"We will be there for our beloved hometown. How about you? Will you be there too?" That was the
call of the SAFASCANS to our kabaleyans here in the United States to attend the 2006 San Fabian Town Fiesta - USA Edition
held last January 28th at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Garden Grove, California. Indeed the response was overwhelming! It was
truly a "kabaleyan-studded affair" with over 300 guests in attendance. Kabaleyans from other states and cities
who attended included Noel Verzosa, Dr. Jose Tandoc Jr., Dr. Eugenio Sevidal, Lex Sevidal, Fabian and Rotricia
Tambot, the Patungan family, the Navarro family, Salvador Acayan, Emily U. Garcia, Vic Villegas, Florencio Villegas, Cornelio
and Gus Ganay, Willie Sison, Connie Rabanal, Felisa Cali Dale, Trining Tibig Abarquez, Bobby Langit, the Rentar clan from
Northern California, and of course, our guest speaker, Dr. Pedro A. Sevidal, Jr., who delivered an eloquent
and nostalgic speech. There were so many others in attendance whom I can't recall at this moment.
We felt the pride and joy of being called sons and daughters of San Fabian coming together with a common purpose of building
solidarity and brotherhood in an adopted country.
Here's a sampling of the beautiful notes we received from those who attended, who share the same sentiment:
Noel Verzosa (New York): The SAFASCA affair last January 28 was a huge success! Thanks to the leadership of club
President Claro B. Ulanday. Upwards of 300 guests were in attendance, incuding yours truly. It was a delight to be among so
many kabaleyans, most of whom I have not seen in ages. Congratulations to SAFASCA for a very successful town fiesta celebration.
Dr. Pedro A. Sevidal, Jr. (Michigan), our Guest Speaker: To your President Claro and all SAFASCANS: What a wonderul
San Fabian Town Fiesta - USA 2006 Celebration and a memorable reunion! The dinner-dance, coronation and the next day picnic
was "super." You and the organizing committee should be hightly commended for a very successful event. I appreciate the invitation
and also serving as your guest speaker for the evening. More power to you SAFASCANS and for your future projects.
Renato A. Rentar (President, San Fabian Association of Northern California): Just dropping you a note of thanks
for inviting us to the "spectacular" 2006 San Fabian Town Fiesta - USA. It was a night of lifting up our spirits, proud to
be a San Fabianite! Salvador Acayan, Benny and Rotricia Tambot, Diday and Gemma Navarro, and the Rentars from Northern California
who were with Aurora and I enjoyed the affair very much. It was a delightful evening! Congratulations for a successful celebration!
Cesar Adan (President, Fil-American Retirees of Southern California): The SAFASCA celebrated fellowship and a
new queen in one of the grandest and most successful Fil-American organization events Southern California has seen. Support
for the organization and fellowship was indeed evident that night. The coronation night was lined up with talents and entertainment
led by the two emcees, Katherine Rentar Ulanday and Tom Kantowicz. Claro Ulanday is indeed a dynamic and energetic leader
and also a champion in dedication who make San Fabian a better place to live in.
