Four decades of living and working in an adopted country, comparatively speaking,is just a short time. But for determined Filipino immigrants, aptly coming to Canada beginning in the early 70's  are quite a significant period of years. Definitely with enviable elan, these are trying but fruitful years of committed kinship,sacrifice, perseverance, hard work, integration, adjustment and assimilation for the San Juan Clan
 

In meaningful celebration of its more than 40 years outside the Philippines, the San Juan Clan opted to meet and gather at a popular public park in East York, City of Toronto, Ontario for a potluck picnic and reunion on August 12th, 2012.

With Seton Park as its venue, 70 clan members joyously gathered, reminisced, bantered, and shared stories, updates, food and delicacies.Started by solemn prayers for the family's departed loved ones and hopes for more better life in the Canadian milieu, both adults and young ones enjoyed participating in the park games for the competitive prize galore.
 
The San Juan Family, led by its "trailblazer" and now acclaimed  matriach Sylvia San Juan-Leaver, has grown from one- to- 13 big families, with a total of 121 direct family members of siblings, in-laws, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren with ages 75 years to 5 months old. Currently, with 103 mostly citizens and permanent residents in Ontario, Canada, other members are happily residing in the Philippines (six), and the USA ( 12). Originally, the family roots began in Daet and Mercedes, Camarines Norte from the marriage of Engracia David Apuya and Salvador Reyes San Juan, both deceased.

Joining in at the successful get-together, are the 14 sibling-heads, namely: Shirley & Rody Rosales, Sylvia & Frank Leaver, Sonia & Eddie De La Cruz, Tony & Joy San Juan,Senen San Juan, Salvador & Virgie San Juan, Andrea San Juan, Eva & Matt San Andres, Maricris San Juan, Susan & Jess Llanera, Elizabeth & Lito Cruz, Ramon & Buhay San Juan, Grace & Alex Juschitz, and Benjoe & Angelita San Juan. Among the third- generation attendees are : Rody & Maggie Rosales, Rommel & Amy Rosales, Ching & Mischel Rosales, Naning & Iean Tait, Gigi Dela Cruz, Lourdes & Mike Tan, Nannette & Pien Lectura, Jhunic & Laura San Juan, Debbie Celis, Ted Celis, Allan Cruz, Christina & Romy Fortuna, Matthew San Juan and Ben San Juan.
 
With the Christmas holiday season already in the horizon, the Clan is now looking hopefully at a more festive and celebratory gathering for the year-end religious rites.( TSJ)

 

 

Munting Nayon News Magazine