This year’s Filipino Heritage month in Neepawa put a spotlight on young Filipinas through a pageant called “Mutya ng Filipino Heritage” or "Jewel of Filipino Heritage" where they were able to showcase their culture and traditions through a fashion show and performances. They were also able to share their views about preserving Filipino culture and traditions.

After the event, we were able to sit down and chat with the winners Peevee Sarmiento, Raven Cabahug and Maeriel Malaba. They talked about their experience in joining the Mutya ng Filipino Heritage, how it helped them develop their self-confidence, learned more about the culture of the different regions in the Philippines and connect with the Filipino community through the different events held during the month long celebration of Filipino Heritage in Neepawa.

They were also able to share their experiences and struggles as younger generation of Filipino immigrants which includes being away from one of their parents for some years before they reunited here in Canada. They said that it was a very difficult time for their families during those years but finally being with their whole family again gave them a brighter look for their future here in Canada. 

They also shared their journey in settling here in Canada where most of them found it easy to adjust because of the large population of Filipinos and the welcoming and supportive community that we have in Neepawa.

Lastly, they think it is important for them as the younger generation to carry with them the Filipino values wherever they go as this is part of their cultural identity.  As mentioned by Sarmiento, “There have been many Filipinos that have come along and paved the way for building my identity and shaping it to being Filipino”.