Those who know Canonizado characterize her as an unrelenting optimist, a consummate professional and a tireless altruist. Those who don't know her soon find this out for themselves. Canonizado wastes little time in trying to figure out how she can help those in need or how sharing her culture could benefit their lives.

 

 

She has done so as a dancer, choreographer and volunteer for the Philippine-American Club of Fayetteville. She has showcased her heritage at events and festivals, including Fayetteville's International Folk Festival. And she has helped countless students as an English as a Second Language teacher for the Robeson County schools. She has a zest for learning and has spent her life teaching others to have the same. 

"I like helping people. It makes me happy," Canonizado said. "And I love sharing Filipino culture - we have a lot to offer."

 

 ...People turn to her when it's time for the annual International Folk Festival downtown, especially when the Philippines has been the host country. In 1998, the Philippine-American Club board of directors awarded Canonizado its Lifetime Service Award for her continuous contributions and selfless efforts for the club.

Canonizado recalls dancing in the first Folk Festival 31 years ago with a bit of humor. "I would tell people about the festival and what it meant as a way to expose others to our culture," Canonizado said. "And I'd tell them I'd be dancing downtown on Hay Street - and they would look at me weird!"

Three decades ago, Hay Street was known for its seedy nature, and the festival was new to the community.

Deborah Martin-Mintz is executive director of the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County, which is responsible for coordinating the multi-day event and parade that draws thousands of people to downtown every fall. She said the International Folk Festival would not be where it is today without Canonizado's devotion.

"The festival was just an idea come to life, in its infancy," Martin-Mintz said. "But Gloria became a driving force with the festival from the beginning. Gloria's fingerprints are all over this festival. Some were put there 30 years ago, and some a few weeks ago..."