General Information
Tonette and Nes Gatus came to Canada in mid-1997 bringing with them a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field of Filipino traditional dancing and music. They envisioned that Filipino-Canadian youth should be given the opportunity to discover their heritage through dance and music. It was through this vision that the couple was able to impart to the local Filipino community the beauty of our culture which has long been ignored. In less than one year, Filipino parents witnessed the hidden richness that our traditions and customs could impart to our children and in turn suggested a formal society be formed. This was the beginning of the Philippine Cultural Arts Society of British Columbia (PhilCAS of BC).
PhilCAS then instituted the Philippine Youth Arts Committee that encouraged its members to support the active participation of young people in the policy, development and management of their youth projects. Through its information services and programs of advocacy and training, PhilCAS continually promoted the quality and diversity of Filipino-Canadian Youth Arts throughout British Columbia. PhilCAS’ strength ultimately lies in their performing arts, which focuses predominantly on the ‘Multicultural Sector of the Community’.
Tonette’s high standards of training are reflected each time her dancers are invited to perform whether at a theatre, multicultural festival, or private event. Over the years, it has become the sincere wish of PhilCAS’ young members to spread the beauty of their Philippine heritage. It is this desire that fuels the consistent professionalism and excellence that is exhibited to the culturally diverse region of the Lower Mainland.
In addition, PhilCAS advocates training opportunities by setting up events and publications that encourage sharing and networking between members on a local, regional and national bases. Members find new ways of making the most of their resources, of improving the quality of their work and consequently enhancing the experience of their participants. To this day, both ‘Youth’ and ‘Adults’ make up the Board of Directors of the Philippine Cultural Arts Society. As a result, PhilCAS is continually being lead by a fresh, diverse and energetic group of officers. However, PhilCAS’ popularity and success cannot solely be attributed to its directors and members. Without the support of parents, local business, local government and the Multicultural organizations across British Columbia, PhilCAS would not hold its place as one of the premiere folk dance groups in BC.
Company Profile
PhilCAS of BC is a registered non-profit organization primarily dedicated to 'introducing Philippine culture through dance and music and instilling in Filipino children a sense of pride, cultural awareness and identity in their Filipino heritage'. In addition, we wish to focus on strengthening the concept of harmoniously existing with the various multi-cultural sectors in the community. The members of this Society are mostly young Filipino-Canadians whose main interests are to discover their roots and eventually propagate this traditions to their peers.
Training Benefits
Our events and publications encourage sharing and networking between members on a local, regional and national basis. Members find new ways of making the most of their limited resources, of improving the quality of their work and consequently enhancing the experience of their participants.
Our Mission