VIA Times – August 2014 Issue Vital News, Vibrant Views for Asian Americans in Chicago & Midwest
Burgosinians of Ilocos Sur all over the world and across the USA gathered in Las Vegas. The 3 days event , held July 11-13, 2014 at the Tuscany Suites and Casino, , focuses on 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, INDEED A HISTORIC GRAND AND SUCCESSFUL FIRST BURGOSINIANS GLOBAL REUNION! It was all fun and memorable filled with laughter’s ,tears and hugs. Re -union attendees have travelled from the Philippines, Germany , Mexico, Spain and Canada and families from the United States came all together to re connect and experienced the camaraderie shared. The diaspora of global immigrants and OFWs came to pay homage to birth place and beloved town Burgos , Ilocos Sur Philippines. Burgos , Ilocos Sur is the home to peace loving, with zest for education , professionals, industrious, family oriented and as one of the model town of the Philippines.
The colorful festive event highlighted with the attendance of Ilocos Sur Governor Ryan Luis Singson and his elegant wife Patricia Singson who had travelled from their busy schedule to join the event. One of the the weekend’s most touching moments, was the parade of all Burgosinians representing their own barangays (villages) . In addition, performance groups showcased their talents at the cultural show where they perform the Tadek, line dancing, Hula, Hawaiian dances and vocal performers. The gala night event was surely a ‘ MOMENT TO REMEMBER”. The high fashion gala in their elegant attire was truly a WOW! 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 empowers the group to look, give back and have the vision to engage as trailblazers in sharing positive change.
Another guest speaker was Dr. Roland Filart , a cardiologist, a native from Burgos and lives 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 brought the crowd us in awe and admiration. 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 continues and all wore their Re union- Tshirts.. 2NDGlobal Burgosinians Reunion will be in Burgos Ilocos Sur, Philippines.
