Bulacan Association of Winnipeg Inc. celebrates 20th anniversary and holds induction of officers 2016
By: Azelle Sanchez – Santos
It was in 1990s when Filipino families started to arrive in Winnipeg, Manitoba. From then, there has been a steady flow of Filipinos in the province. The Filipino community has reached over 70,000, because of an immigration boom that took place over past years.
Out of the 70,000 Filipinos in the city, there are at least more than one thousand Bulakenyos (Filipinos who are from the province of Bulacan).
It was the late Bernie Bernabe’s great idea to gather all his kababayans (countrymen), particularly Bulakenyos here in Winnipeg. Because of his profession in real estates, he was able to meet a lot of Filipino families. He started inviting them in simple gatherings like dinner, picnic, karaoke and more. He received a very heartfelt support from other Bulakenyos. They started treating each other as one family.
June 21, 1996 – Bulacan Association of Winnipeg, Incorporated (BAOWI) was officially established. Numerous activities were held to make the bond stronger especially because of the increasing number of Bulakenyo families.
After Bernie’s presidency, equally dedicated and hardworking Bulakenyos followed his footsteps. Albert Capiral, Lito Bautista, Eric Santos, Jun Magsino and Clarita Nazario became presidents of the association.
BAOWI conducted a lot of fundraising events in Winnipeg. Most proceeds went to the beloved country, Philippines. The association has been generous in helping Filipinos by sending relief goods and monetary assistance to typhoons victims, donating school supplies to the less fortunate students, conducting gift giving to some charity organizations like Ephesus, and even in jails and a lot more.
One of the biggest events initiated by BAOWI was the 2014 KORO BULAKENYO concert. A very talented choir from Bulacan entertained thousands of Winnipegers by their acting and singing brilliance. They performed in different halls, churches and restaurants. They sparkplugged the spirit of Bulakenyos to be more proud of their province. This was followed by Paskuhang Bulakenyo (Christmas Celebration) which was held January 2015, from these events, more Bulakenyos came out and started to become active.
For 20 years of service to the Filipino community, the association has been grateful and honored that it has been considered a home away from home for Bulakenyos.
Last September 24, 2016, at Marlborough Hotel, BAOWI gathered all the Bulakenyos in Winnipeg to celebrate its foundation day. The event was aligned to the province’ Singkaban Festival (short for Sining at Kalinangan / Arts and Culture), a famous festival in Bulacan which is celebrated every September of the year.
One of the highlights of the program was the awarding of outstanding Bulakenyos who have excelled in different fields, recognition of past presidents, and Bulakenyo youths who have outshined in academics and sports. Another part was the induction of officers for the year 2016 which was led by Clarita Nazario, the adviser of BAOWI and the guest of honor for the event who was none other than the Vice Governor of Bulacan, Honorable Daniel Fernando, who came all the way from the Philippines just to show his total support and indebtedness. There were special production numbers by Paul Ong, Arnold Tongol, Micaela Navoa and Spicy Girls. Honorable MP Kevin Lamoreux, Honorable Cindy Lamoureux, Honorable City Councilor Mike Pagtakhan, Honorable Ted Marcelino, Honorable City Councilor Cindy Gilroy, Honorable Jon Reyes, Honorable Jon Gerrard, Honorable Flor Marcelino, Philippine Consul Ronaldo Opina were all present and gave their respective greetings to the association. There were souvenir magazines sold to the attendees for only $10 as a fundraising project. The magazine features the history of Bulacan and BAOWI, life of Bulakenyos, rich culture and tradition, events of BAOWI, as well as the list of sponsors.
All Bulakenyos who dedicated their time, officers who really worked hard, and many generous sponsors made the event a remarkable and successful one.
Now, more than ever, Bulakenyo officers and members are more inspired to serve the Filipino community in Manitoba and in the Philippines, and are driven to be more united as one race, and one voice.
Photos: Courtesy of Nelson Manalili and Jaime Nucom
