BABAE holds 13TH Annual General Meeting with Special Guests from
the Office of the Philippine Consul General in Alberta and Saskatchewan

April 23rd was a very exciting Saturday for members of Babae: Council of Filipina- Canadian Women. The room was packed with new and old members of the council ready to get some news during the 13th Annual General Meeting. The AGM was held at the Center for Newcomers on April 23rd, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. with 42 members attending. Everyone enjoyed meaningful conversations over a sumptuous Filipino lunch.

The AGM covered significant events which transpired during the previous year. The agenda included approval of minutes, President’s Report, Treasurer’s report and approval of the revised By- laws. The existing set of officers were also presented and affirmed to serve until the end of their term in 2017. Also during the AGM, a new member of the Board, Elaine Manalo was nominated and was elected to fill-in the position vacated by former Director Ms. Connie Raz. Ms. Elaine Manalo will serve until the end of term in 2017.

The AGM was immediately followed by the Community event, wherein, one of the highlights was the presence of the Philippine Consulate team headed by Consul General Julius Torres. The Consul General gave some inspirational talk and willingly responded to questions most members have been waiting to ask. He also announced that, though they only provide basic services for now, the Philippine Consulate Office is now officially open and ready to serve our Kababayans in Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Also during the event, Vina Mariano, Babae Secretary and Social Media committee led the launch of Babae website. Dolly Castillo, currently one of the Babae Board Members and one of the founders of the organization gave a short presentation about Healthy Family relationships. After which, a surprise birthday greeting was given to Tita Dolly to celebrate her (70th) birthday. You can say wow! Yes, she is 70! and never gets tired of community work.

It was also inspiring to have founders and previous Babae Presidents Marichu Antonio and Maribel Javier join the gathering. As the meeting came to a close, members felt relieved that a new consular office in Calgary is finally open. Babae members will continue to have the privilege of receiving the latest and accurate information about the community and its surroundings.
We invite you to join us and experience all the fun and learning opportunities that Babae has continuously been providing to its members through the years. You may visit our website http://www.babae-ab.ca/ to see our schedule of activities/events for this year.

By: Lenie Zuniga, Babae Director
Chairperson, Social Media Committee

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Last October 12, 2013, Saturday, Babae Council of Filipina Canadian Women celebrated their 10th Anniversary with their theme, "Celebrating Womanhood" at the Polish Canadian Cultural Centre featuring Congresswoman Leni Robredo, the dignified wife of the late Jessie Robredo, former secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government. It was a very elegant night, fully packed function room with violet motif in color. "Babae was founded by 6 women who took it on as their personal mission to build a community wherever they are. As they felt the urgent need to organize in order to address their common common concerns, the founding members signed on September 17, 2003 Babae's bylaws, and had it registered under the Society's Act of Alberta, with a mission: to raise the status of Filipina-Canadian women in a Canadian Society" , according to them. The Executive Committee 2013 - 2015 consists of Connie Raz, the president, Dolly Castillo, vice president, Connie Abanilla, the secretary, Tess Lim, the treasurer, Amy De Leon, the auditor, and the directors; Rhea Castillo, Maribel Javier, Shirley Chavez, Melba Crame.

Leni Robredo, the Member of the Philippine House of Representative, 3rd District, Camarines Sur was the key note speaker that night. She discussed the importance and values of the Filipino women in the society, that task that they do in the communities that enhance our cultural heritage and tradition. The dedication and loyalty to his duties and responsibilities by her late husbad, Jessie Roberdo, were also tackled for her inspirational speech. It was very enlightening as the audience calmly listened and participated. People were so amazed and felt proud for Leni Robredo for her strong power and determination to go on with her hard duties and endeavours even if her husband is gone.

The invocation was led by Reverend Father Rudy Badiola, the welcome address was given by Connie Raz, the present president of Babae and the introduction of the key note speaker was rendered by Dolly Castillo, the vice president. There was this scrumptious dinner for everyone as well as different numbers of entertainment performed by Carmen Camacho, Darren Espanto, Whitney and Winston Siapno Gaqui, and the beautiful interpretative dance participated by Mary Lilian Quines, Regie Demdem, Jacky Ortonio, Ruby Balatico, Cheryl Hablado, Rachel Adanza, Mhie Acojedo. Inspirational messages to Babae Council of Filipina Canadian Women were also delivered by Honorable Ferdie Aguirre, Honorary Counsul General to Southern Alberta and Hon. Jason Luan, Minister of Legislative Assembly, Hawkwood. The Emcees on that night were Maribel Javier and Shirley Chavez, both Executive Committee Members of Babae. Indeed it was a wonderful and spectacular night that serves us guidance and inspiration in our daily living.

By Olet "Diwata" Barnachea

Source: http://pinoytimes.ca/2013/11/community-news/babaes-10th-anniversary-celebration/

The first ever fundraising Bowling Tournament of BABAE, Council of Filipina-Canadian Women held on August 16, 2014 turned to be a huge success.  Participated in by over a hundred twenty six  (126) bowlers  from the members, family , friends and various organizations/ethno groups. The bowling event was chaired by Amy de Leon with Vina Mariano and Sherissa Celis as members. The turnout of participants exceeded the expectations considering that it was first fundraising event has ever done in sports. The various association groups that participated were:  Association of Kalinga Residents of Alberta (AKRA), Possibilities in Motion (PIM), Filipino Catholic Society (FCSDC), Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS), Ethno-Cultural Center of Calgary (ECCC), Travel Place International (TPI), Philippines Independence Organizing Committee of Calgary (PIOCC). 

Proceeds for this event will be utilized to further achieve the goals outlined in our society’s by-laws and the plan to acquire basic office equipment necessary to facilitate its services and disseminate information.  The president Connie Raz thanked everyone for their tremendous support.

2014 Caroling