CONBUSAC Holds 13th Biennial Convention in Seattle
(Shirley Ann Enerio-Camacho)
On the July 4th weekend, Boholano leaders and members from North America to Canada will convene at the Bellevue Hyatt Regency Hotel from July 2-5, 2009 for the 13th Biennial Convention of the Confederation of Boholanos in the USA & Canada (CONBUSAC). Bohol Governor Erico Aumentado and wife Greenie will be the guest of honor and speaker in the event dubbed “Sleepless in Seattle 2009.” Several hundreds are expected to attend coming from the various Boholano associations in the United States and Canada . The long weekend event will not only be festive, fun and memorable but it will hope to raise enough funds to benefit some disadvantaged and less privileged Boholanos in the province through the CONBUSAC’s various initiated and supported projects. The Carabao Gift Program, the Livestock Artificial Insemination Program, the Bundle of Joy, the various medical and surgical and humanitarian missions and the Philippine National Police (PNP) Bohol SWAT team are among the laudable undertakings actively supported by the current CONBUSAC leadership befitting this year’s convention theme, “Boholanos Making a Difference.”
Mr. Carlos Caga-anan, incumbent CONBUSAC president with the Bohol Association of Washington (BOAWAS) president and vice-president, Nat Calacat and Mely Forones-Caga-anan, respectively, with their officers and members are now in the thick of preparations to warmly welcome all guests and visitors. The convention will not only provide a great and productive time for feast and peace-loving Boholanos to bond and to fellowship but most importantly to enjoy the beautiful sights of Seattle and to savor once more the unprecedented Boholano hospitality, a value and tradition that binds Boholanos worldwide.
Among the convention highlights, attendees will delight in the various activities lined up for the long weekend which will kick off with a sports competition on Thursday, July 2 and the final canvassing and talent night for the five young, beautiful and talented candidates vying for the Miss CONBUSAC 2009 Beauty Pageant. On Friday, July 3 an interactive meeting among the CONBUSAC members’ Council of Leaders will start the day and will be capped with an exciting Family Night, the highlight of which is the Awarding of the Ten Outstanding Boholanos in the USA & Canada, some various entertainment presentations and great music and dancing at the Grand Ballroom of the Bellevue Hyatt Regency Hotel. Surigao del Sur Cong. Florencio Garay, a native of Panggangan Island , Calape, Bohol will be the keynote speaker.
On Saturday, July 4th which is the peak of the convention, a meeting will be presided in the morning with no less than Gov. Aumentado expected to give his progress report to Boholanos while Ms. Betty Veloso-Garcia will invite Boholanos worldwide to join the “Tigum Bol-anon sa Tibuok Kalibutan “ (TBTK) from July 14-26, 2009 in Bohol, and the election of CONBUSAC officers for 2009-2011 and the drawing of winners for the Raffle for Bohol 2009. The awaited formal dinner and dance Gala Night will cap the third night of the convention which will serve also as the Coronation Night for the Miss CONBUSAC 2009 and the Inaugural Night for the new CONBUSAC officers. Gov. Aumentado will be the keynote speaker and the inducting officer.
This year’s candidates for Miss CONBUSAC 2009 are Miss Gwynne Masalta representing Texas under the Bohol Association of Texas, Inc, the Sandugo Society of Texas and the SANO Tennis Association; Miss Kara Mayol representing California under the sponsorship of the Tagbilaran Association of Southern California, Inc.; Miss Heather Navales representing California under the Boholanos of Southern California, Inc.; Miss Tessie LaMourea of Washington State representing the host BOAWAS and Miss Eveyln Jade Ticong of Canada representing Bohol Foundation of British Columbia.
The last day of the convention, Sunday, July 5, will be a picnic in the park which will start with a Thanksgiving Mass to be officiated by Monsignor Nonoy Reyes, vicar general of the Diocese of Talibon, at the Lake Sammamish State Park in Issaquah , WA . A special fund-raising event the first ever “Walk for Bohol ” involving three categories: children, youth and adults will serve as the main highlight of the day. The walkathon will not only provide fun and friendly competition among the participants and sponsors but it hopes to raise some funds to complement the other convention fund-raising activities. After the long and promising long CONBUSAC weekend, some convention delegates will stay behind to visit the neighboring country of Vancouver , Canada to visit and to behold the famous Butchard Garden , a bonus attraction actively spearheaded by the incumbent CONBUSAC first lady, Mrs. Mely Caga-anan. ( PR / John Enerio Associates )
