SOSA marks 15th Anniversary milestone in Toronto

SOSA marks 15th Anniversary milestone in Toronto

Induction of officers, from left: Congen Angelica Escalona, Carol Bañez (President), Willie Rapanan (VP), Jane Ducusin (Secretary), Elvie Garcia (Treasurer), Retired Judge Delano Europa (Board Chairman), Rudy Pilla (Board Director), Julio Sison (Board Director), Ning Austria (PRO 1), Malou Resposo (PRO 2), Ditas Boctor (External Affairs Coordinator), Dorie Thomas (Social Coordinator), Jean Sulit (Communications Coordinator), Edith Vallena (Activity Coordinator).

Scarborough Ontario Seniors Association

By Tony A. San Juan, OCT.

Celebrating an anniversary is spiritually sound for the soul and body, they say. For individuals and social organizations, commemorating a milestone is more than a happy and sentimental occasion. It is rather a celebration of continued accomplishments, achievements, fellowship, challenges, and fun-loving moments for a better and healthy life, especially for seniors.

To the Scarborough Ontario Seniors Association (SOSA), marking a milestone is certainly an affair to enjoy and remember. This prominent Filipino Canadian community association of “young once and not-so-young ones” celebrated its 15th founding anniversary with exemplary elan and extraordinary enthusiasm. The Dinner Dance event happened on July 21, 2023, Friday at the Princess Banquet Hall, Finch Avenue East, Scarborough, Ontario.

SOSA President Carol Bañez

With over 280 attendees, the ever-active Filipino seniors’ organization with its “Barrio Fiesta” theme, welcomed and entertained their guests, friends, and members to an evening of solid social dancing, soulful singing, good food, ticket raffles and door prizes, and an entertaining program. The SOSA officers, directors, and members together with their guests came in resplendent Philippine attire of Filipiniana, Kimona, and Barong Filipino.

The special guests included the Philippine Consul General in Toronto, Angelica Escalona, Philippine Canadian Charitable Foundation President Rosemer Enverga, Philippine Consulate Cultural Officer Maricel Samonte, Atin Ito newspaper Grand Lady Marita Lee, business leader Mann Nacario, MP Rechie Valdez and other personalities.

From left: Willie Rapanan, SOSA VP; MP Rechie Valdez and SOSA President Carol Bañez.

One of the highlights was the formal induction of SOSA’s officers and directors for 2023- 2025. term. Among those sworn in by Philippine Consul General  A. Escalona were Carol Bañez – President, Willie Rapanan – Vice President, Jane Baquiran-Ducusin – Secretary, Elvie Garcia -Treasurer, Malu Resposo and Ning Baquiran-Austria – Public Relations Officers, Dorie Thomas -Social Coordinator, Jean Sulit – Communications Director, Ditas Boctor-External Affairs Coordinator, Edith Vallena-Activity Coordinator, Rudy Pilia and Julio Sison – Board Directors, and Judge Delano Europa – Board Chairman.

Carol Bañez, the SOSA leader since its inception, in her presidential address, stressed that the association is “moving in one direction and in one direction…… aging gracefully.” She congratulated the officers and members for making SOSA, “a vibrant, forever young organization, and serious enough towards quality living.” Proudly and confidently, President C. Bañez closed her speech with a rallying challenge: “Stronger together and together Stronger” as ever and forward. Consul General A. Escalona expressed her wish “for more power to SOSA and blessing for its good leadership and steward of Filipino culture.”

Philippine Consul General Angelica Escalona

Ably hosted by Reilly Pardinas, the evening program opened with welcome remarks by the event’s overall chairpersons Maria Ditas Boctor and Willie Rapanan. After which the singing of the Philippine and Canadian national anthems followed with an invocation by Jean Sulit. President Carol Banez delivered her inspirational speech, and Retired Ontario Justice of the Peace Delano Europa gave the closing remarks and acknowledgments.

Showcased during the evening were the Line Dancing led by Jun Ambatali and Vilma Balallo, Zumba Dance headed by Vee De Leon, and Special Dance Exhibitions by the Men’s Dance Ensemble and Couples Libis ng Nayon Waltz, choreographed by Edd “Cowboy” Bañez and Rolly Vallena.  The highly applauded part was when the 50-member SOSA Choral, Ukulele & Rondalla Ensembles of 14 musicians and 36 singers performed a popular medley of Filipino favorite ditties. The musical performance was conducted and directed by Bel and Luz Moreno. Catering and DJ Services were provided by Tagpuan and Arnel, respectively.

Messages of congratulations were sent by the Philippine Ambassador to Canada, Her Excellency Andrelita Austria,  Philippine Consul General A. Escalona, Member of Parliament for Mississauga-Streetville Rechie Valdez, and Member of Parliament for Scarborough Centre Salma Zahid and wonderful greetings from 32 Filipino Canadian families, individuals, business entities, and community organizations as well.

The 15th anniversary celebration was certainly an evening focused on presenting and promoting the best in Filipino tradition, values, camaraderie, cooperation, and collaboration.

Couples Libis ng Nayon Dancers

Choral, Ukulele and Rondalla Ensembles (Bakya Mo Neneng, Lawiswis Kawayan, Libis ng Nayon, Ako ay Filipino Medley)

Zumba dancers led by Vee de Leon

Line dancers led by Vilma Balallo

Raffle winners, from left: Willie Rapanan, (VP), Reilly Pardinas, (MC), Florinda Martin, (3rd prize, $100.00), Remy Klienberge ( 1st prize,$750.00), Julio Sison (4th prize,$100.00), Lettie Europa, (2nd prize, $500.00),Carol Banez , Eddcowboy, Elvie Garcia, Treasurer, Malu Resposo for Marty Kobayashi (5th prize $100.00) ,Elvira Mina Ortiz for Mitzy Faigal, consolation prize, Swarovski sunglasses)

Rechie’s parents Zosimo and Normita Salazar

Men’s waltz dancers led by EddCowboy Banez, Rolly Vallena and Jun Ambatali at SOSA’s 15th Anniversary.

PHB friends Au and Bert de Lara, Marina and Deolito Conche with Nellie Pilla. (Photos provided by SOSA)