Annak Ti Naguilian

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                      ***************************************

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Pictures provided by Faina Abaya.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

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 FainaAbaya.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                       ****************************

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.