Aklan Association celebrates 46 years

BY DAVID MERCADO JR for Bayanihan

Over 46 years, the Aklan Association of Guam has grown in size, prominence and civic duty. Founded in May 1965, the organization last Saturday celebrated 46 years with an Induction Ball featuring many of the island's business and political leaders at a reception Hilton Guam Resort and Spa's Marianas Ballroom.

Aklan is regarded as the oldest province in the country, located in the western Visayas region, consisting of 17 municipalities.
It was a full house, surprising to the organization's expectations, and the distance between tables was nearly wide enough for only one person to walk through.

Distinguished guests included Gov. Eddie Calvo and first lady Christine Calvo, businessman Emelio Uy, Filipino Community of Guam President Leah Beth Naholowaa, and Sen. Dennis Rodriguez Jr., to name a few.

What made the night even more special was when Calvo inducted the 12 new officers for the organization's 2011-2013 term. As for the board of directors, Consul General Bayani Mercado was given the honor of inducting them into the new term.

"I am very honored and humbled by the support from everybody," says newly elected Aklan Association of Guam President Annie Payne.

"Whether Aklanon or not, the fact that we are united together makes it great."

In her speech, she acknowledged the small diner table by the side of the stage, carefully decorated like any other table in the ballroom with a wine glass, a chair, table napkins, and a plate.

"This is a symbol of the people who cannot be with us today to celebrate this special occasion," Payne says.

There was a moment of silence to remember the past members who have "contributed so much to the formation and growth of the organization."

HOME PROVINCE
Florencio Miraflores, a representative from the Lone District of Aklan, was the night's guest speaker. He updated Guam Aklanons of the goings on in their home province, explaining how construction developments and tourism, like Guam, are priorities in the province of Aklan.

"Some 30 bridges have been allocated to the province, including the Ibahay Bridge, and currently, a 200-meter bridge is in the works," Miraflores says. "The new bridge will connect the municipality of Banga to the rest of Aklan."

Aklan is also known for the greatly celebrated Ati-Atihan festival, which attracts many tourists to the region, he said.

In addition, the island resort of Boracay, which can be found just less than 200 miles south of Manila, has made "Aklan as one of the popular tourist destinations in the Philippines," Miraflores says.

Following the inductions and speeches, the audience dined and enjoyed a night of entertainment. Engineer Tony Luces provided a rendition a la Elvis Presley, and the Aerobics Club of Guam performed a small dance number to the delight of the audience.

Payne deems the event as a success but she apologized to those who were unable to attend the anniversary ball due to the limited number of seats the hotel could support.

"But with the help of everybody from the organization, it's a success and I am grateful," Payne says.

"Even if we slept at two in the morning, I could not expect anything more."