After years of observing traditional gala nights being upended by Covid-19 pandemic, Pangasinan Brotherhood-USA’s (PB-USA) is back, celebrating its 45th Anniversary on Aug. 5 at Double Tree Hotel by Hilton, Santa Ana.
This celebration is highlighted by the coronation of its incoming Miss Pangasinan-USA, Alyssa Rose Rosario Stiffarm with roots from Bayambang, Pangasinan. She will succeed her namesake Alyssa Lauren Veloria Soto with roots from Bani and Mangatarem. It’s also a coincidence that both are based in San Diego, California and both queens were born from two cultures. Miss Stifarm’s dad is a Native American while Miss Soto’s father is Puerto Rican American.
As a brief backgrounder, Miss Soto was crowned on Aug. 13, 2013 at Embassy Suite Hotel, Garden Grove. That means, she had reigned for the past 10 years as queen of Pangasinan Brotherhood-USA, the longest reign in the history of the organization
The last instance that PB-USA held its gala night was on July 7, 2018. This coming out party, according to its Board Chairman Dan E. Nino is like a catharsis that was brought by a pandemic. He added, “Some of our traditional activities have been shelved except for picnics outdoors. But our optimism had never wavered despite numerous challenges in our lives beyond our control. As the saying goes, “Behind the cloud, the sun is still shining.”
Quietly, PB-USA had cash to Gabay Group in Proj. 8 , Quezon City that benefited children with disabilities and participated in the Philippine American Friendship Day at Don Knabe Regional Park in Cerritos for the last two years. It is also noted that through the years as a 501 C-3 non-profit organization, it had remarkable projects in the province of Pangasinan and elsewhere like livelihood projects, scholarship, humanitarian relief donations, low cost housing units in the towns of Villasis and Laoac in partnership with Gawad Kalinga, and then some.
Completing the Board who are on high fever pitch in their preparation to make this an eventful celebration a success include PB-USA President Neil Mandapat Estrada from Calasiao and San Carlos, Jackie Ferrer of Dagupan City and San Carlos City, husband and wife Roger Cabal and Lina Cabal of Alaminos City, Marites Bautista (San Fabian), Rhenee Mandapat-Ferrer (San Carlos City), Josie Khoo (Bayambang), Dean Mandapat (San Carlos City), Nieves Coquia (Dagupan City) and Ping Coquia (Dagupan City).
In a statement as she will relinquish her crown, Alyssa Veloria Soto said, “”As I reflect on the past ten years, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude, and I will cherish these memories forever. Together, we have had the privilege of celebrating our rich culture, our beloved home, and the bond of family. It has been an unforgettable journey, and has left an indelible mark on my heart.”
Interested parties may reach out to PB-USA President Neil Estrada @ 562-301-9972 or [email protected] and Board Chairman Dan E. Nino @ 562-508-8099 or @ [email protected]. n
