Jernie's Hub

LUSCAN was created in 1989 by Loretonians who migrated to the United States with the intention of keeping in touch with each other. The organization is concerned about the communities of their origin; Loreto and Tubajon, Surigao del Norte, Philippines. It is also committed in bringing goodwill by contributing to the educational and cultural needs in the communities of Loreto and Tubajon. Check out their website: http://www.loretonian.org/

I have been in touch to some of the members but never had a chance to attend any of their reunions. They would choose a venue for their annual reunion in different places in the United States and Canada, This year was here in Toronto, Canada; a perfect opportunity for us to join them.

The event started on Friday (July 10, 2009) with a welcome evening and a business meeting in North York, Toronto. Watch the video clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elcOvqBZ-qc

Saturday (July 11, 2009) was a free day. Everyone went out to explore the city of Toronto, GTA and Niagara. In the evening we had a "Dinner and Dance" party held at the Adult Centre Hall of Square One Mall in Mississauga. Since the venue is just opposite our place, we didn't have to rush. It was around 6:30pm when we got there. We did our registration, bought some souvenirs and joined everyone for the "meet and greet" session. Of course the picture-taking kept everyone busy. We were introduced to the people around and I was ecstatic to meet my friends, relatives and fellow-Loretonians whom I've never met in my life. Cameras are everywhere, flashing almost every minute until the party started. I couldn't even believe it was real; we were part of the LUSCAN reunion. I was so grateful for such an opportunity. The party ran until midnight.

Message from the LUSCAN President from L.A. California

Dinner time

Philippine dessets prepared by the Canadian members

so yummy...!

cassava suman was the first one to go.....even before dessert time..

Baked by Christine Galido, nice huh!

dancing the night away!



raising fund..., well done girls!

The next morning Sunday (July 12, 2009), we convened in North York, Toronto for the prayer service and lunch. The food was fantastic, mainly Filipino dishes. One thing I loved the most was the salted fish and some native sweet delicacies from our hometown, Loreto. After lunch, they voted for the next year's reunion venue which is Beverly Hills, Florida. We spent the whole afternoon singing some folk songs, exchanging jokes and enjoying each other's company. At 4pm we said our goodbyes to everyone and last minute picture-taking.

lunch time
singing Visayan Folk songs



folk dancing


the Escobido clan

North York, Toronto

It really was a fun and wonderful experience. Unforgettable!