Betisenian San Diego Chapter

Betisenian SD Christmas Party 2009

December 19, 2009

The party was fun, fun, fun. Guests started arriving at 3 p.m. and most of them came decked out in 70's costumes. Parlor games and line dancing added to the fun while the dinner table just over flowed with food brought in by members. Everyone had a good time: the White Elephant game was a riot and token appreciation gifts were given to chosen members and winners of the parlor games.

Awards went to the following:

* Most Romantic Couple of the Night: Steve and Lorna Bituin

* Most Kwela Couple of the Night: Zaldy and Gigi Zuniga

* Star of the Night: Letty David

* Couple most appreciated for their efforts to support Betisenian endeavors:Tony and Tess Roque

*Best in Costume: Len Sabado in a Donna Summer disco outfit and husband

Edgar dressed as Jimi Hendrix

Thanks to the following for making this party a success:

Eric and Jeck Magbanua (for graciously hosting the event)

Rene Tomada

Imang Caring and Anette Bituin

Cheche David

Charles David

Claire and Kim Morosi

Dong and Elan de Jesus

Ellen Jingco

Romy and Evelyn Cuevas

Tony and Glo Lopez

Frank Jingco

Zaldy and Gigi Zuniga

Jorge and Jack Songco

Edgar, Len Sabado and Family

Letty David

Albert, Lingling Garcia and Family

Steve and Lorna Bituin

Dikes and Marina David

Marty Songco

Carling and Mely Bituin

Bong and Nette Gozum

Rose, Mark and Pao Magracia

Tony, Tess Roque and Family

Frank and Tusa Enriquez

Chi Cuevas

Quel Baluyut

Briand Songco

Ramil and Christy Reyes

Bing and Leah Cuevas

What makes our ancient town of Betis unique from anywhere else in the Philippines?

It's our tradition...

Did you know that during the dates of November 1 through November 10 we're the only town that celebrates Daunan or All Souls Day.

On All Saints’ Day (rather than on All Souls’ Day, the next day, which is really their day in the Catholic calendar), they visit the dead as if they have come back precisely to commune with them. They gather as families before their graves, bringing food, flowers, candles, and good cheer. Families reminisce about the times when they were among them. They thank them for their love and what they have done for them. They ask for their forgiveness and continuing guidance. Light a candle and the day is done.

While most people have stashed away leftover candles on All Saints'Day, the people of Betis have just started honoring their dead.

The event is marked by a noon time novena at the St. James the Apostle Church after which people would troop to the cemetery to light candles and pray for their dead loved ones. They would repeat this for nine days, faithfully observing a tradition that has long been in existence.

It is sad to say that the longest commemoration of All Souls' Day in Betis is facing the threat of being altered as younger generation are fast forgetting the traditions of the celebration and introducing their own version of "remembering the dead."

In one of the entrance of the graves their is a dictum inscribed on the portal of the cemetary: “Acu ngeni, ica bucas” roughly meaning "Me today, you tomorrow"

If you have been visiting the website you'll notice their have been many changes. I've been testing some of the features on here. I have changed our background to be more streamline and professional. If you have any suggestions or things you would like to see please let me know.

I also updated the video section with a montage of our 2008 SD Betis Fiesta. Please watch and enjoy.

We also have a module on the side that will allow you to sign in and update your profiles. You can also see who have joined our group.

PLEASE update your profile so that you can be added to the list. If you know anyone that would like to join our group just direct them to our site. Thank you and I hope all is well.

Best,

Cathy Jingco