President's Blog

DEAR FELLOW LORETENOS,

Recently, David Bernard Beckwith, a world-renowned philosopher, speaker and author appeared on PBS special with his presentation of "THE ANSWER IS YOU" and raised the key questions that are relevant to all of us: “How can I grow?... How can I give?... What can I celebrate?”

As we embark into the new year 2010 and trek this boundless horizon, we are constantly seeking the happiness and fulfillment that we desire in our lives. We are reminded that there is goodness in our hearts that we want to reveal. Now we ask ourselves: Have I done my part to express my gratitude that life has brought me thus far? As immigrants in America and have lived the American dream, we sort of find our life's pleasure and satisfaction, an achievement of a journey.

Now is the time to show our gratitude and give back to others who are not as fortunate as we are. Let us align ourselves with our LUSCAN tradition to help our fellow Loretonians back home. Though there are many unspeakable issues that surround the poor Loretenos back home, we can only do small steps to alleviate them. Therefore, any small act of gratitude is a big help.

The year of 2010 is still a challenging year for all of us. With economic recession still raging, we have so many things to worry - finances, jobs, health, bankruptcy, etc.. We are hindered to commit this act of giving because of these. However, giving is a virtue worth keeping.

I like the quotations by W. Clement Stone :

"Your most precious, valued possessions and your greatest powers are invisible and intangible. No one can take them. You, and you alone, can give them. You will receive abundance for your giving.

There's a great joy in my giving. It's thrilling. It's exhilarating. It's important to be a part of sharing. It is my love. It is my joy."

Now, the Officers of LUSCAN ask you all to be involved and contribute to LUSCAN for a great cause. Let us give back. As LUSCANS we endeavor to help our school children in Loreto and Tubajon in Dinagat Island, Philippines build better foundation for their future. We maintain a resource of knowledge through our library located at Loreto's municipal center; we are donating playground equipment to provide decent places for children to play; and we are volunteering our time in medical missions in Loreto and Tubajon. We can expand our giving capacity only if we act and be grateful in the life we live.

Prayer:

Sweetest Lord, make me appreciative of the dignity of my career or profession, and its many responsibilities. Never permit me to disgrace it by giving way to coldness, unkindness, or impatience.

Prospero Galido
President, LUSCAN 2010

Dear Fellow Loretonian,

Once again we are reuniting in Toronto in July 2009. Much as I would like to be with you all, my health condition does not allow me to travel yet. God-willing, I will rejoin you in 2010.

Click here, and accept the box to receive a pdf file of the reunion itinerary. A proposed schedule has been worked on by the Loretonians of Canada. It also includes their contact phones and emails (see bottom page), if you have questions.

As in previous meetings, this reunion is unique and showcases the city of Toronto, CN Tower, Centre Island, Canada’s Wonderland, Niagara Falls, Eaton Centre, Square One and casinos. I have been to these wonderful, interesting and magnificent places, and they are all worth seeing. At Niagara Falls, I suggest you experience the Maid of the Mist, the Butterfly Conservatory, and the Oh Canada Eh Broadway Dinner Show (reservations requested). Some new attractions include Niagara’s fury. Please refrain from high-speed boat rides and be safe all the time.

The annual meeting and reunion last July 2008 was a great success – the first Luscan reunion experience at sea on board the Carnival’s Sensation, from and to the Bahamas and Port Canaveral, Florida. Thanks to Glowen Travels who made the travel arrangements for most of those who attended. If you need help with travel reservations to Toronto: contact Glowen Travels, c/o: Gloria And Wenceslao Luib, glowentravels@sbcglobal.net, YTB Travel Network, 25920 Via Oro, Loma Linda, 92354

Again, our gathering in Toronto promises a lot of fun and laughter as we reminisce the old good days in Loreto. To new Loretonians who will be joining us in Toronto, we are excited to have you and “Welcome”.

We hope every Loretonian gets involved, by committing his/her time and contributing towards worthy causes, i.e., to enhance the lives of the people in the town and barangays of Loreto and Tubajon.

Our heartfelt thanks to our gracious host – The Luibs of Toronto for their hospitality and kindness . Their house is at 98 Codsell Avenue, North York, Toronto.

This year’s motions will include the proposed construction of the children’s playground, mostly made of stainless steel, at Loreto Central School. The principal, Mr. Rex Paquiding, sent a cost estimate for the construction of the playground. This is open for discussion and approval by those who are attending.

Everyone is encouraged to save the date (July 10 to 12, Friday to Sunday) and be in Toronto. The success of our organization’s goals depends on your sincere commitment to our fellowship and your monetary donation. Our main fundraiser comes from annual member dues that are collected during the reunion; therefore, I call on every Loretonian in the U.S.A and Canada to join our annual reunions or send in their voluntary contributions.

For Canada questions;
Contact Geronima (Memang) Luib Clan Phone (416) 630 4053
Perfecto (Boy) & Beth Luib Phone (416) 650-6372 Email: Pluibjr@hotmail.com
Bu & Lea Galido Phone (416) 785 971 Email: bugalido2000@yahoo.com
Bernard & Lovely (Ompod) Ocaba. Email: lovelyocaba70@hotmail.com

I also encourage everyone to solicit donations of books, magazines, and learning aids for the Loreto Library. The organization will refund the donors of their shipping cost.

For questions regarding LUSCAN membership and activities, please call or email any of the members listed below:

West Coast:
Prospero Galido, cell phone (562) 325-9255, email: pros01@yahoo.com
Glorina Bagalay Comparativo, Tel. (760) 373-2625, email: glorina1@verizon.net

Midwest:
Carolina Paniamogan, Tel. (660) 872-6927, email: carolpaniamogan@yahoo.com
Fe Quijano Sarmiento, Tel. (281) 463-6337, email: Joefesarmi@aol.com

East Coast:
Rad & Cathy Daguinod, email: catedaguinod@yahoo.com; dcatera87@yahoo.com
Per Quijano Grolich, Tel. (630) 986-8458, email: Grohld88@aol.com
Ida Gumato, Cell: (201) 394-3203, email: Idlam72063@comcast.net

Canada:
Sergio Bu Galido, Tel. (416) 785 9711, Email: bugalido2000@yahoo.com

If you haven’t seen the Loretonian website yet, please do so. Go to : http://www.loretonian.org

Please also learn to use the email in Outlook with email address : yourname@loretonian.org.

Do plan early – July is only a few months away. God bless us all.

Warmest wishes to all,

Pros Galido

Dear Fellow Loretonian,

The annual meeting and reunion last July 2007 in Duncanville, Texas was a great success -- the camaraderie was admirable and the commitment to contribute was so genuine. Thanks to everyone who attended and made our gathering such a fun event especially when we reminisce the old good days, captured in the laughter of those who came. We missed those who were unable to attend; we hope that others can join us next time.

We hope every Loretonian gets involved, by committing their time and contributing towards such a worthy cause, i.e., to enhance the lives of the people in the town and barangays of Loreto and Tubajon. Through the Loretonians in the U.S.A and Canada, we can lend support to those in need.

Our heartfelt thanks to our gracious host, Lea and Sabri, their children Yasmin and Amni, for their hospitality and for opening their beautiful home. Thanks also for providing fabulous music & entertainment at the dinner dance which was held at the City of Desoto’s library building.

This year’s motions included an appropriation of $1,000 for the repair and maintenance of the Luscan library to match a $1,000 donation of one of our members for the construction of a children’s playground in Loreto.

The reunion attendees also unanimously voted to have a 2008 Cruise Ship Reunion in Florida in mid-July, 2008. Everyone is encouraged to save the date and start saving for this reunion. We will advise the Loretonians soon of the plans for next year’s reunion.

The success of our organization goals depends on your sincere commitment to our fellowship and your monetary donation. Our main fund raiser comes from annual member dues of $50 that is collected during the reunion; therefore, I call on every Loretonian in the U.S.A and Canada to join our annual reunions or send in their donations.

I also encourage everyone to solicit donations of books, magazines, and learning aids for the Loreto Library. The organization will refund the donors of their shipping cost.

For questions regarding LUSCAN membership, activities, and our next reunion, please call or email any of the members listed below:

West Coast:
Prospero Galido, cell phone (562) 884-5860, email: pros01@yahoo.com
Glorina Bagalay Comparativo, Tel. (858) 560-8344, email: glorinabc@sbcglobal.net

Midwest:
Carolina Paniamogan, Tel. (660) 872-6927, email: carolpaniamogan@yahoo.com
Fe Quijano Sarmiento, Tel. (281) 463-6337, email: Joefesarmi@aol.com

East Coast:
Rad & Cathy Daguinod, email: catedaguinod@yahoo.com
Per Quijano Grolich, Tel. (630) 986-8458, email: Grohld88@aol.com
Ida Gumato, Cell: (201) 394-3203, email: Idlam72063@comcast.net

Canada:
Sergio Bu Galido, Tel. bugalido2000@yahoo.com

If you haven’t seen the Loretonian website yet, please do so. Our 2007 reunion photos are now available on the web for your viewing pleasure.

Do plan early for our 2008 reunion. See you in Florida.

Warmest wishes to all,

Pros Galido

Dear fellow Luscans,

Time flew so quickly since our stimulating Las Vegas reunion. There is this great longing to see each other once again -- the feeling of community within all of us, Loretonians. Thanks for the happy feelings, your smiles and laughter, your prayers, and the love that each one always brings to our reunions.

To the newcomers of our organization, “The Loretenos in USA and Canada” (“LUSCAN”) welcomes you to be more involved. To the dedicated members, please continue to guide and support us so that LUSCAN will remain to stay strong and can pursue its goals.

LUSCAN is built on charity and love and we formed ourselves as a united group whose mission is to care for fellow Loretonians by supporting each other, preserving the Loretonian culture and tradition in America and Canada, and helping others who are less fortunate and in need. In America and Canada, we enhance our lives in every reunion by sharing news about our towns and barangays, remember our folks back home, create an atmosphere of community, and talk about our common interest – that is to further our goals to help others. LUSCAN have built a legacy as a united group with caring individuals by building a learning resource center in Loreto. This center has become the source of knowledge for all the high school and grade school children. Also with LUSCAN and the medical missions of Fruitful Harvest, and One World Medicine, the people back home has benefited medical care from this charitable work.

As we go on with our lives here in America, let us not forget our organization’s goals and objectives. As caring Luscans, continue your charitable work to support our learning center in the Philippines. Send them books, magazines, computers, learning videos and CD’s. These learning tools and materials are very essential to the development of children’s education and will enhance their knowledge and well-being. Let us also provide resources for learning, information and awareness to the adult citizenry in Loreto Tubajon, and barangays more specifically in the area of health, nature preservation and self-sufficiency.

On behalf of the incumbent and past officials of LUSCANS, we request each and everyone to be more involved in our charity work. Share your ideas and questions. Though our website is under construction, we encourage you to visit our website: www.loretonian.org in the next few months. We hope everyone had a great year and hope to see you soon in Texas. Take care and let us keep in touch.

Best Regards to All,

Pros Galido