2025 Reyna Elena, NOGC member Elizabeth Woodhouse (seated), with (l-r) NOGC first vice president, Ernesto Nebit , NOGC president, Lope ‘Nonoy’ Napao and club secretary Becs Zepeda*
The Negros Occidental Garden Club (NOGC) and Bacolod Arts, Cultural and Heritage (BACH) joined forces recently to celebrate Flores de Mayo with a Grand Santacruzan at Bacolod City Government Center.
It was a fusion of devotion, artistry and religious devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Flores De Mayo honors the Blessed Virgin Mary by offering flowers, procession and daily prayers.
Santacruzan, which is derived from the Spanish Word “Santa Cruz” meaning “Holy Cross,” is a part of Flores De Mayo highlighted by a procession.
The parade commemorates Queen Helena’s journey in her search for the true cross through a reenactment by ladies dressed in gowns, representing biblical figures.
NOGC and BACH members stunned with their Filipiniana-inspired gowns in correspondence to their religious titles.
After the opening prayer by Daphne Javelosa, Luping Hinirang, led by Grace Viterbo and welcome remarks by NOGC president Lope ‘Nonoy’ Napao, the Grand Santacruzan celebration kicked off with the processional parade symbolizing the rosary as the intercessory prayer of the Blessed Mother to help solve the problems of peace and unity. Emcees were Sally Tan and Nonoy Napao
The procession finished with the offertory of flowers by the Reynas. As Reyna Elena in this year’s celebration, NOGC member Elizabeth Woodhouse donned an elegant long, flowing white gown.*
The event was spearheaded by NOGC chairperson Evelyn Canlas and co-chair Zenaida Guzon, along with President Nonoy Napao, club secretary Becs Zepeda and the NOGC officers and board. BACH, with President Sandy Solinap, played a crucial role in the event’s success. The production team included Meloy Jalando-on, Tess Gonzales, Lucille Vasquez and Emma Ureta, along with numerous other dedicated committee members.*