Bicol Canada Community Association Holds Spring Gala & Officers Induction

By Tony A. San Juan, OCT.
Scarborough-ON-Canada
May 8, 2018




Scarborough-May 4: Like the majestic Mayon Volcano, the Oragons and the Magayons of Bikolandia conducted their meaningful gathering and induction of officers and directors for the 2018- 2019 term. The memorable event  of Bicol Canada Community Association -BCCA , with its theme "Tanganing Kita Gabos Magkasararo" ( Aspiring for Greater Solidarity ) ,was held on May 4, 2018 at the popular Scarborough Convention Centre, Toronto, Ontario.




The Honourable Philippine Consul General Rosalita Prospero  sworn into office the new set of BCCA officers.  Inducted were Executive Officers : Earl Francis Dacara, president; Nestor Canton, v-p,gov't relations; Joseph Redoblado, v-p, membership & pr; Manolito Aquino, v-p, sports & youth development; Jennifer Amaranto, secretary; Merle Canlas, asst. secretary; Jose Gutierrez, treasurer; Floro Dabu, Jr., asst. treasurer; Gidget dela Torre, auditor; Edison Bantayan, asst. auditor; Isabel Gregorio, Naina Chhatlani, Luis Calayca & Rafael Nebres, special projects & event coordinators; and Leticia Toral, press relations officer. The members of the Board of Directors sworn in include: Arlene Volpentesta, Michele Serrano, Ronnie de la Gana, Susan San Juan- Llanera, Nanete Nardo and Carl Sol Froa.  Present also was  Ms. Cecile Santos, Cutural Officer of the Philippine Consulate in Toronto.



Superbly hosted jointly by Nestor Canton and Leticia Toral, the evening's program opened with the singing of the Philippine National Anthem led by Kristianne Pascual, followed by a welcome address by Josie "Totie" Gutierrez, an invocation by Jennifer Amaranto, and introduction of guest speaker by Floro Dabu, Jr.  The Philippine Consul General Rosalita Prospero congratulated all the new officers and cited the "many current economic & physical developments" in the Bicol Region. Outgoing president Rafael "Paeng" Nebres,in his message, praised his former & incoming officers for "a job well done" and reiterated his call "for greater solidarity and active participation" in achieving the goals of the organization . Likewise, the newly-installed el presidente, Earl Francis O. Dacara in his inaugural speech stressed the " importance  of meeting continuing challenges before the membership and for every BCCA Officer & member to work together productively".



Official congratulatory messages were received from: Philippine Vice President Leni Robredo, Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne, Albay Governor Al Francis C. Bichara, Camarines Norte Governor Jonah G. Pimentel,  Camarines Sur Governor Miguel Luis R. Villafuerte,Sorsogon Governor Bobet Lee Rodriqueza, and Philippine Consul General Rosalita Prospero.

The newly elected executive officers & board directors  entertained their guests  and families with  a lively rendition of Bikolandia's popular ditty "Sarong Banggi" with Manolito Aquino as conductor. Two beautiful songs was performed by  "Global Pinoy" singing champion Shaira Garrido. A number of guests were delighted after winning  raffle prizes and cash draws. The reigning Miss York Region, a candidate for Miss World- Canada, was on hand charmingly greeting the event guests.



BCCA, formed in 1997, is composed of the popular "laing and labuyo laced regional cuisine- known six provinces of Albay, Camaines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Masbate and Sorsogon.  The Association aptly bestowed special recognition with plaques and certificates to PIDC leaders Rafael Nebres, Jose Gutierrez, Manolito Aquino, and businessman Alex Kushel.



Among the special guests and community leaders who attended  were from he World Financial Group , Philippine Independence Day Council, GTA Hoops,  Pinoy Radio, Talakayan Radyo Filipino, FCAV, PCCT, FFCO, led by Agnes Miranda, Karen Pascual- Binaday, Vilma Tahsin, Jess & May Cabrias, Erlinda Insigne and business & community leaders Manolo Arnaldo, Ben & Paulina Corpuz, Maricris San Juan, Roger Tarca, Bob San Juan, and other community, sports and media  personalities.

The spring event , many guests agreed, was indeed an  enjoyable evening of  fun-filled bailehan (dancing), karakanan ( dining), enviable kairabahan (fellowship),and  kodakan (photo ops)  attended by former officers,  family members, friends and  kababayans & kabanowaans .....compatriots and town mates.( Tony A. San Juan)

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Prospero inducts into Office the new officers of the Bicol Canada Community Association

By Leticia Peralta Toral & Manuel Papa

Scarborough-ON-Canada

May 8, 2018

Scarborough-May 4: Philippine Consul General Rosalita S. Prospero cited the strong commitment and support of the men and women of the Bicol Canada Community Association (BCCA) in encouraging and motivating fellow Bicolanos in Canada through strong bonds of friendship and goodwill.





Camarines Sur Gov. Miguel Luis R. F. Villafuerte, Sosogon Gov.  Robert Lee Rodrigueza, Albay Gov. Francis C. Bichara, and Camarines Norte Gov.  Jonah G. Pimente sent their individual greetings to the new and outgoing officers of the Bicol Canada Community Association (BCCA).

The BCCA induction and dinner dance were held at the Scarborough Convention Center, 20 Torham Place, Toronto, Ontario, Canada on May 4, 2018, Friday.

Inducted into office by Philippine Consul General Rosalita S. Prospero include Earl Francis Orino Dacara, president; Nestor Von Canton, vice pesident - government relations;  Former BCCA PresidentnJoseph Redoblado, vice president -  menbership and public relations; Manolito Aquino, vice president - sports and sports development; Jose (Toti) Gutierrez, treasurer Floro Alvarez Dabu, Jr., assistant treasurer; Jennifer Amaranto, secretary; Merle Canlas, assistant secretary; Gidget de la Torre, auditor; Edison Bantayan, assistant auditor; Isabel Gergorio special projects & event coordinator; Naina Chhatlani special projects and event coordinator; Luis Francisco Calayca, special projects & event coordinator;  9 years BCCA president Rafael Nebres, ex-officio member of the board, special projects & event coordinator, Leticia Peralta Torral, press relations officer. The board of directors are former BCCA secretary Arlene Martirez Volpentesta; Community Leader Michele Serrano, Ikubo Magazine Publisher & Editor Ronnie de la Gana, Susan San Juan Llanera, Nanete Nardo Virtucio, and Carlo Froa.



The new BCCA officers and members of the board of directors will be serving for two (2) years. (St. Jamestown News Service)*********

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