Published on: 09/11/2025
| Section: Starlife

Cultural appreciation club inducts officers

• CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO

INSTALLATION. The new set of officers of Circulo de Bacolod for 2025-2027 led by its president Sandra Ruth Sycip (third from left) took their oath of office before Secretary to the Mayor Marty Go in the presence of CSB honorary chairman Juan Orola Jr. (left and 2nd from left) at Sugarland Hotel, Bacolod City on Sept. 6. Also in photo are Marianne Torres, Lynda Susan Poblador, Irish Mae Siason, Blyth Balbin, Patty Jane Ong, Ili Marie Hernaiz, Eva Gean Amorte, Mariam Khodir, Mercedita “Baby” Guevarra, and Wilfredo “Bamboo” Tonogbanua (l-r)*

The installation of the new set of officers of Circulo de Bacolod Foundation for 2025-2027, and induction of its new members, was held at Sugarland Hotel, Bacolod City on September 6.

Circulo de Bacolod Foundation, founded and organized by Luisa Medel Howard during the celebration of the Philippine Centennial, is a cultural appreciation club dedicated to spreading awareness, understanding and appreciation of arts, culture and history, particularly the Negros culture and it’s diversity and values.

The newly installed officers of the club are Sandra Ruth Sycip – president, Marianne Torres – vice president, Irish Mae Siason – secretary, Lynda Susan Poblador – assistant secretary, Blyth Balbin – treasurer, Patty Jane Ong and Ili Marie Arnaiz – business managers, Mariam Khodir – public relation officer, Eva Gean Amorte – auditor; and Deoden Monillo, Mercedita Guevarra, Imogene Kana-an, and Wilfredo Tonogbanua – board of directors; and Juan Orola Jr. – honorary chairman.

The new members include Mark John Vargas, John John Ditching, James Garcia, Barbara Tolentino, Marianne Torres, Lynda Susan Poblador, Patty Jane Ong, Eva Gean Amorte, Chrysee Samillano, and associate members Phoebe David and Gary Gatuslao.

Secretary to the Mayor Marty Go (left) administers the oath of office of the new members of CDB Gary Gatuslao, Mark John Vargas, Marianne Torres, James Garcia, John John Ditching, Patty Jane Ong, Eva Gean Amorte, Barbara Tolentino, Chrysee Samillano, and Phoebe David (l-r)* Ronnie Baldonado photo

Marianne Torres, John John Ditching, Julie Ann Carbon, Rudy Reveche, Bamboo Tonogbanua, and Roy Cajilig (l-r)*

Executive Judge Phoebe Balbin, Patty Jane Ong, Sandra Ruth Sycip, Bacolod Councilor Em Ang,Julie Ann Carbon, Cecile Smith, and Phoebe David (l-r)*

Former European Union Attaché Stephanie David, Mariam Khodir, Philippine country president of Association of Business Women in Commerce and Industry Phoebe David, Irish Mae Siason, and Lynda Susan Poblador (l-r)*

Alton Pabon, Patty Jane Ong, Charles Masaghi, Ma. Luisa Magalona, Phoebe David, Malou Masaghi, and Dolly Gatuslao (l-r)*

In her acceptance speech, Sycip encouraged the newly elected officers to “Awaken pride in our cultural and historical heritage, for it is the story of who we are as Filipinos. It is our identity, our legacy, and a gift to the generations that will follow. In embracing our roots, we strengthen our unity and confidence to engage with the world without losing ourselves.”

Orola, in his welcome remarks, said that “With the guidance of the present members (of Circulo de Bacolod), the preservation of our cultural heritage, arts and history shall be enshrined in our consciousness that will be passed on to the generations to come.”

In his message delivered by Secretary to the Mayor Marty Go, Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya said “Culture thrives when it is lived, shared and passed on. In a world of rapid change, preserving what anchors us requires courage and vision. Circulo de Bacolod shows us that history, culture, and the arts are not relics but foundations for tomorrow.”*