AFTER NATIONAL NURSES WEEK: HONORING A RETIRED NURSE AND EVENT ORGANIZER, CYNTHIA “CINDY” BERNALDEZ GAABUCAYAN
A retired Filipina nurse was laid to rest at Westside Heritage Garden, Cypress Lawn in Colma, California, on May 21, 2025. Best known for being gentle, compassionate, and caring, Cindy Gaabucayan is remembered for the way she made people feel—loved.
I share Cindy’s story today because event organizers like her rarely take center stage. They are the unsung heroes behind the success of many community events. Sometimes I wonder: Should I have written this while she was still alive? Perhaps. But it’s never too late to honor her now.
Although Cindy and I had been classmates since we were nine years old, we didn’t reconnect until our high school reunion — 25 years after graduation. By then, Cindy was ready to explore new avenues of service beyond her annual Santo Niño de Cebu fiestas.
I introduced her to several community-based organizations in the Bay Area. She quickly found her niche among the dynamic women of the Bay Area Woman’s Club, a nonprofit affiliated with the Greater Federation of Women’s Clubs and its state counterpart, the California Federation of Women’s Clubs.
Outside her demanding nursing career at San Francisco General Hospital, Cindy found great joy in
organizing events and tours for classmates, friends, family, and fellow nurses. One of her proudest accomplishments was running RCC Travel Express with her husband, Roy. Their tagline, “Entertainment by Bus,” captured the spirit of the group tours they coordinated. Cindy once reminded me—much to my surprise—that I had helped her come up with that catchy phrase.
I remember when Cindy and I co-emceed a program for the first time. She was nervous, yet she allowed me to coach her. After that, she blossomed—confident on stage, engaging guests with clever icebreakers, and creating thoughtful party favors that added special touches to each event. Cindy even shared that she had taken hip-hop dance classes to stay fit. Ever the lifelong learner, she also taught herself handyman skills and tackled home construction projects with enthusiasm.
In recent years, we didn’t see each other often. Email became our favorite way to stay in touch. I couldn’t attend many of the reunions she organized, but our friendship never wavered. Cindy supported me through my health challenges, and I shared event planning checklists while serving as her behind-the-scenes editor.
By the time Cindy retired at age 60, she had earned numerous awards. In 2013, she received the prestigious “Daisy Award,” nominated by patients and families for going above and beyond in direct patient care. She was recognized as an extraordinary nurse who exemplified compassion, empathy, and outstanding clinical skills.
Cindy Gaabucayan lived a life of service—whether as a nurse, an event organizer, or a friend. In remembering her, we honor not only her legacy but also the quiet power of those who work behind the scenes to bring people together and support one another.
EVENT TITLE: Bagong Likha: The Hinabi Project Annual Gala and Fashion Show
WHAT: The Hinabi Project (THP), in collaboration with the Philippine Department of Science & Technology – Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) and the Philippine Consulate General of San Francisco, presents KatHABI San Francisco, exhibiting innovations in Philippine Tropical Fabrics.
DESCRIPTION: The proceeds from this fundraiser will support these programs and projects: ongoing THP exhibitions and educational programming; weavers in the Philippines, including emerging weavers; THP participation in the 2026 National Museum exhibit; long-term plans for an Ilocos weaving tour; and an eri silk exploratory venture.
WHEN: Saturday, June 14, 2025
WHERE: Sentro Filipino: The San Francisco Filipino Cultural Center
814 Mission Street, Mezzanine Level, San Francisco, CA 94103
WHAT TIME: 6:00 pm
HOW MUCH: $100 by June 1. $125 on June 2-8.
RSVP TO: Almira Estudillo Gilles at almiraag@thehinabiproject.org
RSVP BY: asap.WEBSITE: https://www.thehinabiproject.org/
