A Historical Anecdote of the Bicolandia Association,
Inc. of the Eastern Seaboard, USA
From: Lee Vargas
- Founded in 1969 by Mrs. Remedios Cabacungan,91, the Association's first
president.
- Membership comes from six provinces in the Bicol Region, namely; Albay,
Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Sorsogon & Masbate.
- Past Presidents: Dr. Emmanuel Pangan, Libmanan, Camarines Sur (1970-72),
Mr. Ben Vasquez,Libon, Albay (1973-74), Atty. Rolly Burgos, Oas, Albay
(deceased, 1977-78), Dr. Frank Rabadam, (Oas, Albay (1978-79), Atty. Cora
Ayubo, Iriga Camarines Sur (1980-81), Atty. Fred Ramin, Oas, Albay
(1982-85), Mr. Neil Ludovice,Sorsogon (1987-89), Ms. Priscilla Toribio, Naga
City, Camarines Sur (1989-90) Neri Ramin, Sipocot (Deceased, 1991-94), Mr.
Reggie Belen, Albay (1995-97), Ms. Carmen Rances, Oas, Albay (1997-99), and
Ms. Lee Vargas, Catanduanes (1999-2001).
- Major areas of concern (projects); Scholarship for financially handicapped
students from the Bicol Region, financial assistance to calamity victims,
PriestSem, and other community projects deemed beneficial to a broad segment
of Bicolanos, Operation Smile, Medical mission, Books to the Barrios, and
Bicol-USA Parnership in Education.
- To achieve its civic objectives and promote camaraderie among Bicolanos
and
their friends, the Bicolandia Association is busy all year. It sponsors a
Springtime Ball that coincides with the induction of its officers held every
two years. An annual family picnic is held every summer at selected state
parks and/or Bicolano homes. The popular Moonlight Cruise in August has
been
an institution since 1970 when Mr. Luis Cecilio (deceased) coordinated the
first cruise during the incumbency of Dr. Emmanuel Pangan. Louie has
succesfully directed this cruise every single year until he yeilded the
responsibility to Mr. Mirardo Buena in 1982. Last August, 8, 1999, current
Association president, Lee Vargas requested Engr. Louie Lee and wife, Terry,
to direct the cruise when the past administration failed to hold the cruise
for two years. The revival of the Moonlight Cruise was well attended, with
the selection of Miss Armida Lowery, as Miss Moonlight Cruise 1999.
- On the third Saturday of September the Feast of our Lady of Penafrancia is
celebrated with a mass followed by a fluvial procession and feast.
- The Anniversay and Christmas Ball caps a whole year of celebration. The
Miss Bicolandia selection highlights the ceremony. During the
administration
of Mr. Ben Vasquez, two international beauty queens had crowned Bicolandia
beauties; Fleur-delis Buenconsejo-Baquiran, was crowned by Margarita Moran,
Miss Universe 1973 and Jane Mendez, was crowned by Miss Karen Morrison, Miss
USA 1974 and Miss Universe first runner-up. This year's reigning Miss
Bicolandia is Miss Jaclyn Ibarreto Reburiano, who will relinquish her crown
to Miss Fritzie Ann Varias Fulay, Miss Bicolandia 2000 on December 12 at the
La Guardia Marriott Hotel.
- Finally, to celebrate the Birth of Jesus, Bicolandia Association
participates by sponsoring a "Simbang Gabi" at the Philippine Consulate,
which will be held on Sunday, December 19, 1999 at 6:00 PM.
Thank you for dropping in.
(Since November 23, 1999)
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