It was during the summer of 1985 when the first gathering of Tinambaquenos was held at Missile Park in San Diego. To join in the fun were my family, Gil Borja, Ben Papa, Rudy Abano, Manuel Betito, Herve Abiog, Sam Borja, and Bebot Abrazado, along with all their families. This gathering was nothing but a simple get together, exchanging  different views on different subjects.

    It was not until May of 1989, when I formally organized the first Tinambac reunion held at Adm Bakersfield Park in San Diego with the help of Rosario Brugada Papa. It was a very successful reunion that led to another picnic and in 1989, we held our first election. AS the years progressed, our "simple" get together full blown into an association. Pepe Ablay from Los Angeles was the second president during 1991-1992. When Pepe was the president, he drafted the bylaws. In the same year, those bylaws were adapted by the association.

    During the year of 1992-93, Herve Abiog was elected as the third president. Amid Herve's presidency, the Tinambac Association of California was formally adopted and the first Little Miss Tinambac winner was selected - Miss Jenny Lee Tuy.

    This year, 1993-94, Al Villamora was elected the fourth president of the Tinambac Association. Mr. Al Villamora organized the charity drive by collecting used clothing from all the members as a donation to "Typhoon Victims" in Tinambac under the supervision for distribution of Mr. Perfecto Borja. This year [1994], we conducted our first induction ball that was held at Radisson Hotel.

    As the association continues, we are happy to see new faces show up in our annual reunion. With the superb leadership of all elected officers and unlimited support of all members, we have strived and succeeded to make the best of the Tinambac Association.

THE ASSOCIATION'S LOGO                             

    Symbols used are explained as follows:
    SHIELD - Protection for both flags (interest)
    MOTTO - Reflects the association's aspirations, foster togetherness (unity), belief and trust in God, and emphasis on family values/role towards youth building
    COCONUT, CARABAO & NIPA HUT - Represents the Association's roots.
    PATH/STAIRWAYS - Reflects Tinambaquenos journey from our homeland to the promise land and some measure of success.
    MAN, WOMAN, CHILD - Represents the Tinambaquenos.
    RISING SUN - Symbolizes the blessings, hopes and aspirations of the Tinambaquenos. Note that the rays' projection transcends to the motherland.
    STRUCTURES - Represents the promise land ... AMERICA!

---

Article taken from the souvenir program during Tinambac Town Fiesta celebration in May 14, 1994.