"I want to go to Canada." These were the words of 10-year-old Winifreda Lopez after attending a children’s party hosted by Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines Peter Sutherland in celebration of World Canada Day in Manila.
Lopez was one of the 50 underprivileged elementary pupils from two barangays in the city who got the chance to enjoy a "birthday party" organized by the Canadian Embassy in cooperation with food chain giant Jollibee Inc.
"I think it’s a better place than ours here," said Lopez after her cheerful participation in the program.
Sutherland said the party, dubbed "Canada for Kids," was intended "to give underprivileged children a chance to learn while enjoying."
"This is also a chance to talk about Canada," he said.
The ambassador’s wife, Jo-Lynne, told the children the story of the "Paper Bag Princess."
Sutherland, who said he loves children, noted that there isn’t much difference between Filipino and Canadian children.
"Kids are kids, wherever they are and whatever culture they have," he explained.
As part of the month-long celebration which started on June 20, the embassy has also scheduled other activities, including a Canadian Film Festival from July 6 to 11 at the Podium, SM Megamall and the Cultural Center of the Philippines. A food festival is also featured for the entire duration of the celebration. — Edu Punay