Lopez family members from around the country and the world gathered recently at the University of St. La Salle in Bacolod City for the 6th Basilio-Sabina Lopez family reunion.

Chairman of the reunion was Oscar Lopez while vice chairpersons were Elena Golez and Cedie Vargas.

Oscar Lopez said he was delighted that finally, after 25 years, the clan was holding its reunion in Negros, "a place where we can pay fitting tribute to our roots."

This is because several sons of Basilio Lopez made Silay their home base for many years, eventually spreading out to the many corners of Negros, he said.

This Negros reunion is particularly significant as it marks the 25th year since they launched the first set of Lopez Genealogy books at the initial family reunion in April of 1982, he added.

The Lopez family as a clan has grown since.

He said that from his last count, a documented number 4,057 Lopezes have descended from Basilio Lopez as compared to 3,717 in 2003. The Clara line continues to lead the pack with 1,345 members, followed by the Eugenio line with 987 members, and the Marcelo line with 685 members, he added.

The family tree is now on its eighth generation and that there are now 161 members in this emerging generation of Lopezes, he said.

The clan is growing exponentially, and the job of continually updating the Lopez family Genealogy to include all of the new additions has increased correspondingly, he added.

"I hope that the leaders of each branch will oversee the responsibility of ensuring that all new members are reported, thus ensuring the continued accuracy and comprehensiveness of the family tree," Lopez said.

"These reunions provide enriching experiences that allow us to learn and to develop strong pride in our heritage and family values which can hopefully serve as a beacon for the generations to come. It is through an awareness of our shared history that we can develop an increased understanding of ourselves and be better equipped to map out our future." he also said.*CPG

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Jazz concert slated Friday

The Jazz Society of Negros, assisted by the Nicholas V. Lizares Professional Audio Systems, will present "Jazzworks" Friday, at the Main Ballroom of Sugarland Hotel, in Bacolod City, a press release from the group said.

The concert that had its initial project last year, is aimed at celebrating the life and music of Nicholas "Nick" Lizares, during whose lifetime, opened doors for struggling jazz musicians and promoted jazz appreciation in Negros Occidental, the press release said.

Manila artists, Colbe de la Calzada (bass), Koko Bermejo (drums), Tonet Lipana (guitar), Alvin Carnista (saxophone) and Ria Villena-Osorio (keys, vocals), Bo Razon (percussions) accompanied by Lyn Sherman on vocals will treat Bacolod jazz enthusiasts to an exciting repertoire of contemporary, mainstream and original jazz pieces, the press release also said.

JSN members hope that through this concert and ensuing projects, their provincemates will gain and develop a keen appreciation for jazz. Event organizers will donate 15 tickets to deserving, disadvantaged musicians. Concert beneficiary will be The Philippine Reef and Rainforest Conservation Foundation Inc., a non-stock, non-profit organization committed to protecting Danjugan Island in Barangay Bulata, Cauayan, Negros Occidental, and sustaining the field research and education center for marine and wildlife conservation.

Part of the proceeds will also go to the establishment of a scholarship grant to finance the education of aspiring musicians, the press release added.*

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