Burgosinians of Ilocos Sur from all over the world and across the USA and Canada gathered in Las Vegas last July 11-13, 2014 at the Tuscany Suites and Casino. The reunion theme “Panagiinniliw (Nostalgia) ,Panagtitimpuyog (Togetherness), Panagkakapya (Peace) and Panagraragsak (Celebration ). The global reunion brought out excellence in the towns spirit and camaraderie.
Overall Chairmen’s Benilda Filart Degracia Hizon, Mary Ann Onnis Mamsaang, Leonardo Vitorio Birog Aida Degracia Muya, Nerissa Degracia Lagmay, Cheryle Bumatay Alonzo, and Dina Degracia! Reunion attendees travelled from the Philippines, Germany, Mexico, Spain and Canada including Winnipeg. Families from the United States came all together to reconnect. The diaspora of global immigrants and OFWs came to pay homage to thier birth place and beloved town Burgos, Ilocos Sur, Philippines.
The colourful festive event highlighted by the attendance of Ilocos Sur Governor Ryan Luis Singson and his wife Patricia Singson. One of the the weekend’s most touching moments, was the parade of all Burgosinians representing their own barangays. In addition, performing groups showcased their talents at the cultural show where they perform the Tadek, line dancing, Hula, Hawaiian dances and vocal performers.
Keynote speakers reflecting the rich diversity of the Iloco heritage included the Honorable Ilocos Sur Governor Ryan Luis Singson. In his powerful speech, he stressed the importance of looking back, which serves to bond togetherness and to foster the love of culture and traditions. The Philippine Ambassador to Mexico and Latin Americas, Honorable Catalino Dilem Jr., a true Burgosinian delighted the crowd with his top notch expertise, and passion in promoting the Philippines and Burgos town worldwide. The Ambassador congratulated their successes and empowered the group to look, give back and have the vision to engage as trailblazers in sharing positive change.
Additional guest speakers included Dr. Roland Filart, a cardiologist, and native from Burgos currently living in Orlando , Florida. Dr. Filart shared his expertise in making the group aware on trends in heart diseases. World class professional Adonis Duque Abuyen vocal performance left the crowd in awe. Non stop dancing became an enjoyable as well as an invigorating part of the night.
The third day of the event was a picnic at the park where food, entertainment continued and all participants wore their reunion tshirts. The 2nd Global Burgosinians Reunion will be in Burgos Ilocos Sur, Philippines.
Photos by Rey Sarmiento