Circulo Pampangueno Celebrates Four Decades of Service, Unity, and Giving Back

By Christian Cunanan

The Circulo Pampangueno Association, one of the longest-surviving Filipino organizations in British Columbia, celebrated its 40th Anniversary in 2025. For four decades, the association has demonstrated compassion and community spirit by extending aid to calamity victims, rebuilding chapels in Pampanga and Tarlac, supporting underprivileged students through scholarship programs, and working collaboratively with Filipino Canadian community organizations in British Columbia, including supporting initiatives toward the establishment of the Filipino Cultural Centre.

To welcome the New Year, Circulo Pampangueno held Winter Wonderland, a special celebration on January 10, 2026, at St. Patrick’s Gym in Vancouver. The event marked the official start of the two-year term of officers inducted during the October Gala, including the beginning of President Edith Montemayor’s term, her 65th birthday celebration, and a Scholarship Program Fundraiser.

In the Philippines, CPABC carried out its Giving Back Programs, including the CPABC Feeding Program 2025 in Minalin, Pampanga. The Handog Mula sa Puso Feed Program and Gift Giving was held on December 16, 2025, at Sta. Monica Multi-Purpose Hall, in partnership with Efren Macapinlac, Minalin Men & Women of the Sacred Heart, and Amado Mercado Jr. and Family. Another feeding program took place at Sta. Rita Elementary School, Minalin, this time in partnership with Bong Nicolas and school officials. The 13-day feeding program successfully concluded on January 21, marking its 13th and final feeding day.

Several Circulo Pampangueno officers hosted and treated the organization’s scholars to two meaningful dinner gatherings in Pampanga. On January 23, at Gerry’s SM San Fernando, President Edith Montemayor and Past President Arman Arellano spent quality time with the CP scholars. This was followed by another dinner on January 31 at Cabalen Restaurant, Robinsons Mall, together with CP Treasurer Luz Bucad and Noel Bucad and Past President Arman Arellano.

Both occasions were attended by CP scholars Renzo Becilla, James Pantig, Ayay Zablan, Marco Armas, Erica De Jesus, and John Paul P. Salunga, providing an opportunity for fellowship, encouragement, and continued support for their academic journey.

With meaningful programs to reflect on and a strong start to the year, Circulo Pampangueno looks forward to continuing its mission of service, unity, and giving from the heart.