The Calgary Filipino Lions Club celebrated its 27th charter Anniversary at the Executive Royal Inn on June 10, 2012. The CFLC is a member of the Lions Club International, the largest service organization of the world.  The Lions Clubs International is composed of 46,178 clubs divided into 747 geographical districts with 1.35 million members in 208 countries.   At present the Calgary Filipino Lions Club has 45 members. The club belongs to District 37-0 with 55 Lions Clubs doing various community services.  The present District Governor is Lion Dr. Rose Geonzon. The first Filipino District Governor for 37-0 is from CFLC. Past District Governor Roger Geonzon was elected in 2003-2004. Together with Lion Atty. Richard Tumanon, they are the only two remaining charter members who are still with CFLC. As such, these two Lions are the two pillars of CFLC for they have been with CFLC since its formation in June 27, 1985. Their expertise in lionism has made the Calgary Filipino Lions Club still going strong.

The Charter Anniversary event was attended by a few Lions Clubs in Calgary. The Calgary Lions Club Foundation, the newly formed Mccall Lions Club, the Calgary Mountainview Lions Club, the Wildrose Lions Club, Heritage Lions Club, Chestermere Lions Club, the North East Eye Opener Lions Club, Bowness Lions Club and the North Hill Lions Club members and officers were among the guests. The entertainers who sang and danced, beautifully made everyone enjoyed the 3 hours program.  Among the entertainers were Lion Mariedelle Velasco, Alejo Velasco, Lion Carmelle Bolo, Neale Elumir, Wildrose Lion Evelyn Cruz Porter and the energetic and fabulous jazz and ballroom dancers Whitney and Winston Gaqui.  Lion Sandra Goodrich, who is the District Chair for Lions of Canada Foundation who talked about Dog guides and Leader Dogs was the guest speaker. The new sets of officers for 2012-2013 were introduced by the present District Governor Dr. Rose Geonzon.  Lion Dexter Bragas is the incoming elected CFLC President. In his message he paid homage to all the past officers and members for their sacrifices and commitments to the principles and objectives of Lionism. He hopes for continued full and active participation in all club projects and activities in the coming year. The present President, Lion Ed Pacaigue closed the program with an emotional but very inspiring message to all. Lion Ed Pacaigue was a dedicated, knowledgeable and a very friendly CFLC President.  He mentioned the great support of his wife Lion Ebb Pacaigue and the remarkable cooperation of the officers and members of the club for the success of all the projects. The emcees who made the event lively and successful were Lion Bernadette Stamile and Lion Rex Elumir.

The motto of the Calgary Filipino Lions Club is “We Serve”. CFLC supports numerous humanitarian projects such as shoe box project to the Philippines, University of Calgary Lions Sight Centre, Dog Guides and Leader Dogs, Lions Youth Exchange, Leo Clubs and other various community projects. The CFLC also give Scholarship awards to deserving students from SAIT, MRC and University of Calgary.  At the 27^th Charter Anniversary event, five bright and intelligent newly graduate grade 12 students received scholarship award.  Among the scholarship recipients are Charles Loui Clemente, Lou Raymundo, Cassandra Viola, Blanca Alexis Velasco, and Dorica Walsh.

We are proud to continue our service to the community.  We hope to make the CFLC membership double in the next few years. However, membership is by invitation only

by:
Lion Bernadette Stamile