This past weekend I attended an event in San Francisco, Ca celebrating a 50 year anniversary. Many people attended and all were dressed elegantly. Food was scrumptious and there was plenty of great music, played by a live band, to dance the night away. It was held at a place that most people would consider “fancy”. The celebrants were very happy that they have reached this milestone. They knew that celebrating 50 years of being together was not an easy feat. It took a lot of commitment, belief, faith and perseverance. The celebrants, after reviewing their 50 years, realized they built something inspiring. They were proud of themselves. By the way, I am not talking about a wedding anniversary even though it might have seemed like that. The event was for the UPA ( United Pangasinanes of America, Inc. 50th year Golden Jubilee Celebration).
There were a lot speeches reminiscing about the past and what the organization has gone thru in terms of challenges.There were also many thought provoking comments about the future. Most importantly everyone enjoyed the event and basked in the spirit of accomplishment. Why do I mention this?
I mention this because PBUSA will be celebrating its 38th year of existence next year. PBUSA also has come along way. When you see a celebration like the one UPA had, you get inspired and think of all the great possibilities that can happen with PBUSA. There are so much more we can do and so much more we can look forward to as an organization. Anything is possible for this organization. It can be an agent of change. It is an agent of change. With it’s current structure it can do a lot of great things. PBUSA is already involved in scholarships, building modest homes for some families of Pangasinan, helping create livelihoods in some of the towns and continue to donate to the areas that were affected by typhoon Haiyan. All of this being done under the status of a 501(c)(3). On top of that, PBUSA has built a very interactive, informative, robust website (www.pbusa1.com) that is meant to inform, educate and entertain its visitors.
The election is next month and we will choose the people who will lead us for the next two years. I think that PBUSA will easily be around to reach its 50th year. I want to see it continue to exist and see the members fully utilize the tools, its people and resources to make a difference in people’s lives big or small here in the U.S. and in the Philippines. The election of new leaders will definitely make a difference in how we will progress on the road to that 50th anniversary.
Please attend this upcoming meeting (August 16th, 2015, 1-5 pm, Marriott Courtyard 5865 Katella Avenue, Ca 90630-Cypress Room). Be there to understand and contribute to the future of PBUSA. There will be an orientation in how the election will take place next month. Have lunch at the meeting because free refreshments will be served. This usually means sandwiches, cookies, brownies, fruits and drinks. To all the current members, please attend and continue to be a contributor to the success of the organization. To all prospective members, get to know us and fully grasp that we are an organization who are always looking for fresh ideas and people who want to be a part of a fun and community oriented organization.
Be well, Be thankful and Be great!
Ferdinand “Bong” Soriano
Youth and Hospitality Officer
Pangasinan Brotherhood of America
www.pbusa1.com