Cebu to celebrate CANADA 2005

August 3, 4, and 5 - these are the days that Cebuanos should remember because these days will give them an opportunity to know more about Canada - the most favorable and family friendly country. These days will allow Cebuanos to discover the country's culture and its significance to Cebu. These days will absolutely offer Cebuanos several opportunities in employment. Honorary Consul of Canada, Robert O. Lee, said that the Embassy of Canada would once more mete out the Canadian experience through film screenings, inauguration of development projects, education seminars, food festivals, and many exciting events. They are putting together all these events so that Cebuanos will be more familiar with the country.

"This is the first time that we are going to celebrate Canada for three days. The celebration is usually held in a day. We are doing this because Cebu is one of the important partners of Canada," Lee confirmed. He explained futher that the Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines Peter Sutherland will witness the launch of the United Nations Children's Fund's (UNICEF) 6th Country Program for Children in the Visayas. On August 3, UNICEF Country Representative Nicolas Alipuli will sign the commitment of partnership with Cebu Mayor Tomas Osmeña and five provincial governors of the Visayas at the Marriott Hotel.

"We offer education information seminar for free at the Marriott Hotel for those who are interested in pursuing studies at any of Canada's leading academic institutions," Lee said.

Robert O. Lee has worked for six years as the Honorary Consul for Government of Canada and still on the go for the betterment of the appointed position. He confessed that the greatest fulfillment of his job is when he is able to help those Cebuanos who dream of living and working in Canada. "Filipinos, in general, help their countrymen in Canada. They are very accommodating toward new immigrants. In fact, somebody will meet you in the airport and they will take care of you and help you find a job," he volunteered and added that they want to make an appropriate image of a Filipino in Canada.

Finally on August 5, the film enthusiasts are given a chance to experience the excellence of Canadian filmmaking as the Embassy of Canada, SM City Cebu and the Arts Council of Cebu present the Canadian Documentary festival. Shake Hands with the Devil, Turbulent Waters, and Under One Sky: Arab Women in North America talk about the Hijab (veil). At SM City Cebu Theater One.

Shake Hands with the Devil won the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival in the United States. The documentary film focuses on the various challenging experiences of the head of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Rwanda, Canadian Lt. Col. Romeo Dallaire, during the 1994 Rwandan genocide. The brave film will open the Canadian Documentary Fest at 2:00 p.m.

Malcolm Guy and Michelle Smith direct Turbulent Waters. The film brings us to the filthy heart of the global economy - petroleum, wheat, or computer keyboards - and allows us to meet the workers who risk their lives, including thousands of Filipinos. Jennifer Kawaja directs Under One Sky. It takes us to these brave North American Arab women as they reveal the ideologies behind the veil that they are wearing, with passionate insight and unexpected flair. Truly, the upcoming three-day events will be remarkable. So, don't miss out on this huge opportunity and fun as Cebu Celebrates Canada 2005!