Posted by ReyFort Media
Nanay Domeng is widely regarded as one of the oldest and certainly one of the most inspiring figures you will see actively attending Filipino community events across Metro Vancouver. Wherever there is a gathering for fellowship, service, or celebration, chances are “Nanay Domeng,” as she is lovingly called, is there smiling, present, and fully engaged. On January 17, 2026, she marked her 93rd birthday, surrounded by family, friends, and an outpouring of recognition that reflects a lifetime of service, faith, and love.
Born on January 15, 1933, in Manila, Philippines, Dominica is the eldest of four daughters of Eugenio Narcise and Dolores Carreon. Her father served as a Research Chemist at the Philippine Department of Health, instilling in the family a strong respect for education and public service. Dominica later married Conrado J. Bagunu, Sr., a Geodetic Engineer with the Bureau of Mines. Though her husband passed away at the young age of 51, she carried on with grace and strength, raising their six children Freddie, Jun, Rolly, Jojo, Bheng, and Ching on her own.
Before immigrating to Canada, Nanay Domeng studied pre-nursing and secretarial courses at Manila Central University (MCU). She built a solid professional career at the Philippine Department of Health, serving as Executive Secretary of the Committee on Physical Examination, headed by the Health Secretary, and later as Senior Stenographer in the DOH Education and Personnel Training division.
In Canada, her heart for service continued. She worked for 15 years until her retirement in 1999, often holding two demanding jobs at once. She served as a home support worker for seniors with Marpole Oakridge Seniors Services and COMCARE, while also working as a nurse aide at Crofton Manor Nursing Home, Banfield Pavilion, Vancouver General Hospital, and St. Vincent Hospital. Even in her professional life, caring for others was always at the center.
With God’s blessings and through sheer determination, Nanay Domeng was able to bring all her children to Canada, building a legacy that now includes 6 children, 13 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren, along with many extended family members. She beams with pride when speaking of her family, often highlighting the values they live by love, kindness, unity, and humility.
Her impact on the Filipino-Canadian community is nothing short of extraordinary. Over the years, she has served in numerous leadership roles, including President of the Venerable Filipino Seniors, 10-year Treasurer of the Filipino Seniors Club of BC, Manager of Operations of TAPSILOG (FilCan Network for Truth & Justice), and Executive Secretary of the Vancouver Patriot Society. She is also known for her generosity and dedication to fundraising, having been named Anniversary Queen multiple times by organizations such as the Filipino Seniors Club of BC, Seniors Brigade Society, Sampaguita Seniors, 411 Seniors Centre, and TAPSILOG.
Her decades of service have earned her many honors, including the 2014 Maharlika Award for Community Service from the Filipino Canadian Cultural Heritage Society. In a deeply personal milestone, Nanay Domeng was baptized on October 30, 2022, at the age of 89, affirming her faith with renewed commitment. More recently, she received plaques of recognition from the BC Cultural Diversity Association on October 14, 2023, and the Seniors Brigade Society of BC on December 20, 2025.
The celebration of her 93rd birthday on January 17, 2026, was filled with joy, gratitude, and countless photo moments capturing a woman whose life continues to inspire across generations. Nanay Domeng Bagunu is more than a senior in the community; she is a living testament to resilience, service, faith, and the enduring power of a life well lived.
ReyFort Media 
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