THE Dagupan City Association of Northern California (DCANC), Northern California’s premier Dagupan City civic organization based in the Bay Area, recently honored three outstanding Dagupenos with its Dayew na Dagupan (Pride of Dagupan) annual award.

The ceremony was held in conjunction with the group’s Island Fantasy themed spring dinner-dance held last April 15 at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Burlingame, California.

Dayew na Dagupan “recognizes and gives tribute to the men and women who hail from Dagupan City, or of its descent, who have distinguished themselves in their chosen professions, thus giving honor to their city of origin”.

Awarded were: Alvin D. Fernandez for Government Leadership; Gil Umnas for Community Service; and Felix Lopez for Business Entrepreneurship.

Shown in the picture are: L to R.–Ping Mejia, Awards committee member, Fred Joves, past DCANC president who received the award for Alvin Fernandez; Ernie Siapno, past president of Stockton Association of Northern California and Vicinity, who received the award for Gil Umnas; Pacita Aningalan, awards chairperson; Felix Lopez, awardee for Business Entrepreneurship; Penny Cagampan, Mert Manela, awards committee members. Kneeling in front is Bernard Galvez, awards Committee member.

The association is headed by Veon Rafanan and Melanie Oviedo-Manela, president and vice president respectively. Epee Rafanan is the Special Events Consultant.

Baby Mangila, Dong Mendoza, Epee Rafanan, Marlene Garibay belt their hearts out with a rousing rendition of Pangasinan’s unofficial anthem, Malinak Lay Labi.

Members and friends from various affiliate groups pose for a souvenir picture after the dance.

Hobnobbing with star personalities: Shown from left: Rene De Los Santos, Phil Tourism Director of Northwestern USA and Western Canada; Alvin Padilla, past president, United Pangasinanes of America (UPA),Pacita Paningalan, chairperson, Dayew na Dagupan; Baby Mangila, marshal of  DCANC; Vicky Brooks , area coordinator of DCANC; Rex Catubig, 2009 Dayew na Dagupan awardee; Carmen Estalilla, member; and Arsie Valdez, DCANC vice president.

DCANC 2-term President Veon Rafanan enjoys a light moment with Vicki Brooks.

Lady Vice President Melanie Oviedo-Manela welcomes arriving guests.

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