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40 Years of Craft & Culture: How House of Embroideries and Crafts Became a CNE Legacy Gallery15 photos

40 Years of Craft & Culture: How House of Embroideries and Crafts Became a CNE Legacy

Since 1986, husband-and-wife duo Cesar and Neftalie Abrenica have run House of Embroideries and Crafts, a beloved fixture in the CNE's International Pavilion. For 40 years, the couple has personally hand-set their booth, showcasing shell crafts and hand-embroidered Barong Tagalog from Batangas, Baguio, Bicol, and Cebu. Beyond the nostalgia it brings older generations, the booth has become a bridge for young Filipino-Canadians rediscovering their roots — and for curious Canadians encountering Filipino craftsmanship for the first time. Every sale, Neftalie says, also supports artisans and workers back in the Philippines, making the booth as much a mission as a business.

09-07-2026

Faith, Food, and Filipino Hospitality Feeding Thousands Gallery11 photos

Faith, Food, and Filipino Hospitality Feeding Thousands

Ayuda sa Canada (Help in Canada), a volunteer-run initiative under God's Strength Ministries, led by Filipina Doris Greaves and her husband Pastor Dave. What began as food handed out of their family garage has grown into a monthly lifeline for thousands across Scarborough, North York, Etobicoke, and Mississauga. Rooted in Filipino values of bayanihan (communal unity) and hospitality, Greaves treats every distribution as more than logistics—it's an act of dignity. She describes a shifting clientele: no longer just newcomers facing temporary setbacks, but working professionals and fixed-income seniors who "never imagined they would need food support." Her goal now is to build a permanent food pantry and community space, so that food distribution becomes something more lasting than a monthly stop—a place people know they belong.

08-08-2026

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Fil-Canadian Businessman Named Among 100 Global Filipino Entrepreneurs

Filipino Canadian Franchise Titan Nelson Rodriguez is recognized for his remarkable journey from newcomer to building a diversified business group creating opportunities through enterprise.

Fil-Canadian Businessman Named Among 100 Global Filipino Entrepreneurs
SYNAG / Photo Credit: Filipino Canadian Journalists Network (FCJN)
08-28-2026·Updated13:33

EDMONTON, ALBERTA — Filipino-Canadian businessman and franchise titan Nelson Rodriguez has been named as one of the official nominee in the 100 Global Filipino Entrepreneurs by Global Success Stories, recognizing his contributions to franchising, enterprise, and community leadership in Canada.

Photo: SYNAG / Photo Credit: Global Success Stories Facebook Page

Rodriguez is the President and CEO of KC EN JP Inc., a diversified conglomerate holding business interests in food franchising, real estate, travel, and insurance. Under his leadership, the firm has established itself as a major force in the Canadian franchise landscape, serving as the Master Franchise Holder for Potato Corner in Canada and standing as one of the country's largest franchisees of Edo Japan restaurant. Through these ventures, Rodriguez has expanded multiple brands, created jobs, and bolstered the national franchise industry.

Nelson Rodriguez shook hands with FCJN Chairman Ron Gagalac during the launching of FCJN West in Edmonton, Alberta July 12, 2026. Photo: SYNAG / Photo Credit: FCJN West

In a post on the organization's official Facebook page, Global Success Stories wrote that the defining milestone in Nelson's entrepreneurial journey came when he was introduced at the Jollibee Vancouver store as the first Jollibee franchisee in Canada and the first Filipino Jollibee franchisee in North America. Serving as Guests of Honour during this historic occasion were Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., reflecting the significance of this achievement for the Filipino community and the growing influence of Filipino entrepreneurship on the international stage.

“Nelson Rodriguez is widely recognized for his outstanding contributions to entrepreneurship, franchising, and business leadership in Canada,” Global Success Stories said. “His remarkable journey from newcomer to building a diversified business group is a testament to resilience, vision, and an unwavering commitment to creating opportunities through enterprise.”

Nelson Rodriguez paid a courtesy visit to Consul General Emma Sarne to convey his plans to expand Jollibee's footprint with prospective openings of 10 stores within Alberta, July 29, 2026. Photo: SYNAG / Photo Credit: Philippine Consulate General in Calgary Facebook Page

The awards organizers emphasized the deeper purpose behind the accolade. “Being recognised is more than being seen. It’s about building credibility, authority and trust around the story behind your success. At Global Success Stories, we recognise Filipino founders, CEOs and business leaders whose journeys, leadership and impact deserve to be seen and remembered on a global stage.”

 “Real growth isn't measured by how many branches you open or how much revenue you generate. It's measured by the lives you impact, the leaders you develop, and the value you create.” the group added.

Nelson Rodriguez attended as the guest of honour, together with FCJN Chairman Ron Gagalac, SYNAG Media Corp. CEO Atty. Bernard Gregorio and Eljoma Contracting Inc. Founder & President Jo Ramos, during the launching of FCJN West in Edmonton, Alberta July 12, 2026. Photo: SYNAG / Photo Credit: Jo Binag Ramos Facebook Page

The official awarding ceremony will take place at the Global Success Stories Business Summit and Awards Gala in London, United Kingdom, scheduled for October 20 and 21, 2026. The international summit convenes inspiring Filipino minds, including founders, executives, and community organizers, from around the globe to celebrate leadership, innovation, and international impact.

Photo: SYNAG / Photo Credit: Global Success Stories Facebook Page


Cheryl Ravelo-Gagalac
Cheryl Ravelo-GagalacMultimedia Producer

Toronto, Ontario

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