Negrense unveils 2006 plans

Negrense unveils 2006 plans

The “Asociacion Negrense”, an organization of Canada immigrants from the province of Negros Occidental in the Philippines, has recently unveiled its year-long activities for 2006.

Approved during the last officers meeting held at the residence of Elma Saludares in Missisauga are the holding of Trip to Casino Rama on April 22, Masskara Festival and Induction of new set of officers on June 17, Participation to the Philippine Independence Day Celebration on June 11, Family Picnic on July 28, and Christmas Party on December.

Incoming president Richard “Dick” Flora disclosed the Casino Rama trip proceeds from said activity will be used to help defray the expenses of the association in its forthcoming activities.

The Masskara Festival and Induction of the new set of Officers which will be held at the Larry Taylor Auditorium in Missisauga Valley Community Center will have Consul Alejandro Mosquera as principal guest. Registration fee per member is $25.00 only.

Held annually by the association to reminisce the joyous merrymaking festivity in Bacolod City, the business capital of the province of Negros Occidental, this year’s Masskara Festival will be highlighted by the Search of the Best “Masskara”.

The word “masskara” was coined from two words – mass, which means people, and kara, which means face. The people during this festival are wearing smiling mask as they dance to the beat of the music down the city’s main thoroughfares to depict the ever-smiling faces and resiliency, amidst adversity, of the natives, known as “negrenses”, in this sugar-rich province of the Philippines. Hence, “Masskara Festival”, which is held in Bacolod City every third week of October as a highlight of the city’s charter anniversary.

After the Masskara Fetival, the association will host a potluck “Family Picnic” to the family of some 500 members living in Ontario, and nearby provinces in Canada. This will be held at Thompson Park, located along Lawrence-Brimley Ave. in Scarborough. Among the highlights of this occasion will be the children’s game, parlor games, and report of the president.

The Christmas Party, on the other hand, is yet to be scheduled, but the members from each area are already advised to form their respective groups and think of what they can present during the Christmas Carol Presentation Contest, as valuable prizes will be at stake for the winners.

(PRESS RELEASE)