BCF holds induction

It was an evening with a touch of elegance when the Bacolod Cultural Foundation held its Induction of its officers and new members at the Sugarland Hotel. Every one came in their best Filipiniana attire: the gentlemen, dashing in Barong Tagalog and the ladies, so genteel and feminine in their ternos or kimonas.

The Bacolod Cultural Foundation was founded in 1973 with the aim of awakening, developing and broadening the consciousness of the people in Bacolod to the importance of its art and culture. Over the years it has encouraged local talents by sponsoring a wide range of activities including Rondalla bands, painting contests, a yearly Belen contest, plus piano, ballet and singing activities. The annual Santacruzan, which the BCF has sponsored and organized since 1974, has become a much-awaited summer presentation in the city.

The inducting officer and inspirational speaker was Rep. Anthony Golez, Jr. of the Lone District of B acolod. Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia was ably represented by Councilor Em Ang. The new officers are: Suzette Lacson – president, Araceli Mirano – vice president, Pacit Adeva – secretary, Emilie Zayco – treasurer, Charito Parreño – asst treasurer, Violeta Caram – auditor and Robert Harland – PIO. Board of Directors are: Gilda Puey, Angie Echaus, Celia Ferrer, Ildefonsa Guerrero, Prima Pefianco, Marina Urbanozo and Gloria Abong.

The new president Suzette Lacson, daughter of the Foundation’s long-serving president, the late Luz Datu-Lacson, gave a most inspiring speech where she promised to follow in the footsteps of her late mother. Suzette said she would like to introduce a Concert at the Park series featuring songs and dances by local talents and hopefully national and international artists as well. She told the audience that she would like the BCF to be a crusader for the youth with talent and potential to serve as guardians of Ilongo heritage in Filipino culture.

After the delicious dinner, Dr Rudy Patiño entertained the group with popular songs.*