By Babes-Miss B Newland
VANCOUVER, BC — It was a night of celebration, friendship, music, great food and, most of all, DANCE, DANCE, DANCE!
The Philippine Bicol Association of BC (PBABC) celebrated its 36th Anniversary on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Fraserview Banquet Hall in Vancouver, bringing together members, families, friends and supporters for an evening filled with Bicolano warmth, camaraderie and community spirit.
Led by President Lorry G. Russell and the PBABC Board of Directors, the evening opened with registration, a photo booth, Land Acknowledgement and the national anthems of Canada and the Philippines.
Inspirational messages were delivered by Hon. Mable Elmore, MLA for Vancouver-Kensington; H.E. Amb. Jose Victor V. Chan-Gonzaga, Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Ottawa; Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin; and Consul Andre Peter C. Estanislao, both of the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver. A spiritual message from Rev. Fr. Amador Abundo, PBABC Spiritual Advisor, was also acknowledged. Joe Arellano led the invocation before guests enjoyed dinner prepared by the Fraserview Banquet Hall culinary team.
The evening came alive with a special performance by TFCkat Canada & Pilipinas Got Talent’s Russel Figueroa, whose powerful vocals and stage presence captivated the audience.
Hosted by Ms. Irene C. Yatco, with programme direction by Babes-Miss B Newland, the formal programme soon transformed into a non-stop dancing party. Guests embraced the 70s and 80s “Dance Fever” theme, keeping the dance floor packed throughout the night.
The celebration also featured exciting raffle and door-prize draws, including the much-anticipated Grand Raffle Draw for a trip to Las Vegas for two, courtesy of Mylene Lim of Pinay Mortgage Broker and the 50/50 draw. Congratulations to Raine Orogo and Mary Seitz, winners of Best Costume.
The PBABC Officers and Board of Directors extend their heartfelt gratitude to all sponsors, families, organizations, volunteers, performers and participants whose generosity and hard work made the anniversary celebration possible.
Special thanks to: Arthur and Pam Azana; Bombase & Vijandre Family; Circulo Pampanga; Corpus Christi Cleaning Crew; Danilo Reyes & Family; Dumalasa Family; Diversity and Inclusion Support Group; Eman Raguin; Filipino Canadian Construction Society; Flowform; Francesca Valdes Dentistry; Heidi Ng; Hilda Gonzales & Family; Jose Arellano & Family; Joy Ann Llamas & Family; Lorry & Grant Russell; MAGS Construction; Mario & Marina Garchitorena; Navacord; Pilar De Guzman & Family; Olivan Family; Michael Mesa Photography; Mien’s Cuisine; Pinoy Cravings; Pampanga Cuisine; Pamilyang Bikolnon; Plato Filipino; Reyfort Media Group; Philippine Canadian Inquirer (PCI); Rhoda Hair Salon; Robert Manzano & Muriel Boncacas; Robert & Belen Azana; Spectrum Prints; Steve & Betty Gabriel; Rotary Club Vancouver-Mountainview; Saladmaster; Silogs Grill; The Miss B Project; UFCABC; Vicky Tena; Evelyn Porter & Family; Ms. Irene Yatco; Dina Reyes & Joanne Palma of Saladmaster; and Mary Seitz & Donna Osea-Menor of Beach Grove Laser & Medical Spa.
The PBABC also gratefully acknowledges Marilyn Cunanan, Aurora Dumalasa and Joy Ann Llamas at the registration desk; Muriel Boncacas, Maria Brocales, Juan Dumalasa and Joe Arellano for 50/50 ticket sales; and Pilar De Guzman and Salve Didcott for raffle ticket sales.
Behind the scenes, Jun Cunanan handled poster and ticket design, while Spectrum Prints provided the tickets and souvenir programme. Special recognition goes to Aleta Bombase and Joy Ann & Aris Llamas for their creative work on the souvenir programme, and Robert Azana for ticket distribution and souvenir printing and production coordination. Appreciation also goes to Pinoy Cravings for its support.
At the heart of the celebration was Lorry G. Russell, Overall Chairman of the PBABC 36th Anniversary Party, who worked with the organizing team, volunteers and supporters to bring the evening together.
A Night to Remember
As the final dance brought the celebration to a close at approximately 11:30 p.m., guests left with smiles, laughter and memories of an evening filled with wonderful food, entertainment, prizes and, most importantly, community.
The PBABC 36th Anniversary was more than a celebration of another year. It was a celebration of friendship, culture, service and the enduring Bicolano spirit.
Congratulations to the Philippine Bicol Association of BC on 36 wonderful years — and here’s to many more years of friendship, service, culture and unforgettable celebrations!
The Bicolano spirit is alive, strong and dancing!
SOCORRO-BABES NEWLAND
P/ (604) 808-8945
IG/ @missbproject
FB/ Socorro MissB-Newland
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