Katbaloganon Association of Canada 32nd Anniversary

Katbaloganon Association of Canada 32nd Anniversary

Dindo Orbeso (KAC President- Incoming); Rudy Boquila; Butch Astorga (KAC President-Incumbent); Karen Tan and Ken Liao; Butch Rama; Alice Tan (seated from left to right); Linda Villasin; ConGen Junever Mahilum-West; Caro Castellano; Cinia Mendiola

TORONTO–The Katbaloganon Association of Canada held its 33rd Gala Night Affair Aug. 9, 2013, as part of its culminating event following the nine-Saturday novena it holds annually in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary and San Bartolome, the patron Saint of Cabalogan, Samar, Philippines.

The gala night was held at the Woodbine Banquet and Convention Hall, and was attended by Katbaloganons from Canada and the US.  The event included the traditional Rigodon de Honor; the dancing of the “curacha,” a native folk dance; and a special presentation of awards of appreciation to the previous presidents of the organization, officiated by the two Hermanas Mayor, Corazon Astorga and Rowena A. Torres, and the organization’s president, Butch Astorga. It also featured speeches by the outgoing president Astorga, and the incoming president, Dindo Orbeso.

As with the previous galas, music was provided by Karen Tan and her band, which kept the guests dancing throughout the night.

The annual gala is a fundraising affair to support needy communities in Catbalogan, benefitting especially school children.

A fiesta followed the next night, April 10, at the St. Christophers Church in Mississauga, where Katbaloganons continued their celebration with prayers, music, food and goodwill among family, friends, town mates and guests until  around midnight.

Corazon Astorga (Hermana); Rowena Astorga (Hermana); Butch Astorga (KAC President); Alan Poblete(KAC Past President); Tito Tenazas; Mario Villarin; Edwin Tan; Edgar Figueroa; Filemon Abella; Junjie Estalilla; Abet Gadin; Raul Mendiola; Butch Rama; Al Mendiola; Johnny Tanseco; Jojo Mendiola; Renato Mendiola. (From Alan Poblete to Renato Mendiola – all Past Presidents of the Katbaloganon Association of Canada)

Hermanas Corazon Astorga and Rowena Torres on KAC backdrop