Banaken-Kelayan's 4rth Grand Reunion: A Success

On December 28, 2019, the Banaken-Kelayan's 4th Family Grand Reunion was celebrated with much pleasure and packed with memories worth cherishing for.

With its thorough planning and preparation, the family grand reunion was held at Antakeb, Guinzadan National High School, with its theme, ‘Agyud Nan Kasin Matugop” hosted by the family Mr. Bartolome Banaken Sr. The event was made successful because of the brimming attendees from the different branches and leaves developed from our roots, Banaken and Kelayan.

The program was formally opened at 11:20 A.M. with Mrs. Sally B. Ullalim and Atty. Phoebe U. Pasiwen as the masters of ceremony. It started with a solemn prayer and a fellowship given by Pastor Robert Bernal from the FlorAls followed by the presentation per family. The presentation started from the family members of: the eldest, Alipio Sr.-Flora C. Banaken, Francisco-Emiliana Banaken, Juanita-Felix B. Aluyen, Jose-Benita Banaken and finally, the host family Bartolome-Sabina Banaken and Bartolome-Aurora Banaken.

The presentation per family was quite emotional since it gave each member the opportunity to know and meet each other after years of not seeing and communicating. Some were pleased that with God’s favour, they were able to attend for the first time and lastly the reunion gave the clan a chance to welcome new additions to the growing family.

As the first part of the program is about to end, the masters of ceremony acknowledged and gave prizes to the first people on the scene which were given to Sonia, Maria and Aida of the Juanita Aluyen’s family and having the complete family attendees was awarded to the family of Alipio Banaken, Jr., Martin B. Papay Jr. and Jonathan Papay Sr., all from the FlorAls.

The second part of the program progressed after lunch. The 3rd generation of the clan had their meeting for the election of the new sets of officers while others had their games. Mrs. Sally B. Ullalim challenged those officers who will be elected to utilize the time to have earlier preparation to develop plans and activities to be conducted in the future. Further, she also challenged all members of the family to extend their support and cooperation.

After the meeting and election, the newly elected officers were announced as follows:
President- MARTIN BANAKEN PAPAY JR.
Vice President External- JASON ANGALAN BANAKEN
Vice President Internal- PHOEBE BANAKEN PASIWEN
Secretary- BEVERLY LALTOOG BANAKEN
Treasurer- JULA BANAKEN KILASEN
Auditor- ARLYN ALUYEN
P.R.O- LAARNI AVELINO BANAKEN
FAMILY REPRESENTATIVES:
Alipio Sr. - Flora JONATHAN BANAKEN PAPAY
Francisco-Emiliana BARRY BATONG BANAKEN
Bartolome-Sabina GREIL BANAKEN DANGLOSE
Bartolome-Aurora RONALYN TUBLAN BANAKEN
Juanita- Felix GLAIZA BENIT ALUYEN
Jose-Benita JENNIFER WANDEN BANAKEN

More so, during the 3rd Generation's meeting, the following concerns/issues were agreed upon and presented to the body:
1. Mandatory Dues - all members of the 3rd generation with source of income whose age is 21 years and above, including spouses shall pay Php.500.00 as membership fee on or before January 31, 2019.  The 2nd generation will be optional should they want to contribute. This will serve as the initial fund of the clan which will be utilized for the success of the upcoming proposed activities like financial assistance, etc.
2. Annual family fee worth 500 pesos will be collected to start in 2021.
3. Collections shall be given to the newly elected family representatives.
4. Proposed fundraising activities identified include:
    a) Raffle: June 2020
    b) Plogging  - c/o Dra. Stephanie and Mr. Oliver Alcido
    c) Derby: March
    d) Concert for a cause - c/o Papay Family
5. The 5th Grand Reunion will be in December 2021 to be hosted by Juanita Banaken -Felix Aluyen family.

Mrs. Sally B. Ullalim commended the 3rd generation for their cooperation & for accepting the challenge. As she mentioned, “We have to put our trust and support for them as they lead/manage our family“.  Everyone was encouraged to come on time and attend the next family reunion with complete attendance.  Lastly, the song Auld Lang Syne was sung by the family to conclude the gathering.

It can be clearly perceived in the eyes of every member of Banaken-Kelayan Family the old saying ‘THE MORE WE GET TOGETHER, THE HAPPIER ARE WE, or in our vernacular, “NU MATUGTUGOP TAKO, DADAMAN LAYAD”.  It is indeed true that every family reunion is a celebration. This kind of gathering gives everyone a chance to take a break from work and school, or escape from our very busy schedule once, and spend quality time together with the family. With this, we remember what’s uniquely wonderful about being part of the same family. We have to continue building love and unity as we leave everything to God.

MATAGO-TAGO TAKO AMIN ! GOD BLESS EVERYONE !

By: Laarni Banaken
Edited by: JC.G.C and MBP

BKKA LOGO

Banaken-Kelayan Clan Reunion: A Legacy of the 1st Generation

May the Good Lord be with us all during this happy occasion –the 3^rd re-union of BANAKEN-KELAYAN CLAN. This started in the middle part of 2014 when the late Bartolome Banaken Sr. wrote to us which I partly quote, “we will start and hold our first and last family re-union in December, 2014”. Alas, it was indeed the first and last re-union he attended as he later got sick, hospitalized in December 2015 and did not fully recover until he passed away on December 7, 2016. Sadly, his younger sister Juanita followed after only 85 days and died on March 1, 2017. May their souls rest in peace and their spirits be with us today.  In spite all of these, the show must go on.

GOD IS LOVE- and in the Holy Bible, He said, “Love one another as I love you all.” With these, let us then show in words and in deeds our love and concern to one another. Let us unite and be one solid family. Let us not be self-centered or “makasarili”.  To those blessed, share unto others in some little ways and by doing what God bestowed upon you and more blessings you will receive. Help others in some ways and by doing so, you are also serving God.

I can still remember my dear old mother KELAYAN while still living. She always see to it to visit sick relatives and attends wakes and burials, walking as far as Leseb with nothing but only a peso or two as “abuloy”. Though poor, she has a big, big heart.

It pays to always humble ourselves. Let us not, as it is not good to be hard-headed or iron-hearted. It is nice to accept mistakes or shortcomings and learn from them. Remember, no one is perfect. These can be all achieved by praying for God’s Blessings and Guidance.

And as the last man standing among the six members of the first generation, may I say that the ball is now passed unto all of you – the second, third, fourth and the next generations to come who will ensure to let the light keep on shining.

I Love You All!

Jose L. Banaken

May 27, 2017

A New Lawyer Brings Additional Luster to the Banaken Name

Atty. Phoebe Ulalim Pasiwen

The Supreme court of the Philippines officially released the November 2016 Philippine Bar Exam on
May 3, 2017. As announced, a total of three thousand seven hundred forty seven (3,747) lawyers passed the 2016 Bar exams out of six thousand three hundred forty four (6,344) examinees.

Among the successful examinees included Atty. Phoebe Ulalim Pasiwen of the Bartolome Sr.-Sabina Family. She is the second child of Ms. Sally Banaken Ulalim & Mr. Prudencio Ulalim Sr. She is married to Atty. Joel Pasiwen. Her success in the said Bar examination adds luster to the Banaken name.

The overall passing rate of  the 2016 Bar exam is 59.06% which was regarded as the highest passing rate in 16 years. The exam covered Political Law, Labor Law, Civil Law, Taxation Law, Criminal Law, Commercial Law, Remedial Law, and Legal Ethics.

The oath-taking of the Bar passers was held on May 22 at 3 p.m. at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. The complete lists of Bar passers can be viewed at http://www.prcboard.com/2016/11/List-of-Passers-November-2016-Bar-Exam-Results.html?m=1.

A Civil Engineer Adds Anew to the Roster of Banaken Professionals

The Professional Regulation Commission released after three (3) working days the list of passers of the May 2017 Civil Engineers (CE) Licensure Examination. This was administered by the PRC Board of Civil Engineering on May 7-8, 2917 at the PRC testing centers in Manila, Baguio, Cagayan De Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Legazpi, Lucena, Pagadian, Tacloban, Tuguegarao and Zamboanga.

A total of 2,514 out of 6,998 passed the said Licensure Examination which include Bob Fernandez Banaken of the Bartolome-Sabina Family, He is the son of the late Bartolome Banaken Jr. and Edna Fernandez. He is married to Shelly Lou Fontanos. Bob's passing the Civil Engineering Examination is a back to back addition of luster to the Banaken name in 2017.

The complete lists of the successful passers for the recently conducted May 2017 Civil Engineer maybe viewed at http://www.prcboard.com/2017/05/Results-May-2017-Civil-Engineering-CE-Board-Exam-List-of-Passers.html?m=1

Solidifying the Banaken Family through Love and Sharing

GOD IS LOVE. In the Holy Bible, God said; “Love one another as I love you all”, this is a clear message for every members of the Banaken-Kelayan family. We shall never be swayed or succumb to the influence of the devil who wants to spread hatred and divisiveness amongst people. As I mentioned in my message during our first Banaken-Kelayan clan reunion last December 28, 2014, let us be one solid family. The ball is now passed unto you-the second, third, fourth and other generations to come. We, the three remaining members of the first generation are already at the twilight of our ages and sooner or later, we will all go to the other side of life.

To those who are blessed, share God’s blessings to others who are less fortunate. Do not be self-centered and  tight-wads, as the saying goes "Consider the interest of the many above your own personal interest". Help and serve not only to your relatives but also to others in some simple ways. By doing so, you are also serving God. Follow the footstep of your great grandmother Kelayan; your mother, aunt and grandmother Juanita who at their prime ages, have shown true love and concern not only to us but also to others. I, myself will never forget the love and care showered upon me by manang Juanita when I was a small kid particularly during the time when our late mother left us for months in search for our food in the lowlands.

GOD BLESS, WE LOVE YOU ALL!!!

 JOSE L. BANAKEN
Adapted from the 2nd Family Reunion
Edited by: MBP

Limitless Love from the Roots to the Vines

I felt that it is imperative to choose love as the most important element in life that everyone in our family must cultivate. I have seen that love is lacking in us. There should to be love between a husband and his wife, between and among cousins, nephews, nieces and uncles and aunts and sundries. God commands us to love even our enemies. If someone throws you a stone, throw back bread. If you are slapped in the face, offer the other side. If you are robbed of your clothes, give your coat. This is how immense God would have loved to be- Limitless.

Look at our relatives in Banao. They are all very loving and respectful of us. We should also extend the same to them. It is only under the sun. With love prevailing at all times, it feels good that the sun is shining over us endlessly and completely devoid of any dark moment. As our father and mother did love us as their precious children, in like manner every family member must radiate love to one another.
             
MATAGO TAGO TAKO AMIN!
              

JUANITA B. ALUYEN
Adapted from the 2nd Family Reunion
Edited by:  MBP

Contribute Luster to the Banaken Name

May each member of our family ever cherish this occasion being our first exclusive gathering. Indeed we surely miss the presence of a few who are in the foreign countries although I am sure that all of them wished very much to savor the joy of being together.

It is unfortunate that this reunion and the first ever gathering being conducted only at the time when the surviving members of the first generation are in their ripe ages. If early death would intervene, this maybe the first and the last that we might be participating. We are almost near the point of destination in our earthly sojourn. Allegorically speaking, the sun is setting in the west.

I invite everyone to enjoy this affair and make it as meaningful and memorable as it could be. This will be the moment for deeper feeling of affinity with one another. It is expected that healthy relationship should deepen most especially with those who just came into the family by affinity. Certainly, meeting with new faces, hearing peculiar names would all the more add significance to this occasion which will hopefully linger in your thoughts and memories for long.

It is most heartening and I would say it with pride and gratefulness that the Lord has loved us and blessed us abundantly for which we should thank Him profusely. At least we can pride ourselves that purely females of the second generation have in good measure distinguished themselves in their chosen endeavor. A few as well of the third generation similarly are keeping abreast. And many more others following are proving their worth. Indeed, the development in our family appears promising and therefore we feel so proud of you. Several of you are contributing luster to our family name. Keep up and be challenged to do more for the benefits of others, the community and the country in general. To God be the glory!

As parents of the first generation, we can honestly say that we did our best to show you the way of life most particularly on the aspect of education. There may have been failures along the way mainly for the fact that many did not listen to the voice of wisdom and counsel but of their own parochial mind set. Most particularly among your male cousins who virtually ignored idealism and went on to their merry ways. There is a tragedy of epic proportion that invites offensive retort. So miserable focus in life about which we may call an ironical twist of fate and horrific magnitude of defeat and condemnation.

Amidst the failures in our family, we can still proudly count the blessings showered upon us by the Almighty and more are expected as time goes by especially if we maintain our faith in Him realizing that it is Him alone is the author of prosperity and no one else. May He bind us together always as we move onward in quest for a better life. Let us bear in mind what Jesus said: "I am the Door, the Way, the Life, the Truth, the Bread and the Living Water".

It is admitted that every bitter experiences anyone of us had gone through must be set aside and be forgotten in oblivion. One is cleansed of sins only through love and forgiveness to others. Fuel your dream to fruition with complete reliance to God.

Allow no room for enmity, long live BANAKEN family!

BARTOLOME L. BANAKEN SR.
Adapted from the 1st Family Reunion
Edited by: MBP

Family Reunion: A Tradition to Continue Forge Unity for the Banaken Vines

The surviving siblings of the Kelayan-Banaken family namely Jose, Juanita and Bartolome Sr.,  all of whom are in their ripe ages, proposed a sort of a get-together among the progenies of the family which in a way maybe considered a bidding adieu by the oldies. The members of the second and third generations of the family readily responded with a great enthusiasm and held it in Katayyaw, Liliteg, Guinzadan Norte which is an idyllic rural place.

With the exception of those in the foreign countries and few locals who missed the occasion for one or another, a majority attended and all took part in the reveilles until late in the afternoon. It was remarkably noted that during the affair, the subfamily of Golgolan had the most in attendance. On the other hand, the subfamily of Juanita had the least attendance in the person of Victor B. Aluyen and his son Jonathan Aluyen although there are six siblings of them.

The said occasion was held on a Sunday being considered as a day of the Lord. It was very worthy to note that three (3) members rendered bible verses sharing in the opening program. Others went to church services before joining in the main activities.

I just noticed that there were very few members by affinity who showed up and I saw the need of extending prominence to these members for more intimate recognition. Also, there should be recognition of distinctions for every member of the family who contributed to uplift the prestige of the family. The first and second generations need not be included. I am very sure that the people from these generations knew very well one another while the younger generations do not. For instance, the third and present generations from the subfamily of Alipio Sr. going down to the order of births of the first generation. The growing kids are the ones who should know one another. Those who joined us by affinity should be separately introduced for intimate recognition. The succeeding generations shall soon have their respective turns to know very well each other as they grow older. Do siblings in these generations from each subfamily knew very well one another? I am very certain that they do not. Thus, a reunion shall be held periodically to give a must impact upon the younger members.

Similar to other family reunions, there was a usual presentation of subfamilies. As the day winds down, there has to be communal dancing and singing which may create a feeling that projects unity. For instance, Jose who has difficulty in walking can limp with spread arms and trail along a big circle of members to the tune of the gongs. Juanita who experienced legs paralysis can follow suit energized by the merry-making.

All of us were happy and satisfied with the success of the first family reunion. In a meeting among the second generation, they had unanimously agreed to conduct the second one in December 2015. It was then suggested that in order to give additional impact to all members, the reunion shall become a tradition of the family. It shall be held every two (2) years on a hosting rotation basis by the subfamily for the benefits of the up-coming generations.

I can now imagine that through a hole in the sky, our forebears Kelayan and Banaken are looking down at us with big, big smiles.

To GOD be the glory!

BARTOLOME L. BANAKEN SR.
Arranged and edited by: MBP

A Memoir of the Banaken-Kelayan Roots



Kelayan Lacdagan Banaken

The progenies of the Banaken family should have carried or used either Inginga, Nasibod, Lapayag, the Ilocano term for “inga” or even Bangcoog as the last name being the name of Inginga’s father. However, in earlier times it was the practice for the offsprings to use the given name of their father as their last; hence, the name Banaken as our last name. Among the second generation of the Inginga clan, only Kidsolan Inginga and Canuto Inginga of the Dionisio Inginga sub-family used the said last name. All others used the names of their father's like Palangdan, Dionisio, Banaken and Klete.

Banaken had six (6) siblings by the names Palangdan, Baungot, Dionisio, Klete, and Dalocnan, the only female. On the other hand, Kelayan who was the offspring of Lacdagan and Dayespan had three (3) siblings namely Awisan, Pette Libayan who was not able to bear a child.

The Banaken couple never went to school since the establishment of schools took place only when they had their own family. They were farmers with palay and camote as their main products. They had no source of income except for daily wage earning from time to time. More often, with the scarcity of cash at that time, they were just paid ten (10) bundles of palay. In order to sustain the needs of the family, being the head and bread winner, Banaken had to go the lowlands and do manual labor in exchange of salt and other basic needs. Basically, they had lived their lives through modest means. But thou humble their lives have been, they were imbued with sterling character allowing no perversity to disturb their family. Both were strict in values development, Banaken was strict to discipline while Kelayan commanded respect and influenced the woman folks who evidently possessed leadership. She is also a balladeer that no one among her children inherited. Banaken inherited a little of Spanish features but more on the part of Baungot and Dionisio. He died at his prime age unable to see Alipio, his first child to graduate at Trinidad Agricultural High School. Alipio Sr. was in fourth year high school when the World War II broke out. Kelayan died in 1983.

Despite difficulties in life, they had the strong desire to see their children acquire education. In stark contrast to the prevailing belief that education is harbinger of “tangla or matangla” a derogatory term for a dysfunctional life ways. All of their children really owe them much gratitude.

The couple reared five children namely Alipio, Francisco, Bartolome, Juanita, and Jose. Dacwag, the sixth and next to Jose died in his early teen while the seventh, Helen died in infancy. The siblings were also known and called by their igorot names. Alipio was called Wapawap and Bangcoog; Francisco was called Golgolan, Lakisa, Logangis, and Tibanggal; Bartolome was called Bandol, Oyto and Gedeng while Jose was Cayat, Mengek and Babate.

Providentially, the Banaken couple supported Alipio through high school at Trinidad Agricultural High School now Benguet State University who chose to take up the Special Normal curriculum which was offered to address the strong demand for teachers in the Cordilleras. Ideally, those to teach in the elementary level should be graduates of 4 year training in education. But this special program was offered to meet the acute demand for teachers in the highlands

Golgolan barely finished the primary grades. He got married during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines. Bartolome finished his elementary education after the liberation period and enrolled also in Trinidad Agricultural School and took up the Special Normal curriculum. Juanita had barely got to first year but she had stopped due to lack of financial support. Our mother, Kelayan being a widow cannot afford the needed support.

Consequently, poverty thwarted the strong desire of our mother to see her children got educated. She only did not get widowed; she was advancing in age. Jose, in the later part of his elementary education had to stay with the childless Til-adan couple. Initially, he enrolled at Kayan Holy Rosary High for first year but eventually he had to quit and went down to Manila as a self-supporting student in the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI). While working at BPI, he pursued his college education and remained in the bank until his retirement.

Very evidently, the Banaken-Kelayan couple desired their children to acquire education not having been influenced by prevailing sentiment during their time that material wealth is much preferred to education. A prominent belief then that labor brings forth wealth while education was a waste of time. If this zeal for education would prevail among every progeny of the Banaken Family, I cannot imagine the wonders it will bring to our family. May they rest in peace!

 

BARTOLOME L. BANAKEN SR.

Edited by: MBP