After two decades and 5 years since its inception in 1992, PACCAL, (the Pan American Concerned Citizens Action League, Inc.), has productively carried out its advocacy and successfully achieved its goal in assisting the community through its various services. A 501(c)3 non-profit organization, PACCAL holds the distinction of being the only Providing Agency duly recognized by the Hudson County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Office on Aging.
On its 25th year of dynamic service to the community PACCAL, in its relentless dedication and focused drive, has been actively disseminating health related projects via its Healthy Heart, Healthy Family program mainly concentrating on senior citizen groups and others to which the program could be effectually directed. PACCAL prides itself to be the only Jersey City-based community organization with 9 certified CHWs (Community Health Workers) administering the compassionate mission and selfless voluntarism from sources funded by DHHS Office on Aging.
Aside from its humanitarian services, PACCAL also annually recognizes distinct personalities who excel in their chosen fields. PACCAL is the only organization that celebrates International Women’s History Month (every last Saturday of March) this side of the east coast while simultaneously recognizing women’s success and achievements via a lavish awarding ceremony.
And every October PACCAL pompously observes its foundation anniversary and also highlights it with a ceremonious awarding gala.
In this connection PACCAL enthusiastically marked its 25th year just recently at the Ramada Plaza Hotel honoring 25 among the most accomplished personalities in the community to keep in tune with its grandiose 25th Founding Anniversary… although, for some inevitable circumstances, only 23 made it to the Big Event.
In the presence of the indefatigable Honorable Consul Arman Talbo of the Philippine Consulate Office in New York, the event’s Motivational Speaker, and with the assistance of the Silver Anniversary Honorary Chairs Elsa Mole-Lambert, Dr. Cris Ayroso, Jr., Jocelyn Aligarbes, and Myrna Bautista, the following outstanding personalities were presented with a silver trophy, a silver Jubilee Medal, and Certificate of Appreciation from the Office of Jersey City Council President Rolando Lavarro:
1. Erlinda Contreras: Healthcare Provider
2. Miles Paguio: Educator
3. John Domingo: Entrepreneur
4. Erlinda Consul: Medical Technologist
5. Evangeline Lazaro: Faith-based Server
6. Richard Rillera: Media Practitioner
7. Carolina Salvador: Food Caterer
8. Mae Lozada & Kristian Sese: Terpsichorean Professionals
9. Francis Zuasola: Businessman
10. Jennifer Castaneda: Community Service
11. Duncan Ransom: Augmented Virtual Reality Specialist
12. The Band of Brothers: Band Players of the Year
13. Councilwoman Angela McKnight: Government Service
14. Dr. Angelina Ricafrente: Dental Specialist
15. Rasmin Diaz: Singer / Performer
16. Mark Alvarez: Ichthyologist
17. Teresa Damito: Nursing Professional
18. Sylvette Julian: Entrepreneur
19. Stevenson Derodar: Young Professional
20. Consuelo Almonte: Senior Citizen of Year
21. Angelo Maristela: Fine Artist
22. Bryan B. Magsayo: YouTube Sensation
23. Atty. Nicolas “Nick” Caraque: Legal Practitioner
As if recognizing the achievements of various personalities that excel in their respective fields wasn’t enough to underline the occasion, the spotlight focused on a special presentation honoring PACCAL Founder and President Emeritus Linda M. Mayo with the AARP / AAPI Community Hero Award following her being voted as one of the Nation’s Top Community Leaders, an annual search sponsored by AARP. Well revered AARP Multi-Cultural Leadership Senior Consultant Steven Raga presented the award with matching checks for her and PACCAL.
Amiable Assemblywoman Angela McKnight, not to be left sans giving credit where it is due, handed out Certificates of Appreciation to every PACCAL officer and hardworking committee members for all the preparatory efforts they put in to insure the event’s success.
To carve an idiosyncratic niche in the annals of the organization’s notable record and to stamp that consummate PACCAL Hallmark of Distinction, beauteous Denine Mies, a young achiever herself, was crowned PACCAL Silver Jubilee Queen.
The title is awarded to a quintessential exponent of femininity that embodies the distinctive qualities of the Filipino-American young woman who possesses the traits and personality of a modern-day youth…that, in her selflessness and munificent heart, willingly volunteers her services to her fellowmen and the community where she lives…. aside from excelling in her own field and innately embracing the truest essence of family-centered and God- fearing upbringing.
The powerful vocal performance of YouTube sensation Bryan B. Magsayo indubitably raised the level of excitement of the already ecstatic crowd after his high-pitched vocal rendition of top-chart hit covers…and not to forget the equally sensational performances of Rasmin Diaz, the Band of Brothers, and the jaw-dropping terpsichorean exhibition of Mae Lozada and Kristian Sese, fast-rising international dancing tandem.
Suffice it to say that the recently concluded black-and-silver-themed PACCAL gala, ably chaired by multi-faceted Ria Serrano with Joyce Andes-David and hosted by stunningly fashionable Amira Allah Arcanghel and veteran radio announcer Fiorello Salvo, was an evening of inexhaustible nostalgia loaded with fun and thrill that took everyone to a startling escape from reality even for just a while.
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