You are here2011 Greater Toronto ANCOP Walk

2011 Greater Toronto ANCOP Walk

Nathan Phillips Square in downtown Toronto was a sea of green as hundreds of people wore green T-shirts prepared to walk for the poorest of the poor on August 28th, 2011. This was Toronto’s 8^th annual ANCOP walk. ANCOP which stands for Answering the Cry of the Poor helps poor families in the Philippines. Other Canadian cities such as Victoria, Vancouver, Calgary, Fort McMurray, Winnipeg, Montreal and Ottawa have also organized their own annual ANCOP walk.

Truly, the ANCOP Walk has been blessed a) for good weather despite Hurricane Irene slamming the eastern seaboard b) that the unfortunate passing and state funeral for the late Jack Layton did not coincide with our walk; actually citizens who still gather at Nathan Philips Square to post messages/photograph the messages (in chalk) are probably more aware now of our cause; c) despite the renovations at NPS, our City of Toronto Event Coordinator, had accommodated our request to be at the NPS for our activities/causes like our walk. d) The Toronto Police event Coordinator who provided us with finest policeman, providing us with the facilities and keeping us safe during our walk. e) The dedicated volunteers from the registrars to marshals, f) the ANCOP Toronto Staff, to give us support.

The Walk which has been opened with short program by the dynamic emcees from Couples for Christ (CFC) (Sunny Paragas, Marisa Gozun, Ferdie Velasco and Elisa Duque) welcomed all participants, cheered and empowered all to participate and gave away lots of prizes.

Alex Ascano, the over-all ANCOP Walk Coordinator toss to open the Walk event by providing us with the walk information and NPS house rules while with the President of ANCOP, Temi Pangilinan, who also provided the welcome remarks. DaxMagsisi, CFC Area Head for the Greater Toronto Area, led the opening prayer and prayed for the success of the walk.

Consul General of the Philippines, Pedro Chan, gave an inspiring message to all participants and encouraged everyone to continue with the work with the poor.

Talents were showcased by Vonnie Beltran, John Alix, the YFC Lighthouse Band of Durham, the BLD youth, Chris Gonzalez and team, the CFC Collected Spirits, including sister Caye Diaz, sister Lisa Mado, sister Chona Hipol, while sister Rose Migue,who headed the registration and many more.

Josie De Leon, a professional singer, sang a beautiful song titled “One” composed specifically for ANCOP by a well-known Filipino musical artist, Cecile Azarcon.

The Honorable Joe Oliver, federal Minister of Natural Resources, greeted the participants with enthusiasm and inspired them with his message: “I am honored to be involved in the walk to help build homes in the Philippines in Manila and throughout the country.” Mr. Rocco Rossi, the Progressive Conservative candidate representing the riding of Eglinton-Lawrence praised the Filipinos for setting an example for everyone. He noted that “Filipinos have gone across the globe and that the Philippines is famous for care giving – care giving for the society as a whole.”

Sinulog dancers with their colorful costumes and Sto Nino performed gracefully for the audience and led the participants to the ANCOP Walk.

With banners and placards at hand, participants from all walks of life, from various community such BLD, CFC and family Ministries, PCCF and church groups, families with kids in strollers and youth of all ages marched with ONE purpose.

The 8th annual ANCOP Walk in Toronto ended successfully with the help of many volunteers, ANCOP partners, CFC marshals and First Aid providers, entertainers, the Sinulog dancers, assemblers of snacks, T-shirts and give aways, emcees/stage directors, photographers/videographers, the City of Toronto and Toronto ’s police officers. Special thanks to those who generously gave their time and talent to make sure that the world is a better place for the poorest of the poor.

Kudos to the leaders of CFC, brother Alex and sister Dorie Ascano, who headed the 2011 ANCOP Walk together with brother Rico and sister Gina Tingin, Fred Quinto, the ANCOP coordinators for their tireless efforts in coordinating and organizing this event and for those who provided support to God’s work.

Winners of the best banner and largest number of participants went to Singles for Christ (SFC) North – first place; SFC Central – second place; and Handmaids of the Lord West – third place.

Brother Russell Nazareno, sector head for the East, thanked the Lord for His countless blessings and encouraged everyone to join again next year.

Our walk would not be fully successful without the support of our passionate and zealous sponsors and vendors, who came to support and walk with us. Below are just the few who have been there to buttress the 2011 ANCOP Walk.

Ria - www.riafinacial.com

Ariel Santos - http://arielsantos.com/

Cruiseshipcenters -http://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/AdoracionAscano

Dr Victoria santiago- http://www.manta.com/ic/mtqggm9/ca/santiago-dr-victoria

LBC - http://www.lbcexpress.com/

Fusion Excel by Baby Palumbarit - http://www.fusionexcel.ca/

Jessie Jr - http://www.jessejr.net/

Classic Care Pharmacy - http://www.health-local.com/biz/pharmacy/brampton/ontario/classic- care-pharmacy-brampton/

Fitzroy Gordon of Momentis Energy- http://momentis.net/company.asp

Dr Shirley Salazar

Pharmacita

Max Restaurant