Las Vegas, Nevada, USA - Gov. Josefina M. dela Cruz closed the annual weeklong Bulacan Week Celebration with a grand reunion of Bulakenyos in The Hilton Hotel in Las Vegas Nevada last September 17, 2005.

She was joined by other LGU executives and officials from the provincial government, and members of the business community. Mayor Boy Cruz of Guiguinto, Mayor Pope Buencamino of San Miguel, Mayor Romeo Estrella of Baliuag brought in the best of their own municipalities to the two-day celebration. Businessman Ismael Trinidad of Pinoy-Pinay fame in Las Vegas, engineered Bulacan's grand reunion.

The opening ceremony was graced by Mr. Claude Parrish, Vice-Chairman of the State Board of Equalization, 3rd District, and a representative of the Governor of the State of Nevada. Governor Josie dela Cruz was joined by Board Members Daniel Fernando, EnriqueViudez and Primitivo Tamayo.

Bulacan Chamber President Violy Luna, DTI Provincial Caretaker Rhine Aldana, PCEDO Chief Obet Saguinsin, and BCCI Director Ariel Arceo went ahead of the official delegation to make preparations for the trade fair and exhibit. These three agencies joined hands in selecting products to be brought to the US, which included Bakya ni Ondeng, C&K Christmas boxes, MerrC Esports' educational toys, Froigene's native bags, Buntal Fashion Bags, Kamalin religious icons, Sisidlan Bags, Mama Sita's sauces, paintings by various Bulacan-based artists, religious vestments by Tito Santos, embroidered fans, barong at saya from Pandi Special Garments and Bagong Barrio MPCI. The local executives hand-carried their native delicacies. Best sellers are Pastillas de Leche and Chicharon from San Miguel, buntal hats from Baliwag and herbal soaps from Guiguinto. DTI's rundown showed total sales amounting to about US$20,000.00. This does not include bookings for subsequent sales earned by participating private enterprises.

The culminating event of the celebration of this year's Linggo ng Bulacan sought to bring together Bulakenyos in the United States, and inspire them to remember their roots, or that of their forefathers. A taste of Bulacan culture was facilitated through the world-class performance of the Bulacan Kalinangan Foundation. The group brought with them a pre-fabricated singkaban (bamboo arc) which is the traditional fiesta marker in the Philippines. The traditional baro't saya was also featured in the exhibit, as well as fashion accessories from world-renowned Arnel Papa of Marilao, Bulacan. Bulacan-made delicacies were overflowingly served.

Because of the success of the event, Gov. Josie promised to bring back a more enhanced version next year, this time in the Los Angeles area. Our kababayans can only wait for the return of the Pistang Bulacan, to experience once more, a taste of their Bulakenyo heritage.