Every June 24, Canadians commemorate the feast of St. Jean Baptiste. Francophone Canadians (those who speak French) and Francophiles (those who love the French culture) across the country join in showing their pride by celebrating their language and their traditions.

It was on this occasion that the Embassy of Canada in the Philippines presented a night of Quebecois music and songs to highlight Canada’s Francophone culture.

UPPER LEFT: EU Ambassador Luc Veron, Nicole Weismann | UPPER RIGHT: Cambodia Ambassador Phan Peuv, Vietnam Ambassador Hoang Huy Chung | LOWER LEFT: UNFPA representative Dr. Leila Joudane, Serge Bisson of the Canadian Embassy | LOWER RIGHT: Canada Vice Consul Frank Shank, Morocco Minister Maliha Fakher

Canada’s Ambassador to the Philippines Peter MacArthur hosted Francophones and Francophiles from the diplomatic corps, government and media to an evening of music with Eric Soulard, a French Canadian performer who has based himself in Romblon for several years now.

Soulard delivered a one-man concert of jazz, pop and folk songs featuring the music of Quebec artists Beau Dommage, Tex Lecor, Gilles Vigneault, Natasha St-Pier and Claude Dubois, among others, and accompanied himself with the guitar, piano and accordion.

Canada trade commissioner Guy Boileau, Liza Clemente, deputy head of mission Thimon Furst of Switzerland

Guests were thoroughly delighted, and many hummed and sang along with Soulard. Truly, an event that warranted what is usually remarked across the Canadian Francophonie: “Bonne St-Jean!” —CONTRIBUTED INQ