VIA Times – March 2017 Issue Vital News, Vibrant VIews for Asian Americans in Chicago & Midwest
By: Ryan Tejero
It is not surprising to note that there are plenty of Filipino Americans in Illinois who came from the province of Zamboanga Del Norte. In fact, since 1989, the residents from Zamboanga Del Norte in Illinois have been increasing. This is the very reason why the Zamboanga Del Norte Association of Illinois (ZAMNAI) was born twenty-six year ago. Now on the 14th term of its officers, ZAMNAI is getting stronger and more visible in the community in its advocacies to help their members and their kababayans back in the homeland.
ZAMNAI’s humble beginnings started in a family get-together and summer picnic at Schiller Park, Illinois in August of 1989 with Bishop Felix Zafra, Fr. King Fuerzas and Fr. TQ Solis con-celebrating the outdoor mass. The founding president was Ber “Nonoy” Refugio. The first meeting was held at Ramie Calimotan’s place. The following were chosen: 1st vice-chairman, Gregg Trabanca, 2nd vice-chairman, Lydia Filipinas Rusiana, Secretary, Soling Kwan Anderson, Asst. Secretary, Belinda Lunjas, Treasurer, Girlie Arrieta, Asst. Treasurer, Esper Patangan, Auditor, Ruding Bonjoc, PRO, Gilfred Cruz, Business Manager, Eddie Artajo, Asst. Business Manager, Ramie Caliumotan, Social Manager, Nonoy Bajamunde, Asst. Social Manager, Fil Fertig, Marshals, Art Fertig and Vincent Frias, Muse Jiji Ames, Entertainer, Evelyn Bonjoc. The Board of Advisers were: Pastor Bajamunde, Dr. Juan Lasa, Dr. Leo Pepa, and Fr. Eutiquio Solis, Jr.
Since its inception, ZAMNAI’s met and was hosted in various homes of its members, and also at the Rizal Center. Numerous fundraising activities were organized by ZAMNAI to sustain and materialize their projects. One main focus of the organization is the collection of membership dues, which is $25 payable every two years, and an option for a Lifetime membership which is $100. The organization also continues to organize Poker Events and send out solicitation letters to raise funds for its Helping Hands Project. This project benefits ZAMNAI’s members and families who are in need for reason of losing a loved one or family member, including those who are undergoing a serious medical illness.
It is the goal of the new leadership, under Dominador Santos Jr., to strengthen its advocacy to help one another within the organization. Mr. Santos has been re-elected last year for his second term as ZAMNAI’s President. He has been actively involved in the group and been supportive of its project. He said “we have reached out to other kababayan from Zamboanga Del Norte and its neighboring provinces to support our annual events.”
Last summer, ZAMNAI’s biggest event, HUDYAKA, was a huge success. The event was wellattended by community members, with close to 400 guests in attendance.
It is a family-oriented outdoor event with games and a community picnic from residents of Zamboanga Del Norte. The 2016 HUDYAKA Summer Festival was represented by participants coming from 23 Municipal, civic and business organizations. Everyone stayed until the Break Camp at 6pm. There were four ZAMNAI Marshals plus Sergeant-at-Arms from other participating organizations to maintain safety and order. Hudyaka 2016 was graced by Philippine Consul General Generoso Calonge and other staff from the Consular Office. The next HUDYAKA is scheduled on August 8, 2017 at the Busse Forest Preserves, Elk Grove Village, IL.
Current ZAMNAI President, Dominador Santos, Jr., said that the organization will continue to heighten the spirit of helping one another, between and among their members. In the pipeline, is ZAMNAI’s plan to raise more funds to help out the victims of this year’s worst flood disaster affecting the town of Pres. M.A. Roxas in Zamboanga del Norte. The flash floods and landslides have devastated neighboring towns and villages, destroying properties, houses, roads, bridges and power lines.
Mr. Santos is equipped with community leadership skills that he gained back when he was still in the Philippines. He has served as Vice Mayor from 1970-1979 in the Municipality of Katipunan in Zamboanga Del Norte. Between 1981 and 1991, Mr. Santos was gainfully employed as Town Planner and Project Manager for a commercial complex project. He finally came to the US before the year 1991 ended.
ZAMNAI is currently accepting members and families who would like to volunteer their time and resources. Please email this columnist for personal contact information of Mr. Dominador Santos, Jr.
Mr. Dominador Santos, Jr. giving an award to the youngest bowler of the 2016 HUDYAKA.
