HARDCORE BOHOLANOS IN ONTARIO TO GRACE CONBUSAC

That's how we call our network, "Hardcore Boholanos" consisting of my cousins and very closed friends that hails from the province of Bohol living in Scarborough and Durham Region. They are always behind me in all my undertakings. Because I knew very well that they are proud of their heritage and roots, I reserved one table for 10 people at this year's CONBUSAC (Confederation of Boholanos from USA & Canada) which is hosted by Bohol Association of Canada in Ontario. The gala dinner will be held at one of  Toronto's prime venue- Chelsea Hotel on July 8th 2017.

Internet photo: One of Bohol's main attraction, the Chocolate Hills

So how is it being a Boholano? It comes with many tales, myths and anecdotes. Our upbringing is almost identical; God- fearing, respectful and well- educated. At least, after decades of being considered "A little dumb, funny and ignorant." Many jokes were attributed to us. I think the culprit was a bus conductor who became a famous singer, became a star of a movie, "Bol-anon Ko N'yor." Someone who played the role of a Boholano who went to the city and thought the toilet water was good for cleaning his face and many embarrassing scenarios in that movie. I guess a Boholano judge climbed up the stage and punched him in the face during one of his concerts because of that movie. I was very young then and hasn't actually seen the movie itself. We rely on the grapevines for news and insights because obviously, the internet was still not even thought to come by and conquered our lives.

Let me gave you one popular example of the anecdotes thrown on us- When a Boholano went and rode a banca carrying a block of ice in a sack. When he reached the city, the ice melted but he thought somebody stole it. But this and the many funny stories about Boholanos are long buried into pure anecdotes what with one becoming a  president of the Philippines who hailed from one of the towns of Bohol.

Many good sons of Bohol followed and became luminous examples of how brilliant Boholanos truly are. We produced some of the world's brightest people. Take for example the current Vatican Envoy as Permanent Observer to the United Nations in New York is one Boholano we all are proud of. Let's not forget that even during the Spanish era, a Boholano was already a hero defying the Spanish occupation raging the longest rebellion and was never captured by Spaniards. 

But today, Boholanos have been considered one of the smartest people in the world. The wisdom of our older generations became our guiding light to remain humble and steadfast. Boholanos have overcome the many adversities that came ashore to test our spirits. All because of its strong ties with each other. It is also a paradise with so many wonderful and beautiful beaches and tourists attractions one of which is the famous Chocolate Hills that turned brown at summer time. Bohol is also rich in history. It is also home to the smallest monkeys in the world- Tarsiers.

The convergence of us this coming July 7-9, 2017 in Toronto will be graced by the province Governor, the mayor of its capital city of Tagbilaran and the top Vatican envoy to the UN in NY and perhaps, many others.

For more info, please visit: http://www.conbusac2017.com