Life of a Bisaya in Minnesota
Imagine being a Bisaya living in Minnesota, knowing only four other people from Negros Oriental amidst all the Tagalogs. Two of them were your own sisters: Bebotte de Mira Foroozan and Marlou de Mira Hough. The others were Gloria Umbac Winter, a former schoolmate in Edina, and Imelda Surban Blakstad, a friend in Maple Grove.

The Beginnings of a Community
In the mid-1980s, Dr. Onesimo (Nanen) de Mira, Jr., felt a deep longing for Bisaya companionship. Family gatherings weren’t enough; he wanted to connect with other Negrenses to share hometown stories, songs, and favorite dishes like inon-onan and guinamus. Writing letters home, he sought connections to fellow Negrenses in Minnesota. This led to the first informal gatherings, including a picnic attended by Dr. and Mrs. Onesimo de Mira Sr. and Jr., Marlou, Bebotte, Nila de Mira Roxas, Moxy de Mira, Gloria Umbac Winter, Imelda Surban Blakstad, and Gus Avenido.

Annual Picnics and Growing Numbers
These gatherings became annual events. Nanen rented a picnic shelter at Snail Lake, decorated it with the Philippine flag, and maintained a sign-up sheet. His vision was for a cohesive organization of people from Negros Oriental. By the early 2000s, he learned of more Negrenses brought to Minnesota by Jim Chalmers. In June 2002, the first potluck picnic included many non-de Mira attendees like Rodgie and Teret Pacquingan and Grace and Jun Lim.

Formalizing the Organization
By June 2005, the community had grown, and the first election of officers took place:

• President: Rodgie Pacquingan
• Vice President: Bebotte Foroozan
• Secretary: Iris Bendijo
• Treasurer: Heidi Florentino
• PRO: Jay Florentino

Board members included Nanen de Mira, Marlou Hough, Gloria Winter, Fr. Vic Valencia, Didi Dagudag, and Pastor Gonzalo Olojan Sr.

A Logo for the Community
In 2010, Jose Felipe Torres, Jr. designed the official logo for the organization, symbolizing a new beginning for Negrenses. The tagline reflected this beautifully: From the twin peaks of Mt. Talinis to the twin cities of Minneapolis & St. Paul; from the twin lakes of Balinsasayao to the land of 10,000 lakes. Our life’s journey continues.

The Dream Realized
Today, Dr. Nanen de Mira’s dream is a reality. Negrenses del Oriental de Minnesota is an active group that shares stories, songs, food, traditions, and dreams, keeping the spirit of Negros Oriental alive in Minnesota.

• Vision

  Building a vibrant community that inspires confidence among global communities of negrenses.

• Mission

  The Negrenses del Oriental de Minnesota has a 3-fold mission:
  
  1. Fellowship among Negrenses in the State of Minnesota
  2. Support new Negrense immigrant families, and
  3. Implement community-based projects in the Province of Negros Oriental.