BEN LAQUI, Founder Majayjayenos Chicago Fiesta

By: Ryan Tejero

 

Majayjay is a town in Laguna, Philippines, which is becoming a fast-rising tourist destination in the country. Famous for its waterfalls, this town is beautifully located at the foot of Mount Banahaw, and strategically standing 1,000 feet above sea level. It can easily be reached by driving about 120 kilometers from Manila.

Here in Chicago, Majayjay residents, though small in number, have managed to organize themselves to keep their town’s tradition and strengthen their ties with one another. Over the years now, Majayjayenos of Chicago have been celebrating their town fiesta here in Chicago. This annual event was started by a small group of townmates who first came to Chicago in the early 70’s. From a small, yet intimate, annual get-togethers at the house of the late Mrs. Ofelia Ramirez, it now became a festive and sought-after event that the community looks forward to year after year. The first organizational meeting was attended by Ding and Rema Escobar, Linda Catayong, Ben Laqui, Matilde and Joel Almonte, Ben Arceta, Jimmy and Mabel Tiongson, and a few others.

Just like any Philippine fiesta celebration, there are Hermana and Hermano Mayores who are selected from the group of community leaders. The first event which was held on March 1973 at Saint Francis Hospital auditorium was a huge success and very well-attended. It was organized by volunteers with the leadership of Lydia Zoleta. The annual fiesta is always graced by families from Majayjay and their friends who bring in their specialties and favorite dishes to share. A dedicated mass to honor Majayjay’s Patron Saint Gregory kicks off the celebration which is then followed by a musical program, with mostly presentation of folk dance and popular dance exhibitions, non-stop public dancing, and is highlighted by the crowning of Mrs. Majayjay. From Saint Francis auditorium, the event was moved to Saint Margaret Mary Church School Hall due to the increased number of guests coming to the fiesta celebration. After so many years of featuring Mrs. Majayjay, the organizers handed down to the younger generation. This is where the tradition of crowning the fiesta’s Mrs. Majayjay and Princesses all started.

This year, the Majayjay Fiesta will be held at the Evanston Levy Senior Center located at 300 Dodge Avenue, Evanston IL 60202 on March 12, 2016. The event will start at 5:00 pm, and tickets are available at the door at $25 for adults and $10 for children. The 2016 Fiesta Queen Court is composed of Queen Frida Burgonio and Princess Mia Burgonio and Princess Marissa Laqui. Also to be presented during the event are this year’s Hermana and Hermano Mayores who are: Maricris and Christian Laqui, Noel and Sherry Laqui, Shery and Noel Gagni, and Rachel and Christopher Laqui.

Proceeds of the annual fiesta will go to the church and school needs in Majayjay. In the past events, funds have already been used for church renovation and purchase of church supplies and equipment, such the pews and microphone. Portions of the proceeds also went to the local schools for the replacement of library floors, repairs of roofs and ceiling, as well as purchase of electric fans, microphone, school supplies and toiletries. Just recently, a drinking fountain/hand washing facility was installed in Bukal Elementary School and other barrios are awaiting funds for the installation of similar projects in their respective schools. Already in the plan is a Tree Planting Project in Majayjay which will be initiated by the Chicago Chapter.

Ben Laqui became the founder of the Majayjayenos Chicago. Ben is a true-blue Majayjayon. He came to Chicago on Sept 25, 1971. He was a CPA by profession in Philippines, and was then employed as Cashier with Prudential Bank for years prior to migrating to the United States. He was a dedicated and strong family man of his 7 children.

In the America, he worked with AON Corporation and then retired with the company in 1988. He then transferred to the North Community Bank and finally retired from working in 2002. Ben lost his wife in 2005. He became active in serving other community organizations which include PCPA and as President of PASAC from 2014 to 2016.

Any support to the Majayjayenos Chicago Fiesta is greatly appreciated. Please send inquiries to email: irish_laqui@yahoo.com.

Ben Laqui (middle) recently celebrated his 80th birthday, and was joined by 4 of his children (L-R): Hanzel, Frida, Glenda and Irish.