Beginning in 2007 Ambibo will choose a man, woman, or idea that has most influenced events in the preceding years for ZaNorteans. In time this list will become a roster of honorees who have contributed to the betterment of the lives of our kababayans both at home and abroad. Ambibo.com’s Person of the Year are individuals who, through their profession, have made the community a better place to live and work; have shown outstanding leadership in the advancement of ideas and their careers and have contributed significantly to the preservation and promotion of our culture. They embody the Ambibo spirit.

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Eddie Ampoloquio Artajo was born on June 6 in Baroy, Lanao to Teodula and Fidel, both deceased. He attended elementary and high school at the Andres Bonifacio College in Dipolog City . He finished his Civil Engineering course at Feati University in Manila. Seeking greener pastures and adventure, Eddie migrated to the United States in November 1972. As one of the first Dipolognons in Chicago, he assisted those newly-arrived settle in the new country. Tales of Eddie’s self-sacrifice and tireless efforts to serve abound. Eddie Artajo also pioneered the online presence of the Zamboanga del Norte community through his websites, including Daily Dipolognon where our kababayan abroad get their updates on local news and events. He is now it’s CEO and President. Eddie has 2 children, Giscard and Arabella, both happily married with their own growing families.His siblings, Rachel and Fidel, Jr., and Ligaya and Belen have been constant supporters to Eddie’s many projects.

PHOTOS/COVERAGE VIEW THE EVENT PHOTOS BY AMBIBO.COM VIEW AS A SLIDE SHOW

Speech at Ambibo.com Person of the Year 2009 Award Ceremony

Fellow Zambonorteans, ladies and gentlemen, good evening!

It is really a great honor to be chosen as “Person of the Year 2009″ by Ambibo.com. I am not sure if I deserve the title that is bestowed upon me. Of course, I understand the responsibilities assigned to me. I sincerely and willingly will assume them except the idea of speaking in public. I am so allergic to it. In fact, I told Luz that I would rather just sing because there is a karaoke that would help me out but Luz has concerns such as “what’s going to happen if I be out tune”. I guess, it’s not really an option, so here I am.

I am thanking ambibo.com for the award that you have given me tonight. Rest assured that the responsibilities that go along with the honors are instilled in my heart and you have my dedication and determination to face any challenges that might come my way to the best of my ability. I will continually take pride as a member of this organization to pursue the goals and objectives of the organization. In addition, my involvement to the undertakings of this group has been a passion for me that commitment does not really become an issue.

Let us remember that this organization or community we have established represents our root, our foundation, In fact, belongingness which derives a sense of acceptance is one important factor that got me motivated to be involved. It felt so good to see it grow into a huge umbrella that, we, the inhabitants have sought shelter from. To me, this is a family but on a bigger scale because we look after each other. We have always been together in determining our aspirations and we have always worked hand in hand to make it a reality for a common goal.

In closing, I am calling or encouraging our youth and for those who are out there just watching to come and join. Make this your outlet to release your stress after a hard day’s work. Take the time to share your family values and traditions with everyone in the organization. Often times, a balanced life of incorporating play and spending time in whatever our organization engages, will be well-worth it. Mind you, it will become a satisfying and fulfilling experience. Believe it or not , it is going to be HOME.

So tonight, join in and make this another enjoyable night for you. Thanks everyone for the recognition.

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To all of you who have heartily sent Congratulatory Remarks as Person of the Year 2008 of Ambibo.com.

Cita Orbecido Bajamunde



(Photo: Joem C. Bayawa)

Each year Ambibo chooses a man, woman, or idea that has most influenced events in the preceding years for Filipinos. In time this list will become a roster of honorees who have contributed to the betterment of the lives of our kababayans both at home and abroad.

Ambibo.com’s Person of the Year are individuals who, through their profession, have made the community a better place to live and work; have shown outstanding leadership in the advancement of ideas and their careers and have contributed significantly to the preservation and promotion of our culture.

They embody the Ambibo spirit.

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Mrs. Cita Orbecido-Bajamunde, retiring Chairperson of the Dipolog City Fiesta Organizing Committee in Chicago.

6 years ago this retired teacher and parole and probation officer took upon herself the herculean task of getting together Dipolognons in the Chicagoland area to celebrate the city’s 2 annual feast days. Since then the charity’s combined efforts has raised close to $40, 000 for the Catholic Retreat House project in Alvenda, Mutya, Zamboanga del Norte.

As Cita Bajamunde prepares to hand over the responsibility of these important events many wonder who her successor will be and will that person be able to fill in her shoes and the projects’ future.

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INVITATION

You are cordially invited to join us at the reception in honor of Mrs. Cita O. Bajamunde, 2008 Ambibo.com Person of the Year and 9th Anniversary party at Holiday Inn, Skokie on Saturday, January 24 at 6 PM.

Donation: $35. includes dinner. Limited seating available. For reservations, please call Desiree Ladera-Lee.  Note:  This event is free seating arrangement

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Ambibo wishes to thank the following for their invaluable production assistance:

Photography: Joem C. Bayawa

Video:  Mario and Marissa Lagunzad, Geist Video

Slides: John Kinjo Ramirez and Erick Damalerio, Brekin Productions

Sounds: Stephen Hamoy

Voice over announcer: Seth Calasang

MC: Joy Ramirez

Entertainment: Jean Dado

Logistics support: Mercy Gonzales, Bebot Villan

Admission: Desiree Ladera-Lee

Related:

The PERSON OF THE YEAR Project

Event coverage at Dipolognon.com courtesy of Mr. Eddie Artajo

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PHOTOS/COVERAGE

VIEW THE EVENT PHOTOS BY JOEM C. BAYAWA

[The photographer has graciously made the images DOWNLOADABLE from his site from today, Jan. 27, 2009 until next Tuesday. Feb. 3, 2009. Simply right click and save to your computer. ]

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Starting last year Ambibo chooses a man, woman, or idea that has most influenced events in the preceding years for ZaNorteans. In time this list will become a roster of honorees who have contributed to the betterment of the lives of our kababayans both at home and abroad.

Ambibo.com’s Person of the Year are individuals who, through their profession, have made the community a better place to live and work; have shown outstanding leadership in the advancement of ideas and their careers and have contributed significantly to the preservation and promotion of our culture.

They embody the Ambibo spirit.

Learn more about last year’s Person of the Year

Starting this year Ambibo will choose a man, woman, or idea that has most influenced events in the preceding years for ZaNorteans. In time this list will become a roster of honorees who have contributed to the betterment of the lives of our kababayans both at home and abroad.

Ambibo.com’s Person of the Year are individuals who, through their profession, have made the community a better place to live and work; have shown outstanding leadership in the advancement of ideas and their careers and have contributed significantly to the preservation and promotion of our culture.

They embody the Ambibo spirit.
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A special reception to honor Ambibo.com’s “Person of the Year” will be held in conjunction with it’s anniversary celebration next month.

Reception coverage is here.

Print version of this tribute will be published simultaneously in next week’s newspapers in Zamboanga del Norte. Download a smaller .pdf version here.

Press mentions:
The Asian American Community Builder
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PERSON OF THE YEAR 2007
In His Own Words:

Who is Claude Adriatico?

I’d like to think of myself as a regular person: God-fearing, law-abiding, and one that always puts his family’s welfare above anything else in this world. I love my adoptive country, yet proud of my Filipino heritage. Deep down, I am a romantic, both at heart, and in the way I view the world. I tend to look at matters through rose-colored glasses. I believe that there is always good in everything, no matter how dark or dreary. Although idealistic in nature, I am a realist as well. I know that we don’t live in a perfect world, that evil lurks in every corner, that there is a pervasive malady that afflicts society everywhere, social, physical and economic ills that need to be addressed and require our utmost care and attention. I believe that it is our duty and responsibility as citizens of this nation, and of the country we left behind, to find ways and means to help ease the pain and suffering of our fellowmen.

On family and my childhood

I was fortunate to have been born into, and bred in, a close-knit family whose parents aspired only for the best for their children. Some people, aware of my publicly perceived “privileged” background, may readily, though mistakenly, assume that I had an easy, even charmed, upbringing. But the truth is, we were raised in an austere and disciplined environment, albeit one that was not sorely wanting in love and support.

On career

I feel privileged to be in a profession where one is able to cater to a person’s highest need: a sound mind and a healthy body. To be entrusted with a person’s most precious possession, his life, is both the ultimate responsibility and an honor to bear.

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