The "Bicol Kaogmahan sa Earl Bales Park" held on July 22nd, 2012, is another annual summer event successfully notched in the "history book" of the southernmost natives of the home country's main Luzon Island. Organized by Bicol Canada Community Association (BCCA), a 6- province organization of Bikolano residents in Ontario, the yearly potluck picnic activity was a collegial celebration and collective showcase of Bikolandia's exemplary cooking and spirit of camaraderie, co-operation and coordination. BCCA 's continuing theme: "Tangani magkasararo kita gabos".( achieving full harmony and understanding for all) has made a desirable cohesive flux among the summer picnikers and other participants..

A region well- known for its siling labuyo-laced food, MayonVolcano and the Penafrancia festival, Bicolandia comprises the provinces of Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Masbate and Sorsogon . Favourites among the attendees are the usual fares of spicy laing, Bikol Express , maruya and gatang dinuguan.

Led by long-serving BCCA President Rafael "Paeng" Nebres, more than 200 members, friends, family members and guests joyfully participated in the whole day gathering cum volleyball tourney at-the- park in North York, Toronto. This year's Kaogmahan festivities was chaired by Arlene Martirez,BCCA secretary. Among the notable Filipino Canadian community leaders & personalities present are : Bobby & Lorna Achacon, Noli Aquino, Jess & May Cabrias, Ester Carpenter, Joe Emila, Alex Guerina, Toti & Nati Gutierrez, Susan Llanera, Willie & Lewie Nabus, Ely Olayon, Boy & Fely Ortega, Tony & Joy San Juan, Jojo & Fe Taduran, Edgar Recon and Felix Reyes. In his address, R. Nebres thanked the entire BCCA membership and the main sponsors of the event : Action Honda, CANNEX Immigration, GMA Pinoy TV, Sun Life Financial, TFC-Kapamilya, and Western Union Canada.

Central to the park celebration was the 2012 Fifth Volleyball Cup competition organized by BCCA's sports co-ordinator and 2008-2012 Tournament chair Noli Aquino of the Batoenos.The team from Camarines Norte won the Men's Volleyball championship for the first time. Awarded the coveted revolving Champions' trophy and gold medallions are players Butch Lipang( captain & MVP)),Lito Consolacion, Bong Fabros, Joshua Fabros,Paatrick Mason,Ronnie Miranda, & Manny Tan . The Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon/Masbate mens' teams garnered 2nd, Third,4th, and Fifth places.The Lady spikers of Sorsogon-Masbate successfully retained their Women championship crown with players from Camarines Sur, Albay,Camarines Norte & Catanduanes placing 2nd & Third, 4th & Fifth, respectively. The champion volleybelles are : Maria Cuaresma(captain),Senh Ban( MVP),Jessica Bitoy,Cynthia Chung, Lydia H.,Sarah Joseph, Jasey L., JieJie Piedad,Rory Sibal,Jessica S.,Tasmit, and Beb Zaragoza.

Coming up in September,according to Paeng Nebres, is the Our Lady of the Penafrancia seasonal festivity and weekly group prayers, a traditional religious event common to many Viva,Viva la Virgen ! devotees. Filipino Canadians and Bikolanos alike are expected and encouraged to join in the popular fluvial procession at Lake Ontario.(JSM/tsj).

 

 

Munting Nayon News Magazine