A NIGHT TO REMEMBER: THE 5th GBA IN EDMONTON

Golden Balangay, through the initiative and effort of its Founders Ron Dela Gana with his wife Claire and Jovy Favila as well as the Board of Directors Annie Chua, Rachelle Cruz, Narima Dela Cruz, Judianne Dhabba, Leo Mascariñas, Louroz Mercader, and Alberto Rodil, is a nation-wide programme that aims to search for, recognize and award outstanding Filipino-Canadians in various fields of interests and endeavours. Quite instrumental before, during, and after the event were the volunteers, media partners, sponsors, Harlijk productions, choreographers Jojo and Ida Lucila, entertainers, and the attendees/participants. Many more are unmentioned but no less important to the success of the event. You know who you are.

Categories include recognition for education, community service, entrepreneurship, outstanding seniors, music and entertainment, arts and culture, business excellence, and more. And ew of those awards went to Albertans. To name a few: The Lifetime Achievement Award was received by our very own Jose “Jun” Angeles, the publisher of the Alberta Filipino Journal. Other awardees include Marjorie Newman from Edmonton (Community Service), Jerry Caingcoy from Calgary (Executive of the Year), Dr. Jimmy Buena from Edmonton (Educator of the Year), Mila Bongco-Philipzig from Edmonton (Arts and Culture), Antonio Flores from Edmonton (Pinoy of the Year), Limuel Vilela & Alvin Francia from Calgary (Entrepreneur of the Year), Filipino Canadian Saranay Association of Alberta Association from Edmonton (Most Influential Community Organization).