Showing posts with label New Jersey. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New Jersey. Show all posts

PostHeaderIcon OLPDA's Christmas Party on December 19, 2009

12/09/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


The Our Lady of Penafrancia Devotee’s Association (OLPDA) headed by Boy Cabaero has scheduled its yearly Christmas Party on Saturday, December 19, 2009 at the Our Lady of Victorires Church in Jersey City, New Jersey City. A potluck to bring in food and drinks will be arranged for members and guests of the association.

Bicolanos in the tri-state area are cordially invited. (Photo Credit: Boy Cabaero)=0=

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PostHeaderIcon Advent retreat in preparation for Christmas

11/27/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


The Our Lady of Penafrancia Devotees Association (OLPDA) composed of mainly Filipinos of Bicol roots in the Northeast is conducting an advent retreat this Satuday, November 28, 2009 at 10 AM to 3 PM in Our Lady of Victories School basement located at corner Ege Street and Westside Avenue in Jersey City, New Jersey.

In preparation for the coming yuletide celebration, the religious recollection will tackle among others the relevance of the saving birth of Jesus Christ in the modern world. Topics include “Priesthood” and “The Devotion of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.” FR. Joe D’ Amico, pastor of St. Aloysius Church in Jersey City will be the speaker.

OLPDA extends its invitation. Those who wish to attend may contact Genevieve del Rosario at 201-435-2840. (Photo Credit: Boy Cabaero) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Republicans cheer gains in two state elections

11/05/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


Just about a year when the Democrats and Pres. Barack Obama gained majority in the governance of America, two elections held yesterday proved that the winds of politics had change course again. In Virginia, Republican Robert McDonnell commandingly defeated Democratic senator Creigh Deeds with 59% and 41% votes respectively.

In New Jersey, Democratic governor Jon Corzine who was seeking a second term, bowed down to his rival Republican Christopher Christie by a 5% margin. New Jersey’s newly elected governor rode on issues of poor economy, joblessness, corruption, and high taxes.

Backed by the charismatic president Barack Obama who is popular in Virginia and New Jersey, the recent electoral defeats are signs of changing political tide. With growing dissatisfaction over promises versus delivery in the Obama administration, voters who supported the democrats have a change of heart.

Although majority of the voters think that Pres. Obama was not a factor in their election decision, the win of these two Republicans could be interpreted as a defeat of the White House which campaigned for the losing candidates. White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said Obama did not watch the electoral returns.

The poor economy, joblessness, overspending, questionable healthcare reform, and increasing government encroachment in people’s lives are main reasons why the Republicans won. It is a signal to the Obama administration that Democrats have to listen to the voice of the people rather than insulate themselves to adopt a socio-political agenda on their own. Washington has been accused of being deaf to the cares of the public that is suffering from the effects of recession and poor economy. (Photo Credit: www.lib.msu.edu) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon New Jersey ends fiesta with joyful anticipation of 300th year of Penafrancia devotion in 2010

9/22/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


















Rev. Msgr. Jeremias R. Rebanal, Our Lady of Penafrancia Devotees Association’s (OlPDA) spiritual adviser called faith-based activities like the Penafrancia fiesta in New Jersey, USA as instruments which help renew, strengthen, and enrich “our faith through our Ina.” According our insightful pastor, through Jesus’ mother, “we can live and enjoy the present with her, our future filled with hope, peace, and love that can only come from the Lord."

With undbridled gladness, similar messages had been said by Rev. Msgr. Romulo Vergara, the rector of the Penafrancia Basilica and National Shrine in Naga City and Rev. Jose C. Saltarin of St. Anne’s Church in New Jersey who emphasized Ina’s maternal protection wherever we might be. From a beautiful Filipino song Fr. Saltarin paraphrased:

Saan ka man naroon anak,
Sana’y malaman mo na mayroon kang Ina
Ang ‘yong Ina, Maria ang pangalan,
Bigay ng Dios sa iyong lahi.
Saan ka man naroroong bansa,
Pangarap ko ikaw, pagkat mahal kita.
Asahan mong sa habang panahon
'Ka’y anak ko pa rin, saan ka man naroroon.

Saen ka man magduman aki,
Sana mamidmidan mo na igua kang Ina
Ang saimong Ina, Maria an pangaran.
Ta'o nin Diyos sa saimong angkan.
Saen ka man napaduman na lugar,
Pangiturogan ta ika, dahil padangat ta ika
Asahan mo sa habang panahon,
Ika aki ko pa man guiraray, saen ka man magduman.

Such wonderful words to expatriate Bicolanos and all Filipinos worldwide couldn’t be said at a better time, when we start preparing for next year’s 300th year of Penafrancia devotion in Bicol.

This September, we were blessed to have well-intentioned Bicolano leaders of OLPDA and affiliate organizations---the Bicol Association Inc. of the Eastern Seaboard USA (BAES) and the Ateneo de Naga Alumni Association working in unity and cooperation. Energized by a team of supportive devotees, volunteers, and friends, Amado Cabaero, Jr., this year’s chairman, led the group to make the Penafrancia celebration in the Northeast a complete success.

Having gone through the nightly prayers and fellowship at the Our Lady of Victories Church (OLV,) the fiesta reeled with the traditional fluvial procession by ardent "voyadores." A rousing tribute to God and Ina followed on that clear sunny afternoon of Saturday, September 19, 2009 at CRRNJ Terminal Building in Jersey City, New Jersey.

As an expression of gratitude OLPDA once again invites devotees, families, and friends to come for a solemn mass at the OLV Church at Kennedy Blvd, NJ on Sunday, September 27, 2009 at 3 PM.(Photo Credit: balaoglogo) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon OLPDA readies for the Traslacion on September 11 in New Jersey

9/02/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


After careful preparations made by the officers, coordinators and friends of the Our Lady of Penafrancia (OLPDA,) the association now looks forward to the September 11, 2009 Traslacion which will be held in Our Lady of Victories Church (OLVC) at 2217 JF Kennedy Boulevard, Jersey City, New Jersey.

Schedule of Activities:

Date-----------------------Place---Novena Mass-Sponsors-----------------------Time
September 11, 2009----OLVC----Rosary & Traslacion------------------------5:45 PM
September 12, 2009----OLVC----Catanduanes--------------------------------7:00 PM
September 13, 2009----OLVC----Sorsogon-------------------------------------7:00 PM
September 14, 2009----OLVC----Camarines II (Rinconada-Partido)--------5:30 P
September 15, 2009----OLVC----Masbate----------------------------------------7:00 PM
September 16, 2009----OLVC----Albay--------------------------------------------7:00 PM
September 17, 2009----OLVC----Camarines Sur I (Railroad, River, Central--7:00 PM
September 18, 2009----OLVC----Ateneo de Naga Alumni Association--------7:00 PM

According to Amado (Boy) Cabaero, OLPDA's overall chairman, the Friday event on September 11 will be capped with the recitation of rosary and a procession honoring Ina, the Mother of Jesus. It also jumpstarts the sacred evening novena in honor of Our Lady of Penafrancia and the Divine Face (Divino Rostro) to be offered by Bicolanos worldwide on the eve of 300 years of devotion.

The fiesta this year will have the solemn concelebrated mass, fluvial parade, and cultural program which will be on September 19, 2009 at the Liberty State Park, CRRNJ Terminal Bldg., 1 Zapp Drive, New Jersey. Everyone is cordially invited.

In Bicol, the translacion is a traditional procession which marks the transfer of the image of Nuestra Senora de Penafrancia from her village shrine in Balatas, to the historic Naga City Metropolitan Cathedral where a nine-day novena is slated by pilgrims and devotees.

The prayers and religious activities will culminate with the fluvial procession in Naga River on Saturday, September 19, 2009. The procession will be followed with a day of thanks on Sunday, ending the grand faith-based celebration. =0=
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PostHeaderIcon OLPDA's Night of Western Music

8/20/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


Our Lady of Penafrancia Devotess Assoiation (OLPDA) invites you to a Night of Dancing Western Music at Our Lady of Victories School Auditorium in Ege Avenue, off West Side Avenue in New Jersey City. The event whose proceeds will partly defray the expenses of the association in Ina's honor starts at 5PM and ends at 10 PM on Sunday, August 30, 2009.

The lovely affair is in preparation to the September Penafrancia fiesta being readied by OLPDA for the Northeast Bicolanos on September 11 to 19, 2009. Interested friends and supporters are cordially invited to come in their Western casual attire. Bicol food will be served.(Photo Credit: eppic123) =0=

Contact Persons: Genevieve del Rosario (201) 435-2840
Cora Velasco (201) 424-8572
Lita Pena (201) 432-2144
Carmen Oliver (201) 469-6180
Lily Cantuba (551) 358-4008
DJ Butchoy (551) 689-8723
Amado (Boy) Cabaero---Overall Chairman

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PostHeaderIcon Tigaon guys and gals mark St. Claire’s feast in New Jersey

8/10/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post
Remembering St. Claire

































In simple but happy gathering, Tong and Chi Pilar and cousin Myrla Rueda were gracious hosts to a bunch of kababayans from Tigaon, Camarines Sur in their beautiful home in Bloomfield, New Jersey. It was a perfect sundown fellowship of guests, friends, and relatives. The children and friendly neighbors were present to complete the fun in a quiet neighborhood, about an hour's ride from Manhattan, New York.

The celebration came earlier on Saturday, August 8, 2009 to celebrate St. Claire’s feast (Fiesta de Sta. Clara) which is remembered back home on August 12, 2009. It was a perfect day for those who came----a sunny day with lots of laughter to accompany the sumptuous soul food of Bicol. The outdoor barbecue and wine were just fantastic!

Tigaon is a historic wonderful town in Partido district of Camarines Sur where Mount Isarog keeps watch. It is about an hours’ breezy ride from Naga City. (Photo Credits: AFM) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon OLPDA’s fundraiser in Atlantic City

8/07/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


The officers and members led by Boy Cabaero of the Our Lady of Penafrancia Devotees Association (OLPDA) have finalized its merry trip to Atlantic City on Sunday, August 9, 2009. This is part of the preparation of the 20th Penafrancia Fiesta celebration scheduled on September 11 to 19, 2009 in the Northeast Tri-state area.

The bus to Atlantic Hilton Hotel will leave at 8:30 A.M. from 24 Culver Avenue, Jersey City (beside the New Jersey City University, between Kennedy Blvd and Westside Avenue) Res. of Peng & Lita Pena (201) 432-2144. The fund-raiser will offer snacks and refreshments to all those who will join the fun. (Photo Credit: Sean Tucker) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon OLPDA unveils schedule of 2009 Penafrancia Fiesta in Northeast

7/29/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post




Boy Cabaero, this year's chairman of the Our Lady of Penafrancia Devotees Association (OLPDA) in cooperation with fellow officers and members of the organization announce the planned celebration of the feast of Ina this coming Septermber 2009 in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut (Tri-State) Area.

Devotees, families and friends of the Patroness of Bicol are cordially invited to take part in the annual festivities which include a 9-day novena honoring Mother Mary. The prayers commence on September 11, 2009 and end with a grand fiesta on September 19, 2009.

OUR LADY OF PEÑAFRANCIA 20TH ANNUAL FESTIVITIES
SEPTEMBER 11 – 19, 2009

SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES

DATE/DAY PLACE NOVENA MASS TIME & SPONSORS

Sept. 11,2009 - Our Lady of Victories Church Rosary & Traslacion
5:45 pm Friday
2217 JF Kennedy Blvd., Jersey City
From lower level Church to upper level Church.

1st day-Sept. 11 - Our Lady of Victories Church Catanduanes
7:00 pm Friday

2nd day-Sept.12 - Our Lady of Victories Church Sorsogon
7:00 pm Saturday

3rd day-Sept. 13 - Our Lady of Victories Church Camarines Sur II (Rinconada Partido)
5:30 pm Sunday

4th day-Sept. 14 - Our Lady of Victories Church Masbate
7:00 pm Monday

5th day-Sept. 15 - Our Lady of Victories Church Albay
7:00 pm Tuesday

6th day-Sept. 16 - Our Lady of Victories Church Camarines Norte
7:00 pm Wednesday

7th day-Sept. 17 - Our Lady of Victories Church Camarines Sur I
(Railroad/River/Central 7:00 pm Thursday

8th day-Sept. 18 - Our Lady of Victories Church Naga City, Ateneo de Naga Alumni Association
7:00pm Friday

9th Day-September 19, 2009 GRAND FIESTA
1:00 pm Saturday
Liberty State Park
CRRNJ Terminal Bldg., 1 Zapp Drive, Jersey City
Fluvial Procession Concelebrated Mass

(Photo Credit: Princess_Laya; colnago c 40;)

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PostHeaderIcon Putting Obama on notice: a clue to more brazen graft and corruption in America?

7/24/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post




There is a time lag between identifying crime, the arrest of criminals and their prosecution. In the case of the New Jersey, it took 10 years of surveillance to apprehend 44 individuals, among them government officials and members of the Jewish clergy. Probably the biggest graft and corruption incident ever reported in the state, they are accused of serious crimes including money laundering, bribery, extortion, and the illegal transport and sale of human organs.

“Five rabbis were among suspects, along with the mayors of Hoboken, Secaucus and Ridgefield, the Jersey City deputy mayor and council president, two state assembly members, and numerous other politicians, prosecutors said.” AFP (07/24/09, Smith, S.)

The organized crime was busted in a stunning after-dawn raid shown in television. Acting US attorney Ralph Marra said the apprehensions showed the pervasive nature of public corruption in the state.

In a scale that rivals the legendary mafia, the crime ring allegedly operated internationally from New Jersey and New York to Israel and Switzerland.

Among those taken by police was rabbi, Levy Izhak Rosenbaum who was believed to be part of a notorious group of corrupt, shameless, and greedy people with strong government connections (said to be mostly affiliated to the Democratic party) that procure kidneys from poor people and sell them for $160,000 for transplant to ailing patients. He used religion as a cover.

The decade-long illegal activity was cracked open by the efforts of Republican Chris Christie, a former US attorney who had been against the administration of NJ Gov. Jon Corzine (D). The crusading prosecutor and many New Jersey citizens had been critical of the governor whose leadership was blamed for the poor handling of the state’s economy.

The graft and corruption is getting rampant and freely laid in the open in the United States. There is a shift in the ethical and moral standards of the nation as secular progressives and believers of relativism influence the psyche of the nation. If not corrected, America is in danger of losing its long-held values---its credibility, leadership, and moral standing in the world. (Photo Credit: AP/ Mel Evans x 2) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon UP Ibalon trivia: the mystery guy in the BNAA convention

7/22/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


Now that the Bicol National Associaton of America (BNAA) Convention has been concluded in the Northeast, it can be said that an Ibalonian attended the affair from far away Houston, Texas. In the picnic last Sunday, July 19, 2009 at the Freedom Park, New Jersey following the gala dinner, a guy in blue with a friendly smile, loud laugh, and scintillating demeanor came along.

I heard someone mentioned his name. I almost couldn't believe it. As if I was hearing somebody from yesterday right under the shadow of the statue of Lady Liberty.

I had to be sure and so I asked. True enough, it was him, our Ibalon pal---found after more than 30 years! Who could he be? What might be your guess? =0=

Answer: Stephen (Steve/Tibo) David, originally from Legazpi City who was part of the core-group that established the UP Ibalon in Diliman, Quezon City. Steve spent time with the Department of Foreign Affairs and serve as a consular official in USA before assuming the presidency of the Filipino American Caucus for Empowerment. He is currently based in Texas.

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PostHeaderIcon BNAA Convention capped with a gala dinner on July 18, 2009 in New Jersey

7/20/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post







After a hectic day of deliberations by the Bicol National Association of America (BNAA) in a convention last Saturday, a solemn mass of thanksgiving, unity, and hope was celebrated by Msgr. Jeremias Rebanal and Fr. Joe Saltarin, spiritual advisers of the group of Bicolanos who bonded together to share time, talent, and treasure for the community.

“Without a doubt, the generosity and participation of BNAA members during our fundraising efforts enable us to continue to succeed in implementing the BNAA service projects,” said Rudy Nasol, BNAA president (2007-2009) His words may well summarize the mission of the organization which gathered in New Jersey and New York for its 29th annual convention in July 17-19, 2009.









Headed by community leaders Angelita Pena and Erlinda Arellano who are the current nationwide BNAA and Northeast Chapter presidents respectively, the enthusiastic group of goal-directed Bicolanos and affiliates who work for the poor and underprivileged pulled a formal fun-filled evening dinner-dance at the Sheraton, Hotel in Newark, New Jersey to cap this year’s convention. The ball chair was Baby B. Baquiran.

With the support of the association, Lita and Linda brought together visitors and guests, mostly from various BNAA chapters from all over America.

Working in concert with the BNAA officers and members and the Our Lady of Penafrancia Association (OLPDA,) a fresh brand of “getting-to-know-you” and renewal of camaraderie marked the excitement of the evening.










An estimated 270 guests arrived to add a dazzling vitality to the memorable event. Formally dressed for the affair, they were met by welcoming hosts like Ben and Thelma Silerio, Boy and Dina Cabaero, Rolando and Gidget Revilleza, Chi and Tong Pilar, Peng Pena, Salvador Deauna, Ed Arellano, Narcisa Vasquez, Efren Zagada, Adela Quisumbing, Nilda Largoza, and Carmen Oliver.

Propped by ardent support from Northeast residents like Lily Villegas, Genevieve del Rosario, Ben Vasquez, Josie Anciano-Mendoza, Myrla Rueda, Mila Requejo, and Dr. Rosendito Largoza, the team gathered its full force which energized the ball to its rousing success.





Former BNAA president Roger Odiamar, Zayda Baron, and Fr. Garcia were as upbeat as the Chicago delegation that came with them. Adding spark to the occasion, Dr. Lilian Obrero-Gines expressed her liking for projects and wholesome fun when BNAA convenes in Jacksonville, Florida sometime in 2011.

Steve David, the president of the Filipino American Caucus for Empowerment and Alice de Leon looked forward to see Bicolanos visit Houston, Texas next year. They were part of the merry crowd which combined ballroom dancing with the plain joy of being together. A special guest performance by Craig and Samantha A. Campos, young dancing champions, wowed those who were present.





From California was a delegation which included Bicolano leader Rudy Nasol and his notable surgeon-friend Dr. Antonio Abiog, the pillar of BNAA's outreach medical missions in the Philippines. Travelling all the way to be with other guests, from Michigan were Delia Hidalgo-Rayos and Aida and Gil Manly. Ely Mabeza, a former Naga City resident, came to meet with his relatives and friends.

Ludy Baldoza-Cabanas, an amiable BNAA past president, arrived from Washington State. And from Virginia was Milette Maleniza who was accompanied by devoted hubby Joey Salonga.

Cindy and Joe Dacanay, Saulo Gaspe, Art Artuz, Joceline Losa-Masauding, Nancy Samson, Fred Ramin, and Delia Evangelista of South Carolina Bicol Association were dreamful to meet their new pals in future meetings.

There was a sizeable number of Bicolanos from out of town who attended the ball--- In fact, too many to be mentioned by name. For reasons, not completely known, there were also those who weren’t present---- and surely they were sorely missed.

At the conclusion when the crack of dawn rushed in to give way for the next day's sunrise, some attendees proceeded quietly to the “hospitality room” in the 12th floor of the venue building. In hushed voices, they were up for an extended fellowship and fun. The small crowd with Lita Pena, Msgr. Rebanal and Fr. Saltarin stayed longer to share a familiar Bicol soul-food----a native fare of hot steamy “arroz caldo” that made the delegates remember the Bikol of home. (Photo Credit: AFM) =0=







RELATED BLOG: Bikol National Association of America Convention 2009 Posted by andygimpaya at 9/26/2008

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