Opinions
Winnipeg Jets & Filipino Heritage Night
A double win!
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Ceremonial puck drop, from l-r: Dallas Stars Jason Robertson, Aida Champaigne, Manny Arañez, Rod Cantiveros, Ron Cailo and Winnipeg Jets Josh Morrissey. Story on p3. Photo courtesy of True North Sports. |
It was an exhilarating double win for the Filipino community at the Jets game Tuesday night!
The Winnipeg team won against the Dallas Stars, as the Jets hosted its first Filipino Heritage Night.
Rain showers did not deter the thousands of Winnipeg Jets fans who turned up early for the team’s game against the Dallas Stars on November 8 at Canada Life Centre.
Palpable too was the extra excitement of the many Filipino fans, old and new, for it is Filipino Heritage Night, hosted for the first time by the Winnipeg Jets.
From the delicious Pinoy food served at the concession stands, to Filipino music and performances by Musica singers, creative video productions by Fil-Canadian students from Sisler High School shown inside the arena, to the many kababayans among the sold-old crowd who cheered for the home team, it was no doubt a night to celebrate Filipino culture and unity.
A special Jets logo took the spotlight incorporating Filipino values like unity and togetherness and identity, represented by the eight rays of the sun for the eight provinces that triggered the Philippine Revolution during the Spanish occupation. The special Filipino Jets logo was a collaborative design of graphic artist Jonato Dalayoan of 4two Design Inc., and Marc Gomez, True North Sports + Entertainment’s Creative Lead for Hockey Branding.
Kababayans showed their support by sporting hoodies and shirts with the special logo during the game.
Representing the Filipino community at the ceremonial puck drop were Aida Champagne, Ron Cailo, Manny Aranez and Rod Cantiveros. Joining them were Josh Morrissey (#44) of the Winnipeg Jets and Fil-American Jason Robertson (#21) of the Dallas Stars.
Another Filipino-American hockey player, Tim Stapleton, attended the event. He formerly played for the Winnipeg Jets, Toronto Maple Leafs and Atlanta Thrashers.
And the home team did not disappoint. The Jets continued their winning streak by prevailing over the Stars, 5-1.
– By Lucille Nolasco
