Great People   |   Filipino Heritage

Connections Magazine

Filipino Heritage Issue

In this issue:
Celebrating Filipino Heritage: A Cultural Jou...
Celebrating our Filipino Community at Home Of...
Great People Grow Here: Ron Garcia
Celebrating Filipino Heritage at Ryan Hall
Filipino Heritage Month Profile: Maria Agcon
From the Heart of the Philippines to Our Comm...
Celebrating Filipino Heritage Month

Celebrating Filipino Heritage: A Cultural Journey at Parkland at the Lakes

June 13, 2024

At Parkland at the Lakes, we proudly celebrated Filipino Heritage Month by creating an enlightening cultural display for our Kinross Residents.

This vibrant exhibit, dedicated to our amazing Filipino team members, offered a deep dive into the rich tapestry of Filipino traditions.

The display featured an assortment of Filipino delicacies, inviting everyone to savor the flavors that are central to Filipino culture: native slippers, fans, and intricately woven bags made from coconut leaves, each item showcasing Filipino craftsmanship and resourcefulness.

Central to our exhibit was the Barong Tagalog, a formal shirt for men that beautifully blends pre-colonial native and Spanish colonial styles. Traditionally made from sheer textiles like piña or abacá, the Barong is a symbol of Filipino elegance and national pride. Alongside the Barong, we displayed the “Daster,” a comfortable dress that evokes memories of Filipino mothers, aunts, and grandmothers, embodying the essence of Filipino domestic life.

Our exhibit also included everyday household items like the “Walis Tambo,” a whisk broom that is more than just a cleaning tool—it’s a cultural icon representing the Filipino dedication to a clean and orderly home. The “Tabo,” a practical dipper traditionally made from coconut and bamboo, highlighted the ingenuity and environmental consciousness of Filipino ancestors.

One heartwarming story emerged from our celebration: a resident, whose late wife was Filipina, requested dried mangoes from the display. This simple yet poignant request underscored the personal connections and memories that cultural artifacts can evoke.


This celebration at Parkland at the Lakes not only honored our Filipino team members but also provided a rich cultural learning experience for our entire community. Through these symbols of Filipino heritage, we bridged generations and backgrounds, fostering a deeper appreciation for the beautiful mosaic of traditions that enrich our lives.

Learn more

Celebrating our Filipino Community at Home Office

June 20, 2024

Celebrating Filipino Heritage Month at Home Office, Shannex!

In honor of Filipino Heritage Month, our amazing team members of Filipino descent came together to share their rich culture and traditions. We had the pleasure of learning about the vibrant people, beautiful places, and delicious cuisine of the Philippines.

The highlight of the event was a mouth-watering traditional meal prepared by our talented Filipino colleagues. It was a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the significant contributions that Canadians of Filipino descent make to our community and to Canada’s social, economic, and cultural landscape.

Thank you to everyone who participated and helped create a more open, diverse, and inclusive society. Here’s to celebrating the beautiful Filipino heritage!

Learn more


Are you interested in joining an inclusive team? Explore Shannex Careers today and join our vibrant community: Shannex.com/Careers

Great People Grow Here: Ron Garcia

June 24, 2024

International Recruitment Manager, Home Office

Shannex opened its doors to Ron Garcia in 2010, as one of the first 10 internationally recruited nurses.

He began his career as a registered nurse at Cedarstone Enhanced Care, later working with residents at Debert Court. Ron then became the Site Manager at Elk Court, before returning to Cedarstone as the Site Manager, and eventually advancing to a Regional Manager position.

Ron is a key figure in the Filipino community, founding the Filipino Association of Truro in 2013. He has made a significant impact by recognizing the need for a community hub and support system for newcomers, which was acknowledged by the town hall with a flag-raising ceremony for Filipino Heritage Month in early June.

Ron emphasizes the importance of multicultural integration: “It’s amazing to find the commonalities in both Canadian and Filipino culture. The importance of family and support stands out in both!”

Fifteen years after starting at Shannex, Ron is now the International Recruitment Manager. He attributes his approach to work to his Filipino heritage and upbringing. “The feeling I receive from providing care and service is ingrained in the Filipino culture,” Ron said.

“Working for an organization that embodies core values in Filipino culture has been fulfilling. Shannex represents safety, comfort, and trust, showing me I am in the right place,” Ron added.


Interested in a work culture where you’re seen, heard, and celebrated? Explore career opportunities with us and become a part of our story.

Celebrating Filipino Heritage at Ryan Hall

June 25, 2024

Embracing Filipino Heritage with the Great People at Ryan Hall

June 20th was a day filled with vibrant colors, lively music, and heartwarming performances as we celebrated In honor of Filipino Heritage Month. Our Filipino team took the initiative to organize an incredible event, showcasing their rich culture and traditions to our residents, families, and fellow Great People.

Over 20 staff members came together to create a spectacular celebration. The event featured a live Filipino band, energetic dance performances, and an array of traditional Filipino foods and ice cream. The festivities lasted for two hours, surpassing all expectations and leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.

A huge thank you to our Filipino staff for their dedication and hard work in making this event a memorable one. Your efforts truly brought the spirit of the Philippines to life in our community.

Visit the photo log below to view the day’s festivities.

Learn more about Filipino Heritage Month at Shannex


Are you interested in joining an inclusive team? Explore Shannex Careers today and join our vibrant community: Shannex.com/Careers

Filipino Heritage Month Profile: Maria Agcon

June 28, 2024

Maria Agcon 
Site Manager – Cedarstone Enhanced Care, NS  

For the past 15 years, Maria Agcon has been a key figure within Shannex and the growing Filipino community. Her professional journey includes multiple positions, showcasing her growth and versatility. Maria states, “Before coming to Canada, I was very reserved and lacked self-confidence. My community and Shannex are to thank for my incredible growth!”

Seeing the Filipino culture and community flourish in Nova Scotia over the years fills her with pride. She comments, “As time has gone by, the Filipino community has become more open, expressive, and we look to contribute to better the province.”

For Maria, being mindful of the role her culture plays in her work has always been paramount. “Resilience and being able to adapt to any situation make me proud of who we are as a community,” said Maria.

With firsthand experience of moving to Canada 15 years ago and building a family, community, and notable professional career, Maria understands the hardships of starting from scratch. She advocates for new settlers, advising, “New settlers should not be afraid to put themselves out there. Any failure is an opportunity for growth!”

Interested in a rewarding career working with great people like Maria? Learn more at Shannex.com/Careers.

Read more about Filipino Heritage Month at Shannex.

From the Heart of the Philippines to Our Communities 

June 25, 2025

June was filled with joy, pride, and connection as our communities came together to celebrate Filipino Heritage Month. This special time honoured the culture, traditions, and contributions of our vibrant Filipino team members, residents, and families through music, food, dancing, and shared stories. 

Celebrations that filled our Parkland’s Halls

Parkland Clayton Park

At Parkland Clayton Park, residents enjoyed a heartfelt performance by Leander Mendoza and the Harana Singers. The show featured timeless Filipino songs, lively dances, and a moving finale with one song dedicated to the Philippines, sung proudly beside the Filipino flag, and another to Canada.

Parkland at the Lakes

Parkland at the Lakes celebrated the month with a lively cultural event showcasing traditional Filipino items such as Barongs, Filipiniana boleros, handcrafted bags, walis tambo, placemats, and sandals. Team members proudly wore traditional attire, sharing their culture with enthusiasm and pride.

Parkland on Eglinton West

At Parkland on Eglinton West, residents, team members, and families celebrated with food, dancing, and a cultural presentation that brought the spirit of the Philippines to life. Residents still talk about the energy and emotion of the event.

Parkland at the Gardens

Parkland at the Gardens hosted two joyful events: a team celebration with delicious BBQ and Halo-Halo (a beloved Filipino cold treat that was a hit with everyone!), and a concert featuring the Harana Singers. The group beautifully performed cherished Filipino folk songs that filled the room with warmth and cultural pride. Dressed in stunning Filipiniana attire, they brought the richness of Filipino culture to life through music and tradition.

More celebrations at Enhanced Care and Home Office 

Vimy Court

Bible Hill, Nova Scotia

At Vimy Court. Filipino residents and team members gathered for a heartfelt flag-raising ceremony to celebrate Filipino Heritage Month and in recognition of the 127th Philippine Independence Day, proudly holding flags of both the Philippines and Canada. The atmosphere was filled with pride and cultural unity. 

Ryan Hall

Bridgewater, Nova Scotia

At Ryan Hall, their celebration included prayer, national anthems, and performances such as a dance from The Pintaflores Festival of San Carlos City — known for combining floral motifs and tattoo art — along with the song Yutang Mabungahon, which honours the land as the source of life for the Katawhang Lumad.

Arborstone Enhanced Care

Halifax, Nova Scotia

At Arborstone Enhanced Care, the Philippine Independence Day was celebrated with music, dancing, photos, and joyful moments that brought the community together.

Cedarstone Enhanced Care, Vimy Court, and Home Office

In Truro, team members from Cedarstone Enhanced Care, Vimy Court, and Home Office joined Mayor Cathy Hinton, local councillors, and families for a community flag-raising at Town Hall — an inspiring tribute to Filipino culture.

West Bedford Transitional Health
Home Office

Bedford, Nova Scotia

At Home Office, a Pinoy Power Hour was held, offering a fun-filled break with traditional Filipino food, music, games, and laughter. Everyone was invited to “be Filipino for at least one hour” and experience the warmth, humour, and hospitality that represent this beautiful culture. 

The Filipino community brings heart, resilience, and a deep sense of care to everything they do. The values of family, respect, and hospitality enrich our homes and workplaces every day.  Mabuhay, and salamat po to our Filipino team members, residents, and families. Your culture is a gift, and we are proud to celebrate it with you. 

Celebrating Filipino Heritage Month

August 19, 2025

Throughout June, our communities proudly celebrated Filipino Heritage Month, honouring the traditions, stories and contributions of our vibrant Filipino community. The celebrations included traditional dances, live music, food, games,

flag-raisings, and meaningful moments that highlighted the spirit of unity, joy, and cultural pride. Mabuhay, and salamat po to our Filipino team members, residents, and families. Your culture is a gift, and we’re proud to celebrate it.

Filipino flag-raising ceremony at Truro’s Town Hall

In another heartfelt effort, residents of Royal Court at Parkland Riverview came together for the third consecutive year to craft two cozy no-sew fleece blankets. These blankets were donated to the Humanity Project, an organization that offers mental health, addiction services, and transitional

housing for vulnerable individuals in the Greater Moncton area.

Pheobe Donasco, Richard Del Rosario, Erika O’Hanley, Luke Albert Go,Sharon Agoncillo-Galang, Mayka Villaflor, Jason Shannon, Ron Garcia, Robee Villaflor, John Marie Alonzo, Andrian Dela Cruz, Shyrr Porras, John Lumagui, Benjamin Batalla, Nikki Maranon, June Nacion and Jake Salcedocelebrating at Home Office

Join us in celebrating these incredible women and all the women whose strength, dedication, and leadership are creating lasting change in our communities.