Bayanihan Association of Northern California

BANC Celebrates Valentine’s Day

By Julia Carreon-Lagoc
Redding-California
February 18, 2016






LOVE ruled the day, February 13, 2016 at the spacious social hall of Our Lady of Mercy Church in Redding, California. Hearts beating with love, profuse hugs and kisses, smiles thrown here and there described the crowd. Filipino-American families—their relatives and friends—and a mix of other races gathered for the Valentine affair of the Bayanihan Association of Northern California (BANC).


Potluck that has characterized many Filipino gatherings made the wide church hall a-float with the delicious smell of different kinds of food — dishes brought in by chefs, okay, cooks — from their own kitchen. On top of all these wide array of nourishment was the iconic Pinoy lechon that was provided by the association itself.



Music was omnipresent to dance your heart away. The young generation did very well in their dance number. The kids danced Macarena — eventually with some adults participating. Another fun night to be remembered in BANC history.

Founded in 1991, BANC started to grow in membership to nearly 200 at present, scattered in the whole of Northern California. BANC by-laws were promulgated, and a nonprofit organization was born. The association aims to achieve the following objectives: (1) To preserve and promote among its members the “bayanihan” spirit, which is unity, camaraderie, and a helping hand to those in need; (2) To promote and conduct cultural activities and contribute to solving economic problems in the community; (3) To establish good relationships among its members and the community, regardless of religion, sex, racial origin or ethnic background; (4) To promote good leadership, discover talents and put them to use, and support personally-owned business by its members.


Current officers are Brenda Moulic-Hansen, President; Carmen Van Noy Heikkila, Vice President; Elizabeth Baghdasarian, Treasurer; Mercy Fournier, Secretary; Bernadette Underwood, Auditor; Merlyn Espinosa, Membership Coordinator; and Rollie Cadungon, PRO.

Expect more fun-filled activities and charitable undertakings from bankable BANC.