The recent weekend enthusiastically set the Filipino-American community in a frenetic mode with a hullabaloo of invites and requests stirring the mid-social stratum in a frenzied whirl. The hustle and bustle of the compulsive invitations inadvertently turned the already overly excited situation into a more fidgety arena of simultaneously celebrated occasions with so little preparations at intervals.
Friday, September 26 at 6 pm
Hudson Rehab Spa’s Michael Florendo turns another milestone
A new leader-image, in the person of Michael “Mike” Florendo, takes the Fil-Am community by storm with his innate gentlemanly deportment, candidly warm interpersonal relationship, unparalleled generosity, and most of all, his own peculiar way of attaining the goal of increasing sales and achieving a sustainable, competitive advantage…a professionally mastered capability in a field he could effortlessly achieve.
If generosity is giving more than you can and yet you always feel as if it costs you nothing then one is instinctively born with a golden heart. For Mike giving is an essential trait man should possess for it is only through this act of human kindness that the universe attains equality while simultaneously leaving one’s bucket adequate space for refill. Adhering to the Chinese philosopher Confucius’s teaching: “Give a bowl of rice to a man and you feed him for a day…teach him how to grow his own rice and you will save his life,” Mike augustly practices the ancient proverb but with caution after learning from a few pseudo- charity seekers.
It wasn’t surprising to witness a full-to-the-rafters venue when a well-loved person with positive vibes throws a party. The recently opened Hudson Rehab-Spa office inside Hudson Mall along Rt. 440 in Jersey City became the perfect party place when Mike turned another milestone last Friday, September 26. His wife, Gina, and business partner and cousin Beth Divinagracia, together with their staff, left no stone unturned just to assure Mike’s red-letter-day would be special.
The diversely impressive roster of guests could easily speak of Mike’s charismatic appeal and magnetic personality having had enticed and persuaded people to share with him the grandiosity of his natal bash. Everybody more than enjoyed the party as induced by an inviting ambience and gracious hosts.
Lavish and bountiful best describe the buffet table laden with a wide variety of sumptuous food while drinks was literally overflowing. Guests came and stayed unmindful of the prevailing congestion and increasing room temp. There was non-stop dancing, unlimited drinking, infectious danceable music provided by a DJ and a live band, and unending shrills and thrills from boisterous socialization. If the barometer to gauge an event’s success would be the volume of attendees and prominent personalities plus the abundance of food served, easily then, Mike’s birthday bash was something for the record.
Saturday, September 27 at 2 PM
Arvin Amatorio formally launches his political campaign
Bamboo Grill, Bergenfield’s prime dining destination and social dancing venue, underwent an instant “refurbishing” complete with campaign materials and political advertising paraphernalia to kick-off Democratic Party’s bet for Councilmen: the tandem of Arvin Amatorio and re-electionist Council President Chris Tully.
The exciting Bergenfield, New Jersey’s political ring becomes even more interesting with the foray of Fil-Am candidate Arvin Amatorio.
Having the highest concentration of Filipino resident voters in the county, Amatorio’s inclusion in the Democratic ticket side by side with Chris Tully undoubtedly stirs the hornet’s nest…inevitably ruffling the still feathers of their counterparts from the other side of the fence.
Attended by a multitude of family friends and supporters, the eventful opening hurrah that lasted for three hours was even made more significant with the presence of Bergenfield’s prominent political figures topbilled by its four former mayors: Carlos Aguasvivas, Kevin Clancy, Bob Rivas, and Bob Gordon, now a state senator.
Also seen socializing in high spirits were: Ludi De Asis-Hughes and John Bang, Democratic Chairpersons of Districts 37 and 38, respectively. The following equally high-flying community movers and shakers in the crowd were: Linda Williams, President of Brookside Tenant’s Association; Bert Aguilera, FilAid Prexy; Lito Pernia, President of Friends, Indeed; Helen Castillo of PAFCOM; Judge Victor Sison of the Knights of Rizal; Raul Estrellado of PIDCI; and Sonny Ramirez of Gawad-Kalinga.
While Grace Baldisseri of Filipino Express was kept occupied manning the attendance sheets, shatterbugs Velzon Velez Hizon and Jujo Conol kept clicking their lens tools nonstop to capture the event’s proceedings for posterity.
The most-anticipated “Judgment Day,” Tuesday, November 4, 2014, has been earmarked for the phenomenal transformation of Bergenfield’s political scene with the emergence of Amatorio.
The kick-off rally was conscientiously conceptualized and made possible through the determined initiative of Atty. Christopher Hugo, the political adviser of Tully-Amatorio campaign and through the tireless efforts of Arvin Amatorio’s campaign managers: active community leader Buddy Deauna and the indefatigable Michael “Mike” Florendo.
Saturday, Sept. 27 at 5:00 PM
Commemorating Mila Beltran Mendez’s 2nd Death Anniversary
Mila Beltran Mendez, (September 9, 1951 – September 29, 2012), socialite, confidant, businesswoman, Filipino-American community leader and supporter, entrepreneur, fundraiser, entertainment producer, benefactor, and most of all, a loving wife to husband Nanding and doting mom to sons Nathan and Mervin, was dearly remembered and sorely missed not only by her family and friends but also by those whose lives she had touched during a mass officiated by Pastor Bruce Hager celebrating her 2nd death anniversary last Saturday, September 27, at 5 PM at St. Nicholas Church along 118 Ferry St., Jersey City, New Jersey.
A joined reception with the celebration of San Lorenzo’s feast day followed at the church’s social hall after the mass .
Last Monday, September 29, at 7 PM, another commemorative mass in Mila’s honor was celebrated at Saint Anthony De Padua (66 Franklin Avenue) in Belleville, New Jersey officiated by Fr. Dave Sison. The holy mass was attended by family members and friends who failed to be part of the Saturday’s occasion.
Saturday, September 27 at 7:00 PM
Fil-Am Community bids Dep. Con. Gen. Zaldy B. Patron “Goodbye”
A collective effort by the Filipino-American community organizations of Jersey City, New Jersey bade exiting Deputy Consul Gen. Zaldy B. Patron “Goodbye” via a lavishly conceptualized despedida cena at the grand ballroom of the Ramada Plaza Hotel in Newark, NJ.
Organizers Helen Castillo, Ledy Almadin, and their colleagues got every system going and made sure that the gathering was all about getting the house in order and focused on the main purpose without overlapping resources… and they achieved their main goal hands down.
The whole set-up, for a while, changed the entire concept of social dancing accompanied with bouncy music from DJ Ernie Bugarin’s decks of CDs proving that old time favorite music pieces still have the power to entice dance aficionados to Swing, Boogie, Cha-Cha, Tango, et al.
The entertainment portion, after the delivery of heartfelt messages for the outgoing Dep. Con. Gen., was something off from the usual production stuff being presented. Special performances from the community nearly brought the house down with Linda Rupel’s sexily clad sing and dance number, Mario Garcia’s self-composed and self-guitar accompanied song, husband and wife tandem of Edgardo and Hera Cresencio’s ala-operatic kundiman ditties, a vocal group rendition from the Jersey City Fil-Am Chamber of Commerce, and the gut-wrenching choreographed dance spot headed by Lumen Castañeda where the crowd practically broke loose in laughter when DCG Patron gamely gave in to participate and exhibited his unforeseen dance moves. That once-in-a lifetime scene kept the crowd in stitches.
As expected, Miguel Braganza hasn’t lost his vocal prowess especially when rendering Broadway hit numbers. The multi-faceted stage artist, choreographer, and director captured the audience and held them breathless during the entire duration of his number.
The farewell gala wasn’t meant to end DCG Zaldy’s NY story but, in fact, merely to herald a new beginning of a better-rewarding journey that awaits him ahead.
A handsomely crafted plaque, through the initiative of the event’s organizers, was awarded to outgoing Dep. Con. Gen. Zaldy B. Patron for the exceptional delivery of his consular services and for having successfully finished his official assignment after four years in New York. Another Plaque of Recognition was given by Hudson County Freeholder Tony Romano.
For the exemplary performance of his duties, supreme execution of his official obligations, august dedication in advocating the unification of the Filipino-American community, and for his selflessly candid relationship with his subordinates, the Pan American Concerned Citizens Action League, Inc. (PACCAL) also bestowed upon Dep. Con. Gen. Zaldy B. Patron a Plaque of Recognition.
DCG Patron, in his delegated capacity, didn’t just build bridges but exerted effort to cross it too if only to boost the morale of every Fil-Am community organization and inspire them to be driven. Cool as a cucumber, his welcoming gestures and amiable persona are inherent traits known to every Tom, Dick and harry.
Events we failed to attend
There were still a number of events we missed just because we could neither squeeze them into our fully booked calendar nor permit us to even show up by the door just so to please show producers and friends who invited us. There was Edlyn Peregrina’s show at Pal Inasal last Friday, September 26 at 7:30 PM produced by Marisse Panlilio’s MPE through the generous invitation of Vince Gesmundo. My apologies.
Then, also on Saturday, September 27 at 7:30 PM, “Gloria” Concert was mounted at Our Lady of Pompeii Church along 25 Carmine Street in New York to celebrate the Feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila. The said musical event was presented by the San Lorenzo Ruiz Choir of New York and Kayumanggi Chorale.
On Sunday, September 28 at 6 PM, Fil-Ams observed the feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz with a mass at the St. Patrick’s Cathedral and reception at the Palace Hotel.
Postscript: Tuesday, September 30
Domingo “Jun” Hornilla’s Appointment
Popular but low-key Fil-Am community leader Domingo “Jun” Hornilla rightfully deserves a congratulatory tap on his shoulder following his appointment by Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop as Commissioner to serve as a member of the City Ethical Standards Board. Hornilla was sworn into office last Tuesday, September 30, at City Hall by Mr. Robert Byrne RMC, from the Office of the City Clerk.
Hornilla, a well-revered native of Taysan, Batangas and married to Emily Benito Hornilla, was formerly a Comptroller at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in NYC and currently, the new commissioner is actively involved in various community organizational projects.
Photos by Jujo Conol, Velzon Hizon Velez, and Elton Lugay
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