a short reflection in this Instagram post.

April 2024, Queens Pinoys - Coffee House with Fundraising

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Group of people indoors holding a sign with the letters QPA, surrounded by a diverse crowd smiling for the photo.

It is a delightful moment when Angela, QPA President invited me to join their coffee house at Queen’s University, along with SLC Filipino Club team: Rechell Bernales (President), Jose Mari Badilla, and Regine Tabolong (incoming President).

June 2024, Empower Hour - Transparent Leadership

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A screenshot of a virtual Zoom meeting with twelve women participants, each in their own video window, some with professional backgrounds and some in casual settings, and a black background with a recording indicator at the top.

Hosted by: Women Making Impact

Empower Hour – Transparent Leadership has been one of those digital rooms where it feels best just to watch and listen. Being in a space with women who lead and make impact in their work and communities lets you see how their thinking moves through real situations—their learning, their wisdom, their questions.

As a newcomer, having access to that kind of honest leadership conversation has given me a quiet upside in my own life.

July 2024, Art Fest Kingston

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Two women smiling at an art booth, one holding a large printed art piece of a red flower with green leaves.

Hosted and Produced by: Art Experiences Co.

It’s my son and I first time to see a weekend long event showcasing artists from across Ontario, with 170+ list of vendors! I was here to support by gym buddy Sonja in her first art show. It was a great way to spend a day with my son.

Venue: City Park, Kingston

For photos, what this event felt like and a short reflection, see my  Instagram post.

A young boy standing in front of a large blackboard with art festival information, including details about vendors, art exhibits, kid's art, poetry readings, and scheduled activities at Artfest Kingston.

July 2024, Fit & Fun with the Fab Jessie Mundell

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Four women are smiling and posing for a photo outdoors next to a large tree in a park, with grassy ground and trees in the background.

Hosted by: Women’s Making Impact

Outdoor fitness led by an expert (that you’ve looked up to) to is a different experience. But doing with a group of women who showed up to feel better, move better, and ‘chat’ better is a triple treat!

Venue: Lake Ontario Park

For videos, what this outdoor activity felt like, and short reflection, see my Instagram post.

July 2024, Women’s Making Impact - Happy Patio Hour

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Group of women gathered in a brewery, some seated at a table and others standing, with brewing tanks and a colorful mural in the background.

One thing that made an impact for me in this Happy Hour is learning that each women here has struggles, met barriers and limitations. As the only member of woman of color, it made me realized how colonial mindset creeps in me that it’s part of my daily narratives. That I should be struggling and not them. I’m glad that the conversations with these wonderful women grounded me of equality.

Venue: Daft Brewing

For photos, what this room felt like and a short reflection, see my  LinkedIn post.

August 2024, Sama-sama with SLC Filipino Club

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Two people are speaking into microphones in front of a large Philippine flag. One person is a man wearing a black t-shirt and a blue and white jacket, and the other is a woman wearing a black patterned dress. They are smiling and engaging with each other.

If I’ve not forgotten, this is my first experience as an emcee host. It’s nerve wrecking on making it spontaneous, and at this time I appreciated the function of a written script. I’d rather sing, you know. I am with Jose Mari Badilla, the emcee co-host and VP of the club.

For photos, what this room felt like and a short reflection, see my  LinkedIn post.

September 2024, Class Guest Speaker

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A group of diverse people posing for a photo in a classroom with a whiteboard and a projection screen displaying 'Kingston NetworkBuddy'.

Class: Digital Marketing Communications with Prof. Scott Maybee

Venue: St. Lawrence College

For photos and short reflection, see my LinkedIn post.

September 2024, Kingston Intercultural Arts Festival

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After two years living here in Kingston, I joined celebrating this buzzing event. It made me realized that representation of cultural activity (art in any form, food) pulls newcomers and helps them make sense of their new environment.

Venue: Confederation Park

For photos/videos, what this outdoor event felt like and a short reflection, see my Instagram post.

October 2024, Gabriele Eton - You Matter’ Fall Speaker/Events Series

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A woman standing at a podium giving a presentation in front of a black television screen, with several attendees seated at tables in a conference room.

Hosted by: Women Mean Business (WMB)

Guest speaker: Tammy Watson

In this talk, I learned that sometimes, we reach a tipping point when it’s time to change course.

Tammy Watson highlighted that it starts with knowing our strengths and recognizing what’s draining us.

For photos, what this room felt like and a short reflection, see my Instagram post.

October 2024, Networking Guest Speaking

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A screenshot of a virtual meeting with three women, two in the front row and one behind, all wearing glasses, seated in white chairs in front of a beige background, with a message indicating trouble loading messages on the right side of the screen.

Class: SLC International Business Management with Prof. Mary Deacon and Mary De Lima (guest speaker)

Networking topic is always a fascinating topic to discuss and share with others. I started with a fundamental view of it as a form of survival anchor (emotional, mental) in a new place with different norms.

For Mary’s short reflection on her experience as a guest speaker, see her LinkedIn post.

November 2024, Tammy Watson - Make it Happen - How to Replace a Door Knob

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Two people crouch next to a wooden crate in a room, smiling at the camera. One wears a hoodie and glasses, the other a plaid shirt and glasses. There is a whiteboard, a black tool chest, and tables with various objects in the background.

Alright, I’d been battling with that broken door knob for a while, so I finally decided it was time to do something about it. This free workshop was an “aha” moment—learning about different types of door knobs and how to take them out and put them back in. Thank you, Tammy, for this empowering workshop.

Venue: Kingston Frontenac Public Library

A woman with a pink headscarf and glasses looks concerned as another woman demonstrates a door lock on a white door panel at a workshop or class, with tools and hardware on the table.

May 2025, Prayer Vigil

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Hosted by: Philippine Integrated Community of Kingston, Ontario (PIC-KO)

In May 2025, the Filipino community group PIC‑KO held a prayer vigil here in Kingston to remember those who died in the Lapu‑Lapu Day festival tragedy in Vancouver, where an SUV drove into the crowd and killed 11 people. I offered a prayer song for the families who tragically lost their loved ones, as a small way to stand with them in grief and solidarity.

June 2025, Philippines Indepedence Day Celebration

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Hosted by: Philippine Integrated Community of Kingston, Ontario (PIC-KO)

This day was extra special. Feeling a pride that the City of Kingston recognized our Philippine Independence Day. I sang the Philippine national anthem.

For video and a short reflection, see my  LinkedIn post.

November 2025, Remembrance Day

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’m humbled with gratitude when I was given the chance to sing the Canada’s national anthem on November 11. This day honors and remembers military personnel who died in service during conflicts. It marked the end of WW1 hostilities at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11 month in 1918.

Thank you, Ma. Lourdes Engo, the Event Services Manager at St. Lawrence College, to be apart of this commemoration day.

Venue: St. Lawrence College

November 2025, Mabuhay Fil‑Can Inc. - Kingston Nighttime Santa Parade

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Three people, two women and a young boy, wearing red Christmas hats and winter coats, taking a selfie during a holiday celebration at night. In the background, many people are gathered, some wearing Santa hats, with Christmas lights and decorations.

My family joined the Mabuhay Filipino community’s first attendance to this event. It’s not merely showing up but signifies a cultural visibility towards newcomers that our culture matters here.

For photos and vidoes, what this event felt like and a short reflection, see my Instagram post, LinkedIn post.

December 2025, Mabuhay Fil-Can Inc. - Christmas Gathering

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This day was extra special. Feeling proud that the City of Kingston recognized our Philippine Independence Day. I sang the Philippine national anthem.

For photos and videos, and a short reflection, see Karen Arnold (Vice President) Facebook posts:

part 1, part 2 (special guests Mayor Bryan Paterson, Ted Hsu, Jimmy Hassan and deputy mayors in Kingston),

part 3 (where my siblings and I sang a prayer song to start the gathering),

part 4 (special talk from the Psychology Dept at Queen’s University),

part 5 (with Kevin Leclerc, Executive Director of Youth Shelter).

December 2025, Samahang Filipino-Canadian Ng Kingston - Christmas Party

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A large indoor Christmas celebration with many people sitting at decorated tables, some wearing Santa hats, in a gymnasium with holiday decorations, including Christmas trees, wreaths, and a decorated stage with festive banners and ornaments.

Samahang Filipino-Canadian Ng Kingston is one of several Filipino community groups in Kingston, each serving different community and cultural needs. Attending their Christmas gathering for the first time strengthened my sense of community and support as a Filipino newcomer

December 2025, Philippine International for Arts, Culture and Heritage - Masquerade Charity Gala

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Group of women at a masquerade charity gala, some wearing masks, smiling for the camera, with a festive backdrop.

With Mabuhay Fil‑Can Inc., this was my first masquerade—fun, but with a purpose: supporting the CHEO Foundation, which helps transform pediatric health care for children and youth in our region. This event was highly memorable and satisfying, especially being entertained by the vocal prowess of Dessa (Maria Destreza Alivio Salazar).

Venue: Blue Legacy Convention Centre, Ottawa

Group of people celebrating at an event with festive decorations, balloons, and a backdrop with the PAC logo, all smiling and posing for the camera.

December 2025, Liberal Party Festive Gathering

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Mark Gerretsen

Attending a Liberal Party gathering helped me see how much campaigns rely on volunteers and donors to actually mobilize people in the 2025 election, and what issues they believe need public support right now. It was also a first glimpse into how power and decision‑making work around bills and rules in Canada.

(First photo with MP Mark Gerretsen; (second photo) with MPP Ted Hsu).

hese photos are from Mark Gerretsen’s Facebook page (see their Facebook post, and from Karen Arnold—volunteer and Vice‑President of Mabuhay Fil-Can Inc., —in her see her short reflection on Facebook post.

Thank you, Karen, for inviting us to witness this space.

Venue: The Spire, a historic arts and community hub in downtown Kingston.

Ted Hsu