The northeast wind has just ushered in the “ber” month and my September calendar is already loaded with a hectic schedule and I am still trying to squeeze in a few more events that needed to be attended. Enveloped with enthusiastic anticipation for the holidays, the coming of September perks up gloomy days and gradually breathes in refreshing wisp of humid-free air.
Take a glimpse of the events I have attended and those saved in my calendar.
Saturday, September 7 7pm
Federation of Philippine Societies in New Jersey, Inc. (FOPSNJ) presented GABI Ng PARANGAL
Double Tree by Hilton Hotel
The event became even more significant with FOPSNJ President Gaudencio Soriano’s very moving farewell speech. “After [being] involved and dedicatedly serving the community for years, time has come for me to retire from my voluminous social obligations. But my support will always be available whenever needed,” he said.
The weekend dinner-dance also recognized outstanding movers and shakers in the Filipino-American community with the Most Outstanding Leadership Award given to Hon. Judge Victor Sison for his unquestionable and .unprecedented community service.
Twenty-five others were awarded for their exemplary services as Presidents of different community organizations. They are Rev. Toto Ledda of the ABBA Foundation, Ruben Almarante of Bayanihan Club of Union, Buddy Deauna of Bicolandia Association USA, Dr. Oswald Casupang of Calamba Association Northeast, Lydia T. Mendez of Catanduanes USA, Rolly Postadan of Cultural Arts & Dance Company of the Philippines, Giovanni Panquit of Filipino International Community of America, Al Cadenilla of Fil-Am Chamber of Commerce, Sir Francis Sison of Garden State Fil-Am Association (GSFAA), Lita Peña of Handang Tumulong Foundation, Inc., Roland David of Kapampangan Association, Liberty Luz of Maharaja, Atty. Merit Salud of the National. Federation of Filipino Associations, Inc. (NaFFAA), Nueva Elma of NY-NJ-PA Friends of Asingan USA, and Sir Lito Gajilan of the Knights of Rizal.
Others included Rose P. Javier of the Pan American Concerned Citizens Action League, Inc. (PACCAL), Cleoty De Dios of Phil-American Community Executive Council, Remy Savellano of Performing Arts of the Philippines (PAPI), Edwin Solano of the Phil-American Friendship Committee, inc.(PAFCOM), Tarit Ramos of the Philippine Chamber Rondalla, Fe Martinez of the Philippine Independence Day Council, Inc. (PIDCI), Chona Cabalfin of Phil-Am Pag-asa, Baby Gardon of Philcom Center, Bing Antonio of the Seniors Club, and Ollie David of Tarlaqueños Foundation, Inc.
PACCAL Cultural Consultant Virgie Alvarez, one of the most in-demand dance gurus around, effectively provided that much needed flair-and-glare to the occasion as performed by her group composed of: Hermie Garcia, Rhodora Dela Merced, Nina Grajo, Paulette Ong, and Rolly Postadan.
Sunday, September 8 3pm
The 57th Canonical Coronation Anniversary of La Virgen Delos Remedios
St. John the Evangelist Church
There was a tremendous outpouring of ardent adoration as manifested by the overwhelming turnout of Kapampangan devotees to the most revered religious icon of their province, the Virgin of remedies. All pews were literally occupied as early as two o’clock while more people came in filling every nook and center aisle of the church.
Impressive and spiritually uplifting, the five-decade-and-seven-year-old arduous religious observance, the first ever here in the east coast, was doubly significant since it fell on the commemoration of the Virgin Mary’s birthday and the silver jubilee celebration of the four priests who celebrated the misa cantada: Fr. Joseph Mary D. Bacay, main celebrant and the Financial Officer of the Archdiocese of San Fernando, Pampanga; Fr. Arnulfo Serrano, Parish Priest of the Lord’s Ascension Church in San Fernando, Pampanga; Fr. Alfred David, Parish Priest of Nuestra Señora del Carmen Church in Floridablanca, Pampanga; and Fr. Raymund M. Reyes, homilist and Pastor of St. Anne of the Sunset, Archdiocese of San Francisco, California.
It would be recalled that the first wedding officiated by Fr. Raymund Reyes after being ordained was that of Herbert and Fely Magtoto and the couple has maintained close ties with the former since.
The occasion also served as a reunion among the four priests who were members of Batch 88 from the Seminary of the Mother of Good Counsel in Pampanga and were ordained priests on December 8, 1988, the Feast day of the Immaculate Conception.
Kapampangan’s strong religious faith and unwavering devotion to the Virgin of Remedies was initiated by the Most Rev. Cesar Ma. D. Guerrero, DD, who, coincidentally, was formally installed as the provincial bishop on September 8, 1949. Having seen the heightened Socialism movement in the province after his pastoral visits, he founded the Crusade of Charity and Goodwill to remedy the surging tide of social unrest.
Seven influential women reputed for their charitable deeds were chosen to form a core group aptly tagged Damas de Caridad. The crusade that awakened the generosity of the Kapampangans was placed under the patronage of the Blessed Virgin and the title Virgen de los Remedios was chosen because it appeals more to the common people especially to the poor and it invoked to remedy the prevailing social ills.
Since then, the image of the Virgen de los Remedios was tightly embraced by the entire province and with the intercession of Bishop Guerrero, through His Eminence Federico Cardinal Tedeschini, Prefect of the Sacred Congregation of Architecture of the Vatican City, the revered image was crowned by virtue of a Decree issued on July 15, 1956 during the eighteenth year of the Pontificate of Pope Pius XII.
On September 8, 1956, an estimated 70,000 devout Catholics braved the stormy weather to witness the canonical coronation of their revered patroness, the Virgin of Remedies. Most Rev. Egido Vagnozzi, assisted by the Hon. Gov. Rafael Lazatin, laid the golden crown on the image of the Blessed Virgin. Famous sons of Pampanga like Archbishop Pedro Santos, Senator Gil Puyat, and Rep. Diosdado Macapagal attended the solemn coronation.
The crusade, since then, was successful in bridging the gap between the rich and the poor, its primary advocacy. Last Sunday’s religious event was ably organized and hosted by Bro. Lorenzo Bautista. The successful occasion deserves an annual observance as clamor by the attendees in unison. At this point, it is also worth-commending the choir’s own arrangement and collective rendition of Rico Puno’s 70s hit, “Lupa.” It was truly one perfect locally composed song fitted for such occasion.
Here in the east coast, the first commemorative coronation was witnessed by the Damas y Caballeros de Caridad followed by an Act of Consecration led by Bro. Philip Manansala and capped by a procession of the sacred image.
Known for their delectable delicacies and unmatched culinary expertise, Kapampangan devotees, after having fed their souls, prepared a huge selection of home-cooked dishes for the attendees to feast on.
Upcoming events
Sunday, September 15 2pm
FRIENDS INDEED USA. Inc. (FIUSA) presents 9th Annual Friends Charity Grand Ball
Astoria World Manor
A much-anticipated grand fashion show showcasing a fusion of exquisitely designed collection by top Manila-based fashion couturiers will serve as the event’s highlight. Fabulous, famous, and fashionable personalities in the Fil-Am community will tread the ramp modeling the stunning creations.
Attire is strictly black tie. Bow for the gents and formal long gown for ladies. The event is by invitation only.
Tuesday, September 17 6pm to 8pm
Marie Claire Lim Moore’s book launch and signing in NY
Lobby, Philippine Center New York
556 Fifth Avenue (Bet. 45th & 46th Sts.) New York, NY 10036
Marie Claire Lim Moore is a Filipina-Canadian-American working mother and author of Don’t Forget the Soap. After spending the early part of her childhood in Vancouver, Claire moved to New York City and attended the United Nations International School. She went on to study at Yale, climb the corporate ladder at Citi and travel around the world. She met her husband, Alex, while working in Sao Paulo, Brazil and they married in Manila, Philippines shortly before moving to Singapore. Now Mom to Carlos and Isabel, Claire also manages the Global Client business for Citi in Asia. She enjoys juggling between career and family and likes to throw in community and politics for fun by campaigning for US political candidates, fund raising for organizations that advance the role of women in business and promoting foreign direct investment in the Philippines. She is also a guest contributor at Sassy Mama Singapore. RSVP to the event at 212-251-0551
Sunday, September 22 7:30am to 1pm
Handang Tumulong Foundation, Inc.’s annual 2013 LAKAD-TULONG, a 5K Run /Walk to benefit the victims of disasters in the Philippines.
The event will be held at Stephen R. Gregg County Park 43rd Street & Kennedy Blvd.Bayonne, NJ 07002.
Handang Tumulong Foundation, Inc. (HTFI), a non-profit 501 ( c) (3 ) civic organization founded in 2009 which main goal is to help victims of natural calamities in the Philippines and other areas. HTFI is listed at www.usatfnj.org, and authorized to award 500 points to USATF members. Likewise, visit www.active.com. and find out its updated activities
Registrations can also be done online at http.//bit.ly/loves2help2013.
Donations are be accepted at www.handangtumulong.org, or at www.active.com/donate/handangtumulong.
Schedule of Events:
7:30 – Registration
9:30 – 5K Run starts
10:30 – 5k Walk starts
11:00 – Awarding
12:00 – Raffles
Interested parties may call Nelsie Parado 201-960-7965 or 201-794-7321, Lita Peña 201-232-1742 or
201-432-2144, Mia Fernandez 917-531-2014.
Fees include pre-registration, $30; USA-Track & Field-NJ -Members, $28; Day of race, $35; Children under 18 pay $15 while two adults with minor children pay $60.
Amenities include t-shirts for the first 250 registrants, post race refreshments, available parking spots.
Kindly make checks payable to Handang Tumulong Foundation, Inc. (HTFI) PO Box 2743 Fair Lawn, New Jersey 07410
Sunday, September 22 4pm to 10pm
Filipino Apostolate of the Archdiocese of New York presents: San Lorenzo Ruiz Chapel’s SAMPAGUITA 3 Dinner and Ball
Double Tree by Hilton Newark Airport Hotel 128 Frontage Road, Newark, NJ 07114
Attire is Filipiniana or strictly formal
For ticket reservations, inquiries, and donations, please call Nanette Wright 646-331-5300, Amy Lerum 973-704-1487, Angie Cruz 212-807-0484, Vicky Baxa 646-400-8919, Kathy Santos 917-742-7424, Nancy Cruz 917-584-5861, Josie Velez 973-865-7060, Nilda Jaynel 914-907-4058, Linda Bolano 347-224.2996, Francia De Vera 516-287-4413, Cecile Dumdum 650-580-1544, Cora Rivera 917-751-8851, Medy Taeza 646-415-3040, Cora Lontoc 917-386-9072.
Saturday, September 28 7pm to 10pm
Philippine Pearl presents: CANTARES featuring ARMELA FORTUNA, Soprano Kalayaan Hall, Philippine Center New York
556 Fifth Avenue (between 45th & 46th Sts.) New York City, NY 10036
The show will also feature Maximillian Antig, Jellyn Anne Echon, and Jared Martin, Tenor.
Cocktails start at 7:00 PM and showtime at 8:00 PM. Tickets are $150 for Patron, $300 for VIP Sponsor. Online tickets available at http://cantares.eventbrite.com
For more information, call Kimberly 917-670-6395 or Cicero 646-266-1648
Sunday, September 29 2pm
Memorial services for the first death anniversary of Mila Beltran Mendez will be held at Saint Vincent De Paul Roman Catholic Church 979 Avenue C Bayonne, New Jersey 07002
Celebrants are Fr. Dave Sison and Fr. Juancho De Leon.Reception follows at Robinson Hall (lower level of the church) Parking at the rear of the church and side streets
For more details and RSVP, call Vicie Allam 212-682-6610; Ogie Afable 908-447-9293, Rose P. Javier 201-993-8815, Tet Palencia 201-714-3563, Nanding Mendez 917-612-8861. Email [email protected].
For comments and suggestions, please email: [email protected]
