In the new millennium, Boholanos, a million strong in our island province, are also living beyond our borders in large numbers. Just like the Converse All Stars slogan – “We’re everywhere,” Boholanos are also scattered all over the world.
Wherever our paisanos are situated, regardless of social background and career placements, there is that collective longing to come home to Bohol, where their hearts still belong.
It is human nature to get excited when a loved one returns home after having been away for so long. To many cultures and societies, the joy is confined only within the family circle or among kindred friends. But to us Boholanos, the elation at someone’s homecoming transcends beyond blood relations.
Invited or not, people come freely to a returnee’s welcome party. Everybody offers a warm handshake, a tight hug or a beso beso. All will present themselves as long lost friends.
Thereafter, friends and relatives will keep coming in droves. Most will extend invitations to dinners, fiestas and just about every social occasion there is. Some tag god children along for obvious intensions. Others will solicit support for beauty contestants and various community projects.
Indeed, for the immigrant Boholano, no place compares with Bohol and going home to visit is what’s foremost in their minds – and hearts.
That’s the reason why the concept of Tigum Bolanon sa Tibuok Kalibutan came into being. The first TBTK in 1999 was a resounding success although back then, attendance was made up mostly of members of the Confederation of Boholanos in the United States and Canada (CONBUSAC).
The second time around, in 2003, then over-all chairperson , Betty V. Garcia ,initiated the Audience with the President at Malacanang Palace, invited schools and universities, family clans etc. to hold their own reunions . TBTK caught wide media attention and given support by the Department of Tourism by then secretary now senator Richard Gordon. No less than HE President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo welcomed the Boholano balikbayans in Malacanang.
On its third staging in 2006 under the able leadership of Betty Veloso Garcia, the TBTK turned global, its campaign having spread worldwide. Boholanos from the five continents came to revel in the festivities from July 22-30.
The celebration started in Manila when then mayor Lito Atienza rolled the red carpet, officially welcomed the delegates by presenting a Key to the City to the TBTK Chair- Betty V. Garcia at simple ceremonies in City Hall July 17. Later then Mayor Atienza treated the delegates to a cocktail at the baywalk at Roxas boulevard, a cultural show and dinner at the Manila Cultural and Dance Center.
The indefatigable chairperson, Betty Veloso-Garcia, whose brand of leadership, love of home province and fellow Boholanos, are the main reasons for the TBTK success story, remains at the helm of this year’s tigum.
In partnership with local government units, the Department of Tourism and the Department of Environment and Natural Ressources, TBTK ’09 will have environmental awareness and protection as its theme with an aim to preserve Bohol’s natural wonders that have made our province, the country’s premier tourist destination today.
Collectively, we Boholanos abroad can make a difference in the lives of our paisanos back home and in the progress of our province. Let us start by going home in July for TBTK ’09 and be counted. Mark your calendars: July 14-26, TBTK ’09. Plan and book NOW! Manguli ta sa Bohol!
For more details, visit the following: TBTK.org, douglashont@hotmail.com or kinaswertihan@hotmail.com.
