2018 Golden Balangay

September 07, 2018

2018 Golden Balangay

Straight from Li ERON Blogs.

The prestigious GOLDEN BALANGAY AWARDS

Tomorrow, September 8, 2018, marks the second year of the Golden Balangay Awards. Golden Balangay Awards is one that is prestigious, intellectual and uplifting. The golden balangay educates us in two aspects; the history of what a balangay is as akin to our cultural heritage and showcasing the bests people in our community. The venue accentuates the quality of this event on a red carpet setting at BMO Institute for Learning in Toronto.

GBA Founder, Ronnie Dela Gana. Photo file by Li ERON

Filipinos struggled both at home and abroad because of our diminishing image for exporting house maids in foreign households. A harsh and painful reality spoken by the China's president in his early presidency, "At least, I do not export my people to be maids in other countries." And it's true. The world look at us with averted eyes. The reality is, we are simply a drop in the ocean. Our voices are weak and often drowned in crucial issues because we do not have that concerted power to effect change and we don't have the ability to unite and speak in one language. Who cares about us? Even politicians got elected without the support of Filipinos. We are a unique culture. And because our world status is that Filipinos are Caregivers worldwide, until we put ourselves one step higher, we will not get the attention we need for recognition.

GBA Founders, Mr. & Mrs. Jovito and Bloomy Favila. Photo file by Li ERON

And so what best can Canadian Filipinos do in this part of the world? We need to prove that we are a class of our own. We need to tell the world that yes, we can afford to walk on red carpets and present ourselves like Scholars in prestigious universities. The cost to attend the Golden Balangay Awards is pricey for VIPs. But it is a necessary cost and price to go with a prestigious undertaking. You cannot hold a quality event on a $30 dollar ticket. An expensive event uplifts the standard and the Golden Balangay Awards is one to reckon with especially when they have the bests from our community all across Canada.

GBA Foundress, Claire Dela Gana (Wife of Ronnie Dela Gana). Photo file by LI ERON

There are a new set of Canadian Filipinos who are changing the landscapes and mindset of our community. Brilliant individuals departing and getting rid of the bad in us. The crab mentality, for example, which was once apparent among Filipinos may now be a thing of the past. New things are emerging and new community efforts are getting visible to really showcase the true Filipino that is loving, compassionate and collaborators of unity and change. We don't normally see in- fightings and bickerings on the new orders and on the new emerging leaders. And these are the individuals we need to patronize and support. The ones working to effect change and create impact with a touch of intellect, charm and goodness.

The Golden Balangay Awards embodied this concept of honesty and integrity in rewarding worthy individuals in our community. This is not to discredit other award giving bodies. Every efforts to reward individuals who excelled in their fields of endeavours are worthy of accolades and respect. The Golden Balangay Awards is unique on its own. The categories are difficult to simply meet. It is a way of sifting through many worthy individuals. Their way of picking the winner at every category is carefully thought of minimizing or completely removing influence and biases by judges who never even meet any of the nominees. The standard is equally high, very high which leaves the podium only for the best.

With late Sen. Tobias Enverga Jr. Photo file by Li ERON

Founded by two couples from Durham Region, Ronnie/Claire Dela Gana and Jovy/Bloomy Favila last year, they've made and build something that adds prestige to our community. These individuals made us proud through this labour of love to recognize unique individuals.

At this year's red carpet gala, we will witness yet again those deserving individuals who are nominated by those who've seen their craft. You will know the story of tomorrow's award night in full narratives as this writer is given the best vantage point to capture it.

Thanks to the Organizer/Founders for the opportunity given to tell the stories of the Golden Balangay Awards two years in a row. Let me tell the story of why we need this award giving body a shot in the arm with our trust and support and most likely, respect.

Congratulations to all the Nominees and would be winners including the Nominators who spent time to fill the requirements to present their respective Nominee.

SOME OF LAST YEAR'S 1ST GOLDEN BALANGAY AWARDS PLAYERS: