More than just a networking event, Halo Halo sa GBP brought together students, alumni, faculty, professionals, and community leaders to create meaningful dialogue around pathways to success. And yes—everyone enjoyed free halo-halo as a sweet reminder of home.

Keynote Speaker: Alfredo Tan

The event opened with a powerful keynote address from Mr. Alfredo Tan, Chief Digital & Information Officer at Canada Goose.

Mr. Tan shared insight on leadership, digital transformation, and the importance of embracing opportunities through innovation. His message resonated strongly with students eager to build their own career journeys in Canada.

Panel Discussions with Industry Leaders

The heart of the event featured two dynamic panel discussions, each highlighting the achievements and experiences of Filipino Canadian changemakers in academia, business, finance, arts, healthcare, and engineering.

Panel 1: Education, Arts & Institutional Leadership

1. Patrick Alcedo – Professor of Dance, York University
2. Grace Lanceta – CEO, CRD College of Healthcare
3. Michael Herrera – Chief Financial Officer, George Brown Polytechnic

This panel offered insights on academic excellence, leadership in higher education, and how creative and healthcare sectors continue to grow within the Filipino Canadian community.

Panel 2: Industry, Finance & Entrepreneurship

1. Marius Sobrepana – VP Human Resources, INTERAC
2. George Dela Rosa – CEO, Luminus Financial
3. Rommel Lumbao – Principal, Lumbao Architects

Panelists shared real-world perspectives on navigating corporate spaces, leading financial institutions, and building successful businesses in Canada.

A Free Event Strengthening Community Connections

Halo Halo sa GBP was a FREE community event, open to Filipino Canadian students from across the GTA. Attendees connected with inspiring Filipino leaders, explored career pathways, and learned how education and entrepreneurship can shape their futures.

The event also showcased the strong network of organizations supporting Filipino Canadians.

Participating Organizations

Community Groups

KABANGKA • Pinoys on Parliament • FCCC • Muslim Filipino Association of Canada (MFAC) • Filipino Centre • Kababayan Multicultural Center • UPAAT • Sine Film Institute • Breaking Canada • Kainan Na

Professional Associations

Philippine Chamber of Commerce Toronto • Philippine Canadian Chamber of Commerce • AFCA (Association of Filipino Canadian Accountants) • IFCNA (Integrated Filipino Canadian Nurses Association) • Society of Physiotherapists with Foreign Credentials • Renal Nurses • Filipino Construction Professionals of Ontario • Association of Filipino Canadian Engineers • United Architects of the Philippines – Ontario • Philippine Teachers Association of Canada

Media Partners

Filipino TV • Kalamansi Collective • OMNI TV • Filipinos in the 6ix

Government Partners

Philippine Consulate Toronto • Philippine Department of Trade & Industry

Event Highlight Video

Watch the recap on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqX6sNWTHV8

Halo Halo sa GBP continues to grow as a platform to uplift the next generation of Filipino Canadian leaders. Whether through education, career advancement, or entrepreneurship, this event showcased the talent, resilience, and unity of our community.