The Annak ti Batac Association of Canada

It was in the living room of the two sisters Rachel and Ruth Rubio in Scarborough when the idea of forming an association of Bataqueños in Canada emerged. The small gathering of Batac expats  discussed   the possibility and agreed to proceed with the idea. Thus, among the attendees of a birthday celebration, the Annak ti Batac Association of Canada was born.

“Bayanihan”, a unique aspect of Filipino culture  is a beautiful  tradition that embodies the spirit of community and cooperation. It's all about people coming together to work on a common goal. It is making a conscious effort to give one's time, energy, and resources to support a cause greater than one's own benefit. Deeply-rooted in Filipino society, this trait contributes to the strong sense of community that the Philippine Islands are known for.

The three  ladies: the Rubio sisters, Rachel and Ruth with Noralyn Dudt

Ruth Rubio arrived in Canada in 1968 and worked in the Canadian  health/medical system. A year later, her sister Rachel left her good-paying job in the Philippines as a banker to join her. Little did they know that the  birthday celebration of a Rubio nephew in their living room would be the catalyst in the birth of  the Annak ti Batac Association of Canada. Back then, the number of Bataqueños in Toronto  was very small. A decade later, it started to  grow exponentially. That Bayanihan spirit kicked in as the newly-arrived needed help in relocating and getting assimilated to their new environment. This would be the association's main purpose. The other would be to unite Bataqueños and foster camaraderie among them. This has been  achieved by  holding annual picnics and Christmas gatherings. As bonds between members became stronger, they started to expand their focus which was to assist people who are in need of assistance  back in their town of  Batac. Finding ways to raise funds in this endeavor has been challenging, but the generosity and active participation of members, sponsors and advertisers have been a great help. Fundraising programs such as the spring dances have provided the monetary support that the association needed.

Annak ti Batac Association-Canada Past Presidents in attendance at the ABA Canada Ball and the newly inaugurated President. From left: Tonito Arcangel, Don Rubio, Vicente Treyes, Perlita Avila, Dodjie Rubio, Jojo Pasamonte, The Guest Speaker-Noralyn Dudt, Darwin Rubio, Rowena Rubio, Rebelyn Pasamonte, Endy Abellon, Roditha Culannay, Ruben Corpuz, Jeanette Lapat and Cecilio Mendoza (missed the group picture)

I was asked to be the guest speaker in the recent inaugural ball (the 21^st) when the new officers were inducted. It was a wonderful event. I saw firsthand how this group exhibited cooperation ( bayanihan) in the planning: the “Meet&Greet” on Friday, the “Inaugural Ball” on Saturday, and the “Annual Picnic” on Sunday. We feasted on a variety of Filipino foods as we got acquainted and re-acquainted, bonded and re-bonded. Endy (Ernesto Leonardo) Abellon took time speaking with me during Meet&Greet so that I could know what to inject to my message  the next day. Speaking with Manong Syching (Cecilio) Mendoza with his good sense of humor  brought back memories of my happy childhood years in Batac. Jojo Pasamonte and I also shared  memories of our former Mayor Feliciano Asuncion who used to ride around town on his bicycle. Meeting the Rubio clan reminded me of a former elementary school teacher Enriqueta Rubio who was par excellence. The "new" Enriqueta Rubio ( Etta Franco Rubio) along with  her brother Darlo and his wife Eleanor reminded me of Batac's well-oiled transportation system to Manila—the Franco Trans.

I was very fortunate to meet the "patriarchs" of  the ABA/Canada:  the first president Antonio Arcangel and his lovely wife Doris Bumanglag, the second president Dr. Dominador Rubio Jr. (Don), and the outgoing president  Ruben Corpuz. As I was tasked to induct  the new officers, I had a good time to get to know  the new president, Jeanette Puyot Lapat, vice-president Vince Tinio and the rest of the officers: Gemma Pascual, Helen May, Julie Grace Luna, Ethel Lapat, Aubrey Ricardo,  Arceli Saep, Alex Jerez, Donalyn Manglal-lan, Glenda Lasaten, Cherry Duque, Flordeline Barlahan, Angelica Mae Lapat, Jerelyn Bruening, Marilou Rabanal, and Jonathan Pecpec.

The big group photo of Rubio clan, the "patriarch" of the ABA-Canada

I came away from the reunion carrying the impression that "The Annak ti Batac Association of Canada" is composed of  individuals who are extraordinary, a reflection of the town they came from—"Batac, the Home of Great Leaders."

 

Part 2 will be the Keynote Address:  Why and How Batac got to be designated as the "Home of Great Leaders."

 

(Noralyn Onto Dudt was quite honored to be asked by Dr. Don Rubio  to deliver the keynote address and is very grateful to Rebelyn Layus Pasamonte for the kind introduction.)