Grand Santacruzan
Experience the richness of Filipino culture and tradition! Following the success of last year's event, which captivated crowds and became a crowd favorite, this year promises even more excitement and enchantment. The Pinoy Festival Grand Santacruzan is a beloved Filipino event that families wouldn't want to miss. Mark your calendars and join us for an unforgettable celebration of Filipino heritage and community spirit!
GRAND SANTACRUZAN
Experience the richness of Filipino culture and tradition! Following the success of last year's event, which captivated crowds and became a crowd favorite, this year promises even more excitement and enchantment. The Pinoy Festival Grand Santacruzan is a beloved Filipino event that families wouldn't want to miss. Mark your calendars and join us for an unforgettable celebration of Filipino heritage and community spirit!
Participants
Introducing our Pinoy Festival 2024 Grand Santacruzan Participants
Donna Clacer
Born and raised in Burnaby BC, Donna Clacer is a Filipino-Canadian actor and digital creator. This former Miss Philippines recently competed at Miss Universe Canada 2023, where she was awarded national finalist and "Best in National Costume." Donna is a humanitarian advocate and has been supporting several non-profit organizations since 2020. Driven by change, she is proud to have worked directly with the Filipino community and have raised over $3,500 towards SOS Children's Villages. She is endlessly grateful for your support and could not have done it without you!
Leigh Kathryn
Meet Leigh Kathryn, a 17-year-old singer-songwriter Hailing from Vancouver. Leigh Kathryn draws inspiration from personal experiences, delivering an authentic and relatable sound that resonates with audiences seeking a genuine connection through music. With a melodic finesse and lyrical depth, Leigh Kathryn invites listeners into a world where emotion meets melody, crafting a sonic experience that lingers long after the last note fades. She loves to read and crochet, both being frequent hobbies of hers for when she does not have any melodies in her. She is a bubbly personality who cannot wait to take part in this year’s festivities!
Rochelle Kirsten Canlas
Rochelle Kirsten Canlas, 19 year old, criminology university studuent. Seeking in fulfilling her goal of becoming a police officer, beauty queen and hoping to start in the Filipino TV industry.
Despite being born & raised in Canada, I have always felt a strong connection to my Filipino heritage, which is reflected in the way I embrace and celebrate Philippine culture through traditional practices, language, and cuisine. This connection has not only enriched my personal identity as a Filipino women but has also allowed me to share the beauty and richness of Filipino traditions with those around me, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for cultural diversity.
Rochelle said we must be true to ourselves by learning to love & learn everything we have, and most importantly, building confidence for ourselves and for everyone else because not all of us have enough confidence to take a chance, to step out and seize an opportunity, and to walk like a queen in front of everyone.
Jessamine Salas
Jessamine is a versatile storyteller, having a multifaceted career as an actress, model, and recently, an emerging P-Pop artist. With a lifelong passion for the arts, she has cultivated a diverse range of talents and experiences.
With over five years of modeling under her belt, Jessamine has graced the catwalks of local Canadian and Filipino fashion shows, and has been featured on prominent platforms such as the New York Times Square billboard and Selin Magazine.
Since 2019, Jessamine has been dedicated to push for Filipino representation in Hollywood. Motivated by this mission, she has diligently honed her craft through music videos, independent shorts, and eventually, landing on television commercials for renowned brands such as Dempster's Bread, Translink, and Canadian Tire, to name a few. Notably, her work has earned her nominations at prestigious film festivals in BC, including a Bronze award for her Canadian Tire commercial, which resonated with Filipino households nationwide. With her love for action movies, Jessamine aspires to portray dynamic roles (ie. secret agent, superhero, vigilante) on screen.
In addition to her accomplishments in modeling and acting, Jessamine dabbled in pageantry during the strike, eventually achieving the title of 1st Runner-Up in Miss Asia Canada of BC in 2023. Drawing inspiration from this experience, she debuted her first written short, "The 3 Bs," which advanced to the Finals at local and American film festivals.
Rekindling her passion for music after her first solo concert experience with SB19, Jessamine embarked on a new journey as an aspiring P-Pop artist. Proficient in singing and self-taught in piano and guitar, she showcases her musical talent through performing at school talent shows, making cover songs, and appearing at Filipino-Canadian festivals.
Currently, Jessamine is vying for the main title at StarMakers International, actively seeking sponsorship to support her pursuit. As she strives to make her mark on the global stage, she remains committed to elevating the presence of Filipinos in the entertainment industry through the power of storytelling. Let us rally behind Jessamine as she competes for the coveted title of StarMakers International Winner, symbolizing the resilience and talent of the Filipino community in Hollywood and beyond!.
Kystal Caye Java
Krystal is a very vibrant 16-year-old with an array of passions that reflect her dynamic personality. When she's not spiking on the volleyball court or shooting hoops on the basketball court, you'll find her immersed in the world of art, sketching and doodling her imaginative creations. Krystal's love for sports and artistic expression shapes her daily life, instilling discipline and creativity in everything she does. Supported by loving parents, Vilma and Glen, Krystal thrives in both her athletic pursuits and her artistic endeavor.
Eden Marie Bustamante
Reem Amil
Reem Amil is currently a contender in Pageant Group Canada, where she is vying for the title of Ms. Supranational Canada. She moved to Vancouver five years ago and recently celebrated her Canadian citizenship. Raised in Saudi Arabia, she is fluent in Arabic, Urdu, Tagalog, Bisaya, and English. Her experiences of moving have taught her the importance of building a supportive community and focusing on newcomer mental health and well-being. She is known as the face of Covenant House Vancouver, having experienced being a youth at risk firsthand and now offering hope to others in similar situations.
Danica Imperial
Angela Schroers
Angela Schroers, a 12-year-old actress and model, is passionate about attending community events both locally and internationally. She has experience as a model for Toronto Kids Fashion Week and is currently a student at Vancouver Young Actors School and Showstoppers Academy of Musical Theater.
Nicole Kieth Dizon
Nicole Kieth Dizon
18 years old
Xyariz Kenneth Dizon
Xyariz Kenneth Dizon 17 years old
Agatha Caraveo - Lopez
Agatha Caraveo - Lopez is a dedicated mother of three children, bravely fighting as a Lupus warrior and advocating for mental health awareness. With numerous years of expertise in Human Resources, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her work. She has been recognized for her community contributions, winning both the Miss Community and People's Choice Award at MPIOBC. Alongside her advocacy work, she is pursuing her dreams as an aspiring actor and model. Proud of her Filipino heritage, Agatha embodies resilience, passion, and a commitment to making a positive impact in her community.
Ezralyn Tanas
Ezralyn Tanas, 18 yrs old. Graduating this year from New Westminster Secondary. Music lover & and jazz & orchestra base player in NWSS.
Angela Nicole Medina
Meryll Atienza
Princess
Ellyse Reign Roble
Ellyse Reign Roble, 4yrs old. She is sweet, loving and friendly. She loves to paint and sing. Ellyse is currently going to Preschool and taking Ballet class every saturday.only kid of mommy Elsie and daddy Eugene
Angel
Malik Jordan Abdi
Andrea Williams
Andrea Sarmiento Williams is a bright, artistic and athletic young woman of 13 years. Her many accomplishments include playing baseball and soccer at elite BC levels. She also enjoys playing volleyball. Artistically Andrea has landed starring roles in musical Mama Mia, Cats , Hamilton and Beetlejuice. She is an accomplished conservatory- trained pianist. She consistently achieved excellent school grades. Public speaking comes naturally to her having won number of school based speaking awards . Andrea is honored to be part of the 2024 Pinoy Festival.
Janelle Kate Cabrigas
Janelle is an 8-year-old Grade 2 student who has a deep love for drawing and dancing. She is the daughter of Vilma and Ian, who have always encouraged her creative pursuits. Janelle spends her free time sketching colourful illustrations and practicing her dance moves, always eager to showcase her talents to her family and friends. With a vibrant imagination and a passion for the arts, Janelle’s future as a building artist and dancer looks bright.
Princess
Jade Patricio Capelan
Martina Brielle Catacutan
Martina is the youngest daughter of Mark and Maridel Catacutan. Born and raised in Maple Ridge Canada, she’s now in her 4th grade at school. She’s a joyful kid and shares the same interests as her big sister Summer. She also likes dancing, singing and figure skating.She’s a competitive figure skater . She has joined many competitions . And she does all well. She enjoys painting and baking with her sister too. She is very excited for this years Santacruzan.
Princess Keiya Alleria Loling
Sam Sarmiento
Sam Sarmiento, 4 yrs old from Burnaby BC. She is a very good daughter to her parents Emmanuel Sarmiento and Melodie Sarmiento and a big sister to her siblings. She loves to sing and dance. She does piano lessons and gymnastic as well.
Escort
Damian Paul Balatbat
Elyssa Blucher
Elyssa Blucher; 2 yrs old. She likes to dance
EJ Blucher
EJ Blucher; 3 yrs old. He likes cars and trucks.
Maritoni Elle Catacutan
Maritoni, also called Summer by her family and friends is the first born daughter of Mark and Maridel Catacutan from Manila and Quezon province. She was born in Canada and currently in her 5th Grade at school. Summer loves to dance, sing and skate. She is a competitive figure skater. She had joined many competitions since she is 6 years old . She is excited to be part of this years Santacruzan .
Joshua
Adina
Rory Santos
Aiden Santos
Anjelique C. Bufi
Riley Kate
Name:Riley Kate
Age: 7 years old
Location:Surrey, British Columbia
Ardenne Rhyelle Quintos Buma-a
Igorot/Pangasinense descent but born and raised in Vancouver, BC, Canada
Speaks/Understand: Tagalog, English, Ilocano
DOB: August 24, 2014
Grade 4
She loves fashion, clothes, singing, outdoors, sports, and she loves to model
Has done one runway show with Bayong Canada
Keenen Angell Quintos Copada
Ilonggo/Pangasinense descent but born and raised in Vancouver, BC, Canada
Speaks/Understand: Tagalog, English, and Ilonggo
DOB: March 8, 2005
Graduated from Highschool June 2023
He loves singing, playing the guitar, basketball, working out, loves food, and loves spending time with his pet dog, Tiny, loves fashion and clothes,
Has done one runway show with Bayong, he was in Sarah Mclachlan School of Music until Grade 10