HISTORY OF THE ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE ASSOCIATION OF ILLINOIS
CIRCA 1989. Aware of the growing population of Filipinos in Illinois, a group from the province of Zamboanga del Norte which lies at the foot of forested mountains on the northwestern tip of Mindanao Island, mulled out a plan to form an organization to unite all Zamboanga del Norteans in Illinois as nobody has the time to relate to them as individuals in the hurry and flurry of this newfound land.
CIRCA 1989. Aware of the growing population of Filipinos in Illinois, a group from the province of Zamboanga del Norte which lies at the foot of forested mountains on the northwestern tip of Mindanao Island, mulled out a plan to form an organization to unite all Zamboanga del Norteans in Illinois as nobody has the time to relate to them as individuals in the hurry and flurry of this newfound land.
In a family get-together and summer picnic at Schiller Park, Illinois in August of 1989 with Bishop Felix Zafra, Fr. King Fuerzas, and Fr. TQ Solis concelebrating the outdoor mass, the Association was created, And given the go signal to chairman and fill up the remaining slates was Beressimo "Ber/Nonoy" Refugio.
The first meeting was held at Ramie Calimotan's place. The following were chosen: Chairman/President Berisimo "Nonoy" Refugio, 1st vice-chairman, Greg Trabanca, 2nd vice-chairman, Lydia Filipinas Rusiana, Secretary, Soling Kwan Anderson, Asst. Secretary, Belinda Lunjas, Treasurer, Girlie Arrieta, Asst. Treasurer, Esper Patangan, Auditor, Ruding Bonjoc, PRO, Gilfred Cruz, Business Manager, Eddie Artajo, Asst. Business Manager, Ramie Calimotan, Social Manager, Nonoy Bajamunde, Asst. Social Manager, Fil Fertig, Marshals, Art Fertig and Vincent Frias, Muse Jiji Ames, Entertainer, Evelyn Bonjoc. The Board of Advisers were: Pastor Bajamunde, Dr.Juan Lasa, Dr. Leo Pepa, and Fr. Eutiquio Solis, Jr.
On December 6, 1989, all roads lead to Dr. Jose Rizal Center, 1332 W. Irving Park Rd., Chicago, Illinois 60613. The elected officers were inducted into office by Atty. Alfonso Bascos (Former FACC President).
The other venues for the meeting were - Esper Patangan's place and Dr. Jose Rizal Center, The usual agenda was the annual summer picnic and Christmas party. Also, the perennial problem, the membership dues, and how to collect them. However, everything was in its proper course and route.
On December 23, 1990, Hon. Dr. Jaime S. Bautista, Philippine Consul General of Chicago gave an inspirational talk at the Second Christmas Party at the Rizal Center. Dr. Leonardo Malalis introduced Consul General Bautista while Fr. Manuel Recera offered the invocation. The theme - Progress Through
Unity was effectively emphasized in the State of the Association address of Nonoy Refugio. Alfonso Culanculan made the closing remarks this time. Still, on the first Christmas Party and induction of officers, Dipolog City's former Mayor Pastor Bajamunde dished out a memorable closing remark that epitomized his outstanding political days. Greg Trabanca emceed these two memorable occasions.
Unity was effectively emphasized in the State of the Association address of Nonoy Refugio. Alfonso Culanculan made the closing remarks this time. Still, on the first Christmas Party and induction of officers, Dipolog City's former Mayor Pastor Bajamunde dished out a memorable closing remark that epitomized his outstanding political days. Greg Trabanca emceed these two memorable occasions.
A newsletter was born in the second year of the Association's existence. It was printed through the energetic and enthusiastic Secretary turn editor Soling Kwan Anderson with the guidance and advice of Greg Trabanca. The newsletter was christened ZEPHYR which means any soft, gentle wind or mild breeze. It was a name taken from Zamboanga's azure sky and Illinois's soft gentle snow flurries. This will be the vehicle of expression and conveyor of information for the Zamboanga del Norte Filipino Americans here in Illinois.
Our second annual Family summer picnic was celebrated on Schiller Park with Lechon and homemade cooked menus. The outdoor mass was officiated by Fr. Leoncio Santiago in the morning and by Fr. TQ Solis in the afternoon. The third summer picnic was held in the same place, by Fr. Manuel Recera and Fr. Ricardo Recera. There were two succulent lechons and lots of restaurants and homemade foods.
On June 28, 1992, the Zamboanga del Norte Association of Illinois held its first election of officers at Schiller Forrest Preserve Park, Schiller Park, Illinois. Elected and subsequently proclaimed by Philippine Consul Diosdado Orocio, Jr. were: Greg Trabanca, president: Eddie Artajo, 1st vice-president: Lydia
Rusiana, 2nd vice-president; Soling Kwan Anderson, Secretary; Girlie Arrieta, treasurer; Esper Patangan, Asst. treasurer; Rolliette Equia Aves, auditor; Ruding Bonjoc, asst. auditor; Evelyn Reyes, PRO; Angie Baytion, Asst. PRO; Gilfred Cruz; Suerte Sienes, social manager; Ramie Calimotan, Asst. Business Manager and Remchile Sienes, Vincent Frias, Marshals. These officers will serve for two years after their induction.
The induction of the newly elected officers and Christmas-Family dinner was held at the Regency Inn, 5319 W. Diversey, on December 19, 1992. The affairs also coincide with the launching of the association's first fundraising venture dubbed Project, Tabang, or Help to benefit the Zamboanga del Norte Emergency Hospital, Dipolog City, Philippines. Worthy of mention was the $170.00 donation to the tornado victims of Upper Disakan, Manukan, Zamboanga del Norte, and Siparok, Jose Dalman, Zamboanga del Norte.
The Association is now on its fifth term. The horizon is rosy. The officers are fraught with enthusiasm, new ideas, and noble projects. And the members are ever willing to help, to cooperate, to work.
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