Our very own beloved matriarch and UP law graduate Consolacion Quejas, popularly known as "Mama Ching" was presented an Outstanding Award by the Canadian Multicultural Council of Asians in Ontario (CMC) at its annual Asian Heritage Month gala dinner on Friday, May 4, 2007. The event was held at the Chinese Cultural Centre in Scarborough, the theme of which is "Honoring the Pioneers." The award honors outstanding Asian Canadians from different communities.

In her extemporaneous acceptance speech, Mama Ching Quejas stated " The award is an honor not only for myself but for my fellow Filipinos as well. It is an inspiration for me to go on doing the thing I most love to do – serve my community. " She has consistently served the Filipino community for over 30 years, doing volunteer community work in various capacities.

Mama Ching, a well-known community leader, is the president of the Kalayaan Cultural Community Centre. She and other officers and members of KCCC will preside over a weeklong series of events on May 27 to June 3 that will feature many activities including an exhibit by the Philippine Artists Group, a ribbon cutting, and an open house. The events will culminate to a concert featuring pianist Solon Reyes, another UP graduate, and tenor Leander Mendoza.

The pride and joy of members of the Filipino community, Mama Ching’s award is a recognition of her outstanding contribution not only to her community but to other Canadians as well.