Bayanihan Association of Northern California

BANC celebrates 26^th annual fiesta

By Julia Carreon-Lagoc
Redding-California
September 8, 2015



A strong acronym as heavyweight as the bayanihan spirit behind it. That’s BANC — the Bayanihan Association of Northern California, and never more was the Pinoy’s bayanihan spirit brought to the fore than in the association’s 26^th annual fiesta, Sept. 5, 2015. Meaningful. Purposeful. Enjoyable.

A great come-on was the printed program with a picture of the Philippine rice terraces on the front page. A beautiful Filipino scene, very apt, well-chosen. Fittingly, the backdrop of the bold B.A.N.C. abbreviation is graced by two symbols: the Philippines and the American flags.

The mixing and interacting—call it socializing—with fellow Filipinos and guests started earlier than the designated 5:00 P.M. at the swanky Our Lady of Mercy Social Hall of the Our Lady of Mercy parish in Redding, Northern California. Conversations, hugs and hellos were thick until emcees Jaime Calloway and Lorna Dean called for the singing of Bayang Magiliw, followed by the Star Spangled Banner. The singing of the two national anthems is a constant in all BANC undertakings, and rightly so — instilling love for the homeland and, to the duals, ditto for the United States, the beloved adopted country. A welcome address from BANC prexy Brenda Hansen followed the fervent opening and thereafter, a speech from Vice Consul Carlyn Monastrial of the Philippine Consulate in San Francisco.

Anderson City Mayor Melissa Hunt inducted the 2015-2016 BANC Officers. On their shoulders will spring the success of forthcoming BANC affairs. All known achievers, they are  Brenda Hansen, President; Carmen Heikila, Vice President; Mercy Fournier, Secretary; Elizabeth Baghdasarian, Treasurer; Bernadette Underwood, Auditor; Pilar Dufer, Membership Coordinator; Jean Yates & Lirio Bishop, Event Coordinator; and Rollie Cadungon, PRO.

The iconic lechon lorded it over a variety of Pinoy cuisine. A medley of native dances and folk songs regaled the audience as they helped themselves to a sumptuous dinner. Homesickness rose high with the singing of Dandansoy, enough to get the sentimental misty-eyed. Introduced to the new generation were facets of Philippine culture. Ever-present was Tinikling, the icon of Filipino dances. The young and young once displayed their agility in Pastores, Igorot dance, Surtido, Mazurka, and Dayang Dayang (Muslim Princess). Not to forget Cha Cha because my daughter Rose took a video shot of this writer partnering with the dance instructor. Gosh, “expertless” me struggling opposite the grace-incarnate Encar Francisco.

BANC has faithfully pursued 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.

          BANC is outstanding proof that Filipinos in diaspora, scattered in the far-flung countries of the world, in this case Redding in Northern California, can organize themselves in pursuit of noble goals for their countrymen in the native land as well as in foreign shores.