History

Biyaya History

by Athena M. Lopez

The year was 1990... the parochial vicar of St. Christopher Parish then was Father Joe Bouffardi and under the instruction and guidance of Msgr. Frank Ferraioli, he impelled the growing Filipino-American community to form an organization.

Thus, the genesis of the BIYAYA Association of St. Christopher came into being.

Donna Querimit, who is active in the ministry of the parish, organized the first meeting attended by a small group of Filipino parishioners: Dante and Donna Querimit, Abel and Elsa Desiderio, Ruben & Miles Dumapit, Rod and Connie Navarro, Larry and Marian Hirschenson, Vic Articona, Bill & Jeannette East, Melvyn and Athena Lopez.

The first president, Dr. Dante Querimit was elected and held the position for four (4) years.

The basic objective of the Association according to our founding president can best be referred to as the three S’s ---

Spiritual growth of each member which can be accomplished by involvement in the church ministry, cathechetical education and volunteer works both in the church and school.

Support for the church and community through fund-raising activities for the parish.

Social awareness such as the annual gatherings during the Christmas celebration and the Dinner Dance which started in 1992.

Today’s Biyaya is a continuance of what has been initiated 8 years ago, led by the incoming president, Don Romero. We aspire to be relevant in our support particularly for St. Christopher Parish and School and the Filipino-American community in general. It is with fervent hope that we look forward to the Biyaya Association truly becoming a blessing for our church and community.