Showing posts with label Angelita de Leon Peña. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Angelita de Leon Peña. Show all posts

PostHeaderIcon Exemplary Fil-Am Leadership: The shining civic spirit in Angelita L. Pena

by Augusto F. Mesia, M.D.
Astoria, New York



Angelita de Leon-Pena’s job experience comes from years of sterling service in the corporate world and from human interactions that count. For many years she has worked as the assistant vice-president of New York Mellon Bank after serving in Corporate Trust Department of US Bank, the State Street Bank, Citibank (NY,) and the Philippine National Bank (PNB) in Naga City, Philippines.

The affable lady that I know since our days in Naga City has surely greater knowledge than what she knows about the financial health of America. She is now the incoming president of the Bicol National Association of America (BNAA,) a coalition of organizations of Bicolanos across the United States.

For many Bicolanos from California to New York, from Boston to Miami, from Hawaii to Alaska to Georgia these milestones are miniscule compared to Lita's desire, like her ardent friends in BNAA and the Our Lady of Penafrancia Devotees Asssociation (OLPDA) to serve the community.

More than the drudgery of plain living away from native Bicol, it is her passion to come up with something magnanimous for Filipinos in the enlarging diaspora. Her lively wit and sophistication are never dull. She is a fountain of inspiration---especially when she starts asking some gritty questions like, “How can we unite all Bicolanos in America? What can we do to help the people of the Philippines?”

Filipino-Americans (Fil-Ams) know the next president of the BNAA has her views. When she deals with issues of utmost importance, she stirs the pot with rationality and wisdom. As her impeccable credentials show, the beneficient angel from Naga does her civics well.

Lita is busy laying the ground work to host a reunion which will draw Bicolanos to the Northeast in a July 17-19, 2009 convention. The group’s reunion next month will tie-up bonds, recharge friendships, and drum up fresh humanitarian projects for the organization. With fellow-Bicolanos working with her, she will gather kababayans, Fil-Ams, their friends, and families from all over America and elsewhere for a tastefully planned merry get-together.

Would you believe you’re invited? Or would you believe we're all invited? BNAA, like OLPDA, is a welcoming group ready to open its arms. In a giveaway expression of real hospitality, the reunion is open to as many Fil-Ams as possible particularly Bicolanos.



In 2002, Lita walked as the grand marshal of the Philippine Day Organizing Committee in Passaic, NJ. Shunning self-importance, she worked hard as a board member in the well-known Philippine Independence Day Committee (PIDC) of New York City. With unrelenting duties at home and in the community, she proved to be an dedicated adviser of the Bicolandia National Association of America of the Eastern Seaboard, USA (BNAA-Eastern Seaboard) and OLPDA.

The leader with a beaming persona gave away precious time in 2003 to be the overall chairwoman of the Philippine American Friendship Committee, Inc. To forge unity the following year, Lita assumed headship of the Philippine American Friendship, Inc. Community Development Center (PAFCOM – CDC.) What more can one ask? She was a respected and popular president of BNAA-Eastern Seaboard, and the Philippine Women’s University (PWU) Alumni Association.

Serving as this year’s NAFFA’s Filvote Chair for Hudson County in New Jersey, Lita, the radiant civic leader of New Jersey can surely deliver the goods. On her gaudy sleeves rest a treasure trove of public service accomplishments that matter---those which draw people to be united with the community.

Consistently praised for her energy, Lita was appointed by Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah Healy as board of director of the Jersey City Training & Development Center in last year. As two-term president of the Greenville Fil-Am Bowling League and past board of director & vice-president of the Folklorico Dance Company of New York, she organized OLPDA of the Tri-State Area in the early 1990’s which encouraged faith-based veneration of Ina in America, the mother-patroness of the Bicol Region.



For all the sacrifices she endured, Lita didn’t lack the admiration of her kababayans who trust her ability. The Philippine New York Jaycees gave her the outstanding community leadership award in 2003. Along with Peng, her devoted husband, she was named by the New Jersey Parent Foundation as the 2000 Parent of the Year---a coveted distinction that brought sparks of inspiration to family-oriented souls across races and backgrounds.

As a keynote speaker, in 2002, the Bicol Canada, Inc, (Etobicoke, Canada) presented Lita a certificate of appreciation for her selfless service to Bicolanos as she helped improve the quality of life in Jersey City and in the Bicol Region.

A dynamic lady leader who kindly encouraged Filipinos to embark on community undertakings, Lita was given the Women’s Achiever’s Award by Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah Healy and by the Pan American Concerned Citizens Action League of Jersey City. She received a certificate of appreciation from the mayor citing her outstanding commitment and continuous support for the Filipino American Veterans Organization of New Jersey. Given a service award in 2007, she was likewise cited for brilliant leadership and dedication by the BNAA-Eastern Seaboard.



Lita graduated from the Colegio de Sta. Isabel High School in Naga City. She finished her college education at the Philippine Women’s University (PWU) in Manila, Philippines where she earned her accounting and business administration degree.

Married to Eufronio Pena of Naga City, she is a proud and loving mom of three wonderful children--- Eduardo, married to Marsha Rafanan, Ysadora, married to Alan Clarin and Eric, married to Ivy Damian. Lita and Peng, are happy grandparents to Alexa, Jonah, Aivery, Drew and Jaxsen. To better know this lady with an amazing civic spirit, why don’t you attend the grand BNAA convention and join the OLPDA? It will be fun for she will be there. (Photo Credits: Lita Pena/ AFM) =0=



RELATED BLOG: "Erlinda Requejo-Arellano: outstanding Bicolana community leader of New Jersey" Posted by mesiamd at 1/19/2009

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PostHeaderIcon Bicolandia Association of Eastern Seaboard Fundraiser on May 3, 2009

The Bicolandia Association of Eastern Seaboard, Inc. and its incoming illustrious national president Angelita de Leon-Pena extend their invitation to all Bicolanos and Fil-Ams in this year's fun trip to Atlantic City, New Jersey on Sunday, May 3, 2009.

The bus will be waiting at 24 Culver Avenue, Jersey City between 8-8:30 AM and will depart at 8:30 AM sharp for Atlantic City.

Be on time! Since available seats are limited, make reservations ASAP by calling the following contact persons: Lita Peña @ 201-232-1742; Linda Arellano @201-240-0872 and Gidget Revilleza @201-983-1335.

The event is in preparatiom for this year's grand Bicol National Association of America (BNAA) all-state convention slated on July 17-19, 2009 to be held in Sheraton Newark Hotel, New Jersey. Proceeds of the fundraiser will be donated to the organization's charities.(Photo Credit: LDP; CharlesW1)) =0=



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PostHeaderIcon OLPDA brings joy to Bicolanos & friends in a New Jersey X’mas party







Our Lady of Penafrancia Devotees Association of Tristate Area, Inc. (OLPDA,) held this year’s fun-filled Christmas celebration at Our Lady of Victory Church in New Jersey last Saturday on December 20, 2008. With the able leadership of Amado (Boy) Cabaero, OLPDA’s current chairman, the occasion brought warmth to Bicolanos and friends who came for the event from New Jersey, New York and Connecticut.



The meaningful gathering of Bicolanos focused on the Filipino-American family in humble imitation of the holy life of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. It brought recall the message of faith, hope, and charity which characterize the gladness of the year-end religious holiday.

In an evening of fellowship, friendship, and fun, the event opened with the singing of the national anthems with Virgie Jacobson and Ben Silerio on the podium. It was followed by a sacred invocation and prayers led by Msgr. Jeremias Rebanal, JCD, the group’s spiritual adviser.





Genevieve del Rosario and Virgie Jacobson, the emcees of the evening made sure the scrumptious traditional dinner was served with style and excitement. It was capped with moments of merry conversations and dancing which stretched to the late hours of the evening.


Marfo Manibay brought in the trendy Christmas music that filled the air. Rosalyn Sapalico, Cora Velasco, and Dina Cabaero took charge of the family games. Arnel Binlayo headed the kid's group of Jersey City. Santa Claus (Butch los Banos of Albay,) in a fiery red costume of the benevolent man from North Pole, played games and gave away gifts to the delight of innocent children enthralled by the sights and sounds of the occasion.


Braving the pinching cold of the icy slush outside (the wet wind of the blustery weather was still blowing over the freshly laden snow,) Josie Anciano-Mendoza, Peng Pena, Tony Rojano, Annie Binaday, Efren Zagada, Lena Nidea, Marietta Mesia, and other ardent Penafrancia devotees were among the early attendees along with Fe Manibay and Chito Velasco who brought along Allen Nidea with children Angeline and Franco.

Brimming with hospitality, Ben Silerio and wife Thelma made sure the guests were in their comfortable places in the company of old and new friends in that capacious social hall bedecked with bright lights, balloons, and the season’s festive colors. Invaluable support came from Dina Briones, Rudy Alcantara, Nylda Surban, Offie Ante and many more who made the night truly especial.

OLPDA adviser Lita Pena and her affable guests came just in time that Gigette Revilleza, Chi Pilar, Rene and Lily Villegas stepped in to greet their respective friends. Their arrival heightened the festive mood of the affair which antedates the planned grand Bicol National Association (BNA) convention slated in July next year.

Towards the close of the event, an impromptu Christmas caroling was initiated by the group which pulled together the voices of revelers in a burst of songs.

With Totie Mesia at the piano, the community singing heard by God in the heavens had Fr. Joe Saltarin and Genevieve del Rosario stirring the crowd to a rousing rendition of nostalgic favorites like Ang Pasko ay Sumapit, Silver Bells, and O Holy Night.

The winsome music welded the bonds of those present. Vice-chairwoman Carmen Oliver who made sure everyone was happy delivered the remarks that ended the memorable evening, making it among the most cherished in years.

It was clear Carmen like all the rest had nothing in mind but the peace, love, and joy for all. =0=


MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!





"O samuyang Diyos, tugutan mo lugod
Na samong mahiling ang totoo mong pagkamoot
Kami kupkupon mo, irayo mo tabi
Sa pagtios sagkod sa paghadit."

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PostHeaderIcon Bikol National Association of America Convention 2009

The 26th Anniversary of the Bikol National Association of America (BNAA) will be held in New York and New Jersey on July 17, 18 and 19., 2009

Delegates will have the chance to see the United States' most famous landmark---the Statue of Liberty; enjoy the sights and sounds of the Big Apple---dazzling views of the Manhattan skyline, Brooklyn Bridge, United Nations Building, Empire State Building, St, Patrick's Cathedral, Times Square, Rockefeller Center, Central Park then shop at Macy's---the World's Largest Store; or head south and try their luck in one of those world-class hotel/casinos of Atlantic City and take a leisurely stroll along its famous boardwalk for that cool and refreshing Atlantic Ocean breeze.

Contacts:
Convention Host
Bicolandia Association, Inc. of the Eastern Seaboard, USA
Erlinda Requejo Arellano, President
973-662-1265  e-mail: erlinda123@msn.com

Angelita de Leon Peña
BNAA President-Elect 2009
201-232-1742
e-mail: litapeng2@yahoo.com

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