Basaynon Katig-uban of USA & Canada

It is indeed a great priviledge for me and my family to be a part of the US-Canada Basaynon Katig-uban. This yearly festive celebration gives us the opportunity to meet or remember friends and relatives in this part of the globe, as well as those Basaynons left behind in our humble towm.

We must not forget our townspeople in Basey who are our real treasures, in charge of preserving and keeping alive our religious and cultural traditions. As a young girl, I vividly remember the town fiestas with a few days spent in grand festivities, celebrated amidst fanfare, with parades, music, dances, and other exciting competitive activities participated by students and teachers, and most of all, the joyous get-together of people in the poblacion, and those from other towns and barrios.

It is my greatest hope that the Basaynon Katig-uban will continue to thrive and succeed, and will live up to its goals and vision that we have set up - for the benefit of our community here and at home.

I am confident that the strengths and depth of our religious and spiritual connections through our beloved St. Michael the Archangel will help build a strong bond among ourselves with a unity of purpose. With the grace of God, with our dedication, and the hard work of the membership, I believe that at the end of the great effort, we shall gain a tremendous feeling of accomplishment, a sense of responsibility towards others, and develop a strong commitment to stand for something worthwhile.

Lastly, I commend, with great regard and respect, those in charge of putting together the newsletter, Radyo Baktas, for keeping us abreast with the happenings and their insights about our organization.

We convey our heartfelt congratulations to Mr. & Mrs. Amado Gad and members of their family for being the sponsor (Hermano) of this year's Basaynon Katig-uban celebration in Chicago.

Elena Estuita-Shah
VICE PRESIDENT
EASTERN DIVISION

Webmaster: F. Vilches, Jr., Carpentersville, Illinois, USA