Showing posts with label New York. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New York. Show all posts
UP Ibalon Bicol prez visits NYC
Jose (Butch) Robredo, the president of UP Ibalon Bicol visits New York City from Naga City, Philippines. With him is only daughter Dr. Irene Gaile Robredo, a newly-minted physician from UE Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center.
In their trip, Butch had a happy reunion with his old time pals from Ateneo de Naga HS'73 last Monday, October 26, 2009. Leon (Tong) Pilar of New Jersey and Dr. Augusto (Totie) Mesia of Astoria, New York are shown with them in the pictures above.(Photo Credit: AFM) =0=
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GMA’s NY dinner and the discordant ritzy lifestyle of Filipinos
It was estimated the Philippines spent at least P8 billion in some 71 official travels President Gloria M. Arroyo made since she took office. Sen. Francis Escudero said the president went to trips local and abroad lasting for at least 130 days since 2001. Her meeting with Pres. Barack Obama last week that coincided with the death of ex-president Cory Aquino was her 16th US visit during her term.
Accusations of abuse, spending and extravagance are expected. It’s because the benefit derived from such official foreign travels cannot be accounted for with certainty. The public looks at them with suspicion and derision for they can’t see how these presidential jet-settings, numbering at least 16 in US alone, trickle down to benefit the country.
Filipinos had known how public officials and Malacanang friends scrambled to join GMA’s trips. Undoubtedly many people believed her companions were unneeded, but nonetheless became part of the entourage that combined business and pleasure. Who could forget the 56 congressmen asking to join a US delegation for an official visit but many openly wanted to watch Manny Pacquiao fight in a Las Vegas boxing match? Their shameful unprofessional behavior wasn’t far from what Imelda Marcos did during her time.
That’s why there is controversy about a supposed article regarding the July-August 2009 US visit of Arroyo by New York Post’s Richard Johnson. In the newspaper’s “Eat and Drink” section on August 7, 2009, it was written:
“The economic downturn hasn’t persuaded everyone to pinch pennies. Philippines President Maria Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was at Le Cirque the other night with a large entourage enjoying the good life, even though the former comptroller of her country’s armed services, Carlos Garcia, was found guilty earlier this year of perjury and two of his sons were arrested in the US on bulk cash-smuggling charges. Macapagal-Arroyo ordered several bottles of very expensive wine, pushing the dinner tab up to $20,000.”
So alas! A flag to put our leaders in attention! Even foreign observers are critical of how we spend government money. This doesn’t come as a surprise for they know of our penchant to borrow cash and use them that is incongruent to our means.
It is a simple lesson in arithmetic and corruption. The world sees how some of us live beyond our capacities. Isn’t it that our spending habits aren't compatible with our salaries and the lifestyle we live? Don’t we try to hide it by acting like those with less than a dollar to spend each day? Surely, one can argue, the Philippine president on her offical functions can't be tavelling like a pauper. She must keep the standards of foreign affairs to keep Filipino pride. But how come she goes abroad too often?
Back home however, palatial houses valued in millions are owned by our influential government officials and top military men in plush villages in Manila and the provinces. In their privacies, lavish parties are thrown by the noveau riche Filipinos. They ride in big cars which are difficult to maintain if they only bank on their honest incomes. And many go for vacations to America, Europe and Caribbean tagging along their maids and children for their usual rest and recreation.
So if no single taxpayers’ money is spent in travels of government officials abroad, where do they get their funds? How did they suddenly get so rich? The discordance of lifestyle breeds suspicion---The only way to disprove doubts is to be straightforwardly honest. Why is there only denials from the government and no disclosures of spending?
Even on tight budget, New Yorkers will say (including myself) it’s an expensive place to visit. Eating out in Manhattan with a hungry entourage using our currency back home is truly costly unless we dine at Elvie's Turo-Turo in Eastside somewhere in 12th Street and First Avenue. Without public accounting, many of us are convinced somebody sheds blood money to keep the jet-setting Joneses splurging in Waldorf Astoria or Times Square. (Photo Credit: Yummyinthetummyblog) =0=
RELATED BLOGS: Pres. Gloria Arroyo’s foreign travels questioned Posted by mesiamd at 6/28/2009; Another US trip for Pres. Gloria Arroyo Posted by mesiamd at 7/29/2009; Arroyo-Obama meeting: beholding the face of "god" & the desire to have a photo-op Posted by mesiamd at 8/01/2009
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9 dead in aircraft midair smash-up in Hudson
They were not as lucky as the 155 passengers of US Airways who survived a crash landing in January 25, 2009 in Hudson River soon after take-off from nearby La Guardia airport in Astoria, New York.
New York mayor Michael Bloomberg announced on Saturday, August 8, 2009 that 9 people perished in a midair collision of a helicopter operated by Liberty Helicopter Sightseeing Tours and a light plane, a single-engine Piper PA-32 Saratoga in New York City. The fatal incident over the Hudson river claimed the lives of five tourists from Bologna, Italy.
“Helicopter wreckage was found in about 30 feet of water, while the plane is believed to be near the midchannel point of the Hudson in deeper water. A scanning sonar is being used to pinpoint the plane and has identified a possible third debris."---CNN.com (08/08/09, Candiottti, S et al.)
So far, only three bodies, two adults and one child, have been recovered down the river. Some witnesses said the plane trailed the helicopter from behind before they collided with a loud bang, scattering debris in midair before the aircrafts fell near the Hoboken shore. Authorities are investigating the cause of the deadly crash. (Photo Credit: PMarella) =0=
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OLPDA unveils schedule of 2009 Penafrancia Fiesta in Northeast
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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In the hospital
On Tuesday, July 7, 2009, I was to join my New York visitors to a trip to
West Point in Upstate New York. Poppa Lossiette Oracion from California was a Philippine Military Academy (PMA) professor in the Philippines and I knew it would be a treat to have him and his family see the sprawling American military academy near Hudson, a nostalgic recall of the stretch of attractive land of similar beauty in Baguio City, Philippines where he used to teach.
Yet the day before our trip, I realized I wasn’t feeling well. Before I slept that night, I said to Lossiette I might not join them to see the rustic wooded camp less than 2 hours by car north of New York city. I thought it wise to rest as my body was telling me.
When I woke up the next day, they were gone. I was left at home feeling weak with high fever, an indicator that I need to go to the emergency room alone. In a background of a chronic immuno-suppression, I had to do it. I must be having an infection.
It happened to me before. I developed a rapidly progressive sepsis---something that is understandably dangerous. My quick decision to go to the ER saved my life back then, in time before shock from overwhelming infection destroyed my body. That was a learning experience, a real brush with death that I couldn't forget.
I therefore called a limousine to pick me up from home to NYU Medical Center. Not for long, I was given a bed in the busy ER after a brief triage in the crowded action spot. Before the afternoon ended, I was settled at Room 1654 in Tisch Hospital building. My gut instinct was right. I was started on IV antibiotics for what turned out to be a lung infection.
It was only later that I was able to tell with certainty my airway was a bit irritated with a developing cold. I was coughing like crazy. At home, my visitors returned and read my short note telling them where I went. They quickly understood.
Poppa Lossiette and wife Tita Celi were able to tour the West Point without me. They embarked on an exciting discover adventure with newcomer Tita Meding in the bowels of Manhattan while I recuperated in the hospital. I had to direct their moves as they visited tourist spots, rode subways and buses. My hospital bed turned as the command center that made their tour of the city quite happy and meaningful. (Photo Credit: Pidgeons at Times Square) =0=
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Exemplary Fil-Am Leadership: The shining civic spirit in Angelita L. Pena
by Augusto F. Mesia, M.D.
Astoria, New York
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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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Astoria, New York
.jpg)
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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A Filipina dies in the Binghampton, NY bloodbath
Dolores Carbonilas Yigal, an immigrant of the United States for two years was among the 14 people who died when Jiverly Wong (aka Jiverly Voong,) 41, the Vietnamese gunman barged and opened fire in the American Civic Association building where immigrants and refugees were taking language classes and citizenship tests. Initial report indicated that Wong, also an immigrant, was despondent of being jobless with poor language skills.
“Binghamton has always been a lure for immigrants. More than 7,100 immigrants, most of them Asians, have settled in Binghamton since 2005, according to city statistics. They are a cosmopolitan mix of Kurds, Chinese, Filipinos, Africans, Iraqis—but only a fraction of the city’s predominantly white population of 43,000.’---Inquirer /AP/ AFP (04/05/09, Uy, V)
The Filipina from Cebu was studying English in the civic center in preparation to work and join the mainstream of American life. Her dream was cut short like the other migrants from 8 countries who died on Friday, April 3, 2009, mostly of multiple gun shot wounds.
Omni Yigal, the husband of Dolores said his wife dreamed of working with children. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) sent a representative to assist and console the Yigal family. (Photo Credit: AP/ Matt Rourke x 2 ) =0=
RELATED BLOG: "14 dead in a shooting spree in Binghamton, New York" Posted by mesiamd at 4/04/2009
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14 dead in a shooting spree in Binghamton, New York
“Our prayers are certainly with the family members. I know it was at the American Civic Society. I have a lot of very, very close and dear friends there.” ---Sen. Thomas Libous, Binghamton-R www.pressconnects.com/article/20090403/ (04/03/09)
For reasons that were not yet known, a man of Asian descent opened fire in a civic center for immigrants and refugees in Binghamton, a quiet town in the Southern tier of New York. Thirty seven (37) people managed to scamper out of the building where citizenship classes and English language training were held. At least 13 others died in a 3 minute shooting spree on Friday morning, April 3, 2009. Armed with pistol, the mysterious gunman was found among the dead presumably by self-inflicted wounds.
There were at least 5 wounded survivors including a Chinese student were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. Apartments and schools close to the place where the bloodbath occured were evacuated.
From the ID found in the crime scene, the suspected killer was Linh Phat Voong, 42, of Johnson City, New York. Police are still trying to determine if the ID truly matches the real identity of the person responsible for killings. The premeditated massacre which is still being investigated is just one among the five mass slayings that occurred in US recently. (Photo Credit: DJP7) =0=
UPDATE: April 4, 2009: Before the bloodbath, the Vietnamese gunman was distraught because of poor English skills and job loss.
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Caroline Kennedy backs out from New York US Senate race
Time’s article on Caroline Kennedy (The Quest for Camelot II) was somewhat prophetic when the author Karen Tumulty ended her piece in the magazine's January 12 issue saying "The Kennedy name was Caroline’s birthright, but it may be that a seat to the US Senate is something she has to earn on her own." Tumulty’s opinion was based on the observation that Caroline, the only survivor of Pres. John F. Kennedy's children “doesn’t appear to have given much thought to what she would try to accomplish once in office.”
Before NY governor David Patterson could decide who’d take the junior senatorial seat vacated by Sen. Hillary Clinton, Caroline pulled the plug of her candidacy. She couldn’t continue her bid for the position on account of "personal reasons"--- This possibly includes Sen. Edward (Ted) Kennedy, her uncle, who suffered brain cancer-related seizure during the Obama inauguration celebration. Ironically, it was Ted who liked her to assume the post and carry the family's political flame.
The pressure on families with loved ones suffering from life-threatening medical condition is incalculable and therefore Caroline has the reason to withdraw. But political decisions are usually made on account of other considerations. It’s probable the sheltered Kennedy heiress understood the demands of the job. With little experience than the other candidates, she could have known the truth of what she said before--- She needed to work “doubly-hard” to represent New York in Washington. Undoubtedly strong in political influence, perhaps, her supporters and Gov. Patterson knew this all along. (Photo Credit: http://Arnow.com)=0=
RELATED BLOG:: "Caroline Kennedy & Sarah Palin: a “class” difference in media treatment?" Posted by mesiamd at 1/10/2009
UPDATE: There are speculations as to the cause of Caroline Kennedy's sudden withdrawal from her bid to become a junior NY senator. Vetting issues which involve tax, nanny, and marital problems have been reported in TV and newspapers.
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Emergency landing on icy Hudson River in NYC after birds knocked down plane’s engines
On my way for a doctor’s visit this Thursday afternoon, January 15, 2008, I wondered why my usual route in Manhattan was closed to traffic. Noisy police horns and ambulances blared for some emergency that I couldn’t understand. Yet, when I entered the phlebotomy room in NYU Clinical Cancer Center at 34th Street, my pals in that office were talking about a plane which plunged in the frigid Hudson River, just a few blocks from were we stood. Our surprise and concern could just be felt by the momentary silence.
I could see alarm on the faces of the phlebotomists and a few patients inside the room. Blood drawing temporarily stopped. There were those who instinctively opened their cell phones to call friends and relatives to ask what was going on. After 911, most of us felt trauma each time news of this nature crossed our lives. We thought of the passengers’ condition and we hoped that the incident wasn’t terror-related.
Only a little later that we learned of the 150 passengers and 5 crew of US Airways Airbus A320--- all survived, but about 78 passengers suffered body injuries of varying severity. Some were rushed to nearby hospitals to be treated for hypothermia. We were relieved to know the rescuers were on top of the situation. The passengers were reportedly calm and didn’t show panic as they abandoned the sunken plane.
According to the information, the plane en route to Charlottesville, NC went down upon bumping on a flock of Canadian geese soon after take-off which caused both engines to stop a few minutes upon leaving La Guardia airport. The astonishing “miraculous” survival was mainly attributed to divine providence, the help of rescuers, the quick-thinking and skill of pilot Chelsey B. Sullenberger III and his crew who steered the plane into the ice-cold river. Many are overjoyed that no one died in this scary brush with eternity. (Photo Credits: Freeman; NYC Travis; Freeman) =0=
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Wintry blast in the Northeast
The first major winter storm came yesterday in the Northeast, blanketing New York with a slushy wet snow of up to about 4 inches. The cold weather marked the onset of a frigid weekend which made street walking inconvenient for the workers and holiday shoppers.
The sky was gray and lusterless without the sun the whole day. A mix of snow and rain battered the city and airports had to cancel about 800 flights, stranding many passengers. On the street in Astoria, the houses seemed to shudder in the biting cold, forcing residents to stay at home to keep warm. The wicked weather was also seen in places like Michigan, Iowa, Ohio, Indiana, Chicago, and New England. (Photo Credits: mesiamd; www.nydailynews.com/ Warga/ News) =0=
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Simbang Gabi Sa Nueva York
Halina, Jesus, Halina!Sa simula’y sinaloob mo
O Diyos, kaligtasan ng tao
Sa takdang panahon ay tinatawag mo
Isang bayang lingkod sa iyo.
On a frigid early evening of Saturday, December 6, 2008, Filipinos of New York came in droves to St. Patrick’s Cathedral and joined the celebration of Simbang Gabi sa Katedral, a traditional mass in celebration of the Christmas holiday. In the packed gothic church along Fifth Avenue, prayerful songs distinctly from the country filled air.
In spite of the chill, there was the warm glow of kababayans wishing each other the peace and love of the season. Among the merry attendees were some members of the Ateneo de Naga Northeast Alumni and Our Lady of Penafrancia Devotees Association (OLPDA.) The holy celebration was led by the Simbang Gabi Sa Katedral, Inc. under the guidance of Rev. Joseph G. Marabe, JCD. =0=
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Caroline Kennedy eyes Hillary Clinton’s post as NY senator
Hillary Clinton is about to leave as New York senator. She will become the secretary of state in the new Barack Obama administration. Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg has expressed interest on the 2-year job which needed to be filled by NY governor David Paterson.It may be partly because of the family from where she comes from. She is an accomplished lawyer. Political connections definitely help as much as her admirable qualifications. In gist, these are reasons why Caroline is favorably considered for the post.
Not so many know Caroline in-depth as she aspires for a new role in the political scene. She is the only surviving child of Pres. Jack and Jackie Kennedy, the sister of John Kennedy, Jr. whose memory captivates the minds of many Americans. She is the niece of the late Sen. Robert Kennedy and ailing Sen. Edward Kennedy.
A well-known democrat from an influential political clan, the 50-year old Kennedy is said to be a hard-driven mom of three with a Columbia U law degree on her sleeve. Among her accomplishments include being the president of the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation and member of the JFK Profile in Courage Award Committee. She serves as the director of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund and vice-chairwoman of NYC’s Fund for Public Schools.
Whether Caroline’s qualifications are enough to make her the best candidate for the post is subject to debate. There are those who believe some politicians are better prepared for the job. Others worry if her wealthy upbringing may stand on the way in her public service. With her connections, it is very likely though that she'll get the job. (Photo Credit: http://arnow.org) =0=
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Kahit saan man, ang patis ay 'di malimutan
kwento ni Raniela (Miles) Barbaza
"May patis na kami!" Isang nakakatuwang kwento ng isang Ibalonian ng napunta siya at ang kanyang kapatid sa Gallup, New Mexico. Sa kalayu-layo ng Pilipinas, hanap-hanap pa rin nila sa dulo ng mundo ang patis na walang katulad.---mesiamd (11/29, 08)
"Tatlong taon na ang orosipong ito pero tulad ng ibinubulong ng matandang salitang Bikolnon para sa kwento – ang orosipon, hindi natatapos. Patuloy ang masayang kwento: ang ating orosipon." ---RB, November 28, 2008, New York City
Hindi ko alam sa inyo pero para sa amin ng kapatid kong si Isang hindi maaaring walang patis ang nilaga o sinigang. Imajinin nga ninyo – nilagang walang patis? Pede ba iyon? Sinigang na walang patis? Mas lalong hindi pede.
Halos dalawang buwan na kami dito sa Gallup, New Mexico bago kami nagkaroon ng patis. Kaming dalawa ang tinatawag na mga bagong salta. Nitong nakaraang August 10 lamang nang dumating kami dito sa Gallup, isang bayan na may isa’t kalahati hangga’t dalawang oras na biyahe ang layo mula sa Albuquerque.
Noong unang linggo namin dito, sinubukan naming gawing Amerikano ang aming tiyan. Tutal, pagyayabang namin sa sarili namin, sanay naman tayong kumain ng Jollibee at Mcdonald’s sa Pilipinas. Sige, wheat bread at palaman. Pero hindi namin nakumbinsi ang aming mga tiyan. Sari-saring tunog ang nililikha ng mga tiyan namin. Brrrrrrrg. Mrrrrngk. Pop. Parang nagmumumog o kumukulog o pumuputok na mga tunog ang maya’t maya’y naririnig namin mula sa mga tiyan namin.
Nang maglaon, tiyan na namin ang hindi mapakanali. Okey. Suko na kami. Kailangan namin ng kanin at ulam! Sumugod kami sa nilalakad lang namin na supermarket (wala kaming kotse). Diretso sa aisle ng bigas. Ok. Hayun, rice. Isang maliit na supot lang? Di bale. Sige. Ano pa. Ulam.
Anong ulam natin? Nilagang baka para may mahigop na sabaw (nilalamig na agad kami kahit na summer pa daw dito). Ok. Beef stew cuts. Ito na siguro iyon. Tapos repolyo. Patatas. Carrots. Beans. Saging saba… walang saging na saba?! Ok, di bale. Sibuyas. Tsek. Patis na lang.
Ah, ok sa condiments na tayo. Wala. Fish sauce. Hanap tayo ng fish sauce. Saan? Baka kakaiba lang ang bote dito ng patis. Diyan sa shelf na iyan? Teka baka dito. Wala. Walaaaa.
Doon namin naalala na usapin rin ng identidad ang panlasa. Pero, siyempre pa, ang identidad ay likha ng taga-ngalan. Kailangang ikonteksto ang paghahanap ng patis sa pananaw ng mga tagarito sa New Mexico. Sa madaling salita, sino ba kami sa pananaw ng mga taga-rito?
Pinilit naming kalimutan na, basta tao kaming nagugutom. Alalahanin ang mga form na sinusulatan. Please check ethnicity (optional). Oriental. Asian. Minsan may tiyak na box para sa Filipino. O kaya, doon ka sa mga walang identitad: other. Ok, sikapin na alalahanin hanapin ang karatulang may tanda ng identidad.
Dahil iniisip namin tiyak na may patis dito, kailangan lang nating matuklasan kung nasaang aisle. May iba naman sigurong mga Pinoy dito. Siyempre mangangailangan din sila ng patis. Elementary economics ba iyon ? Ang alam ko, kung may demand, may supply. Natitiyak naman namin na magdedemand ang mga dila ng mga Pinoy dito ng patis, kaya mayroong magsu-supply. Luminga-linga kami. Binasa ang mga karatula sa itaas ng mga aisle. Talagang wala. Walang Oriental food. O Asian food. O International food. Ooops eto, Chinese food! Preno kami ng kapatid ko. Dalawang shelves na may habang tatlong piye siguro. Pero walang patis. Walaaang patis! Bumili na lang kami ng toyo sa isang kakaibang bote.
Kinabukasan, ibinalita sa akin ni Isang na ang sabi ng kaniyang katrabahong Chinese, sa Albuquerque pa raw sila namimili ng oriental food. Whooaah! Sa Alburqeurque pa? Para sa aming mga bagong saltang walang kotse, para na rin nilang sinabing sa Pilipinas pa makakabili ng patis.
Pero tulad ng iba pang malilit na bahagi ng buhay migranteng bagong salta, unti-unti nasanay na rin kaming magluto ng nilagang toyo ang pampaalat. Nasanay na rin kaming umasa sa microwave na nabili namin sa halagang $10 sa isang yard sale: pampainit ng tubig, ng kaning lamig at tirang ulam.
Nasanay na kaming gumamit ng mainit na tubig sa pagligo sa halip ng dati ay hinahanap-hanap na malamig na tubig na pampaalis ng banas sa Pilipinas. Nasanay na kaming ulit-ulitin ang aming sinasabi hanggang sa maintindihan ng kausap. Ng pagbigkas ng salitang bank na halos behnk. Ng pagdala ng jacket saan man pumunta dahil hindi nangangahulugang mainit ang panahon kahit na tirik na tirik ang araw. Ng pagbitbit ng tigalawang galon ng inuming tubig mula sa supermarket. Ng matitigan dahil sa kakaibang itsura o pananalita.
Naiintindihan siguro ng Diyos ang paghahanap namin sa patis. Isang araw, tumawag ang Uncle Romy namin mula sa Norwalk, California. Oy, mga bagong saltang dalaga. May pupunta diyan na mga Pinoy na madre. Pitong taon na sila diyan sa Gallup. Ipinagbilin ko kayo.
Mga madreng misyonero na nagtuturo sa Catholic School dito sa Gallup. Na tulad ng ibang migrante dito, natutong mag-drive! Dinala nila kaming magkapatid sa Philippine Cuisine, isang bagong Pilipinong restaurant daw na may ilang bilihing Pilipino.
Ah! Para kaming mga batang nakakita ng mga kendi. Bumili kami ng patis, toyo, suka (hindi distilled ha!), balat ng lumpiang shanghai, tumigas na sa lamig na tilapia, tinapa at bihon!
Sa katunayan, hindi naman pala kami nag-iisa sa pananatiling Pinoy ng panlasa. Sinubukan kong i-Google minsan ang humba dahil naalala ko ang masarap na pork humba sa Rodic’s sa eskwelahang pinangungulilahan ko.
Aba! Sandamakmak na blogs at sites ang umapir! Pinoy. Pinay. Kung saan-saan. Nananatiling Pinoy at Pinay nasaan man sila ngayon. Nagpapayabangan ng mga alam na nilang lutuing Pinoy na dati-rati’y hindi pinapansin ang pagluluto at basta na lamang kinakain sa kusina ng kanilang lola/lolo o nanay/tatay o sa kalapit na karinderia.
Kaya ngayong tanghalian, habang balot ng medyas, pajama at sweater, hinihigop namin ang mainit na sinigang na mayroon nang patis. Ang tanong naming dalawang bagong migrante ngayon: anong bahagi ang hindi matitinag sa pagiibang bayan? (Photo Credits: Chboogs; nikita2471; Chotda; Jab58; www.tastingmenu.com; chotda; nikita2471; knottypine)=0=
"May patis na kami!" Isang nakakatuwang kwento ng isang Ibalonian ng napunta siya at ang kanyang kapatid sa Gallup, New Mexico. Sa kalayu-layo ng Pilipinas, hanap-hanap pa rin nila sa dulo ng mundo ang patis na walang katulad.---mesiamd (11/29, 08)
"Tatlong taon na ang orosipong ito pero tulad ng ibinubulong ng matandang salitang Bikolnon para sa kwento – ang orosipon, hindi natatapos. Patuloy ang masayang kwento: ang ating orosipon." ---RB, November 28, 2008, New York City
Hindi ko alam sa inyo pero para sa amin ng kapatid kong si Isang hindi maaaring walang patis ang nilaga o sinigang. Imajinin nga ninyo – nilagang walang patis? Pede ba iyon? Sinigang na walang patis? Mas lalong hindi pede.
Halos dalawang buwan na kami dito sa Gallup, New Mexico bago kami nagkaroon ng patis. Kaming dalawa ang tinatawag na mga bagong salta. Nitong nakaraang August 10 lamang nang dumating kami dito sa Gallup, isang bayan na may isa’t kalahati hangga’t dalawang oras na biyahe ang layo mula sa Albuquerque.
Noong unang linggo namin dito, sinubukan naming gawing Amerikano ang aming tiyan. Tutal, pagyayabang namin sa sarili namin, sanay naman tayong kumain ng Jollibee at Mcdonald’s sa Pilipinas. Sige, wheat bread at palaman. Pero hindi namin nakumbinsi ang aming mga tiyan. Sari-saring tunog ang nililikha ng mga tiyan namin. Brrrrrrrg. Mrrrrngk. Pop. Parang nagmumumog o kumukulog o pumuputok na mga tunog ang maya’t maya’y naririnig namin mula sa mga tiyan namin.
Nang maglaon, tiyan na namin ang hindi mapakanali. Okey. Suko na kami. Kailangan namin ng kanin at ulam! Sumugod kami sa nilalakad lang namin na supermarket (wala kaming kotse). Diretso sa aisle ng bigas. Ok. Hayun, rice. Isang maliit na supot lang? Di bale. Sige. Ano pa. Ulam. Anong ulam natin? Nilagang baka para may mahigop na sabaw (nilalamig na agad kami kahit na summer pa daw dito). Ok. Beef stew cuts. Ito na siguro iyon. Tapos repolyo. Patatas. Carrots. Beans. Saging saba… walang saging na saba?! Ok, di bale. Sibuyas. Tsek. Patis na lang.
Ah, ok sa condiments na tayo. Wala. Fish sauce. Hanap tayo ng fish sauce. Saan? Baka kakaiba lang ang bote dito ng patis. Diyan sa shelf na iyan? Teka baka dito. Wala. Walaaaa.
Doon namin naalala na usapin rin ng identidad ang panlasa. Pero, siyempre pa, ang identidad ay likha ng taga-ngalan. Kailangang ikonteksto ang paghahanap ng patis sa pananaw ng mga tagarito sa New Mexico. Sa madaling salita, sino ba kami sa pananaw ng mga taga-rito?
Pinilit naming kalimutan na, basta tao kaming nagugutom. Alalahanin ang mga form na sinusulatan. Please check ethnicity (optional). Oriental. Asian. Minsan may tiyak na box para sa Filipino. O kaya, doon ka sa mga walang identitad: other. Ok, sikapin na alalahanin hanapin ang karatulang may tanda ng identidad.
Dahil iniisip namin tiyak na may patis dito, kailangan lang nating matuklasan kung nasaang aisle. May iba naman sigurong mga Pinoy dito. Siyempre mangangailangan din sila ng patis. Elementary economics ba iyon ? Ang alam ko, kung may demand, may supply. Natitiyak naman namin na magdedemand ang mga dila ng mga Pinoy dito ng patis, kaya mayroong magsu-supply. Luminga-linga kami. Binasa ang mga karatula sa itaas ng mga aisle. Talagang wala. Walang Oriental food. O Asian food. O International food. Ooops eto, Chinese food! Preno kami ng kapatid ko. Dalawang shelves na may habang tatlong piye siguro. Pero walang patis. Walaaang patis! Bumili na lang kami ng toyo sa isang kakaibang bote.Kinabukasan, ibinalita sa akin ni Isang na ang sabi ng kaniyang katrabahong Chinese, sa Albuquerque pa raw sila namimili ng oriental food. Whooaah! Sa Alburqeurque pa? Para sa aming mga bagong saltang walang kotse, para na rin nilang sinabing sa Pilipinas pa makakabili ng patis.
Pero tulad ng iba pang malilit na bahagi ng buhay migranteng bagong salta, unti-unti nasanay na rin kaming magluto ng nilagang toyo ang pampaalat. Nasanay na rin kaming umasa sa microwave na nabili namin sa halagang $10 sa isang yard sale: pampainit ng tubig, ng kaning lamig at tirang ulam.
Nasanay na kaming gumamit ng mainit na tubig sa pagligo sa halip ng dati ay hinahanap-hanap na malamig na tubig na pampaalis ng banas sa Pilipinas. Nasanay na kaming ulit-ulitin ang aming sinasabi hanggang sa maintindihan ng kausap. Ng pagbigkas ng salitang bank na halos behnk. Ng pagdala ng jacket saan man pumunta dahil hindi nangangahulugang mainit ang panahon kahit na tirik na tirik ang araw. Ng pagbitbit ng tigalawang galon ng inuming tubig mula sa supermarket. Ng matitigan dahil sa kakaibang itsura o pananalita.
Naiintindihan siguro ng Diyos ang paghahanap namin sa patis. Isang araw, tumawag ang Uncle Romy namin mula sa Norwalk, California. Oy, mga bagong saltang dalaga. May pupunta diyan na mga Pinoy na madre. Pitong taon na sila diyan sa Gallup. Ipinagbilin ko kayo. Mga madreng misyonero na nagtuturo sa Catholic School dito sa Gallup. Na tulad ng ibang migrante dito, natutong mag-drive! Dinala nila kaming magkapatid sa Philippine Cuisine, isang bagong Pilipinong restaurant daw na may ilang bilihing Pilipino.
Ah! Para kaming mga batang nakakita ng mga kendi. Bumili kami ng patis, toyo, suka (hindi distilled ha!), balat ng lumpiang shanghai, tumigas na sa lamig na tilapia, tinapa at bihon!
Sa katunayan, hindi naman pala kami nag-iisa sa pananatiling Pinoy ng panlasa. Sinubukan kong i-Google minsan ang humba dahil naalala ko ang masarap na pork humba sa Rodic’s sa eskwelahang pinangungulilahan ko. Aba! Sandamakmak na blogs at sites ang umapir! Pinoy. Pinay. Kung saan-saan. Nananatiling Pinoy at Pinay nasaan man sila ngayon. Nagpapayabangan ng mga alam na nilang lutuing Pinoy na dati-rati’y hindi pinapansin ang pagluluto at basta na lamang kinakain sa kusina ng kanilang lola/lolo o nanay/tatay o sa kalapit na karinderia.
Kaya ngayong tanghalian, habang balot ng medyas, pajama at sweater, hinihigop namin ang mainit na sinigang na mayroon nang patis. Ang tanong naming dalawang bagong migrante ngayon: anong bahagi ang hindi matitinag sa pagiibang bayan? (Photo Credits: Chboogs; nikita2471; Chotda; Jab58; www.tastingmenu.com; chotda; nikita2471; knottypine)=0=
OLPDA sets Christmas party on December 20, 2008
"Christmas is forever, not for just one day,
for loving, sharing, giving, are not to put away
like bells and lights and tinsel, in some box upon a shelf.
The good you do for others is good you do yourself..."
~Norman Wesley Brooks, "Let Every Day Be Christmas," 1976
OUR LADY OF PENAFRANCIA DEVOTEES ASSOCIATION, INC. (OLPDA)
of the TriState Area
(New Jersey, New York and Connecticut, USA)
Invites You to Join Us at Our
Annual Christmas Party
Our Lady of Victories School
Rev. Walter Swenson Hall
Ege Avenue,
Jersey City, New Jersey
Date: Saturday, December 20, 2008
Time: 6:30 – 11:00 p.m.
******POTLUCK********GAMES********RAFFLES********DANCING******
-----------MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!--------------
Santa is Coming to Give Gifts to Children!!!
Contact Persons: Carmen Oliver - 908-558-9794
Genevieve del Rosario - 201-435-2840
Boy Cabaero - 201-566-8424
==========================================================
for loving, sharing, giving, are not to put away
like bells and lights and tinsel, in some box upon a shelf.
The good you do for others is good you do yourself..."
~Norman Wesley Brooks, "Let Every Day Be Christmas," 1976
OUR LADY OF PENAFRANCIA DEVOTEES ASSOCIATION, INC. (OLPDA) of the TriState Area
(New Jersey, New York and Connecticut, USA)
Invites You to Join Us at Our
Annual Christmas Party
Our Lady of Victories School
Rev. Walter Swenson Hall
Ege Avenue,
Jersey City, New Jersey
Date: Saturday, December 20, 2008
Time: 6:30 – 11:00 p.m.
******POTLUCK********GAMES********RAFFLES********DANCING******
-----------MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!--------------
Santa is Coming to Give Gifts to Children!!!
Contact Persons: Carmen Oliver - 908-558-9794
Genevieve del Rosario - 201-435-2840
Boy Cabaero - 201-566-8424
==========================================================
By a clumsy hand, a color rendition of a season passing
November 24, 2008
New York City
It’s too late to have the green, yellow, orange, red, purple, and the brown of the fall season. The last mottled leaf has been shed by the trees as autumn fades to give way to the coming winter. The cold is now a notch lower than last week’s temperature dip. Only some fallen leaves roll down the sidewalk; a few decay with the debris on the ground's icy permafrost close to the street curve.
I feel I didn’t have enough of the dazzling color changes of fall this year. The trees are suddenly bare in hibernation, concluding the foliage's annual shedding. I don’t hear the whisper of the summer leaves anymore--- only the twigs and branches of maple trees shudder with the breeze.
Warding off the bite of the chilly air, the little chestnut sparrows may silently huddle under the bush somewhere. Trees stand still like the rigid black fence of a leaf-laden path in Central Park. There is the scent of moist earth after a light drizzle. Soft sunshine peers through the woods and touch the sere leaves on the pavement. The morning dove which wakes me up at dawn is gone.
Have you tried painting a picture of the awesome fall season the way you see it etched in your mind? Even if I don’t know how, let me show you the colors. Look at the loud amorphous picture I have below. It shows that gifted artists, unlike me, can paint autumn much better. And nature, if left alone, makes the season infinitely grand, and pleasing to remember.(Photo Credits: FernandoSanchez(OnandOf); Lawatha) =0=
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Drs. Rommel & Annelee Lojo's NY Visit
Seen last week in New York is Ibalonian Dr. Annelee Badiola-Lojo with hubby Dr. Rommel Lojo who comes from Manila to visit friends and relatives in Chicago, New York & San Francisco. In a reunion, the couple was with the Badiola family particularly sister Acela "Bingbing" Bretan, hubby David & little Brandon of Long Island, NY. Cousins Drs. Totie and Marietta Mesia were there to share happy and memorable moments. =0=
Grand Penafrancia Fiesta 2008 in Liberty Park, New Jersey
As the breeze of the coming fall season filled the air and the bright summer sun brought joy and cheers to a throng of enthusiastic devotees, the feast of Bicolandia’s patroness, Nuestra Senora de Penafrancia (Ina) and the Divino Rostro (Divine Face) was successfully commemorated on Saturday, September 20, 2008. Ending the nine-day prayers in Ina’s honor, the celebration was held in a new venue at the CRRNJ Terminal Building, Liberty State Park, 1 Zapp Drive, Jersey City, NJ, USA.
Sparked with a colorful fluvial procession and rosary recitation, the event was followed by a solemn concelebrated mass officiated by Bicolano priests headed by Msgr. Jeremias B. Rebanal. With Ina’s message of unity and love, Msgr. Rebanal underscored the continued intercessions of God’s Mother venerated by Bicolanos for centuries.
In keeping with Ina’s celebrations worldwide, the Our Lady of Penafrancia Devotees Association (OLPDA) of New Jersey, New York and Connecticut under the leadership of Virgie Jacobson and in cooperation with the Bicolandia Association of the Eastern Seaboard made sure the event was meaningful and memorable. The festivity was capped with a grand reunion and salo-salo followed by a brief, but exciting cultural program emceed by Fiorel Salvo and Erlinda Requejo-Arellano.
The occasion was highlighted by kurumustahan and pabiristohan---the renewal of friendships and hospitality expressed among kababayans. Notable followers of Ina who helped in making the day a success were Peng Pena, Thelma Silerio, Fe Manibay, Lulu Menor, Genevieve del Rosario, Adela Quisumbing, Amado Cabaero, Chi, Tong and JL Pilar, Nancy Candenilla, Tessie Maghacut, Tita Esquivel, Annie B. Santos, Roselyn Sapalico, Vic Idava, Lydia Mendez, Jun Torrente, Josefina Surban, Laida Centeno, Nelly Asis, Gloria Salen, Claire Pormento, Melodina Cabaero, Dolly Zagada, Chito & Cora Velasco, Efred Zagada, Norma Rivera, Edmund Arellano, Tony Rojano, Nicol Miraflores, Myrla Rueda, Francia Banzuela, Lily Cantuba, Rudy Alcantara, Zeny Prado, Moises & Linda Sia, Carmen Oliver, Rebecca Dorosan, Victoria Datar, Boy Pangan, Bert Celera, Dina Briones, Jojo Borja, Clemenia Rueda-Cayetano, Ely Mabeza, Lourdes Rada-Madrid, Diety Avila, Lita Ferrer, Celeste Reside, Sylvia Kurt, Josie & Allen Nidea, Aida Ragragio, Raquel Ragragio, Aida Santiago, Lillian Villafuerte, Ato & Susie Enojado, Bodjie Amador, Rene & Lily Villegas, among many others.
A brief historical profile of OLPDA was prepared by Ben A. Silerio who recalled the organization was started in 1990 by Lulu M. Menor and Lita L. Pena. Since then, leaders who keep the group strong include Erlinda R. Arellano, Marfo T. Manibay, Ben A. Silerio, Liliana F. Lacap, Gidget C. Revilleza, Josephine A. Mendoza, and Virgie C. Jacobson. =0=
Milestone: Mary Ann Dalangin & Romeo Ensalada Wedding
On September 18, 2008 in Our Lady of Good Counsel Church at 90th Street, New York, NY, Mary Ann Dalangin and Romeo Ensalada exchanged wedding vows witnessed by their respective families, friends, and relatives. The beautiful bride is the daughter of long-time family friend, Fronie Brucal-Dalangin of Naga City and hubby Ernie Dalangin of Batangas. The happy reception was held at Woodbury Country Club in Woodbury, New York. UP Ibalon sends its congratulations and felicitations to the lucky newly weds. =0=
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