WELCOME to Circulo Ilongo Association of B.C., your source for Ilongo's community, social activities and related information in BC. With the creation of the website, our goal is to bring together the Ilongos in BC by interlinking them with their families, friends and the community for cultural, recreation and economic well-being.
HISTORY
On its 25th year, we look back on how Circulo Ilongo started and what were its activities. In 1985, seven friends or "barkadas" who were Filipino-Canadian immigrants with origins from Western Visayas, namely provinces of Negros Occidental, Iloilo, Guimaras, Capiz, Antique and Aklan gathered together. Meeting in private homes, they invited friends to join them. The group generously pitched in to provide food and fun. A plan to get organized was met with enthusiastic response and thus the Circulo Ilongo Association of BC was formed.
In 1986, the Association was registered as a non-profit organization in Victoria, BC and since then, the group engaged in projects that helped their "kasimanwas". The first project was scholarship program for five scholars from each province. In 1986, a fund-raising affair was attended by about 800 people. Other affairs which followed were also attended.
Subsequently, under its 15 past presidents, Circulo Ilongo continued its social and community service activities. There were chess tournaments (1987), basketball tournaments (1987-2000), performances of Dinagyang during the Philippine Independence Day and community activities of BC (1987, 1988 and 1992). A newsletter, "Balangay" recorded activities, trivia about the region and social tidbits about the members (1987-1988). From 1987-1994, Circulo did Christmas carols to members and friends for the Holidays. It was also a fund-raising activity. The Association further gave emotional and financial support to families of members during times of bereavement or illness. Moreover, in 1996 the Association sponsored local bursaries and grants to deserving children of members in BC. In 1995-96, CIABC gave a cash loan and later converted into a donation to the Philippine Community Centre Society (PCCS) towards building a Philippine Community Centre in BC.
Furthermore, other community services included giving aid to needy sectors in the Philippines such as in 2009, financial help to flood victims of Typhoon Frank was given to Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo and Negros Occidental. In 2010 and 2011, Circulo participated and performed "Dinagyang" and joined by the rest of the Filipino community in highlighting the country's culture and arts.
The Association had the following regular events;
1. Induction of Officers Dinner & Dance.
2. Benefit dances with different motifs: Barrio Fiesta, Muse Contests, Barter of Panay, Hawaiian South Pacific, Barn Dance, Dinagyang, Philippine Travelogue, etc. At times, Circulo coordinated with line dancing groups. The programs in these affairs included native and modern dances.
3. Awards were given to deserving members for significant contributions to the Organization's activities.
4. Annual picnics were held at BC parks--potluck events which served as recreation and social.
5. Christmas parties for the members and their families and gifts were given to children of family members. A party for seniors was also held.
How was the Association able to afford its charities and projects?
Circulo Ilongo raised funds through various activities. Tickets were sold to defray basic expenses. Balances were used for the community service projects.
Circulo Ilongo was based on friendship, social networks and melding together of the talents of its members. The cooperation of the members was exemplary and the united efforts of everyone resulted in successes.
The Association had lighter moments. There were jolly times during the get together for drinking sessions, camaraderie during Christmas caroling and there was one event in which two members exchanged shoes and only to discover the "accident" the morning after. There were many memories which the earlier members look back to with nostalgia. And there were also trying time when members and leaders had different ideas of how to run the organization, what projects to engage in and there were clashes of ideas. In spite of the different point of views, the Association still manage to turn everything into positive results.
In its Jubilee Year, we bring together the old and the new members and turn this event into a jubilant reunion.
We ask the question: "Quo Vadis, CIABC?". Learning from the past, the new and energized group must keep on and persevere. The new leadership and with the use of the new technology (website, facebook and twitter) is reaching out and establishing networks. It's challenges is to come up with activities that respond to the interests of the members and consistent with the Organization's consitution.
We raise a toast to everyone!!! "Bring back the spirit and the dream of the Circulo Ilongo Association of BC (CIABC)!".
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(We acknowlege the contributions of important personages--too many to enumerate... especially informative are four issues of Balangay)
Prepared by Carmencita Handinero
The six Ilongo provinces in the Philippines :
Aklan Antique Capiz Iloilo Guimaras Negros Occidental |  |
GOALS & OBJECTIVES of CIABC:
1. To bring together the Ilongos of British Columbia and to achieve common goals beneficial to all members and the community. 2. To promote recreation, cultural and economic well-being of the members and to help one another in whatever ways possible. 3. To support the establishment of the Filipino community centre and such undertakings that will require the joint efforts of the Filipino community. | 4. To cooperate with the goverment agencies, international and inter-cultural group and other Filipino groups in programs and actions designed to advance the concepts of multicuturalism. 5. To raise funds and send aid to the residents of the six Ilongo provinces in the Philippines, namely: Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Iloilo, Guimaras and Negros Occidental for the relief of poverty and educational advancement. |
2012 CIABC Officers
President John del Rosario
Vice President Grace Brewster Secretary Winnonah S. Beyer Vice Secretary Elva Grace Seguiban-Bayla Treasurer Leon Deza Jr. Asst. Treasurer Sandra Lapating Auditor Maurius Alparaque Asst. Auditor Nadine Catambing Business Manager Haydee Alonzo Asst. Business Manager Susan Chu Press Relation Officer Limbay Deza Lau Asst. PRO Florivel Delariarte Peace Officer Sergio Alavarta Jr. Peace Officer Corydon Arches | Provincial Directors: AKLAN Lilia Prado ANTIQUE Jose Jaundines CAPIZ Delsa Escutin GUIMARAS Helen Biadoma ILOILO Hernani Defenio NEGROS Alfredo Hermano Jr. |
