15 December 2025 – The Philippine Consulate General (PCG) in Calgary, in partnership with the Alberta Network of Immigrant Women (ANIW), held a Recipe Trading Cards Art Workshop on Saturday, 13 December 2025, bringing together members of the Filipino-Canadian community for an afternoon of creativity, cultural sharing, and advocacy. The workshop also marked the culmination of the 18-Day Campaign to End VAW.
Held in the spirit of the Filipino Christmas, the workshop celebrated the central role of FOOD in Filipino family life and holiday traditions. Through art and storytelling, participants reflected on cherished Noche Buena recipes and memories that connect generations and strengthen community bonds, particularly during the festive season.
The activity was also organized as part of the Consulate’s observance of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women, in support of the VAW-Free Philippines campaign. By embedding advocacy within a joyful and culturally familiar setting, the workshop highlighted the importance of safe, nurturing, and inclusive spaces for women and families, especially during times of celebration.
In her opening remarks, Consul General Emma R. Sarne emphasized that homes should be safe places that encourage creativity, self-expression, and growth. She mentioned that beyond providing the usual consular services, the Consulate works closely with community partners and local institutions to ensure that Filipino women, families, and vulnerable members of our community feel supported, empowered, and safe. She also highlighted the power of cultural diplomacy of using art, food, and shared experiences to build bridges, foster belonging and strengthen the well-being of the Filipino community in Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Facilitated by local Filipino-Canadian artist Thea Galang, the participants were asked to illustrate their most loved dishes on handmade cards. On the reverse side of each card, participants wrote down the recipe, transforming each card into a personal keepsake that blended visual art with culinary tradition.
At the end of the session, participants traded recipe cards with fellow attendees, sparking conversations about food, family traditions and cultural connection. The exchange fostered a sense of community, turning simple cards into bridges for storytelling.
The Recipe Trading Cards Art Workshop is part of ANIWs Cultural Threads program, an intergenerational initiative that exemplifies how art, food, and conversations strengthen cultural identity and community bonds. The Consulate partnered with ANIW to deliver this program as the latter plays a vital role in empowering immigrant women and advancing community-based advocacies.
The artworks/ trading cards created during the workshop will form part of ANIW’s upcoming exhibit ensuring that the stories shared during the activity continue to reach wider audiences beyond the event itself.
Through activities such as this, the Philippine Consulate General in Calgary reaffirms its commitment to promoting Filipino culture, strengthening community ties, and advancing advocacy for women’s rights and well-being through creative and inclusive community engagement. END.
PR No. 20-2025
