Straight from Li ERON Blogs.
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| 2018 GOLDEN BALANGAY AWARDEES. Photo: Li ERON |
It was a year ago on the first Golden Balangay did I arrived the same time with Sen. Enverga Jr. at the BMO Institute for Learning along Pharmacy Road in Toronto parking lot. He greeted me and both of us proceeded inside as we both were a little late.
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| 2018 GOLDEN BALANGAY AWARDS. Photo by Li ERON |
At this year's Golden Balangay Awards, a few days before, I was thinking if the Organizers will find it in their hearts to acknowledge the late first Filipino-Canadian Senator in all his achievements as he impacted our race in the history of Canada being a member of the Upper Chamber. I am a little close to the Founders of GBA but I never ask. It was one part of the Gala night that I was waiting and expecting and told myself, "If they will hand down a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award to the late Senator, the GBA Founders will be so brilliant.
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| Lifetime Achievement Award for late Sen. Enverga Jr. received by wife Rosemer. Photo: Li ERON |
The first posthumous award given was that of the late Pet Cleto, an Activist by heart. Her activism was political and profound. Someone who put her life on the line to oppose a government and to defend injustices and a strong women's Advocate. The lists of her achievements were a mile long. She was indeed special of which Ben Corpuz commented that not many people knew her. But she was the greatest in terms of community works. So special, a vocalist seemed to narrate her life in a song. That was smart and meaningful. Ben Corpuz presented the Golden Balangay Award to Pet Cleto's sister who climb the podium on her behalf.
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| 2018 GBA Pinoy of the Year, Paulina Corpuz. Photo: Li ERON |
I thought it was over for one posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award until Claire Dela Gana (Founder/Presenter) marches on the podium with another narrative of someone I'd been hoping to be honoured that night, the late Sen. Tobias Enverga Jr. whose life was more eloquent by his sudden demise. The man I knew so well with exemplary behaviour towards his friends and members of the community. If there is one thing I admired on this man in his sense of sincerity in dealing with people. This is a man who rises from his seat to meet strangers in the room, extend his hand for a handshake punctuated by the warmest of smile. As his life's montage played on screen, I felt a certain pride and adulation to the Founders/Organizers of Golden Balangay Awards. So far, I haven't yet seen politics on this award giving body and I hope this will continue to be preserved as the years come. An award giving body that I will promote as our race is slowly emerging with these new mindset, free and liberated....respectful.
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| GBA 2018 Awardee, Michael Roland Cruz. Photo: Li ERON |
The arrangement was different from the previous year. There were no tables. It was arranged on theatre setting which was fitting as everyone were seated to watch a brainy spectacle of knowing the bests from our community all across Canada.
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| 2018 GBA Awardee, Jane Manalang. Photo: Li ERON |
There were various categories but I will only pick those that are close to me so I can leave the full story to the Founders' writers for their official publications. Highlighting the night at my end were three awardees; Paulina Corpuz (Pinoy of the Year- presented by Arlene Oliveros, the wine Sommelier & previous winner), Jane Manalang (Entrepreneur of the Year- Owner of Chick N Joy & Estacion Filipino Foods) and Mike Cruz (Excellence Awards in Sports and Fitness). Truly fitting for all winners. Jane Manalang and Mike Cruz are from Durham Region which made me the more proud as these two are some of the bests individuals that lurks in our home turf of Durham Region except Paulina Corpuz.
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| With husband Ben Corpuz at GBA 2018. Photo: Li ERON |
A fitting award for a woman who started in her teens serving the community. Paulina Corpuz, to mention the most significant of her achievement to date, the successful Advocacy of making June as Filipino Heritage Month. Through her endeavours, Paulina Corpuz is an epitome of someone with an endearing spirit. Someone who is worthy to become Toronto's Councillor once she'd win the October 22, 2018 local election in Ontario. Who are we not to support a well- educated woman, leader and Founder of Filipino Women's Network in Toronto fighting for the rights of women. Fighting for the workers on the frontline.
There were many Nominees and Awardees that night at 2018 GBA Gala. All of them made immeasurable impact in their community. Those that work hard to achieve, influenced and inspired people. The Golden Balangay Awards proved its prestige at this year's awarding ceremony.
Thank you to the Dela Ganas and the Favilas for creating a platform to rally the bests and inspire more in the years to come. The Favilas themselves are worthy of accolades and love as they emerged from such tragedy in their lives. They manifest courage and resolve to rise from the ground and build something more poignant in our lives. Filipinos are like bamboos...we bend on strong winds and stand erect as the storm passes.
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| Durham power as two winners of this year's 2018 GBA hails from Durham Region. |
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