The Confederation of Ilocano Association Inc. – Samahang Ilokano United Arab Emirates (CIASI UAE 61892 Solid Juma) – Sharjah Chapter celebrated its 2nd Founding Anniversary on April 18, 2026, at Al Azra, Al Riqa Suburb, Sharjah, with an evening of fellowship, cultural pride, and organizational renewal.
The milestone event, which began at 8:00 PM, also served as the venue for the induction of the chapter’s newly elected set of officers — a transition of leadership that signals the chapter’s continued growth and commitment to serving the Ilocano community and the broader Filipino diaspora in the UAE.
Leading the new Sharjah Chapter leadership is President Brod. Aldrin Butch Antiporda, flanked by Internal Vice President Brod. Jess Asuero and External Vice President Brod. Christian Basilio. The secretariat is composed of Internal Secretary Sis Quenie Dumlao and External Secretary Sis Melanie Verzola, while Sis Elain Asuero takes on the role of Treasurer and Brod. Michael Mark Bustamante serves as Auditor. Brod. Wilfred Cando Jr. was designated as Public Relations Officer.
The chapter’s Master Initiators — Brod. Jay Jasper Sabio, Brod. Jomark Santiago, Brod. Jhondreb Bremen, and Brod. Kurt Paul Cabaddu — will be led by Chief Master Initiator Brod. Davies Sales. Brod. John Resty Dipit and Brod. Christian Bugarin were appointed as Chief Disciplinary Officer and Disciplinary Officer, respectively. Members Sis Chelley Baris, Sis Princess Ramos, and Brod. Johndro Bautista round out the chapter roster, with Sulano Sapiandante Jr. as Chapter Adviser and Carl M. Carag as Senior Chapter Adviser.
CIASI UAE 61892 Solid Juma has been increasingly visible in community and humanitarian activities across the Emirates. Earlier this year, the organization held its Solid Juma Sportfest 2026 in Dubai, bringing together members from various chapters for a day of sports and camaraderie. During Ramadan, members also distributed iftar meals to worshippers at mosques in both Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah, reflecting the group’s tradition of extending a helping hand beyond its own ranks.
The Confederation of Ilocano Association Inc., registered with the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission under number 61892, is an international fraternity and sorority composed of students, graduates, and professionals of Ilocano lineage or those with the capability of speaking and understanding the Ilokano language. It has chapters across the Philippines and in multiple countries worldwide.
