The recent weekend has given us the chance to socialize and take time out from the monotonous grind of daily living with three events to attend: the PIDCI Grand Marshal Gala, NAFA’s Grand Coronation and recognition ceremonies, and jeweler-community leader Virgie Mayo’s birthday bash.
PIDCI grand marshal gala
If the heavy turnout of attendees was an observer’s barometer to gauge the success of an event, then the recently concluded Philippine Independence Day Council, Inc. (PIDCI) 2013 Grand Marshal Night could definitely be considered a well-accomplished goal having had a huge number of guests that totaled close to four hundred.
The event, held last April 13 at the Renaissance Newark Airport Hotel, was one of PIDCI’s eventful occasions that marked the 150th anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence. The Grand Marshal Night, aptly dubbed “Gabi ng mga Bulaklak” (an Evening of Blooms) literally lived up to its conceptualized theme with the dramatic entrance of ornately designed floral arrangements in a variety of mute-to-radiant colors, textures, and exotic species. The already warm ambiance of the ballroom was made even more grandiose with the well-set tables and an ornately flower-laden curvature festooned with blooms and greens.
After being introduced by her BFF (beautiful friend forever) Ollie David, the regal entry of this year’s Grand Marshal, Dr. Rebecca “Dolly” Rivera, induced unceasing plaudits and deafening applause. Escorted by her eldest son, Jere, the lady doctor was elegantly ravishing in her fully beaded chartreuse and pale yellow Leonard Co gown.
2012 Grand Marshal Dr. Prospero Lim, ably assisted by PIDCI President Fe Martinez and Hon. Con. Gen. Mario L. De Leon, Jr., executed the investiture followed by the Grand Marshal waltz with Dr. Dolly Rivera alternately cutting the rug with her three sons, Jere, John, and Jason.
And to exultantly honor her enviable stature as Grand Marshal, a meticulously rehearsed waltz number was specially choreographed by fashion designer Nick Libramonte and participated in by the Grand Marshal Ladies and Gentlemen.
Energetically hosted by Ner Martinez, one of PIDCI’s efficient members of the Board of Directors, the entertainment-loaded program included an invocation by Rev. Msgr. Oscar A. Aquino, JCD; a heartwarming greeting from PIDCI Pres. Fe Martinez; and the meaningful acceptance speech of Dr. Rebecca Rivera.
Saving the most revered speaker for last, 2011 PIDCI Pres. Joji J. Jalandoni enthusiastically introduced the suave Amb. Mario L. De Leon, Jr., Consul General of the Philippines and the evening’s special guest.
Getting to know Grand Marshal Dr. Rebecca “Dolly” Rivera: A Baguio City, Philippines native and a medical graduate from the University of Santo Tomas (UST), Dolly has had undergone a multitude of experiences related to her profession even before coming to America.
Innately devoted to her career, the lady doctor could only be but persevering and pliant like a bamboo to any given situation that would be of advantage for the advancement of her profession, even accepting a rotating internship schedule at Brooklyn’s Coney Island Hospital. Her compassionate affection for newborn babies motivated her to embrace a specialty track that led to obstetrics and gynecology at St. Claire’s Hospital in New York City where an intensive training at the Margaret Hague Hospital in Jersey City was part of her residency.
Later, she was designated as house OB Physician at the Doctors’ Hospital in Manhattan while simultaneously been affiliated with the JFK Medical Center in Edison, New Jersey with the same position.
Ambitious with unmatched entrepreneurial skills, Dolly established her OB-GYN private practice in Edison after she passed her American Medical Board examination. With a natural inclination in business, her long time obsession to establish and run her own facility came just in time when her capabilities were already tested and her knowledgeability, dependable. Currently, she operates four healthcare facilities: the Avalon Assisted Living and the Bridgeway Care & Rehabilitation Center, both in Hillsborough, NJ and another two in Bridgewater with an investor partner.
With her innate compassion to serve humanity, Dr. Rivera has been into charitable service one of which is an annual medical mission to the Philippines. She also unselfishly allots a portion of her time giving free medical assistance and medical examinations. A respected member of Eastern Star, a sister charity organization of the Freemasons, and her local chapter’s Worthy Star, Dr. Dolly is currently associated with reputable medical organizations like the American Medical Association (AMA), the New Jersey Medical Society (JMS), the New Jersey OB-GYN Society, and the Philippine-American Medical Society (PAMS).
If there’s but one other source of enjoyment for Dr. Dolly (aside, of course, from her three sons), that would be her most loved pawed wards Machu, Picchu, and El Bronco which she amorously treats like real household members. Don’t ever ask anything about her dogs unless you are prepared for never-ending stories about them. Yes, the doctor is very much a dog person.
And from there, it’s easy to conclude that if she could be very affectionate with man’s best friends, how much more with humans?
A heartfelt “Congratulations” to the Grand Dame of the 115th Phil. Independence Day celebration in New York City come Sunday, June 2!
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NAFA’s 25th Anniversary, coronation ball and Mabuhay Awards ceremony
While the PIDCI was holding their event last April 13, an equally huge celebration was happening as the National Association of Filipino-Americans NJ’s (NAFA-NJ) marked their Silver Jubilee with a grand coronation ball and ceremoniously recognized outstanding Filipino-Americans in different fields of endeavor with the prestigious Mabuhay Awards.
The significant event was held at Our Lady of Victories along Ege Avenue in Jersey City with a full-to-the-rafters guests and a prepared stage presentation that was quite lengthy but excitingly entertaining.
The first phase was the NAFA beauty and talent portion where titlists competed with each other in different categories such as Best in Ethnic Wear, Best in Talent, Best in Casual Wear, and Best in Formal Wear. Special awards include Miss Congeniality, Miss Photogenic, and Miss Charity.
Designated NAFA beauties to reign for 2013 are: Dante and Lalaine Guevarra as Mr. & Mrs. NAFA, Sharon Pelegrino as Mrs. NAFA Ambassadress, Alyssa Lozano-Tan as Miss NAFA-USA, Sarah Ramos-Gianan as Miss NAFA-NJ, and Jann Nicole Patungan as Miss Teen NAFA-USA.
The second part was allotted for the Mabuhay Awards ceremony with the following being honored and duly recognized: Atty. Eduardo Antonio, Sr., LLB. B, MJF; Dr. Perla Antonio, MD., FACIP; Mr. Ruben Amarante; Rev. Benigno P. Beltran, SVD; Mr. Philip B. Carreon; Mrs. Rosario F. Casupang, RN; Rev. Dr. Gene Dayrit; Mrs. Linda M. Mayo; Rev. Bishop Nathaniel Ocampo; Hon. Consul Zaldy Patron; Mr. Antonio C. Pormento; Mrs. Elvira Quiray; Mr. Roger B. Santos MTM-EMBA; and Atty. Jesus D. Ventura.
Two popularly-known Fil-Am community organizations were also given due recognition as Most Outstanding Organizations: the Filipino International Community of America (FICA) and the Performing Arts Philippines, Inc.(PAPI).
On behalf of his co-awardees, Hon. Consul Zaldy patron delivered a remarkably meaningful acceptance speech while the entire proceeding was under the supervision of NAFA NJ President Emeritus Rev. Bishop Gaudy Soriano.
Incidentally, Linda Mananghaya Mayo, this year’s NAFA NJ Mabuhay Award recipient for Outstanding Community Service, has been visibly around actively doing what she loves doing best— extending her assistance and services in terms of senior entitlements, affordable medical check-ups, prevention of domestic violence, and related services to Asian-Americans in Jersey City.
As Founding President of the Pan American Concerned Citizens Action League, Inc. (PACCAL), Linda has devoted half of her life propagating the very aspect and essential advocacy of the organization she cherished the most. This politically inclined leader with paramount regal bearing simply epitomizes the true paragon of a woman destined to rule. Being the first Asian elected official in Hudson County and former Jersey City Deputy Mayor, Linda possesses the full capability to lead and govern. Linda is also the founder and former president of the Ladies for Rizal, Inc., New Jersey Chapter, an official affiliate of the Kababaihang Rizalista, Inc., an international organization with headquarters based in the Philippines.
Known as a born leader with keen vision and idealistic advocacy, Linda M. Mayo is unmistakably an assertive risk-taker, innately persuasive, emphatic, and flexible…whereby setting an unparalleled standard for women empowerment, creating a peculiar image worthy of emulation and, undoubtedly, praise-worthy.
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Virgie Lipa Mayo’s 55th Birthday Bash & 35th Wedding Anniversary
Spring ushers us not only into a blossomy season but to a welcoming celebration of the first sign of the Zodiac, the Ram. Aries-born people, especially females, are by nature sociable to the extent of despising their being merely a standout of the crowd but to smartly poster their presence infront of it.
A typical Arian, bubbly Virgie Lipa Mayo jointly celebrated her 55th birthday and her blissful wedded life for 35 years with hubby Nelson last Sunday, April 14, at the Ramada Plaza Hotel in Newark, New Jersey amid a gregarious crowd composed of family members, relatives, and friends.
Elegantly donned in a body-hugging metallic gold sleeveless cocktail dress and sophisticated-looking in her Danny Yvanoff Julian hair and make-up, the golden girl tirelessly circulate entertaining her well-wishers while simultaneously attending to endless photo-ops and table hopping to make sure her guests are comfortably seated. Her infectious energy obviously transcends way beyond the four corners of the venue as she ardently managed to ignite a spark…inspiring her guests with her blazing spirit.
Virgie adequately exhibited her being a typical quintessential exponent of an Aries-born: assertive, independent, adventurous, ambitious, confident, and an effective leader. There’s no denying that she is consistently the life of the party, especially of her own!
A short but entertaining program was emceed by George Tality and Apple Lipa with productions that brought the house down with laughter, with occasionally touching emotional moments, and live rib-tickling portions like a vocal rendition from Virgie’s first granddaughter, Trinity, who belted out her own “innocent” interpretation of the Star Spangled Banner. Midway, the program was highlighted by Mico Mayo’s video montage of the significant snippets of his mom’s sentimental past.
The jubilant birthday celebrant was even serenaded by Pastor Alex Caabay, George Tality, and the Union Boys. Not to be outdone, the beauteous Line Dancing Divas of Jersey City presented an updated choreography of “Please Be careful With My Heart” with the birthday girl as the featured performer. The dance floor was never without enthusiastic dancing aficionados who got more than what they wished for with the numerous line dancing music being played one after the other by DJ Agent Orange.
“I could have never been happier and so much contented with the life I have. My husband, Nelson, and my children have been very supportive of me and in all my activities,” the teary-eyed birthday lady said.
“I have always relied on God for protection and blessing and He always grants what’s best for me. I could not ask for more,” she added.
The birthday bash, ‘though less in grandiosity but definitely profuse with warm greetings and tremendous amount of sincere felicitations, was conceptualized and ably hosted by Virgie’s husband, Nelson and children: Ning-Ning, Nico, and Liberty.
To Virgie and Nelson, here’s a toast with nothing but only the best for you and your wedded life!
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