Rosario Association of Greater L.A. 36th Induction Ball

Inducted on March 15^th, 2014 by Honorable Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla, Governor of Cavite, at the Embassy Suites in Orange County California, a big CONGRATULATIONS to the 2014 President Bobby Sanchez (second term) and the newly elected officers and advisors of Rosario “Salinas” Association of Greater L.A. Best wishes to all the members for their 36^th year of continued support and success.

Bobby and Arlene Sanchez with Hon. Juanito Victor "Jonvic" Remulla

Some of the inductee officers getting ready for oath taking.
From L-R:  Irene Prodigalidad, Leo Baquiran, Angelica "Chachie" Abundo, Linda Cuaderno,
and Hon. Juanito Victor "Jonvic" Remulla

  

It was a great privilege to welcome and introduce Governor Jonvic as he shared our excitement for the night.  He delivered a heartfelt message inviting everyone to come visit our hometown Rosario, Cavite and witness the significant transformation that has transpired.  He reported that Cavite continues to be the most populous province in the Philippines brought about by the industrialization trend that started in the late 80’s, right about when I left for USA.  Furthermore, the municipality of Rosario is known to have led the way to concentrated manufacturing industry and is now officially the most densely populated town not only in the province of Cavite, but in the whole Philippines. This is due to migrants coming for greener pastures… meaning jobs in the growing factories in Cavite Economic Zone.

While most faces are no longer familiar with more laborers coming from different parts of the country, Governor Jonvic highlighted that the local government now has the responsibility of keeping up with the town’s growth and serving its diverse people. Some of the development projects expected ahead include, but not limited to the following are: 

• Cavitex south extension to Kawit, Cavite and eventual connection to C-6 Regional Expressway (Bulacan-Rizal-Manila-Cavite) and the Cavite-Laguna Expressway. Construction is in progress
• Light Rail Transit (LRT) extension to Bacoor, Cavite.  Construction is set to start in October 2014.
• Former largest offshore US Naval Base Sangley Point in Cavite City is eyed by the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) to be the possible site of a new international gateway that would eventually replace the congested NAIA, which is currently ranked as 8^th among the 10 worst airports in the world by a US financial media company in Wall Street. Currently in survey and planning stages.
• To help mitigate the squatter situation, “Free Housing” development is planned in Rosario, Cavite for 2,000 families of good behavior and moral standing ß the only requirement to own one of the free houses.

It was refreshing to learn about the huge government projects and prospects for my hometown. It makes me feel optimistic and encouraged to go back and visit.  

Graced by Salinas Association pioneer members and political dignitaries from the province of Cavite, it was indeed a beautiful reunion of Salinas town mates who travelled from near and far.   Funds were productively raised at the event and generously supported by the attendees to finance the many projects lined up for our kababayans back home.   Previous successful initiatives by the Salinas Association include Monoblock Chairs Donation to several elementary schools, 32 LBC boxes for “Pasalubong Kabayan Ko”, Haiyan Typhoon Relief Funds, Annual Rice Distribution and many more.  As a Filipina, I am proud that this strong sense of kinship and “bayanihan” mentality are part of typical pinoy lifestyle and tradition.

The Salinas Association induction of officers is not complete without its muse and escort.  A warm welcome was given for the presentation and coronation of 2014 Mister Salinas - XX and 2014 Miss Salinas - XX.  After their promenade, it didn't take long for the dance floor to fill up as soon as the first beat dropped.  The rest of the night carried on with dinner, more dancing, and most importantly 'chikas' and selfies with friends.

(Come back to see more Mr and Miss Salinas 2014 photos)

From L-R:  Mr. Joe Huizar, Mrs. Flo Abueg and her daughters -
Gabriel Sanchez Mendoza (Miss Salinas 2013), Victoria Sanchez Mendoza (Miss Salinas 2014),
and Mr. Leo Abueg

For the 2^nd year in a row, I was honored to be the master of ceremony of the Rosario (Salinas) Association of Greater L.A.’s 36^th Induction and Coronation Ball, together with my dear friend Rafael Flores.   

Having a blast as Masters of Ceremony: Rafael Flores and Sheila Vertuno (yours truly)

Taking it a little serious this time

A wonderful family man who hails in San Diego, Raffy whom I have known for over 20 years is a great advocate of Filipino community events especially for little kids.  Looking dapper as always, Raffy wore a traditional pinya Barong Tagalog with Gap trousers, Aldo belt and shoes, and a Rolex timepiece to complete the look.

Tinette (wearing BCBG) and Rafael Flores with Hon. Juanito Victor "Jonvic" Remulla

Taking a short break for a duo selfie =)

Equally making a fashion scene with my co-host, I showcased one of my favorite designers, Dora Yim, whose brand appeals to my personal style, and that is contemporary and timeless.  I wore the classic navy blue and metallic bareback signature piece by d.p.c. Dora Yim (hurry...this dress is 50% off right now!).  Its defined waistline adds just the right shape to my lean boyish figure.  And finding a comfortable 5-inch ankle strap soles to compliment and accentuate my stems for a 6-hour formal event is always a happy feat!

Finally, while 2014 Vice President Leovy Baquiran is still working out the details with haute couture designers, I can’t wait to co-host the charity fashion show with Raffy this summer. 

Getting their FASH on and looking stylish, here are some of our kababayans!

With sultry Miss Grace Ibanez Trias wearing a long ivory skirt with Spring lace halter bra top by ANGL 

Chachie Abundo looking demure and sophisticated in vintage black chiffon & lace floor length gown. Her one-sided up do & flawless makeup is styled by Fermin Alberto of Gill's Hair Studio located in Carson, CA.
Boboy Abundo is dashing black Calvin Klein suit, Ralph Laure shirt and tie and Salvator Ferragamo soles

Ivan Jericho Vidamo (left) wearing a copper brown pinstriped black suit by Pacific Custom Tailors,
Gabriel Solomon Vidamo (middle) wearing H&M head to toe,
and Kevin Tiamzon (right)

From L-R:  Ivan Jericho Vidamo, Sheila Vidamo Vertuno, Marou Marana and Kevin Tiamzon

James Vidamo and beautiful Diane Christi Go wearing a vintage royal blue/black empire waist chiffon dress with long solid black shawl by Shawl Dawls

Jose Rozel "Jhing Jhing" Hernandez and Baby Cupino

Henry and Richelle Abundo

Grace Ibanez Trias

Rheyvon Abueg in Calvin Klein jacket, John Varvatos trousers, and Bass shoes
Flordeliza Pascual black cutout lace dress by Express and black platforms by Jessica Simpson

XOXO,
Chasing Sheila