Vancouver, Canada - Pampangueños in Canada celebrated the 31st anniversary of Circulo Pampangueño association of BC, one of the longest surviving Filipino organizations in British Columbia.
A 10-course fundraising dinner offered great entertainment, good company, and delectable food. Banga cultural dancing, singing, and ballroom dancing with DJ Rommel further made the night fun and exciting.
The organization’s new set of officers were also inducted: Jean Bryner (President), Christian Cunanan (1st Vice President), Angie Ingonia (2nd Vice President), Luz Bucad (Treasurer), Cerlyn Pizzaro (Secretary), Ginan Pagcu (Asst. Secretary), Rick De Guzman (Bus. Manager), Danilo Sampang (Asst. Bus. Manager), Flor Manalatas (Auditor), Arcie Lim (Ass. Auditor), and Renato Nicolas (PRO).
Past presidents Noel Bucad, Reynaldo David, Matilde Lim, and Mely De Guzman welcomed the new leaders of Circulo.
“I commend the association for its unity and I salute the core group keeping intact as membership grew bigger,” said guest speaker Deputy Consul General Anthony Mandap, who hails from Pampanga. He challenged the new officers to showcase Kapampangan cuisines and talents in singing and dancing for next year’s anniversary.
Newly inducted president Jean Bryner said in her acceptance speech that the objective of Circulo Pampangueño remains the same: to serve those in need in any way in the community and in the Philippines.
Circulo Pampangueño has undertaken worthwhile projects, gave donations to victims of natural disasters, granted sponsorships in the Philippines, and contributed to other civic and religious organizations in British Columbia.
The name “Pampanga” was given by the Spaniards when they encountered natives living along the banks or pampáng of the river. The Culinary Capital of the Philippines is known for its Lutung Kapampangan or Kapampangan cuisine which is popular across the country. Known Kapampangan dishes include sisig, kare-kare, tocino or pindang, and longanisa. There are also exotic food that people from around the country and the world want to experience.
