Sandugo event aims to reunite Bol-anons around the world

TAGBILARAN CITY, Philippines – Tigum Bol-anon sa Tibuok Kalibutan (TBTK) intends to accommodate everybody, steering committee chairperson Neneng Corales said.

This came as some “paisanos” (fellow Boholanos) of faraway land appeared to be refusing to participate in this year’s TBTK edition as a result of some “unpleasant” experience in previous gatherings.

But this year’s TBTK, Corales said, is aimed at encouraging all Boholanos, not only from the USA and Canada but also other countries and provinces in the Philippines, to be active participants in the activities to be able to contribute for the community back home.

TBTK is a triennial gathering of all Boholanos founded by Loonanon Dr. Nick Lopez, former president of the Confederation of USA and Canada. It is a grand reunion of Boholanos who already settled in faraway lands but still wanted to look and come back in their respective hometowns, Corales said.

It is a big part of the month-long celebration of 450th year of Sandugo or blood compact between and by Boholano native chieftain and Spanish general Miguel Lopez de Legaspi.

Corales said the expected participating groups or Bol-anon associations include those from New York, Kuwait, North Cotabato, Tagbilaran, JCI, Cebu, Anda.

Meanwhile, TBTK formally opened yesterday which was declared a special public holiday, with a mass and a motorcade from Plaza Rizal to the CPG complex for a free “painit.” A commemorative program of Bohol day celebration at Bohol Cultural Center then followed.

A red carpet welcome dinner was also held at Bohol Tropics Resort Club yesterday evening.

On Thursday, there will be the canvassing of Mrs. Bohol International at 1 to 3 p.m. in Songculan, Dauis, Bohol and photo shoot. The competition is a fund-raising to help others though some projects to be funded by the proceeds.