08 March 2026 – The Philippine Consulate General in Calgary joined members of the Filipino Community in celebrating two significant milestones that highlight the resilience and dynamism of Filipino entrepreneurship and the enduring role of Filipino-led media in strengthening cultural and community connections in the city.
Consul General Emma Sarne first attended the reopening of Floyd’s Lechon & Catering, a well-loved Filipino establishment known for its signature lechon (roasted whole pig). The occasion marked the restaurant’s resumption of operations and welcomed back many loyal lechon-loving customers to one of the city’s familiar Filipino dining spots. Consul General Sarne commended owner Flordmay Ricaplaza and partners for their determination and commitment to continue serving the community, noting that Filipino-owned businesses – particularly in the restaurant and food catering sector – play an important role in showcasing the vibrancy of the Filipino community in Calgary. The occasion featured a modest ribbon-cutting ceremony and a salu-salo, symbolizing the beginning of a new chapter for the establishment.
Afterwards, the Consul General attended the 20th Anniversary of Radio Pinoy Calgary-94.7 FM, one of the Filipino radio programs hosted by Mr. Renato Barnachea, Chair of FilCanadian Broadcasters Society.
For two decades, Radio Pinoy Calgary has served as an important platform for information, community dialogue, and cultural expression among Filipinos in Calgary. Through its various programming, the radio show helped connect generations of Filipino-Canadians to their heritage, promote OPM, and keep the community informed of developments both locally and in the Philippines. Consul General Sarne also highlighted the program’s valuable partnership with the Philippine Consulate General in disseminating timely and important information on consular services. The Consul General mentioned that she has been invited to the program on several occasions to discuss consular services and to remind the community about the ongoing overseas voter registration. She presented a Certificate of Appreciation recognizing the important role played by Radio Pinoy Calgary in fostering community engagement and preserving the cultural identity of Filipinos in Calgary.
The event was also attended by Hon. Peter Singh, Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) of Alberta representing Calgary – East. In his remarks, MLA Singh underscored that the station’s 20-year milestone reflects not only its longevity but also the continued support of the Filipino community, whose participation has helped sustain the program and strengthen connections among Filipinos in the city.
Together, the two events highlighted the vibrancy and growing visibility of the Filipino community in Calgary, reflected in the resilience of Filipino-owned enterprises and the important role of Filipino-led media in fostering community engagement and cultural pride. The Philippine Consulate General in Calgary likewise reaffirmed its continued support for Filipino community initiatives and recognized the valuable contributions of Filipino entrepreneurs and media organizations to the economic and cultural life of Alberta and Saskatchewan. END
