The best attire, gleaming ambience, and the warmth of celebration filled the gala gathering for the first United Filipino Canadians of Lloydminster and Area (UFCLA) Awards Night.
Several businesses and pioneering community members were celebrated for their trailblazing involvement in the Midwest spanning the last few decades.
The honor role reads
Golden Pioneer – 50 years or more
1. Serena Evangeline Wakefield – 50 years
Silver Pioneers – 25 years or more
1. Carmelita Swan – 47 years
2. Susan Tichkowky – 45 years
3. Fatima Pfleider – 42 years
4. Rachael Gustafson – 39 years
5. Liberty Kersten – 37 years
6. Marilou Rickets – 37 years
7. Jesse Leodones – 35 years
8. Philip Magundayao – 35 years
9. Dora Afsath – 34 years
10. Emelia Flores – 34 years
11. Al Sicat – 32 years
12. Imelda Abejero – 31 years
13. Aurora Meneses-Lefbvre – 31 years
14. Cynthia Hunter – 30 years
15. Cristina Orapa – 30 years
16. Joseph Abajero – 28 years
17. Julie Baldivino-Fontanilla – 28 years
18. Nimfa Reyes-Sicat – 28 years
19. Rovic Villasor-Barter – 27 years
20. Marilou Chaisson – 25 years
21. Jessica Baldivino-Carag – 25 years
22. Virginia Cruz – 25 years
23. Marites Tizzard – 25 years
“You have given us inspiration and you have served as mentors to us. Today shows that we have come a long way since the first Filipino immigrant came to Lloydminster, 50 years ago. We have grown considerably in terms of skills, career enhancements, professions, entrepreneurship and most importantly community involvement and service,” said Polly Yabut, one of the organizers with UFCLA.
1. DAVES AUTO/INTEGRA TIRE (Dave and Susan Tichkowky) – 35 years
2. 20242299 Alberta Ltd. – Julie Baldivino-Fontanilla – 25 years
3. Brighter Horizon Financial Services – Darren and Joem Balbiran-Weinkauf – 18 years
4. Asia’s Finest/Juan Stop Shop – Jesse and Evelyn Leodones – 16 years
5. AKA Insulatin Ltd. – Joseph Abajero – 15 years
6. Subway Lloydminster – Robin and Fatima Witzaney – 15 years
7. Borabo Cleaning Services – Alex and Jocelyn Borabo – 14 years
8. A Touch of Class – Jean Capilitan – 12 years
9. Igorot Enterprise – Joseph and Michelle Balilis – 12 years
10. Canada Assist Immigration Services – Jo Balbiran-Aban – 12 years
11. Fabulash – Karem Carreon – 10 years
12. File Tax Here – Amer Aban – 10 years
13. Tommy Guns Original Barbershop – Cynthia Hunter – 10 years
14. Cruz Autobody Repairs – Tirso and Nora Cruz – 10 years
Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers and Councillor David Lopez were on hand to help with handing out awards and bringing greetings on behalf of the city.
The organizers are thanking everyone who pitched to make the Feb. 15 event at the Gold Horse Casino a success.
The award categories are to be expanded in the coming years, says the UFCLA.
