“Viva Senyor San Miguel!!! Viva!!!”

Such was the resounding cheer of the more than 300 Iliganons, Lanaonons and their friends at the Iligan-Lanao Association of the Midwest, Inc.’s (ILAMI) Iligan Fiesta Celebration last September 29, 2013 at the Avalon Banquet Halls, which showcased the multiple talents of the ILAMI members.

The Fiesta began with a Catholic Mass organized by Jeany Lim-Intrain, in honor of Iligan’s Patron St. Michael the Archangel. The effective emceeing talent of ILAMI’s Secretary Fiji Nunez-Libunao ushered-in the Program proper. The national anthems were beautifully sung by a younger ILAMI member Kester Go, accompanied by much younger violinists KC Cabahug-Galang and Kylie Clapsaddle. ILAMI’s Auditor Noli Orbe led the Invocation and its President, Salvador “Bo” Documento welcomed everyone through his opening remarks. He was proud to announce ILAMI’s first 3 college student scholars from the Lanao region as recipients of the association’s 10-month fundraising endeavor.
Other highlights of the celebration were ILAMI’s rendition of the “Iligan Nga Buotan” song conducted by one of ILAMI’s Board of Directors Bobby Abragan, followed by the “Iligan March.” As guests were partaking of their lunch, they were entertained by the songs of ILAMI’s assistant Secretary Merlyn Comendador-Belcina. The piece de resistance was ILAMI’s versions of the Sinulog led by its dynamic President Bo Documento. About 24 ILAMI members in colorful, knockout garbs and accessories danced a more traditional version followed by the updated Sinulog-Gangnam style! The best costumed members Yen Tocaldo and John Intrain were rewarded by one of ILAMI’s Board of Directors Dr. Greg Dy.
Of course, no Filipino Fiesta is complete without a lechon (roast pig). Well, there were 3! The ILAMI donors were: Jim and Diday Sansona-Najarro, Edgar and Grace Montecillo-Tebalan and Amada Monar, who was greeted on her birthday. Indeed, there was more food to be had in addition to the double-entrée lunch served by Avalon.
A raffle draw was held as well, organized by one of ILAMI’s Assistant Business Managers Lodi Cabungcal-Po. Congratulations to the winners: Clinton Tocaldo, Rosa Go and Beckie Langton. One and a half Balikbayan Boxes were also auctioned and won by ILAMI member Edna Randa.
The excitement was palpable, the outcome was commendable. Alas, the Fiesta Celebration had to come to a close with the Closing Remarks of ILAMI’s Student Scholarship Selection Committee Co-Chairwoman, Grace Montecillo-Tebalan.
Last but not the least, all attendees were greeted by ILAMI’s incredible PRO “Super”-Mar Tocaldo, who was the overall Committee Chairman, backed by one of ILAMI’s Assistant Treasurers Zeny Orbe. Bess Nunez-Villanueva-Documento