Aliguas Mangaldan: Australia-New Zealand

THREE FUNERALS AND A WEDDING

NO , this  is  not  a  sequel  to  Hugh  Grant's  popular  movie , " Four  Weddings  And  A  Funeral "   but  the  latest  news  from  Australia  as  shared  by  our  correspondent  there , Pec  Visperas . Thank  you  , Pec  , for  providing  all  these  informations .

On  October  7th , Angel  Magalong   passed  on , in  Mangaldan . He  was  laid  to  rest  at  the  PAX  AETERNA ( ETERNAL  PEACE ) MEMORIAL  PARK  in  Mangaldan  on  October 15th , 2010 .  He  is  survived  by  his  wife  , Charito ( aka Chit )  Biala   Magalong  , their  six  children  , Anne (  UK )  , Neil , JB (  P.I ) , Annalyn , Annariza  and  Clifford ( CA ). Angel  is  70 years  old .

                                         

                                                 Picture  of  the  late  Angel  Magalong

                                           
   The  family  of  the  late  Angel  Magalong  : Charito  Biala  Magalong  at  the  middle , flanked  by   Annalyn  (  USA ) ,  Anne (  UK ) , and  Annariza  ( USA )   JB  , Neil  (  PI ) , and  Clifford (  USA ).

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Mrs. Adelfa  ( Biagtan ) Cabanilla , a  former  Mangaldanian  who  had  resided  in  Australia  for  sometime ,  breathed  her  last  on  October  23rd  and  was  laid  to  rest  on  October  30th  . She  is  survived  by  her  11  children  who  are  now  residing  in  different  parts  of  the  world . Angela ( Brisbane ) , Segundo  ( Long Beach , CA )  Evita ( Sydney ) , Clarissa  ( Melbourne ) , Christy ( Sydney ), Esther  Lily  (  Sydney  ) ,  Remy  (  New  York )  Danny , Manny ( Sydney ), Chito  and  Edgar ( Melbourne ) .  She  just  turned  88  years  old  when  she   died .

                                                    

                                           Picture of  Mrs .  Adelfa  ( nee  Biagtan  )  Cabanilla  

                                             

                   The    Biagtan-Cabanilla  family : Angela , Segundo , Evita , Clarissa , Christy , Esther  Lily , Remy , Danny , Manny , Chito  and  Edgar   who  were  all  present   at  their  mother's   funeral ..

                                             

                                              Pec  Visperas  and  some  friends  of  the  Cabanilla  family  who  attended  the  funeral  ...

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Another  former  Mangaldanian  who  passed  away  in  Australia   is  Mrs . Pacita   ( nee   Andaya ) Orap .  She  died  in  October  29th  and  was   interned  on  November  5th  . She  is  survived  by  her  children  :  Lito  , Delia , Elvie   and  Ramon   . She  was  predeceased  by  another daughter , Luz  , five  years  ago . Tia  Pacita   reached  the  ripe  age  of  95 . 

                                               

                   

Mrs.  Pacita   (  nee  Andaya  )  Orap  is shown   with  her  friends  in  Australia  where  she  had  settled  till   her  passing  last  October  29th , 2010 .. 

On  behalf   of   the  Mangaldanians  of   Vancouver  ,  I   wish   to  extend  our  sincerest  sympathies  to  the  families  of   Kuya  Angel , Tia  Adelfa  and  Tia  Pacita .  We  want  to  let  the  families  know  that  they  are  remembered  in  our  prayers  .

 

POST  SCRIPT  :  AS  THIS  ARTICLE   IS  BEING  POSTED  , NEWS  ABOUT  THE  DEATH  OF   MR . BEN  GOTOC  ARRIVED  .  HE  PASSED  AWAY  ON  NOVEMBER  9th , 2010 .  BEN  IS  THE  YOUNGER  BROTHER  OF  THE  LATE  MSGR.  SEGUNDO  GOTOC .

LET  US  REMEMBER  BEN  IN  OUR  PRAYERS ...

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On  the  lighter  side ............We  congratulate  Beda   and Belen (  formerly  Villanueva ) Juguilon   whose  son  Brando  , said  "I  do "  to  his  special  lady , Nica  ,  who  hails  from  Manila  . The  nuptial  took  place  on  October  23rd , 2010  in  Sydney .  We  wish  the  new  couple  the  best  ! !

                                          

                                   The  newly-weds ,  Brando  and   Nica  Juguilon

                                                 

                     

                          The  newly  married  couple , Brando  and  Nica  with   their  respective  families . The  bride's  family is  on  the  left   and  the  groom's  family  on  the  right  shows  Mom  Belen , Dad  Beda  and   sister , Brenda .

                                        

                         Let  the  fun   begins  ...The  bride   is  geting  ready  for .. is  it  the  throwing  of  the  bouquet ????

                                          

                One  of  the  ninongs , Pec  Visperas  , is  shown  with  his  wife Tess  ( nee  Biala )  and  daughter  Trisha  ....

CONGRATULATIONS  AND  BEST  WISHES   TO  THE   NEWLY - WED  COUPLE , BRANDO  AND  NICA   .  MAY  OUR  LORD  BLESS  YOU  NOW  AND  ALWAYS  ! !

                                       

                 

 
 
 
       

                                                                                                       
 
 

 

Marysville, Australia

by Pec Visperas

A small village in Victoria Australia, a gateway to forest of mountain ash and waterfalls was one of the places that were reduced to ashes and dust in just few minutes. The fires are Australia’s worst natural disaster by far. Severe heatwave and wildfire situation mainly caused the disasters, although there are some speculations on arsonists.

A home place to one of our kabaleyans, Irma Gatinga married to Gordon Young of Australia. They have “young” kid named Justin. Irma is our next door neighbour in Guiguilonen, third daughter of Tio Eddie and Tia Epay. Eldest sister Aida is residing in California, then Elsa in Mangaldan, and Tita, their youngest is also here in Sydney.

Irma and hubby Gordon partly owned the biggest resort in this small village close to the snowy mountains in Victoria. They have managed same business all throughout Australia and almost every place they’ve been to, “apasyaran mi met” of course free accommodation in a 4 star joint. Thanks ever, Irma and Gordon.

Our journey to Marysville started on the 18th of January. Me, my wife Tess, Atsi Lourdes Ydia and Lito and Lydia Tandingan drove to Melbourne. It was a 10 hour trip with Lito the sole driver all the way. It’s almost a tradition for us to go every two years to watch the Australian Tennis Open and staying at Errol and Tessie Velante’s place. The weather condition those times was already soaring hot. The first two days, we were at the tennis centre and on the third day, we drove to Marysville about an hour drive from Melbourne. We were warmly welcomed by Irma and Gordon. Dinner was served in the most elegant restaurant in the resort and of course courtesy of them both. The next day, Irma drove us around the village. We went to this beautiful waterfall, then to “Bruno’s”, an artist with all his display works in his backyard, to a winery, a trout farm where we had net fishing and bbq of what we caught. We could have stayed longer or at least another day, but the end of the year sale in MYERS prevailed.. and we had to drive back to Melbourne and to Sydney the next day..

It was one of the holidays of a lifetime. Indeed, everyone had a wonderful time. Three weeks later, the place just turned into a memory. What were left are just few photos which we will cherish for the rest of our lives. I can’t find a word to describe how sorry we are for this tragic thing that has happened so fast. Irma and Gordon and Justin will start a new life in the Blue Mountains here in Sydney to manage another resort. All the best!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christmas in the Bush - 2008

The Mangaldan and Friends Association of Australia celebrated Christmas in the Bush last December 6, 2008. The event was held at the Wattlegrove Community Hall, Sydney, NSW, Austalia. It was organized by the Working Boys.

The following pictures shared by Pec Visperas shares the story of how our Kabaleyans in the country Down Under are keeping up with our traditions, sustaining bonds of friendship with each other and finding time to celebrate life.

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

Gil and Anita Gutierrez visit Down Under Australia

(by Mon Orap)

The Mangaldan & Friends Association of Australia welcomed the visit of Gil and Anita Gutierrez (residents of San Francisco California) to Sydney. Gil and Anita arrived at Sydney airport last November 8 and toured for 2 weeks before heading for another week in New Zealand. This is the first time Gil and Anita visited down under so we did not waste time introducing them to some of the many “paritpits” of Australia. 

A visit to the famous Opera House and the Harbour Bridge including the spectacular Sydney Harbour is a must “to do “ whilst in Sydney. We did a lot of walk about around the city of Sydney and introduced Gil to the various Aussie beers and a couple of reds. My brother Joselito and his wife atsi Deyra Estayo Orap took them for a relaxing cruise along the beautiful Sydney harbour overlooking the city on a different perspective. “ Sydney is a lovely and a relaxed place” says Gil - who is the nephew of atsi Deyra both from Istasyon in Mangaldan.

Sydney weather was perfect for the touring couple.
Gil and Anita at the Opera House; At the Harbour Bridge – the hanger.

 

Gil and Anita visited the Blue Mountains - famous for its scenery and rainforest, bush walking,  galleries and the old country restaurants.

Deyra Estayo Orap, Anita and Gil cruising at Sydney Harbour;  At the 3 sisters – see rock formation background.

  

 Whilst the Blue Mountains features so much more than these natural attractions, Anita was so impressed with the unquestionable beauty and history of the Three Sisters   - which is an amazing 3 rocks formation along the peaceful mountains of  Katoomba. – about  120 km drive from Sydney. Welcome parties were held for the touring couple. Drinks / dinner was held in my place along with some friends where Gil entertained us and showed his prowess with his karaoke songs. He is not just a pretty face . The guy can sing. There was also lunch / get together party at Lito and Deyra Orap place where Gil met up with his long lost relatives ie. Joselito and Deyra’s 4 daughters and their kids.

Jenny Orap Anita and Gil at Circular Quay Sydney; Rommel and Marilyn , Anita and Deyra Orap.

  

Some of the kabaleyan from the Mangaldan & Friends Association of Australia attended a dinner party / get together held at Pecto and Tessie Biala Visperas place. It was in this party where Gil met up and reconnected with his MNHS class 1972 batch mate Rogelio “Pax” Tandingan. The food was fantastic including the balatong, labung, pinakbet, kare kare and lots more. Gil and Anita were so happy to re-connect with some of the old friends from high school and acquaintances from our hometown. Thank you to Tessie Biala Visperas  and Mario Biala for the time. Tess and Mario just came back from the US that day of the get together. Thank you to Tessie and also to Lily Visperas South for helping in the affair, also to all the kabaleyan and friends who made to the party. Pecto had to pull out his guitar as we did some “jamming” in preparation for the Christmas party / carols of the association on the 6 December. Everyone is looking forward to this party. 

(L- R, Tessie Biala Visperas , Pecto , Trisha Visperas, Anita Gutierrez, Elma Biala (wife of Mario),  Lydia  Tandingan, Lily Visperas South, Mario Biala, Jesus Ydia, Gil Gutierrez, Lito Tandingan, Ramon Orap and Rogelio “Pax” Tandingan) .
 
 

We also showed Gil and Anita the political arena of Australia – the Parliament House and the War Memorial both located in Canberra  - the Australian Capital Territory (about 3 hours drive from Sydney). Canberra is a very country place. We had a lovely time as the trip was a combination of politics, Australian history, country culture. and a couple of beef and mushroom meat pie as lunch ....plus some newly picked Cherries Anita bought along the highway on the way back to Sydney . Anita and Gil had a lovely day.

Rogelio “Pax” Tandingan and Gil Gutierrez – reconnected after 37 years; L-R Danny Cabanilla, Gil Gutierrez, Mario Biala, Ramon Orap, Rogelio Tandingan and Jesus Ydia.

Anita and Gil also extended their tour to Melbourne the garden state of Australia.

Anita on the run with the local champion AFL team at Melbourne Botanical Garden.

 

We had a quick visit to the famous Melbourne Crown Casino but cut short of staying as Gil and I were disappointed there were no “bontayog” and “huweteng”. Dinner was most fantastic though. A visit to the Royal Botanical Garden and Park made our day when Anita met some of the national Australian Football League (AFL) champion players who are on training session….and would you believe Anita joined them? Anita was on the run and she reckoned it was fun.

Gil and Anita left Sydney today (21/11/08)  to continue their tour in New Zealand before heading back to the US. On behalf of the Mangaldan & Friends Association of Australia  we would like to thank Anita and Gil for visiting us in Sydney and we hope to see you back. I understand that Anita is the incumbent Public Relations Office of the Mangaldan Association of North California (MAONCA). I would also like to thank all the kabaleyan in showing their usual hospitality to the couple whilst they were in Australia. Anita and Gil.. thank you again and have a good trip back to San Francisco.

More Postcards from Down Under Australia.

L-R – Gil Gutierrez, Deyra Orap, Anita Gutierrez, Ramon Orap and Joselito Orap.
L-R – Anita and Gil listening to a local aboriginal with his “Doodgerigido” at the Blue Mountains.

 

Gil and Anita at the beautiful Sydney Harbour during the tour of Taroonga Zoo.
Gil and Anita at Luna Park Sydney.
 

Gil and Anita with Jenny and Ramon Orap – at Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Gil and Anita at War Memorial – Canberra .

 

Gil and Anita at the Parliament House – Australian Capital Territory - Canberra.
Jessica Orap and Anita Gutierrez- at the Club.

   

Pictures from New Zealand.

Gil and Anita in New Zealand Kelly Tarlton Aquatic Centre with Anita’s cousin Corazon Soriano Austin and husband Michael Austin.

Gil and Anita with Uncle Ben Soriano and wife Carling.

Lydia Tandingan's Birthday

(My sincerest apologies to Lydia and Lito Tandingan and, Pec Visperas for this much delayed article. A system snarl in the Aliguas Mangaldan 3rd party server kept this content covered for a while - - co-ed Djoma)

Five months ago, you saw this photo. It was Lito Tandingan's 50th and this time it is Lydia (nee Tibunsay) turn to celebrate 50th. September 21st was the day. The short video clip will tell all.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY ALIGUAS !

FROM ALL OF US DOWN UNDER. -- Pec Visperas

(ps. video is .mpeg4 -quicktime; double click image to run movie)

World Youth Day Sydney 2008

by Pec Visperas

The largest youth event in the world held in Sydney last month. About 200,000 pilgrims from 170 nations came making it the largest event ever hosted in Australia since the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

The city switched to party mood, thousands braving the winter chill to cheer Pope Benedict XVI’s arrival. He may be 81, but the welcome was to the like of a rock star or “flock star” as some national paper described him.

The whole week activities went smoothly, the weather being cooperative and were really a miracle because right after the final day, rain poured. One of the highlights was the “theatrical” Way of the Cross. It was awesome indeed.

How it all started:
Two different events gave Pope JPII the inspiration for the event. He had watched masses of young people celebrate the youth jubilee in Rome in 1984 and then the UN year of the youth in 1986 and settled on a similar gathering to connect with the next generation of Catholics.

The first in Argentina:

1987-Buenos Aires
1989-Spain
1991-Poland
1993-Denver
1995-Manila
1997-Paris
2000-Rome
2002-Toronto
2005-Germany
2008-Sydney

Next one will be in Brazil, I don’t know exactly when.

On the road to Sydney, pilgrims from poor countries have dug ditches and sold coconuts and corns to raise money to attend. In our province of Pangasinan, there are 9 priests, coming only from the Diocese of Urdaneta. It’s a bit disappointing not to have pilgrims coming from our own diocese of Lingayen-Dagupan and the Diocese of Alaminos.

We are pleased to have Frs. Art Aquino, Pol Calicdan and Jimmy Catungal at our place with two other laymen, one a lawyer from Apayao and a youth from Tabuk. After the activities, we showed them around.

I’m sending few photos. Kumusta lad amin!

 

Errol Velante celebrates 50th birth anniversary

by Pec Visperas

Errol Velante turned 50 last 28th of May (2008) and had a surprise birthday bash given by his loved ones at his brother Eugene's place on the following Saturday in Melbourne, Australia. Same time in Sydney, the working boys also joined together with for drink and toast for the celebrant at Pec's place.

In New York City likewise, Errol's sister Ella also celebrated coinciding with her son, Jeremy's graduation in University.

A Triple Celebration Of Mangaldanians "Down Under "

Pec Visperas  sent some photos  of a party he attended  "down  under " , Sydney .  He described  it  as  " a simple  celebration  but with massive  thoughts and love  " . It was a triple  celebration  in the same family , the Tandingans .  Lito Tandingan  celebrated  his 50th  birthday ,  Lito  and Lydia 's  30th wedding anniversary  and his parents , Atty . Rogelio  and  Lourdes  Tandingan's  60th  wedding  anniversary  . It all  happened  on  April  26th , 2008 . Here  are  the pictures  of the celebrants  , their families  and  friends  who  were  present .

The celebrants , Lito  and Lydia ( nee Tibunsay ) Tandingan

Lito  with his parents , Atty . Rogelio  and  Lourdes Tandingan  , who celebrated  their 60th ( or  Diamond ) wedding anniversary

Lito  and  Lydia  with their  children   Mary Anne , Ryan , JR. , Raniel  and  Rangel  ..

Lito and Lydia  with  grandchildren  Joshua , Jessele , Yna , Dray  and Tamy , who  is their  friend  .

The  Tandingan  family  : From  left to right ,  Lito and and wife Lydia , Reynald and wife  Lani , Mom lourdes , Dad Rogelio , Jun , Rudy and wife  Elvie ( nee Orap )

   

Lito  and  the working boys , Mario , Danny , Pec , Jess , Manny and  friend Steve ...

Lito  and the ladies  including  Lydia  , Tess  and Josie  .

Lito  with  his  guitar  and  some of  his  guests .

CONGRATULATIONS  ON YOUR  DIAMOND  WEDDING ANNIVERSARY , ATTY . ROGELIO AND  MRS. LOURDES TANDINGAN !!! CONGRATULATIONS  , LITO AND LYDIA  FOR YOUR 30TH  WEDDING ANNIVERSARY  !!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY  TO YOU  , LITO . MAY  OUR  LORD  BLESS  YOU ALL  !!!

MARIE     

Amanda Castillo Birthday

by Pec Visperas

She celebrated her 21st birthday last Nov 24, 2007, in the same venue where she had her 18th birthday, with close friends and family.

Amanda's achievement includes being a school captain in the primary school she went to, St. Bernard Primary School; she has received Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh Awards in her second year at St. Clare College and served as House Captain (Sports) as well.

Amanda has been very active in some sports like field hockey, volleyball, water polo, and basketball. Also in some extracurricular activities like Debating and Public Speaking, Mock Trial and SCRAM Mediation Team. She has been part of a Jubilee Movement in the same school.

After finishing secondary high school, she pursued a Diploma in Children's Services with credit in another college (TAFE). She is currently studying Primary Education at the Australian Catholic University in Sydney.

Amanda is very much involved in the upcoming World Youth Day to be held in Sydney. She's been helping to organize and represent various Catholic youth events towards the big day.

Keep up the good work, Amanda!

The Castillo Family: Tony, Esther, Jonathan and Amanda.

The Soriano sisters: Sagrda, Lina and mum.

With the South Family.

With some relatives and guests.

Early Christmas in the Bush

by Pec Visperas

The Mangaldan & Friends Association of Australia celebrated "Christmas in the Bush" last Sunday, the 17th of November. It's something different this time. As earlier stated by Mon, "70's Revival," is the theme but contrary to personalities he mentioned, it was more of Jimmy Hendrix and Michael Jackson looks as you can see in the photos.

 

On behalf of the association, I would like to thank everyone for every contribution rendered to make the party successful, special mention to the following persons:

• Mimie & Rey Paraan
• Edgar & Ming Lintag
• Cora Ayson
• Jimmy Sagurit
• Mike & Edith Gonzales
• Owen and Michelle Reyes
• Jess Ydia
• Mario Sagurit for the Jumping Castle and Santa Claus
• The Cabanilla family for the lechon
• Reming & Winnie for the hall

OUR MESSAGE TO ALL OUR KABALEYANS: HAPPY HOLIDAYS! WE WISH YOU ALL THE BEST! HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!