Maligayang Araw ng Kasarinlan!

As people, Filipinos do not only treasure but also are passionate about freedom. Our heroes, both the known and the nameless, gifted us with the national independence we now enjoy and cultivated in our character the uncompromising commitment to freedom which we now defines the true Filipino spirit.

The Philippine Independence Day celebration is a valuable reminder not only of the freedom that we have but also of our invidual and collective responsibilities as “free” Filipinos. Ours is a challenge to bring the concept of freedom beyond the context of being free from rule of non-Filipinos to being from things that make us unable to fully enjoy life. In our country, the biggest challenge is bring millions of our countrymen out of or enable them to be free from poverty.

We should all own the responsibility of winning for our country and people this kind of freedom. Let us also accept the challenge and call for us to be this kind of freedom heroes. Even if you live and/or work away from “home,” you can still do a lot and be one with other Filipinos in our guest for decent and better quality of life for ALL Filipinos.

Allow me to take this opportunity of congratulating all of your for successfully strengthening the Philippine and Filipino images in Canada. Through your individual successes, which result in a collective success for our country and people, you render a heroic service that we are all called to serve the Philippines with.

Let us join hand in preserving and nurturing our freedom and independence and let us move forward as one people in winning especially for the next generation of Filipinos the freedom from poverty!

Mabuhay and malayang Pilipinas at ang mapagmahal sa kalayaan na lahing Filipino!

ISIDRO T. UNGAB
Representative
3rd district, Davao City

Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives

My warmest greetings to the Montreal Pinoy Post as you embark on your mission to inform, entertain and educate.

Behind newspaper stories and articles are tremendous amounts of creative energy, dedication, hard work and sacrifice laid by people who have the passion to inspire or present life as they see it.

In this age of increasing global awareness, may you be able to inform the world that the Filipinos have the power to liberate himself from being a slave of the past; entertain it with stories of the feats of Filipinos who have excelled in every imaginable form of endeavor and service; and educate it about the Filipino values of hospitality, resilience in trying times, integrity and sipag at tiyaga that have helped build our nation.

As we therefore celebrate our 111th year of independence, may we be able to spread the news that our nation can be built strongly on the wings of the bayanihan spirit, on the shoulders of Filipinos who are passionate in their expression of love of country, and on unshakeable faith in the kindness of God.

Mabuhay po kayong lahatt

Manny Villar
Republic of the Philippines Senate

History has shown that the writings of Jose Rizai and other notable heroes inspired the people to finally stand up to slavery and bondage. These writings were the beacon that moved our forefathers to end our suppression.

Today, the tip of the pen is still as powerful as before in bringing to the people’s consciousness important national issues that are needed to be addressed.

It is laudable for The Montreal Pinoy Post to take the task of delivering to our Filipino community in Montreal, Canada, news and information about their homeland. May The Montreal Pinoy Post continue to instill among Pinoys their love for their country and be an instrument in fighting enemies of democracy and freedom.

MABUHAY!

NOLI “KABAYAN” DE CASTRO

Republic of the Philippines
Office of the Vice President

Manila, 15 May 2009

This new cultural publication will undoubtedly play an important role in keeping Filipino Canadians informed on a variety of nationla and international issues. By featuring stories from the old country, as well as articles ofinterest to other cultural groups in Montreal, Ottawa and Kingston, The Montreal Pinoy Post is sure to attain its goals of educating, informing and entertaining its readers.

As you publish your inaugural issue, it is my hope that your newspaper will foster fellowship amongst Canadians of Filipino descent, while promoting the values of respect and mutual understanding that are a cornerstone of Canadian society.

Please accept my contratulations and best wishes for success.

The Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper, P.C., M.P.

Ottawa 2009