Holidaze with Bukidnon folks in New York
The members of the Association of Bukidnons in America (ABA) chose an extraordinarily cold winter day to celebrate their Christmas party. I had 4 layers of clothes on, including a heavy coat to combat the painfully chilly New York weather. Thankfully, the party was fun, the people were welcoming – so welcoming that I was even asked to be one of the judges of the impromptu Christmas caroling contest alongside two American gentlemen – and there was just an overall holiday, cheery vibe that kept all of us warm, cozy and happy.
The ABA Christmas Party also served as the chance for the group’s officers for CY 2016-2017 to take a bow and be recognized for all the amazing work they’ve done.
To Shirley Guray-Soto, Jovito Yabo, Jr., Emilita Sabana, Leonila Delfin, Wendelina Obenita, Gen Maier, Lalaine Agbayani, Eva Ramirez, Pearl Kiel, Melquiades Taveros, Edna Sacayle and Victor Isidore Barroso, Marilou Velez and Antonio Alkuino – you all deserve a pat on the back!
Congratulations are also in order to the new set of officers led by Marlon Valcorza, who were inducted into office by Consul Arman Talbo of the Philippine Consulate General. Consul General Maria Theresa De Vega also dropped by for a quick message moments later.
Three margaritas, 2 pina coladas, several hors d’oeuvres and a plate full of delicious food later, I was ready to call it a night. I was happy to see the ABA members again (including Nanay Julie Nabong, who was my seatmate and my food partner – we kept on bugging the waiters to come to our table first whenever they had goodies like fried macaroni and cheese and spicy beef tacos straight from the kitchen) but frankly I was mostly happy because I got to witness my aunt Emilita get recognized for her work as the organization’s secretary. I’m proud of her.
Thank you to Ma’am Gen Tubeo for the group photo.
For more of the Association of Bukidnons in America Christmas party 2017, visit multi-awarded lifestyle and travel blog Mindanaoan
NOTE: This article also appeared on Gold Star Daily’s Urban Life section last December 15, 2017. Gold Star is Mindanao’s largest newspaper and circulates daily. It also has offices in both Manila and Cebu.
