Showing posts with label organization. Show all posts
Showing posts with label organization. Show all posts

PostHeaderIcon UP Ibalon of yesteryears

11/10/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post






"All photographs are there to remind us of what we forget. In this - as in other ways - they are the opposite of paintings. Paintings record what the painter remembers. Because each one of us forgets different things, a photo more than a painting may change its meaning according to who is looking at it." ---John Berger

Here are three faded photos that exactly tell what John Berger wants us to know. What meaning can you find in the young innocent faces which you barely recognize? Whether they are touched by the breeze in an exciting afternoon in a park or bathed with salty water of the sea or seen with other faces in a comfy chair of unity and togetherness. Ah! somewhere in our recollections, there are spritely days of UP Ibalon that excite the senses and edify the soul. =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Sarong Banggi

10/21/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


One can argue that the popular song Sarong Banggi carries meaning in each line that only a Bicolano can feel from his heart. It is also true with our Philippine flag. The brilliant colors of red, white, and blue---the golden sun and stars evoke meanings that only we Filipinos will ever know.

The seal above adopted by members of Sarong Banggi (SB,) the organization which started in UP Los Banos brings special significance to many Bicolanos as well. If SB members tell us that unity is important: “Sa pagkasararo, may kusog” ----Isn’t this what we all want? In all our affiliations, we know this by heart. Oneness truly brings strength on which our survival, health, and happiness stand.

Art Villamor demystifies Sarong Banggi



Originally from Pasacao, Camarines Sur and Naga City, Art Villamor is the current president of the Sarong Banggi Organization International, Inc, (SBOI) a group of Bicolanos, college students, and professionals whose founding in 1964 has spawned a network of tightly-knit members in the Philippines and abroad.

In this friendly interview by Ibalonian Augusto F. Mesia, M.D., Art---the former Bayer executive shares his insights culled from his deeply held personal experiences with the popular organization in UP Los Banos when he studied there in 1973 to 1978. In his youth, Art is part of the spark of idealism of the state university---a member of a Bicolano group which has morphed into an integrated global brotherhood with a mission.

What is Sarong Banggi?

We often think of Sarong Banggi as the old folk ditty that we heartily sing with pride as Bicolanos. It is regarded as a love song, but historian Jose Barrameda, Jr of Naga City thinks it’s a liberation song composed by Potenciano Gregorio of Sto Domingo, Albay at the time of the Philippine revolution. In 1964, some students from Bicol in UP Los Banos (UPLB) added a new dimension to the song’s love message and its patriotic ramifications when they started to call their group Sarong Banggi (SB).

Since then what happened?

Before UPLB became an autonomous university in 1973, the colleges of agriculture, forestry and graduate school drew a steady number of students from Bicol. As a group, the guys didn’t have a face in the campus. Bicolanos were basically in the shadows---disorganized and disparate. They popped out during elections or came together in loose crowds--- sometimes in socials and poorly organized induction balls. There was that void at that time. Sarong Banggi filled that void for the Bikols.

What was the organization’s purpose?



SB developed its constitution and set its objectives based on the prevailing conditions of the time. Aside from common love of Bikolandia, unity and academic excellence, SB inculcated to its members the virtues of brotherhood, leadership, loyalty. and humility. Over the years, its constitution was revised in 1979, 1984, 2001 and 2007 to suit the organization to the call of time.

Who were the original members of SB?

Most of the Bicolano founders were members of campus fraternities--- 3 Upsilonians, 3 Alpha Sigmans and the rest were “barbarians”---the UP term for those who have no organizational affiliation. Two Upsilonians, Mon Santiago and Romy Claveria, came from Ateneo de Naga HS’64.

The first faculty adviser was Uly Lustria, a Beta Sigman from Legazpi City. UP Diliman College of Law faculty member Loida Nicolas (Lewis) was the young guest speaker of SB's first anniversary and induction ball held in 1965.

It was told that before 1973, the UPCA (the predecessor of UPLB,) selections of Bikolanos served as swing votes for most Bikol region candidates--- the likes of Loida Nicolas-Lewis and Liwayway Vinzon-Chato grabbed slots in the UP student body. SB was at the forefront to solidify that elusive Bikol votes.

In 1970, under Bob Geronimo's leadership, also from AdenHS'64, dual memberships to SB and other organization were not allowed. Kung SB ka, SB ka lang. Under threat of expulsion, other linkages were banned unless a member joined an academic group. (Photo Credit: ArtV)

What is the association known for?



Early on, SB was active in campus politics and theater arts. Despite the students’ focus on their studies, our members were restless and dissent against Marcos dictatorship at that time was strong.

The organization recognized the stage could not only portray the current situation of the time but it also could serve as an effective tool of showing true Filipino culture. There were memorable theatre productions which SB produced and co-produced in UPLB and Bikol until the late '80s which I could remember.

In 1969, Sarong Banggi toured with the Philippine College of Commerce (PCC, now PUP). "Samahang Kamanyang," a progressive theater group from PCC came to the Bicol Region---hanggang sa Naga at Legazpi napadpad sila para mamulat ang mga Bikolanong estudyante sa mga nangyayari sa bansa noon.

In 1975 and 1976, SB also co-produced with the UPLB Student Council "Iskolar ng Bayan - Alay sa mga Bagong Salta." A tribute for UPLB new freshmen.

In 1977, with Kappa Phi Sigma and Tulisanes worked together for "ISKHO, ISKHA ATBP," again a tribute para sa mga bagong salta.

In late 1977, SB produced "SIGAW NG BAYAN" a full act play by Bonifacio Ilagan. It portayed the struggle of the Filipino people and the Katipunan during the oppressive Spanish regime.

In 1978, SB produced "JOE HILL," a play portraying the life and struggle of an American labor union during the early years of the 20th century.

In 1982, SB staged "FOLKSONG PARA SAINDO" in Naga City. A concert featuring nationalist musicians from Manila and Laguna.

In 1984, SB co-produced with Tulisanes and Haring Ibon "REKONSENTRADO"

In 1987, SB co-produced with UPSCA, Chi Epsilon, Epsilon Chi,Teatro Umalahokan, Tulisanes, Sigma Rho, Beta Kappa, and Kappa Phi Sigma the play "PIPOY"

In late 1987, SB produced "MAPAIT SA BAO," a full length play depicting the life a typical Filipino coconut farmer and his family.

SB was also active in student politics, a number of its members became Chairpersons and councilors of UPLB Student Council during the martial law years and during the mid to late '90s. SB was also in the forefront in the revival of the UPLB student publication (UPLB Perspective) during the martial law years. SB's Gabby Bordado (AdeNHS'71 and Naga City vice mayor) was one of the editors of UPLB Perspective in 1974.

How did SB become the organization that is now?

During the first quarter storm, SB was one of the visible associations aligned with the radical left at UPLB. A number of its members even went beyond campus politics and joined the people movement in the countryside.

In 1971, its first chapter was established in Bicol as Naga Sarong Banggi with early members from ADNU and UNC and former SB members from UPLB who went back to Naga before the declaration of 1081.

The years after the declaration of martial law, SB grew larger in Metro Manila mainly in GAUF now Araneta-La Salle University and Adamson University. It also established student chapters in Bicol University (BU)--- Legazpi, Guinobatan, and Tabaco campuses. Chapters were organized in Camarines Sur State Agricultural College (CSSAC), Mabini, and La Consolacion Colleges in Daet, Camarines Norte and Camarines Norte State College (CNSC) of Daet and Labo.

Memberships were opened in University of Nueva Caceres (UNC) and University of St. Anthony (USANT) in Naga and Iriga respectively. Lately, the org recruited new members from BU, Polangui, and Partido State University in Goa, Camarines Sur.

Does SB have a chapter in UP Diliman?

In the early 2000, SB tried to put up membership there. But it was not sustained by the regular chapters of UPLB and Adamson U which comprise the bulk of SB Kamaynilaan.

According to some SB elders/alumni, there was an attempt to merge UP Sarong Banggi and UP Ibalon during the early '70s (before 1081) but the negotiation failed basically on the issue on which name will survive after the merger.

Can you describe the membership of SB now?

We have about 3,000 members---500 of them are from UPLB and the rest are from other chapters. About four-fifths of the members are in the Philippines and the rest are based abroad mainly in America.

How do the SB chapters function?



Each campus regular chapter has some degree of autonomy in terms of its campus activities which are based on different policies on student organization by the different colleges and universities but in terms of objectives, recruitment and acceptance rites, elections, organizational discipline etc... all regular and alumni or elders chapters are governed by policies and guidelines formulated by the SBOI Board of Trustees (2007 SB constitution).

Our alumni chapters are created per geographical distribution of the alumni members from different regular or student chapters. We have SB Kamaynilaan Council of Elders chapter, SB International Chapter (mainly US & Canada based elders or alumni), Naga City SB council of elders among others.

SBOI under the 2007 constitution has an elected the Board of Trustees (BOT) as the policy making body of the organization. It has 3 independent commissions (election, audit and discipline) appointed by the BOT. They formulate and apply regulations according to its nature or scope of work.

Two types of chapters work hand in hand----the student or regular chapters in campus and the elder or alumni chapters outside school. The organization’s non-campus projects are identified, funded, and implemented by the elder or alumni chapters with the help of the nearest regular or student chapters.

Was SB a positive influence your life?

Definitely! Aside from my Ateneo and UP education, SB is the third classroom that honed my personality---a family man not only for oneself, but for others as well. The experience helped me manage home and work. The group helped my decision-making. Keeping the core values of SB made me what I am now--- a responsible, humble and fair person to everyone.

The state university influenced me a lot in running the group. A national and international organization, SB must be relevant to society. It must be critical and analytical to the events of the time just the way we learned in school. Di ba tinuru’an tayong di lang mano’od? Dapat maki-alam din tayo sa nangyayari sa ating lipunan.

What are your plans for SB?

I want to harness the pool of expertise and resources of the organization. Majority of SB members have assumed key positions in their respective professions. I wish I could tap them to help in education. We can work on livelihood projects for the poor. We can maximize our role in environmentalism and cultural preservation particularly in Bicol.

Why are there so many organizations in Bicol and elsewhere?

I think it is a normal sociological phenomenon. Everybody needs a company and it is natural for someone to look for his "kalahi" for full expression of oneself. He comes to know the norms and taboos of his kababayan. Not only does he eat the same food, he acquires similar values and experiences. Mas comfortable siya na kasama ang kababayan brods or sisses di ba?

What is an interesting SB story you want to share?




Gulpihon. Thirty six (36) years of affiliation with SB since my freshman year at UPLB, I picked up some of the org’s virtues. We practice self-criticism, brotherhood, loyalty, leadership and humility--- nagamit ko sa personal na buhay ko---- sa pamilya sagkod trabaho.

Por ejemplo, an maging magpakumbaba, an pag-ako ning kasalan o pagkukulang ay nanudan ko sa grupo. An pagiging ama kan pamilya, maging pamayo nin trabaho asin ibang orgs.---mga mahalagang lecciones na dae ko nano’odan sa la’og kan klase, pero natuparan ko sa SB.

Si enot na girl friend ko sa UPLB was a sis, a former up gov't scholar. So pati pag-ilusyon nanudan ko sa la'og kan org nagpu’on. Kaya pag ilusyon ko sa luwas kan SB (of course mayo na kami kan sis ko ta siya nagtransfer sa sarong university sa Manila,) dae na ako murtugo kundi astig na.

How do you balance SB with your friends and family?



Now that I am the national president of SB Organization International, Inc. (our SEC registered name,) 15% of my time is devoted to it, 15% with other friends including my golf schedule, and 70% pa rin ang pamilya. Igua na akong mga maku-apo that we can enjoy. In retirement, I find being active in the group very satisfying.

Anything new with the group?

The major change with SB since it started was its SEC registration in 2004 as non-government organization or corporation. This was to make the international organization more active outside the campus. Education, the environment, and culture preservation had been the group’s priorities.

Our focus is to increase our presence to the colleges and universities so we can carry on the SB mission. How to maintain the quality of our current membership is a concern. We want to have quality SB alumni so we can implement more projects.

How do the members deal with politics?

SB is not partisan---- kaya okay lang na may members kami na mataas ang katungkulan---in the military, police, leftist movement, legal and medical professions, engineering, forestry , agriculture, urban planning, finance etc... kun baga, maski pa ano ang pagtubod, pag-abot sa la'og nin grupo magturugang pa man guiraray.

We have a vice governor, a city vice mayor, a provincial board member and a number of municipal councilors who need our support, but we do it on individual basis.

What is the biggest challenge facing SB today?

We need to recruit quality members among the students and encourage more involvement from our alumni members. We work to reach out to other individuals and organizations in the community---- to spread the unity, goodwill, and peace we committed ourselves as Filipinos from Bicol. =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Clash between Penafrancia tradition & the secular festivities of Naga City government

9/19/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


With the backing of the Archdiocese of Caceres and the Roman Catholic clergy, religious groups of Naga City complained to the Naga City government for reneging on a bilateral agreement to ban activities that didn’t reflect the faith-based observance of the Penafrancia fiesta. In part, the letter sent by the laity to City Mayor Jesse Robredo read:

“We are disappointed and dismayed when we saw the calendar of activities prepared by the city government of Naga published in its widely distributed Viva Naga, Viva Bicolandia pamphlet. Viva Naga and Viva Bicolandia Festival include activities that have been banned within the novena on moral grounds. In the joint statement, it is very clear that pageants and beer plazas should not be held within the period of the novena.”---Vox Bicol (09/13/09)

The letter was sent by concerned citizens representing groups like the Archdiocesan Council of the Laity, Apostleship of Prayer, Our Lady of Peñafrancia Association, Holy Name Society, Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, Mother Butlers' Guild, Parish Renewal Experience (PREX), Couples of Christ, Pastoral Council of Bagumbayan Sur, Knights of Columbus, Children of Mary, and Visita Domiciliaria among others, airing their disapproval to government-sponsored revelries like gay beauty pageants, street parties, and drinking fests.

Demanding for accountability from those who plan and implement the highly secular civic celebration, the church-affiliated groups considered the vulgar activities disrespectful to the tradition of prayer to God and Ina that the Bicol-wide Penafrancia celebration is known for.(Photo Credit: Jerry Lim Lee) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon ACORN lost federal funding amidst corruption & scandal

9/18/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


In an overwhelming vote of 345-75 by representatives, the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN,) the liberal grassroots anti-poverty organization was stripped of its funding on September 17, 2009 after it violated federal laws and found to be engaged in corruption.

The vote against the funding provision was attached to the student aid bill. ACORN did not get the funding approval of the senate in a vote of 83-7, early Monday.

The organization' nefarious activities were exposed in the past election when it was accused of embarking on a massive voter registration fraud. A secret video recording was released recently showing employees advising clients to lie and engage in prostitution. Trust had been shattered. The ACORN footage elicited disgust among taxpayers who had been subsidizing the organization’s operation.

In an attempt to patch up the damage, ACORN announced it would conduct its own investigation. White House tried to distance itself from the organization saying the group's illegal activities are unacceptable. The Bureau of Census which planned to avail of the organization's services cut off their ties. As a bipartisan group of legislators bewail the waste of taxpayer's money on this group riddled with graft and corruption, Sen. Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat, believes there are many honest employees employed by ACORN.

Americans had been increasingly frustrated over government corruption which could be worse than what was exposed. The ACORN scandal came to light when consevatives and Republicas aggressively pursued leads of illegal practices and waste in Obama' administration. As many observed if not for the vigilant radio talk hosts and FOX News, the maintream biased media didn't show enough interest in finding the truth about ACORN for the people to know.

Pres. Obama had been linked with the left-leaning orgnization as its lawyer and community organizer before he became president. The organization's scandal rose to prominence as Obama got pummeled for hiring too many advisers (32) and "czars" without adequate vetting and accountabiity. Van Jones, the environmeat and energy “czar” was forced to resign because of questionable qualifications. Obama had been under heavy criticism (which Jimmy Carter called racism) for building an overextended government that threatened to intrude in ciizens' lives and for proposing a healthcare overhaul that was deemed costly and unrealistic. (Photo Credit: John Wiggin =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Hawaiian Night at the 2009 BNAA convention in the Northeast

9/11/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post








































Interest in pictures never dies. Here, I post a few more photos of the 2009 Bicol National Association Convention in America held in Sheraton Hotel in New Jersey, USA last July 2009. It will be nice for you guys to recognize a good number of our friends who enjoyed the Hawaiian night.---AFM (Photo Credit: Boy Cabaero) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon AARP loses 60,000 members in July-August 2009

8/18/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


Parallel to the erosion of Pres. Barack Obama's approval rating, the Association of American Retired Persons (AARP) reported the withdrawal of 60,000 members from July to August 2009. Associated Press (AP,) disclosed USA's leading senior citizen organization attributes the attrition from the AARP’s position on the healthcare debate. Pres. Obama earlier said AARP supported some of the provisions of the reform bill, but was later debunked by AARP as inaccurate.

The organization of seniors supports the need for a healthcare revamp to rein on the expenses and make it more affordable. But its managers have not been keen in defending the sick nnd elderly from "rationing. high premiums, government intervetion, and “death panels”---things that worry the senior citizens. AARP instead helped the US president in claiming the association supports his proposed medical reform which mnny members rejected.

According to AARP, it is fighing for the following:

1.Stopping insurance companies from charging older Americans unaffordable premiums because of their age.
2.Ending the practice of excluding people from insurance because of pre-existing conditions.
3.Holding down health costs and making insurance coverage more affordable for all Americans.
4.Making prescription drugs more affordable by narrowing the Medicare doughnut hole, bringing generics to market faster, and allowing Medicare to negotiate better drug prices. Source: eCancerAwareness.com (08/06/09, Sacto, Eric )

A. Barry Rand, CEO of AARP underscored the need to stop the rise in healthcare expenses which accounts for 16% of the 2007 GDP. Deemed unsustainable, without healthcare reform, he said expenses is expected to climb to 25% and 49% of GDP in years 2025 and 2082 respectively. Yet, he didn't offer enough assurance that seniors will not be short-changed in medical services once the revamp is approved.

According to AARP spokesman Drew Nannis, with 40 million members, dropping from the AARP roll is expected. The group is watching how many members have opted to drop from the list because of their disapproval on how AARP represents them. (Photo Credit: boraeke) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Photos from the BNAA-OLPDA Picnic

8/07/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post
BNAA-OLPDA Picnic, Liberty Park, New Jersey
Sunday, July 19, 2009















A day after the grand ball of Bikol Naional Association of America Convention (BNAA), the Bicolandia Association Inc. of the Eastern Seaboard USA, in cooperation with the Our Lady of Penafrancia Devotees Association (OLPDA) and the BNAA delegates, guests and friends held a happy picnic at the Liberty Park in Jersey City, New Jersey on July. (Photo Credits: Boy Cabaero; AFM) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Baao & the Pintakasi in America : "Sa kalipungawan ko, ngowan na aldow, di tay ka malingawan!"

8/03/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post



by Augusto F. Mesia, M.D.
Astoria, New York

“Tibaad makaabot kamo sa banwaan kong tinubuan
dara pa gayon ag tinkad ninyong kolor na namasdan,
ta arayo kamo sa ragang kinabuklatan, nang-alisngaw,
namarong na amot, tibaad dagos nang naoda, nanlasaw.
An hamio ninyo, kalag ninyong tunay, di maisusuway,
di malilingangawan kan langit kun sari kamo nabuway.”
--- “Para sa Burak sa Heildelberg” by J.P Rizal (trans. Robosa, P.B.)
Baao Historical Society





“But alas! You'll get there, oh flow'rs,
Perhaps you'll retain your colors;
But far from your native, heroic land
To which you owe your life,
You'll lose your fragrant odours;
'Cause aroma's the soul, and ne'er leaves the sky,
Nor forgets, that saw at birth its light.”
---To the Flowers of Heidelberg, by JP Rizal, (trans. Alzona, E.)







BAAO IN BIKOL

National hero Jose P. Rizal didn’t refer to a specific place in his poem above, but when we read the last few lines of "To the Flowers of Heidelberg," translated in royal Rinconada dialect, we quickly feel the pure love for the land he called home, the Philippines. This also applies to our own Baao--- a beautiful town in Bicol which is worth a million words and a lifetime of memories.

Many of us will agree with Vicente Ll. Ramirez, Jr. (Baao Historical Society) who spoke of Baao and its wonderful people of about 55,000. He wrote about the memorable flatlands and rolling hills between the cities of Naga and Iriga in the province of Camarines where his beloved kahimanwas are. With undisguised pride, he described one of Bicol’s distinctive farming village with unfettered personal fondness.

Ramirez theorized the name Baao must have started during the Spanish occupation. In those days, a local who lived by the lake was asked by one of the foreigners how they called the green-brown turtles, thriving well in the emerald inland marshes of this interesting town, a part of old Nueva Caceres.







The native referred to the rounded hump-backed reptile as a “ba-o-o” which timidly inhabits the fresh waterways. Sustained by lush ferns (aru-agnow,) they were in harmony with the brown snails (kohol) on which the migratory waterfowls fed. Under the tilted stalks of ripening rice grains in the moist wide paddies, the “ba-o-o” lived aplenty.

Not very long the happy place with a distinctly enchanting allure was referred to by its people as “Bao.” Later, the name slowly morphed into what is known today as “Baao.”

Baao is a popular enclave of traditional families bonded by generations of kinship. Rich in religious tradition, it's a great place that's hard to forget.










A hub of activity where the National Road wiggles towards Albay and Sorsogon, it is a home of the white heron which sits beside the carabao and the blackbird clad with iridescent feathers in the fertile fields. Baao is a fabulous place where the wind is as gentle as the blue sky--- and the afternoon, as restful as the break of dawn.

In Baao, it is said the B’s reign. Family names like Barlin, Badiola, Bernas, Bacsain, Barrameda, Boncayao, Ballesteros, Badong, Badilla, Brillo, Briones, Bismonte, Britanico, Bigay, Blasco, Bersabe, Baesa, Bisuna, Barandon, Borja, Bulalacao, Bolo, Bedural, Botor, Bustilla, Bolalin, Babilonia, Beldua, Bersabal, Buena, and many others stood tall like the elegant upright top of the town’s historic stone cathedral.

Because they are part of the heart and soul of generations, from Agdangan to San Roque to Sagrada to La Medalla, Santa Teresita, Bagumbayan or Oras, closely-knit families live together in harmony and peace.

Their company thrives. Like the multitude of stars in the dark sky, the families of Gumabao, Dato, Guevara, Arroyo, Robosa, Llorens, Fajardo, Uy-Barreta, Esplana, Serrano, Gaite, Totanes, Perdon, Del Rosario, Sanchez, Palencia, Martires, Mendez, Peyra, Ramirez, Torres, De los Santos, Antioquia, Imperial and many more have become bigger, albeit more difficult to count. They are part of a growing network of extended families in the community, dating back from the ancient days of Handiong.









Returning home and reconnecting with relatives and friends don’t lose steam in Baao. A place for exciting reunions, it is about 444 kilometers south of Manila and is less than an hour ride from Naga City. By tradition, Baao residents are nurturing to their friends who come and go--- tracing familial and religious affinities with gusto. Like the gems in a jewel box, they guard their binding ties, wherever they are or have been.

When Ramirez described the character of the dazzling people of the town, he alluded to their pedigree of “patience, perseverance, patience, wit, passion, sensitivity, resourcefulness, ingenuity, adaptability and resilience.” He concluded they are part of the “Baao persona that we all must be proud of and grateful for.”

Yes! The Baaoenos are caring and adaptable people. Look at the photographs! They are fun-loving and gentle human beings. Their sense of community is strong and their closeness to their neighbor is unmistakable. Unity is reflected in their language, songs, dances, and perhaps, in their dreams.







PINTAKASI IN AMERICA

What more is a better example than when Baaoenos celebrate their Pintakasi---that colorful merry feast reserved to honor St. Bartholomew, their patron saint? Ask anyone who visits Baao in August 23 to 25. The red-letter dates in the calendar make the whole town boil with joy. That’s also true here in America.

Almost coincident to the town fiesta, expatriate Baaoenos celebrate these days with homey merriment and unrestrained fun. In an amiable display of oneness and faith, they break bread and share stories together.

In 2008, one of Baao’s upbeat sons Walter Mendez and a group of his ardent supporters based in the golden state paid host to a motley crowd of kahimanwas. The gathering comes annually. Baaoenos from different states in America join the event and follow their roots.







For this year, it’s the Las Vegas Baaoenos’ turn to host the affair on August 8, 2009 in Nevada. Among the core group of organizers are Naty Martires, Sally & Joe (del Rosario) Valeras, Nilda & Michael (Torres) Chang, Ben & Myrna Ballesteros, Josephine Sanchez, Frank Banaria, and Rita Badiola.

Pintakasi in America is a sparkling reenactment of the same religious observance of Baao’s famous feast. The food is always generously scrumptious as the laughter and stories which go with it. The event is never dull---not overly pompous, but always roaring hot as memory can tell!

The wonderful pictures posted herein speak even louder and more eloquently than what I can probably say----so I leave them to you to attend the next heart-warming big Pinatakasi. It’s fun to see countless sons and daughters of Baao gather together in a festive celebration which sizzles with a bang!







Those who attend say they are more than satisfied. The event kicks in with a solemn mass of thanksgiving and recollection officiated by priests and attended by guests, some traveling all the way from Bicol. There is the unmistakable warmth that binds those who are present. Young and old, they join the celebration.

Group dancing and talent shows set the happy tone of the Pintakasi fun. Even without the spectacle of performers, they get energized huddling together. More often than not, they bump on someone they have not seen for so long. Sometimes, they get teary-eyed upon hearing stories back home.

Etched on their excited faces which often find their best friends in unlikely places, on the day of the grand Pintakasi, one can hear them whisper ---- Baao, sa kalipungawan ko, ngowan na aldow, di tay ka malingawan. (Photo Credit: NMU) =0=


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