2009 PCTC News	2008 PCTC News	2006 PCTC News
PCTC ATTENDS ASIA PACIFIC BUSINESS CENTRE INAGURAL   Vancouver’s Robson Square became a focal point of economic interests when businessmen, dignitaries, and representatives of various business organizations, including PCTC, attended the inauguration of the New Asia Pacific Business Centre, on March 6, 2009.    Asia Pacific Foundation President, Mr. Yuen Pao Woo cut the ceremonial ribbon while the Minister of Small Business, Technology and Economic Development, Ida Chong, delivered the keynote speech highlighting the need for a centre to provide businesses with strategic market intelligence, referrals and information needed to increase trade and investments, research and development opportunities between British Columbia and markets in Asia. The Business Centre will also help incoming investors from Asia connect to business and economic opportunities in British Columbia. In addition to front counter services, the Asia-Pacific Business Centre houses country market specialists whose services will be available to qualified businesses and entrepreneurs.  Meeting and video conferencing facilities are available for use. The Centre is the brain child of extensive research in 2008 in a series of consultation sessions launched by the Ministry o Small Business, Technology ad Economic Development with various focus groups which included the Philippines Canada Trade Council. More information about the Centre can be accessed at 604-660-9727 or toll-free at 1-888-880-ASIA (2742) or through email, asia.pacific@gov.bc.ca.  The Asia-Pacific Business Centre’s address is 800 Hornby Street, Suite 288.	PRESS RELEASE NO. 13/08 : Typhoon Frank	BETP Trade Mission to Canada – September 24 to 28, 2006             The Bureau of Export Trade Promotion (BETP) of the Philippines Department of Trade is bringing the Sales Effort to Canada for RP’s Design-Driven Products trade mission to Vancouver, Calgary, and Toronto this month.  Their visit to the City of Vancouver is scheduled for September 24 to 28, 2006.             The Consulate General of the Philippines is hosting an invitation-only business meeting with the BETP and matching businesses on 26 September 2006, from 2:00 to 6:00 pm.
PCTC POSTPONES ANNUAL GOLF TOURNEY In light of the current global economic crisis, at its meeting on March 10, 2009, the Board of Directors resolved to postpone the PCTC Annual Golf event which was slated for May 7, 2009. The golf tournament, which PCTC holds among its many annual events, is a fun relaxing game joined in by members, their families and guests.  The friendly competition is usually followed by a sumptuous dinner and networking sessions.   “It is hard to break a tradition,” contends the board, but everybody is unanimous that the economic environment is so uncertain that the only recourse is to postpone the event till the economic circumstances improve. Stay tuned for further notice!	2008 PCTC Summer Solstice Golf Tournament 21 June 2008 Quilchena Golf & Country Club	PCTC Annual Golf Tournament – August 10, 2006             Twenty-nine (29) golfers participated in the 8th PCTC Annual Golf Tournament held on 10 August 2006, at the Greenacres Golf Club in Richmond. An after event dinner followed the fun-filled game, with the special participation of Hon. Consul General Minerva Falcon and an additional 10 members from the Council. Golf tournament winners were Menchu Garcia for Longest Drive and Closest to the Pin, Women’s Division; Rene Bahena for Longest Drive, Men’s Division; Danny Pizarro for Closest to the Pin, Men’s Division; and, the Lowest Foursome were Rene Bahena, Tony Kalaw, Stan Cejalvo, and Ernie Cruz. Raffle grand prize winner of a trip for two to Las Vegas courtesy of Philippine Airlines was Rob McCurdy.             Golf tournament winners and all the guests went home with gifts and raffle prizes donated by generous PCTC members and friends.             It was a fun filled event, thanks to the able management of Oscar Tiu.
		PCTC WELCOMES NEW CONSUL GENERAL             The new Consul General, H.E. Minerva Jean Falcon, was given a rousing welcome by the Filipino Community in Vancouver, in a dinner hosted by Philippines Canada Trade Council, on November 09, 2005 at the Flamingo Restaurant.  More than 150 attendees representing more than 18 organizations participated and pledged their full support and cooperation to the new top Philippine diplomat.             Representative of each organization took their turn on the podium to greet the overwhelmed Consul General.             For her part, ConGen Falcon expressed her will to have a more open Consulate to the needs of the community.  She said that everybody who needs the help of her office will not be turned down if at all something can be done.             Further, she emphasized the significance of Canada and Philippine economic partnership. The Philippines right now is in the throes of economic revival.  It must succeed with the help of Filipinos living in other countries like Canada.             ConGen Falcon is a seasoned diplomat who has been in Foreign Service for 30 years.  Her previous postings were in Hawaii, Turkey, and Germany, where she was the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary.             Vancouver is her 18th diplomatic assignment.
		PCTC Signs MOA with LMP-             The historic partnership between League of Municipalities of the Philippines and Philippines Canada Trade Council was consummated on October 01 2005, when a Memorandum of Agreement was signed by PCTC President Carmelita Tapia, and LMP National President, Ramon Guico, Jr.             The MOA was formulated on the premise that there is a need to strengthen the networking and linkages among people involved in trade and business activities between Canada and the Philippines and to promote greater awareness and appreciation not only on maters of business and trade but also on matters related to culture and policy.             Under the agreement, PCTC will undertake the necessary steps to promote indigenous products of LMP covered by One Town One Product (OTOP) Program, to Canada.  On the other hand, LMP will identify markets in the Philippines and will undertake to showcase its best practices in the field of commerce, trade, and business to become globally competitive.             Witnesses to the MOA include Marvin Hunt, President of League of Canadian Municipalities, Consul Raul Hernandez, Mayor Gerardo Calderon – Secretary General of LMP, Mayor Senen Sarmiento – Secretary General of LCP, and Mayor Estelita Aquino of LMMAP.