Getting to know you

The Figueroa-Gonzaga clan held their “Get to Know” reunion on the theme “Today's Unity for our Tomorrow's Solidarity” at the big ballroom of Business Inn, Bacolod City , recently.

The affair started with an afternoon Mass officiated by Vicar General Msgr. Victorino Rivas of the Diocese of Bacolod.

As recalled by their Tito Meloy Gonzaga, their huge family started when Capitan Luis Gonzaga and his wife Ynocenta Figueroa settled in Murcia , Negros Occidental.

They had seven children, five boys and two girls, and they lived at Hacienda Luisa Carmen. Luis died at only 38 years old, and Ynocenta died at 65 when the eldest son, Fernando or “Padoc,” was only 17.

The family then moved to Bacolod where the seven children settled down and eventually had their own families.

Ermelo Gonzaga, the grand patriarch, and the “moving force” of the reunion, gave an opening message.

Introduction of the clan was led by Dennis Jabuena, representing the eldest child “Padoc”, Bobby Gonzaga representing Ricardo, Dr. Ana Ramos for the Enrique clan, Monju Guanzon - Magdalena clan, Christopher Gonzaga representing Julian. The Ynocenta clan came in green, and, lastly, Boy Ereneta introduced the Adoracion clan who were all in beige.

Delicious dinner was served buffet style, and a short program was prepared by all the apos.

Remember: Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father.*