CHICAGO — Chicago’s Circulo Capampangan,” the oldest Pampangueno organization in North America, is hosting the very first national Capampangan convention in the U.S. and Canada August 21-23 at Hyatt Regency O’Hare Hotel in Rosemont, Illinois.
The guest speaker for the August 22 dinner ball is Illinois State Senator Chris Nybo. He is married to a Capampangan, Faye Hizon-Nybo. A picnic is scheduled for Sunday, August 23.
Keynote Speaker is Ernie Turla, a poet laureate, author of books including a Capampangan-English dictionary and recipient of many awards for his advocacy of the Capampangan dialect. Turla is a resident of Oregon. He is a native of Lubao, Pampanga.
Convention chairman Conrad Manakil said, “The grand reunion will give an opportunity to enhance consciousness among “cabalens” specially the younger generations about traditions, custom and common heritage that bind Filipinos who speak the dialect.”
The Campampangan dialect ranks 6th largest among the more than 60 dialects spoken by a highly diverse people from the Philippines. It is mainly spoken by Filipinos in the Pampanga, Tarlac, Bataan, Bulacan and Nueva Ecija provinces.
Three awards will be handed out to outstanding Cabalens led by George V. Samson for his worldwide humanitarian medical programs through his company, The World Relief Inc. Samson has supplied provisions to various groups that are doing medical missions to countries like the Philippines.
Dr. Emelita de Guzman Breyer, Ph.D. is awarded for her invention in biomedical technology innovation dealing with diabetes, CVD, stroke, Alzheimer and other chronic diseases. She holds 12 patents internationally.
Third awardee is Dr. Connie Mariano who served as White House physician under three U.S. presidents including George H. Bush, Sr., Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. A special loyalty award will be given to Benjamin and Linda Agana for the couple’s continuous support of the Capampangan activities for the last 45 years.
A presentation of the 30 muses representing major towns in the Capampangan region will be featured. Twenty “ Diamond Patrons” contributed $500 each to help defray the cost of the convention.
The patrons are Mr. and Mrs. Ariel Malit, Rev. Pascual and Lydia Tayco, Judy Agno, Dr. Lamberto Torno, Rose Manio, Charlie and Dyan Ruth, Mark Manankil, Conrad and Norma Manankil, Ric & Marilou Dangalan, Ely & Lani Dela Cruz, Dr Ralph & Espie Buscaino, Dr & Mrs Renato Tanquilut, Dr Frank & Anicia Hernandez, Jasmin Cristobal, Mr. & Mrs. Noy Torres, Daisy Cajigal, Lito and Divine Pineda, Dr. Rody and Marita Pamintuan, Dr. Mike and Naty Nayan and Danny and Ditas Salonga.
The convention motto is “Nocarin ca man mibait or mipadpad, daya ca pa rin Capampangan” (Wherever you were born, wherever you are—you carry the Capampangan blood.)
For more information, email Conrad & Norma Manankil: CNManankil <manankil@msn.com> or call (630) 319-7949.
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