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The following article was first published in Heritage philippinefiesta.net (916) 708-3462 (916) 708-8612 June 20- July 18, 2011 Philippine Fiesta 3B.
Then it was subsequently used for new release in Seattle area.
Naguilian Global Reunion at Vancouver, Canada On July 2-3, 2011
By Faina E. Abaya
“Vancouver, here I come” will become familiar words to be uttered
by the more than 500 expected Naguilianders who will attend the
Naguilian Global reunion in Vancouver, Canada on July 2-3, 2011. The
simple phrase that will become not only an expression of excitement for
reaching a beautiful coastal Canadian city but also to show the
eagerness and enthusiasm of meeting old friends, neighbors, classmates
and relatives from the small town of Naguilian, La Union where they were
born and, perhaps, had enjoyed the best years of their earlier lives.
Eventually, the thrill and excitement of the participants in the
global undertaking will surely transform into profound nostalgic feeling
when Naguilianders will meet once again familiar faces as they converge
at the Grand Ballroom of the Vancouver Hyatt Regency hotel in the
evening of July 2 culminating a year round of preparation for such a
memorable event.
The participants will defy time and
distance as they cross vast oceans, travel on land from continental
coast to coast and for more convenient way through the comfort of
commercial airlines. The participants will come from Europe, countries
in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, North
America and, of course, the Philippines particularly the origin of
everything, that little town of Naguilian, La Union.
Naguilian with approximately 70 thousand residents is a farming town
known for its “Basi” wine, produced and fermented from sugar cane
extract which has been the favorite of local wine connoisseur especially
served during town festivities. The town is landlocked between two
natural barriers, the eastern side is the great ranges of the Cordillera
mountains where Baguio city, the summer capital of the Philippines is
located with its teeming pine trees and invigorating cold climate while
the western side is the great China Sea where tourists worldwide
frolicked in its pristine waters as it cascades into the white sandy
beaches of the great towns of Bauang and San Fabian.
The
town is also known to have produced men and women whose pioneering
spirit have brought them to almost every corner of the world where most
of them settled comfortably as skilled laborers, engineers, nurses,
medical and dental doctors, US military servicemen or just retired
individuals enjoying the fruits of their hard earned employment. They
are the proud sons and daughters from the little town of Naguilian who
despite living comfortably with their respective families also yearned
to know about their town and to meet their town mates by founding their
own associations at the communities where they evolved.
Sadly, in the beginning, the various associations of Naguilianders
that they have founded were fragmented and loosely associated without
any proper coordination and cooperation which put into oblivion the best
interest of their town.
Thus, to end such unproductive
bickerings, the Naguilianders Alliance Network (NAN) was established by
the town’s elders led by Fred and Adela Vita of Sacramento, California,
the couple was also the original founders of the Naguilian, La Union
Circles of America, starting at Los Angeles, California in 1974, that
sprouted throughout the west coast of the United States. The NAN which
is duly registered as a non-profit organization with its own set of
officers becomes the conduit worldwide of all the different
Naguilianders organizations.
The organization,
likewise, places higher premiums the best interest of their beloved town
by properly coordinating commendable projects such as medical and
dental missions, relief assistance for their town mates as a result of
natural calamities that have constantly struck the town and the holding
of such memorable event as the Global Reunion, just to name a few. All
such projects in order to succeed have to be properly coordinated and
managed which have become the main roles of the NAN management team duly
organized for such purposes.
The evening festivities at
the Hyatt Regency hotel after a sumptuous dinner will become a showcase
of the old tradition of a “Town Fiesta” where dancing will take the
center stage for everyone’s enjoyment. Entertainment will come from the
participants themselves to show their virtuosity in dance and music
especially the culture that they had grown up from their beloved
Naguilian town. The induction of the incoming officers of the
Naguilianders Alliance Network will also take place which will be
administered by retired judge Joven Costales and the guest speaker will
be Vice Mayor Abraham Rimando. All attending dignitaries will be
acknowledged and introduced especially the presidents of NAN chapters
worldwide.
After the evening of festivities with
endless conversations among town mates touching any topic about events
of yesteryears, the present time and the future, the reunion will
continue at the scenic Prospect Point at the Vancouver's famous Stanley
Park the following day with the same spirit of eagerness and enthusiasm
that could only come out from the Naguilianders.
Undoubtedly, there will be informal talks about many projects that
deeply concerned the best interest of the town, such as the possible
renovation of the century old St. Augustine church, beautification and
improvement of the town plaza, municipal building, medical and dental
missions, scholarship grants for deserving students, additional school
buildings and many other commendable projects which can be put into
action and reality with the usual cooperation from everyone including
the municipal officials of Naguilian.
With the said
projects in mind, all Naguilianders are encouraged to attend the Global
Reunion in Vancouver to involve ourselves with such laudable
undertakings to show our profound appreciation to the place where we all
love to visit and, perhaps, return to stay for the remaining years of
our lives.
And, whatever the outcome of the Naguilian
Global Reunion in Vancouver the participants will, nevertheless, enjoy
the atmosphere of an open hospitality from the multicultural population
of the great city of Vancouver where the Asian ethnicities outnumbered
other races. Moreover, the host city is considered worldwide as one of
the top ten most livable cities in the world, a reputation that has been
sustained and untarnished in the passing of time.
Current
Officers of Naguilianders Alliance Network are: President, Delia Vita
(Seattle, WA); NAN CEO, Paul Nonog (Sedro Wooley, WA); Vice President
for Operations, Sonia Delizo (Sacramento, CA); Vice President for
Travel, Tour and Business, Annette Avesto (Maryland); Secretary, Ellen
Bernal Rimando (San Diego, CA); Treasurer, Evelyn Ramirez (Chicago, IL);
Board of Directors are: Chairman, Paul Nonog (Washington); Vice
Chairman, Pete Ferrer (Sacramento, CA), Pert Marzan (Gardena, CA), Amy
Thangamani (Texas), Sucie Sales (El Cerrito, CA), Emma Jacildo (Vallejo,
CA).
The Naguilian Chapter Presidents are: Pete
Ferrer, Sacramento, CA; Marilou Abenojar, Seattle, WA; Dr. Cita Rimando,
Vallejo, San Francisco & Napa Valley; Vic Florendo, Southern
California, LA; Henry Dumo, San Diego, CA; Andrew Costales, Western
Canada; Oscar Florendo, Manitoba, Canada; Ed Vita, Annak Ti Naguilian,
California.
UNLUCAI, SACRAMENTO
UPDATE OF NEWLY ELECTED OFFICERS, 2010-2012
President Pete Ferrer
V Pres Henry Bambao
Secretary Tina Bambao
Asst Sect Lydia Estepa
Treasurer Charity Avena
Asst Trea Aida Benitez
Auditors Letty Cheng
Calixta Delizo
Sgt at arms Zaldy Estepa
Teddy Cheng
Edgar Avena
Rudy Delizo
Board Members Mark & Norma Abenoja
Jun
Velma Ferrer
Sonia Delizo
Ben Delizo
Emma Floresca
Erna Bambao
Fely Esplana
Rene Rilloraza
Sonia Viloria
Jack Tillman
Submitted by Faina E. Abaya
Bless these newly elected officers so they can open their hearts for the betterment of Naguilian and Naguilianders around the world. Congratulations!
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UNLUCAI-Sacramento held a meeting that coincided the visit of our Naguilian VM Abe Rimando and Denia, and children. It was held at the residence of Henry and Tina Bambao in Sacramento, CA last September 5th, 2010. Among the things the association decided was to elect a new set of officers this fall.
The meetings was well attended as you can see from everyone's faces, the VM was well received and it turned out to be another mini-reunion. This is the kind of comraderie that we need for the benefit of Naguilian and for all Kakailians.
After the election in Naguilian, VM Abe and family spent their well-deserved vacation here US this past 2-3 weeks to include a cruise to Alaska, with his sister Evelyn Ramirez. From Sacramento, they flew to LA to visit more Kakailians from Southern Cal, then to MLA. Thank you for the visit VM Abe Rimando.
Pictures: Courtesy of Faina E. Abaya.
Normally printed on pages 11 or 3-B.
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The following article first appeared in PhilippineFiesta.com, July 6-26, 2009 edition.
MAYOR ABRAHAM P. RIMANDO INDUCTS NEW OFFICERS AND GUEST SPEAKER OF THE NAGUILIAN CIRCLE CHAPTER OF SACRAMENTO
By Faina E. Abaya
Abraham Rimando, the amiable and energetic Mayor of Naguilian, La Union has traveled across a vast ocean of more than 7000 miles away from his beloved town to reach out former residents who are now members of the Naguilian Circle Chapter of Sacramento to honor his commitments with them. He was invited to be their guest speaker and inducting officer for their 2009-10 set of officers which has coincided with the celebration of Independence Day and their so called "Naguilian Fiesta" on July 4, 2009. at the Radisson Hotel, Sacramento.
The "Fiesta" was conceived when Naguilian town officials cancelled the holding of the traditional annual town fiesta because of the proximity of the period of time between the successfully held Global Reunion on February 22, 2009 and the town fiesta on May 3, 2009. To avoid further expenses on the part of the residents and the municipality government were the reasons for the cancellation of the annual festivity.
The purpose of the "Fiesta" at the Radisson Hotel was to capture, in spirit, the feeling of oneness, camaraderie, friendliness and hospitality of the people of Naguilian which, undoubtedly, were usually shown during their town fiestas.
At exactly 6:00 PM, the Edgewate B Hall of the hotel was already filled to capacity where both members and guests were in their best attires, "Barong Tagalog" for the gentlemen and the intricately hand embroidered Filipina dress for the ladies, although, many guests were in their usual western suits and evening gowns. Sitting arrangements for the more than 200 members and guests were properly made to insure better friendly atmosphere for everybody and the hall was fittingly decorated with colorful motifs to capture that aura of enjoyment during a town fiesta.
Alternating Emcees Pete Ferrer and Charity Avena started the program with the singing of the American and Filipino National Anthems which were ably sang by Geena and April Bambao. The invocation was made by Velma Ferrer who also requested a moment of silence to honor the memories of Rudy Banayat, Brigida Bambao and Felicisima Samaniego who passed away to rest in peace in the Kingom of their Creator.
Dr. Porferio Rilloraza delivered the opening remarks who hurled challenges to former residents of Naguilian, La Union, now living in the United States and enjoying a better life, to always work for the common good, wellbeing and progress of the town of Naguilian.
Fely Esplana acknowledged the presence of prominent members of "ANNAK TI NAGUILIAN" led by Perla Cacdac Bautista, who wrote and composed the lyric song of "Naguilian, Naguilian" which was later sang by the members with the participation of the audience. They also encored several familiar Ilocano love songs to the enjoyment and entertainment of everyone. Likewise, well-known community chanteuse Mary Ann and singing partner Oscar renditions of several classical songs were also well received and applauded by the audience. At this juncture, Emcee Charity Avena recognized the presence of former beauty queens of Naguilian, such as Rose Meris-1941, yours truly Faina Estioco Abaya-1963, and Rochelle Estepa Nonog-1985, who were given standing ovation and several round of applauses.
The introduction of the guest speaker was briefly made by emcee Pete Ferrer who also mentioned the presence of Denia, the better half of the Mayor, and Leo Flora, the munucipal agriculturist. Mayor Rimando in his speech reiterated his thanks and gratitude to the members for their full support of the recently held Naguilian global Reunion that contributed to the economic improvement and betterment of the town. He also expressed his gratitude to the Ferrer family for donating the recently built two-room elementary school building at barrio Magungunay. He hopes that there will be more projects that will redound to the interest and welfare of the town.
Immediately after his speech, the Mayor received a plaque for Public Service Leadership from the Naguilian Circle Chapter President Sonia Delizo for having successfully led the holding of Naguilian Global Reunion on February 22, 2009 that contributed to the economic progress and well being of the town. This followed the Induction of Officers.
President Sonia Delizo in her acceptance speech said that she was thankful to the members for their trust and confidence on her leadership.
When Mark Abenoja was called for the Closing Remarks, he graciously told the audience to pass and to give way to dancing and music in as musch as all were already itching to hit the dance floor. In between dancing, raffles were conducted by George Rante with different prizes in kind and modest amount of money. Ultimately, the main raffle was made with three 100 dollars donated by Mark and Norma Abenoja, Fred and Pat Banayat, and Pio and Liza Banayat.
Undoubtedly, all have enjoyed the night which they will surely remember for a long time. The successful affair was ably chaired by Sonia Delizo and Pete Ferrer.
See list of officers below.
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Elk Grove Park Picnic July 5, 2009.
Pictures provided by Faina Abaya.
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4th of July, 2009
Induction of UNLUCAI Officers and Naguilian Fiesta, and Dinner-Dance
Reception desk
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Officers 2009-2010
Pres Sonia Delizo
V Pres Erna Bambao
Secretary Fely Esplana
Asst Sec Charity Vita Avena
Treasurer Tina Bambao
Auditors Edgar Avena
Letty Cheng
Ways & Means George Rante
PRO Faina Abaya
Sgt-at-arms Henry Bambao
Charlie Delizo
Zaldy Estepa
Rene Rilloraza
Board of Directors
Pete Ferrer, Chairman of the Board
Jun Abaya
Mark Abenoja
Fred Banayat
Teddy Cheng
Emma Floresca
Ben Delizo
Jack Tillman
Sonia Viloria
Calixta Delizo
Recently, in Naguilian...
Erna Bambao, one of the officers of UNLUCAI, Sacramento, was showing Mayor Abe Rimando a picture of the T-shirt to be worn during the 4th of July Naguilian Fiesta in Sacramento. Mayor Rimando is expected to attend the Fiesta, will induct the elected officers, and will deliver an inspirational message.
May 9, 2009, PICNIC in Sacramento. Photos provided by Faina Abaya.
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March 29, 2009-EMERGENCY MEETING OF OFFICERS
UNLUCAI, our Naguilian Chapter in Sacramento, had an emergency meeting on Sunday 3/29/09 at the JJ n R Cafe and Donut Restaurant, to discuss an upcoming Induction of Officers. It was decided, after confirmation from our Mayor Abe Rimando of his attendance, that it will held on July 4th, 2009, and it was then expanded to be called a Naguilian Fiesta. It will be on a Saturday and will be held at Double Tree Hotel in Sacramento, California. Please reserve this day. In the meantime...
UNLUCAI is yet planning another event, A PICNIC, on May 9th, 2009, in Elk Grove, California, from 10 AM to 4 PM. Eight male officers of UNLUCAI will chip-in for a CALDING, which will be procured by Zaldy Estepa. Please reserve these two days. Information about these events will be updated here as details become available.