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
