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