UP Ibalon Bicol: BNAA Convention capped with a gala dinner on July 18, 2009 in New Jersey

BNAA Convention capped with a gala dinner on July 18, 2009 in New Jersey

7/20/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

After a hectic day of deliberations by the Bicol National Association of America (BNAA) in a convention last Saturday, a solemn mass of thanksgiving, unity, and hope was celebrated by Msgr. Jeremias Rebanal and Fr. Joe Saltarin, spiritual advisers of the group of Bicolanos who bonded together to share time, talent, and treasure for the community.

“Without a doubt, the generosity and participation of BNAA members during our fundraising efforts enable us to continue to succeed in implementing the BNAA service projects,” said Rudy Nasol, BNAA president (2007-2009) His words may well summarize the mission of the organization which gathered in New Jersey and New York for its 29th annual convention in July 17-19, 2009.

Headed by community leaders Angelita Pena and Erlinda Arellano who are the current nationwide BNAA and Northeast Chapter presidents respectively, the enthusiastic group of goal-directed Bicolanos and affiliates who work for the poor and underprivileged pulled a formal fun-filled evening dinner-dance at the Sheraton, Hotel in Newark, New Jersey to cap this year’s convention. The ball chair was Baby B. Baquiran.

With the support of the association, Lita and Linda brought together visitors and guests, mostly from various BNAA chapters from all over America.

Working in concert with the BNAA officers and members and the Our Lady of Penafrancia Association (OLPDA,) a fresh brand of “getting-to-know-you” and renewal of camaraderie marked the excitement of the evening.

An estimated 270 guests arrived to add a dazzling vitality to the memorable event. Formally dressed for the affair, they were met by welcoming hosts like Ben and Thelma Silerio, Boy and Dina Cabaero, Rolando and Gidget Revilleza, Chi and Tong Pilar, Peng Pena, Salvador Deauna, Ed Arellano, Narcisa Vasquez, Efren Zagada, Adela Quisumbing, Nilda Largoza, and Carmen Oliver.

Propped by ardent support from Northeast residents like Lily Villegas, Genevieve del Rosario, Ben Vasquez, Josie Anciano-Mendoza, Myrla Rueda, Mila Requejo, and Dr. Rosendito Largoza, the team gathered its full force which energized the ball to its rousing success.

Former BNAA president Roger Odiamar, Zayda Baron, and Fr. Garcia were as upbeat as the Chicago delegation that came with them. Adding spark to the occasion, Dr. Lilian Obrero-Gines expressed her liking for projects and wholesome fun when BNAA convenes in Jacksonville, Florida sometime in 2011.

Steve David, the president of the Filipino American Caucus for Empowerment and Alice de Leon looked forward to see Bicolanos visit Houston, Texas next year. They were part of the merry crowd which combined ballroom dancing with the plain joy of being together. A special guest performance by Craig and Samantha A. Campos, young dancing champions, wowed those who were present.

From California was a delegation which included Bicolano leader Rudy Nasol and his notable surgeon-friend Dr. Antonio Abiog, the pillar of BNAA's outreach medical missions in the Philippines. Travelling all the way to be with other guests, from Michigan were Delia Hidalgo-Rayos and Aida and Gil Manly. Ely Mabeza, a former Naga City resident, came to meet with his relatives and friends.

Ludy Baldoza-Cabanas, an amiable BNAA past president, arrived from Washington State. And from Virginia was Milette Maleniza who was accompanied by devoted hubby Joey Salonga.

Cindy and Joe Dacanay, Saulo Gaspe, Art Artuz, Joceline Losa-Masauding, Nancy Samson, Fred Ramin, and Delia Evangelista of South Carolina Bicol Association were dreamful to meet their new pals in future meetings.

There was a sizeable number of Bicolanos from out of town who attended the ball--- In fact, too many to be mentioned by name. For reasons, not completely known, there were also those who weren’t present---- and surely they were sorely missed.

At the conclusion when the crack of dawn rushed in to give way for the next day's sunrise, some attendees proceeded quietly to the “hospitality room” in the 12th floor of the venue building. In hushed voices, they were up for an extended fellowship and fun. The small crowd with Lita Pena, Msgr. Rebanal and Fr. Saltarin stayed longer to share a familiar Bicol soul-food----a native fare of hot steamy “arroz caldo” that made the delegates remember the Bikol of home. (Photo Credit: AFM) =0=

RELATED BLOG: Bikol National Association of America Convention 2009 Posted by andygimpaya at 9/26/2008

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Labels: 2009, Bicolandia Association, Bicolanos, BNAA, Convention 2009, New Jersey, OLPDA, reunion, Totie Mesia

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BNAA Convention capped with a gala dinner on July 18, 2009 in New Jersey

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