The Quezon Province Association of Manitoba celebrated its 30th Anniversary foundation by honoring the Ugat (founders) of the association and recognizing the passion of volunteerism through the years.
Every founding member received a certificate of recognition for being responsible to make this association so strong and sustainable since its founding in 1989. And at the same time, QPAM recognized the many volunteers during the annual Mayuhan and SantaCruzan when the 2019 Hermano and Hermana Mayor, namely Jhun and Jhulie Manzanilla, their daughter Johsa as Reyna Elena and her consort and the various sagalas were presented during the anniversary celebration at the Marlborough Hotel last August 24, 2019.
Guests came in formal attire and walked the red carpet into the Skyview Ballroom while their pictures were taken.
Maggie Chan-Ubano, QPAM president, welcomed the guests after the Oh Canada rendition by Kristian Cahatol and the Philippine National Anthem by a QPAM Youth. Invocation was delivered by Mannie Aquino, one of the QPAM advisers. After dinner, the QPAM’s Santacruzan 2019 Reyna Elena, Johsa Manzanilla with Christian Schroeder as her consort; Jhun and Jhulie Manzanilla, Hermano and Hermano Mayor 2019 were presented to the guests. Followed by the induction of the 2019-2021 officers. MLA Flor Marcelino as an inducting officer. And followed by the Recognition Award for the Ugat (roots) members.
The newly inducted officers for 2019-2021 include: MaggieChan-Urbano, president; Nolasco Merluza, vp, external; Rowena Arquero, vp, internal; Claudia Cahatol O’Donnell, secretary; Precy Merluza, asst. secretary; Rosario Leonie Lacandula, treasurer; Jenny Novallasca, asst. trea.; Abdon Chan, auditor; Federico Hinanay, asst. auditor; Mariano Sarmiento & Mario Arquero, pro; Glenda Relis, Rizalda Plata Merluza, and Gil Lacandula, sgt. at arms; District reps: Eddie Revilla, 1st; Ronnie Merluza, 2nd; Ellen Sarmiento, 3rd; and Salve Mujar, 4th; Norman Padilla, Alden Novallasca, and Sunny Pauche, directors.
Entertainment was in full blast when many outstanding talents had performed. Johsa Manzanilla had a song and piano rendition; Kristian Cahatol, Kyleen Neis, Little Miss Galaxy Winnipeg; Raffy of Raffy’s cafe with ALIW band and Dr. Tricia Magsino Barnabe.
A special folk dance presentation by the lady officers and members of QPAM under the direction of Natie Aquino. Closing remark was delivered by Olie Merluza, QPAM Vice president. Hannah Chan Urbano and Alden Novallasca emceed the anniversary celebration.
Partners of the QPAM’s 30th Anniversary celebration were recognized, namely Vickar Automotive Group, Filipino Journal and Just IN Couture and extending warm thank yous to the diamond, platinum, gold, silver and bronze sponsors.
Maggie Chan-Urbano, QPAM president says: “The success of our 30th anniversary celebration was the result of “kapit-bisig”, the dedication and the utmost cooperation of all the officers and members of QPAM, and the support of our many sponsors and partners, without them, this gala night would not be successful.”
With more than 350 attendees, the public dancing showed their prowess in dancing and the dance floor had almost taken over by happy and fun loving guests.
Indeed, a night to remember by all who attended QPAM’s every five-year anniversary celebration.
Photos by Ron Cantiveros | Filipino Journal
