1st Familia Ledesma Grand Reunion - Now A Reality

Over a year ago Ramon Severino Conlu, Jr., the researcher behind The Ledesma Genealogy Book, created a Facebook Group, the Familia Ledesma of Jaro, Iloilo. The group’s on-line membership grew from an initial few hundreds to more than a thousand in a few month's time.  That was when Ramon and other members like Ekoy Golez, Mardi Mapa Suplido, Ging Palanca and Marie Silva Vallejo began entertaining the idea that a grand reunion could very well happen.  A series of monthly meetings were started and the adhoc committee proposed for a three-day affair.  Several dates were mentioned but the most feasible was May 24 to 26, 2013.   The people in the organizing team knew that it was going to be an ambitious project considering that the Ledesmas are generally not the social type.  But then, if not now...when?

And so this weekend, Ledesmas from all over the country and abroad will converge at the Bacolod Pavilion Resort and Hotel in Bacolod City, Philippines, for our first ever grand reunion where we will meet and get to know each other, bond and celebrate our common ancestry, heritage and legacy.   What was then a dream is now a reality.   Welcome to all!

Non Sibi Sed Cunctis 
(Not for oneself, but for all)

Schedule of Activities

Day 1 (May 24) – Bacolod Pavillon Hotel, Bacolod City
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. - Registration
Opening of Familia Ledesma Exhibit

2:00 p.m. SHARP – Ledesma Heritage Tour (Optional): For 30 people on a first come, first served basis. ***Cost: P500 per person. Children not needing a seat - entrance fees only.
Heritage Homes/Museum include Bernardino Jalandoni and Ysabel Ledesma House, Maria Golez House (RCBC), Manuel Hofilena House, The Ruins in Talisay.
Added attractions: Negros Forest Reserve, San Diego Pro-Cathedral Ledesma Oral History and Trivia

7:00 p.m.- FIESTA FAMILIA: Family Party - Cocktails, Live Band (at the Poolside).

Day 2 (May 25) – Bacolod Pavillon Hotel Convention Hall, Bacolod City
8:00 a.m. - Registration
9:00 a.m. - Opening Program/Welcome Messages
10:30 a.m. - Picture taking per branch (wear reunion t-shirt and ID)
12:00 p.m. - Lunch (Food Booths)
2:00 p.m. - Games/Interaction Activities
5:00 p.m. - Break
6:00 p.m. - Dinner Buffet – 300/person 13 yrs and above; 100/kid 6-12 yrs; free 5 yrs and below.
7:00 p.m. – Special Prizes to the following attendees:

1. the oldest
2. traveled the longest distance to the reunion  
3. the farthest generation from his/her Ledesma brother ancestor and 
4. brings a photo of the oldest Ledesma ancestor.

7:30 p.m. - ESPECTACULO DE VARIEDAD: The Ledesma Variety Show (featuring Star Magic Singer/Actor Markki Ledesma Stroem, Joey Benin (formerly of Side A Band) and Bing Ledesma Benin and many more…with RJ Ledesma as emcee: 2012 Aliw Awards Best Male Emcee.

Day 3 (May 26) – Silay City (Transportation to be announced)
11:00 a.m. - MISA: Holy Mass at San Diego Pro-Cathedral, Silay City

• With Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Antonio J. Ledesma (main celebrant), Rev. Fr. Ceferino B. Ledesma & other Ledesma priests
• Tribute to Don Jose “Pepe” del Rosario Ledesma who initiated the move to construct the church in 1925. He also shouldered 90% of the construction costs.

12:30 p.m. - Lunch Buffet: Sen. Jose C. Locsin Cultural and Civic Center, Silay City

• Video Presentation and highlights of the reunion

2:00 p.m. - Awarding Ceremony and Closing Program

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To the steering committee members especially our vice-chair, Rafael "Paeng" de Paula Golez, our indefatigable over-all coordinator Ramon Severino Conlu, Jr., and our creative and vibrant event coordinator, Marinette Golez Adelfin-Torrejon...words will never be enough to describe your efforts and commitment to this reunion.  I call it your "labor of love".   MADAMO GID NGA SALAMAT!