The Filipino Canadian community once again filled the room with colour, culture, and Christmas spirit during its annual holiday celebration in the Lakeland.

MLA Scott Cyr attended the event and said the gathering was a powerful example of community, family, and tradition coming together.

“You haven’t been to a party until you’ve been to a Filipino Canadian Christmas party,” Cyr said. “It was wonderful to be back with such a welcoming, joyful, and vibrant community.”

The evening featured games for all ages, a potluck meal that felt like a shared family table, and plenty of excitement as children lined up to visit Santa. Traditional Filipino dances were also a highlight of the night.

“The traditional dances were beautiful to watch and added so much culture, pride, and meaning to the celebration,” Cyr said.

What stood out most to Cyr was the generosity and warmth that filled the room.

“The food, the smiles, and the way everyone looks out for one another made it clear that this celebration was about far more than just a Christmas party,” he said. “It was about family, belonging, and tradition.”

MLA Scott Cyr (centre) with members of the Filipino community and members of both Town of Bonnyville and City of Cold Lake councils.

Local leaders from across the region attended the celebration, reflecting the strong connections between the Filipino-Canadian community and the wider Lakeland.

Cyr also thanked the United Filipino Canadian Association of Bonnyville for hosting the event.

“A big thank you to the entire board and everyone who contributed their time, effort, and generosity to make the evening such a great success,” he said.

He closed by wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a holiday season filled with health, happiness, and togetherness.