BAGUIO CITY
Adam Lou Ferrer on Rizal Day took over the leadership of the all Baguio boys club, the Apaches, from Baguio Water District director Jonathan Vergara at the Ibaloy Park. Vergara turned over the
Indian head gear, ponceau and tomahawk – three symbols of leadership of the club founded in 1939 by sons of Baguio pioneers – to Ferrer with past chiefs that included former Youth Rep. Edgar Avila and former councilor Richard Carino, among others, and Apache members as witnesses.
With nearly 400 participants to the grand bonfire in attendance, Ferrer gamely accepted to lead the
nation for 2024 which coincided with his 20th year with the organization. “It is my 19th year in the
organization and I humbly accept the responsibility,” said Ferrer who was invested to the group in 2004 under former University of Baguio president Reynaldo Bautista, Sr. Vergara in his speech
thanked the nation and the elders for allowing him to serve to the best of his ability as he tried to bring back activities that were tradition to the club which was founded by young boys who belong to the Boy Scout platoon called Apaches.
Vergara said that he wanted a night for squaws or wife, thus the night dedicated to spouses in November where some of the wives were presented with their framed sketches done by an incoming member. He added that the Apache stuck to the premise of food, fun and fellowship including singings and much exemplified with the caroling before Christmas at the houses of
members or close friends. That allowed the nation to earn a substantial amount that Ferrer will use during his term. Avila, meanwhile, said that as chair of the Apache Tribal Council, much leeway was
given to Vergara and the latter to serve as he deemed fit.
Avila said that the ATC has stepped back and served only as an advisory body during Vergara’s term as he applauded the outgoing chief for a “job well done.” The ATC is composed of past chiefs and
elderlies. Ferrer is a former Baguio JayCees president and was one of the many from the organization who joined in 2004 when then chief Reynaldo Bautista, Sr., also a former JayCees president, invited them to join. Bautista wanted to increase the number of Apache members then, with few wanting to join. Bautista’s son and namesake, Reinaldo, Jr., a former city mayor, vice mayor and councilor, was with his children during the bonfire.
The younger Bautista is also an Apache. The December 30 grand bonfire concluded another Apache year and tradition – where singing was much involved, the ball of fire that “comes from the sky” to lit the giant bonfire, the food that include traditional fares like chili con carne, roasted beef and lechon and camote. And to cap it, the investiture of new members who served for one year as
peons and were accepted to join the organization last December 29.
Pigeon Lobien/ABN
November 1, 2024
November 1, 2024
November 1, 2024
November 1, 2024
November 1, 2024