PBABC Marks 36th Anniversary with a Night of Music, Dancing and Bicolano Spirit

By: Babes-Miss B Newland, Philippine Canadian Inquirer

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, with an almost full-house crowd at the Fraserview Banquet Hall in Vancouver — and judging by the energy on the dance floor, nobody was in a hurry to go home.

Led by its hardworking President Ms. Lorry G. Russell and her most able Board of Directors, the anniversary celebration brought together members, families, friends and supporters for a lively evening that showcased the warmth, camaraderie and vibrant spirit of the Bicolano community in British Columbia.

The evening began with registration and a photo booth, followed by the introduction of the emcee and a Land Acknowledgement. Guests then stood proudly for the national anthems of Canada and the Philippines.

PBABC President Lorry G. Russell formally welcomed the guests before inspirational messages were delivered by Hon. Mable Elmore, MLA for Vancouver-Kensington; Ambassador Jose Victor V. Chan-Gonzaga, Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Ottawa; Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin, Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver; and Consul Andre Peter C. Estanislao, Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver. A special spiritual message was also acknowledged from Rev. Fr. Amador Abundo, PBABC Spiritual Advisor.

An invocation by Joe Arellano followed before guests were treated to a carefully prepared dinner by the culinary team at Fraserview Banquet Hall.

After dinner, the evening quickly shifted into high gear.

The much-anticipated special guest performance by Russel Figueroa, TFCkat Canada Grand Champion and Pilipinas Got Talent contender, brought the house to life. Known for his powerful vocals and commanding stage presence, Figueroa delivered a performance that had the audience fully engaged.

The formal programme then gave way to what became an unforgettable non-stop dancing party.

With the theme encouraging guests to dress in their best 70s and 80s “Dance Fever” attire, the dance floor remained busy throughout the night. From the first dance set to the final song, guests enthusiastically danced, laughed and celebrated together — creating the kind of atmosphere that made the PBABC anniversary feel less like a formal function and more like one big community party.

The celebration was expertly hosted by Ms. Irene C. Yatco, while Babes-Miss B Newland provided programme direction, helping keep the evening moving seamlessly from one exciting segment to the next.

And there were plenty of reasons to stay until the very end.

Guests eagerly awaited the raffle and door-prize draws, with numerous prizes given away throughout the evening. The excitement reached another level with the Grand Raffle Draw for a trip to Las Vegas, followed by more door prizes and the much-anticipated 50/50 draw.

The evening’s costume competition also brought out the creativity and fun-loving spirit of the guests. Congratulations to Raine Orogo and Mary Seitz, who took home the honours for Best Costume in the Dance Fever celebration.

But perhaps the greatest prize of the evening was simply the opportunity to celebrate together.

Throughout the night, guests could be heard talking, laughing and reminiscing, while the dance floor remained packed with people enjoying one another’s company. In the days following the celebration, many attendees continued to talk about what a wonderful time they had — from the lively entertainment and dancing to the delicious food and generous prizes.

A Heartfelt Thank You to the PBABC Community

The PBABC Officers and Board of Directors extend their heartfelt gratitude to the many sponsors, families, organizations, volunteers, performers and participants whose generosity, time and hard work helped make the 36th Anniversary celebration such a success.

Special thanks and appreciation go 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; Mary Seitz; 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 Imquirer (PCI); Rhoda Hair Salon; Robert Manzano & Muriel Boncacas; Robert & Belen Azana; Spectrum Prints; Steve & Betty Gabriel; Rotary Club Vancouver-Mountainview; Saladmaster; Silogs Grill; The Ms. “B” Project; UFCABC; Vicky Tena; Evelyn Porter & Family; Ms. Irene Yatco; Mary Seitz / Donna BeachGrove Laser & Medical Spa; and Dina Reyes & Joanne Palma of Saladmaster.

The PBABC also gratefully acknowledges the dedicated volunteers who helped make the evening run smoothly, including Marilyn Cunanan, Aurora Dumalasa and Joy Ann Llamas at the registration desk; Muriel Boncacas, Maria Brocales, Juan Dumalasa and Joe Arellano for the 50/50 ticket sales; and Pilar De Guzman and Salve Didcott for raffle ticket sales.

Behind the scenes, Jun Cunanan handled the poster and ticket design, while Spectrum Prints provided the tickets and souvenir programme. The organizers also extend their appreciation to Pinoy Cravings for its support.

Special recognition is also due to Aleta Bombase and Joy Ann & Aris Llamas for their creative work on the souvenir programme, and to Robert Azana for ticket distribution and souvenir printing and production coordination.

At the heart of the celebration was Lorry G. Russell, who served as Overall Chairman of the PBABC 36th Anniversary Party, working with the organizing team, volunteers and supporters to bring the evening together.

“A Night to Remember”

As the clock approached 11:30 p.m., the final dance brought the 36th Anniversary Disco Party to a close. But the smiles, laughter and memories of the evening will undoubtedly remain long after the music has stopped.

The PBABC’s 36th Anniversary was more than a celebration of another year. It was a celebration of community, friendship, culture and the enduring Bicolano spirit.

It was, quite simply, a night to remember.

People couldn’t stop talking about how much fun they had — enjoying wonderful food, great entertainment, exciting prizes and, most of all, each other’s company.

And as the PBABC looks toward another year of community-building and celebration, one thing is certain: the Bicolano spirit is alive, strong and dancing!

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!