Thanks to balikbayans

A big, big thank you to all the balikbayans who have contributed to the revenues of Negros Occidental and Bacolod City.

In Bacolod, balikbayans start coming as early as October to witness and join the two-week celebration of the MassKara Festival. Others arrive in November to visit their departed loved ones, while some come back during the December Christmas holidays and stay until January for the city fiesta.

Balikbayan Dr. Rudy Patiño comes back after staying between seven and eight months in Chicago. Sister Evelyn, also from the city, is an annual visitor of Talisay City. She is retiring next year and promises to stay for good.

After working for four years, Ma. Katrina Jison Golez of Washington D.C. decided to pursue her studies and hopes to realize her dream of becoming a full-fledged certified public accountant.

Also in town is the former Marite Tonsay, now married to Jeffrey Flores of California who, incidentally, is arriving on the second week of this month in time for the Valentine's Day celebration.

Bambi Villena of Maida Ville of London is now working at St. Mary Hospital, while studying at the same time. After spending a wonderful and enjoyable two-month vacation here, both Lillie and Virgie Piccio have finally decided to settle here for good after working on their retirement.

All balikbayans make sure to visit resorts, go island-hopping and engage in endless chattering and eating with Bacoleños as hosts. Fiesta Galore is a must.

More power to all balikbayans!*

Remember: "Trouble is only a challenge to spur you on to achieve the best that God has to offer if you have the faith to believe."