Aliguas Mangaldan: USA & Canada

MANGALDANIANS NEWS AROUND THE USA

From  the  Eastern  part  of  the  United  States  , Amor C. Lomibao  wrote  this  article  : 

  MANYJER  ELECTS  NEW  OFFICERS  

Up to 6 inches of snow covered the upper East Coast Region this weekend but it did not stop the enthusiasm of the MANYJER members to elect the new set of officers for the year 2012-2014. The meeting was held at the home of Felma Servito Chan, being the center of access for members coming from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and the Southern States.

Appropriately, Felma Servito Chan was elected as the President and Diana Cendana Lomibao was elected as the Executive VP. Raffy Rivera and Jun Mercado retained their positions as 2nd VP and 3rd VP respectively.

Mila Biala Valera, the Ex-President took the position of Board of Directors with Sillverio Moulic, Gerry Quinto and Joey TUmaneng. Amor (yours truly) assumed the seat vacated by the late Dr. Mariano Aquino as Board of Advisors with Ligaya McFarlane, Lorie Soriano and GLoria T. Surot.

Induction will be held at THE BAMBOO GRILL in New Jersey on March 18, 2012. Mangaldanians and friends are invited/encouraged to attend this MANYJER PARTY, also intended to raise funds for our existing projects and as a kickoff for the 2nd MIO GRAND REUNION to be held at the GOLD COAST HOTEL in Las Vegas on October 25-28 this year.

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And  from  the  West  Coast .......

MAONCA  HOLDS  INDUCTION  OF  OFFICERS  AND  CELEBRATES  SANTO  THOMAS  AQUINAS "LUMPOS" ".

The  Mangaldan Organization  of  North  California  held  their  induction  of  their  new  officers  on  January  29th , 2012  at  the  Berryessa  Community  Center  in  San  Jose . They  also  celebrated  the  "Lumpos "  of  Santo Thomas  Aquinas   Thomas , the  Patron  Saint  of  Mangaldan . The  day  started  with  a  Holy  Mass  officiated  by  Father  Alonzo   followed  by  lunch  and  the  induction  of  officers  led  by  President -elect  Lito  Lavarias .     

 

                                

                                      Father  Alonzo  celebrated  mass  for  MAONCA  

                               

                            MAONCA  members  during  the  celebration  of  the  mass

                              

                    Officers  of  MAONCA  being  inducted  into  office  by  the  Mayor  of  Milpitas

                              

                              

     Lito  Lavarias , the  newly-inducted  President  of  MAONCA  is  flanked  by  Marilou Marron Jue  and  Lani  Marron  Basuel  

                             

                             

                        Dancing  was  the  favorite  part  of  the  program  as  always.....

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                   Congratulations  to  all  the  newly  inducted  officers  of  MAONCA ! !  Congratulations , too ,  to   Felma  and  all  the  newly  elected  officers  of  Manyjer .  Good  luck  and  God  bless  you  all  ! ! !

                                                                                              From  MAREVA

MANGALDANIANS LOST A PROPONENT OF MIO

                                                
            
                   

                               

                                                   

The  passing  of  Dr . Mariano  L. Aquino  impacted  not  only   his immediate  family  and  relatives  but  also  his  close  friends  back  in  Mangaldan  as  well  as  in  New  York  where  the  family  has  resided  for  many  years .

Marianing  as he  was  fondly  called  by  close  friends  and  associates passed  on  Friday , December 30th , 2011  at Bellevue  Hospital VNSNY  Hospice , New  York .

He  was  born  in  Mangaldan, Pangasinan , January 14 , 1915  to  the  late Bernabe de Aquino  , Mangaldan's  first  Provincial  Governor of Pangasinan  and  Josefa  Lopez . After  graduating  in  high  school  from  Ateneo  de Manila in 1932 , he  pursued a  medical  degree  from  the  University  of  Santo  Tomas  in Manila . He  was  called  to  military  duty  in  1941 and  in  1942  he  was  promoted  to  the  rank of  Captain  under  the  command of  General MacArthur . He  served  in  the USAFFE  until  1943 .

After  the  war , he  briefly  practiced  medicine  in  his  hometown  of  Mangaldan . He  decided  to further  pursue  a  career in  law  and  he  passed  the  bar  exam  in  1954 . He , then  partnered  with  the  late  Atty . Macario  Ydia  in  their  law  practice . He  was  a  legal  counsel  for  the  Rural  Bank  of Mangaldan  and  the  Mangaldan Electric  Company.

Taking  an  interest  in agribusiness , he ventured  in poultry-raising   and  discovered  the  value  of  organic  feeds .

He  was  very  involved  in  the  St. Thomas  Aquinas  Parish  in  Mangaldan  and  the  Archdocese of  Lingayen-Dagupan. He  was  active  in the  parish , particularly  in  the  Cursillos  in Christianity  movement . He  was  also a  member  of  the Parish Pastoral Council .

Dr . Aquino  was  also  actively involved  in  the  political  scene  in  Mangaldan   and  became a  political  strategist  of  the  late Macario Ydia  during  his  election  campaign  and  tenure  as  mayor  of  Mangaldan .   

His  social -civic-  minded  activities  included  his  participation  in  town  fiestas , where  he demonstrated  his  interests in  music , dance , the  arts (  specially  dramas )  and  sports  development . Later  in  life , when  his  family  emigrated  to  the  USA , he  discovered  a  passion  for  fishing  and  a  love  for  ballroom  dancing .

He  is  survived  by  his  wife  of  66  years, Purificacion  Francia  from  Camiling , Tarlac , whom  he  met  while  serving in  the  military  for  she , too  was  a  nurse  in  a  military  hospital , and  their  ten  children , namely , Josephine , Cynthia , Salvador , Arturo , Carlos , Victoria  , Napoleon , Abraham , Francisco , and  Mariano Jr.  and  their  spouses and  their  children . He  is  also  survived  by  his  sister  Luz  Medina  of  Paranaque  City , Philippines .

 

Information  provided  by  Joey  Tumaneng

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Let  us  remember in  our  prayers  our  dear  Dr . Mariano  Aquino , who , even  in  his  late  years  still  showed  his  love  and  interest  for  his  old  hometown , Mangaldan . He  was  a  strong  proponent in  the  establishment  of  the  First  Grand  Reunion  of  the  Mangaldan  International  Organization   which  became  a  successful  venture  of  Mangaldanians  abroad .  

We , Mangaldanians  of  Vancouver , B.C. wish  to  convey  our   heartfelt  condolence  to  the  family  of  the  late  Dr . Mariano  Aquino , specially  his  wife , Purificion  and  their  children  and  their  families  . Our  prayers  are  with  you ..               
                      

 By   Marie  Aquino  Junio                            
          

Young Mangaldanian Rocks at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

When Johann de Guzman decided to join his parents, Djoma and Maridel de Guzman, in migrating to Canada in 2005, he had to leave behind his network and barkada in the performing arts theatre. A product of Ateneo and St. Benilde, Johann started his performing arts passion as early as grade school when he became active in the Ateneo Children's Theatre. In High School, he got the proper tutoring from Dulaang Sibol with Onofre Pagsanjan and Ron Capinding. At the Tanghalang Ateneo, he got to meet Rolando Tinio and at CCP, no other than Salvador Bernal. He went to Asian Institute of Managemnt to earn a certificate on Managing the Arts.

Two weeks after landing in Vancouver, he auditioned for a position as seasonal park employee at the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park in North Vancouver. The test required him to play a period role, early 1920's. It was a breeze after all his theatre background. When the summer season ended, the park management decided to keep him full time sensing that he would be a good asset to the team. From there on, Johann moved up to musical director and now to park supervisor. His theatre skills remain the core of his competencies. Now his cinematic inclinations are also being unveiled.

Soon, Johann will resume his photograhy talent as well as his scriptwriting and videography skills. He is ably supported with a shared passion by his wife Riz (nee Herbosa) who herself holds a diploma in Theatre Design. Hopefully, he will find value in becoming an active member of the Mangaldan Residents Association of Vancouver (MAREVA).

Here's the theatre family of Johann! Mommy-Riz, Natalie, Pablo and the twins, Lorenzo and Manuel.

And the proud grandparents: Djoma and Maridel.

CANADA REMEMBERS AS ALWAYS

                                           
Year  after  year , Canada  remembers  and  celebrates  Remembrance  Day  . Today , November 11 , Canadians  take  time  to  honor   and   commemorate   the  sacrifices  of  people  in  all  armed  conflicts  . We  honor  the  dead  who  have  given  their  lives   as  well  as  the  living  who  have  their  share  in  such  sacrifices  in  order  that  we  , the  people  are  free .

War  stories , great  and  small  abound . Most  prominent  among  them  is  about  Lieutenant  Coronel  John  McCrae   who  composed   the  World's Most  Famous  War  Memorial  on May  3, 1915  during   the  second  battle  at  Ypres , Belgium . A  close  friend  and  a  former  student  was  killed by  a  German  shell . He  was  looking  around  and  saw  his  friend's  grave  and  all  the  poppies  which  were  in  full  bloom . He  wrote  the  now  popular  and  immortalized   poem , "  In  Flanders  Field " .  Herewith  is  the  poem :

                                   

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place: and in the sky
The larks still bravely singing fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the dead: Short days ago,
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved: and now we lie
In Flanders fields!

Take up our quarrel with the foe
To you, from failing hands, we throw
The torch: be yours to hold it high
If ye break faith with us who die,
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields

                                                 

  Other  poems  were  written  to  honor  our  soldiers   more  recently   but  none  has  not  yet  been  immortalized  as  " In  Flanders  Field " .

There  will  be  Remembrance  Day  Parades  all  over  Canada  and  maybe  around  the  world .  Parents  and  schools  have encouraged  children  and  students  in  making  Remembrance  Day  a  special  day  for  everybody . Students   have  been  included  in  parades  and   in  the  programs . Parents  bring  their  younger  children  to  watch   the  ceremonies . Truly  the  younger  generation are  so  much  aware  of  what  Remembrance  Day  means  .  

In  each  country , people  have  their  own  version  of   Remembrance  Day  . The  Philippines   celebrates  Remembrance  Day  in  its  own  way .  Last  year ,  the  Remembrance  Day  ceremony  was   held  in  Manila  City  Hall's   Freedom  Triangle  honoring  the  memory  of  not  only  Filipinos  but   also  Canadians   who  died  in  the  Pacific  while  serving   with  the  US  forces in  WW11  .  

                                  
 

The Remembrance  Day Ceremony is  of  particular  relevance in  Manila , as  the  city  and  its residents  have  known  the  horrors  and  sacrifices  of  war . According  to  history , Manila  was  the  second  most  damaged city  , after  Warsaw , Poland   during  the  second  World  War.  From  February 3rd  to  March  3 , 1945 , much  of  the  city  was  destroyed  during  the  battle  of  Manila   and  over  100,000 civilians  were  killed  during  what  became  known as  the  Manila  Massacre .

Within  our  families , we  have  our  own  way  of  remembering  our  heroes .  Our  own  heroes are  our  fathers  and  mothers , who  have  made  sacrifices  for  their  own  families . 

Remembering  all  our  heroes  is  the  best  way   to  commemorate  Remembrance  Day . Along  with  our  remembering  is  our  prayers  for  soldiers  departed  and  those  who  are  still  around  . Let  us  thank  Our  Lord   for  the  freedom  that  we  now  enjoy   because  of  them .  Let  us   also  hope  and  pray  for  peace  in  our  family , peace  in  our  nation  and  peace  around  the  globe .  GOD  BLESS  CANADA , OUR  ADOPTED  COUNTRY  AND   THE  PHILIPPINES  , OUR  MOTHER  COUNTRY   and  the  rest  of  the  world .

LET  THERE  BE  PEACE  AND  LOVE  IN  THE  WORLD   SO  THE  SACRIFICES  OF  OUR  WAR  HEROES  WILL  NOT  BE  IN  VAIN  .                                                                 

  

  

THANKSGIVING DAY IN CANADA

                                     HAPPY  THANKSGIVING  , CANADA  ! ! !  

                                                
Contrary  to  what  many  of  our  kabaleyans  and  countrymen's ( living  in  the  USA  and  other  countries )  belief , Canada  has  it's  own  THANKSGIVING  DAY  . It   always   falls  on  the  second  Monday  of  October . This  year , it  falls  on  October 10th , today  .

Thanksgiving  Day  in  Canada  has  been  a  holiday  since  1957. It  is  a  chance  for  people  to  give  thanks   for  a  good  harvest  and  other  fortunes  in  the  past  year . It  is  a  day  off   work  for  many  Canadians .

Thanksgiving  Day  in  Canada  is  linked  to  the  European  tradition  of  harvest  festivals .

Turkey , pumpkins , ears  of  corn and  large  displays  of  food  are  also  used  to  symbolize  Thanksgiving  Day .

My  dear  kabaleyans  in  Canada . Let  us  thank  Our  Lord  for  all  the  graces  He  showers  us  day in  and  day  out . We  thank  Our  Lord  for  inspiring  us  and  guiding  us  in  all  our  undertakings   specially  in  this  country  , Canada , which  is  now  home  to  most  of  us . Canada  has  been  good  to  us  . Let  us not  take  for  granted  the  jobs  we  have , the  air  we  breathe , the  food  we  can  always access  and  afford  to  buy   and  all  the  amenities  accessible  to  us . It  may  not  have  been  easy  when  we  started our  life  here  but  we  always  have  a  chance  to  live  a  healthier  and  better  life  , thanks  to  our  medical  service  plan as  well  as   the    affortable  way  of  life  . Thanks  to  our  government  ( federal , provincial  and  local )  who  try  to  take  care  of  the  people , regardless  of  where  they   came  from . May  Our  Lord  continue  to  bless  Canada  and  inspire  the  leaders  in   their  decisions  for  a  better  Canada  .  "Let  us  all  stand  on  guard  for  thee ". 

Let  us  extend  our  thanks  and  prayers  for  our  home  country  , our  beloved  Philippines . God  bless  the  Philippines  and  its  people .   

MAREVA'S NEW AND PAST OFFICERS ' MEETING

   

                                            

On Saturday , September 17th , 2011 ,  the  new  officers of   the  Mangaldan  Residents  of (  Greater  ) Vancouver  Association ( MAREVA )   met  to  discuss  the  incoming  activities  of  the  organization. The  meeting  was  attended  not  only  by  the  current  officers , headed  by  the  new  President , Leny  Cancino  Guiang  but  also  the  advisers  or  former   board  of  directors . It  was  a  potluck  lunch  meeting  that  started  at  12:00   and  lasted  until  4:00 p.m. at  the  house   of  Angie  De  Vera  Encarnacion ( MAREVA  treasurer ) in  Richmond , B.C.  The  discussions centered  on  the  following  :

1.   MEET  AND  GREET Mangaldanians  who  are  not  yet  members on November  19, 2011 . The  current  officers  and   and  former  board   will  have  the  opportunity  to  meet  and  greet  them  and  to  be  formally introduced  to  the  association  and  will  be  invited  to  join  the  association . New  arrivals  ( immigrants and   working visa  holders )   and  all  members   are  enjoined  to  submit  names  of  their  respective  acquaintances   to  the   secretary  of  MAREVA , Grace  Domagas  Palaganas ..

2.   " BAILE  ED  VANCOUVER " on  Saturday , April 21, 2012 . This  will  be  the  SPRING  DINNER AND  DANCE  PARTY  intended  to  be  a  fund-raising  activity . It  is  an  open  invittion  where  tickets  to  the  event  will  be  sold . Proceeds  from  this  activity  will  be  used  to  fund  the  forthcoming  projects  and  endeavors  of  the  association .

3.   GARAGE  SALE  on  Saturday , June 16, 2012 ( tentative ) . The  venue  is  still  to  be  finalized .This is  another  fund-raising  activity. Members  are  requested  to  donate  usable  items  to  be  sold  during  the  event .

4.   ANNUAL  PICNIC  on  Saturday , July 28th , 2012 , tentatively  . The  venue  will  be  at  the  Jericho -Locarno  Beach   at  the  usual  spot  occupied  by  the  association  on  its  previous  picnic  activities .  

 Here  are  the  following  pictures  taken  during  the  lunch - meeting .

                                                  

The  current  officers  took  time  to  have  this  photo  before  the  start  of  the  meeting . Pictured seated from Left to  right  are : Rosemarie Soriano-Palmani , Sub-Secretary ; Gina  Carvajal - Perez , Sub-Treasurer ; Grace Domagas - Palaganas , Secretary ; Leny Cancino- Guiang , President / Chairman ; Angie De Vera -Encarnacion , Treasurer . Standing behind  are  Deo Tan , Peace  Officer  and  Philip  Fabia , PRO ..

                                               

                           The  officers  deep  in  their  discussion  while  Philip  takes  this  picture ...

                                              

As  the  current  officers  are  conducting  their  meeting  , the  former  lady  officers  are  having  their  own  tea  time  ( where's  the  tea ? ).  Mona  , Marie , Rusty , Tess  and  Reyna   enjoy reminiscing  their  Mangaldan days (  down  memory  lane ? ) 

                                            

The  guys  at  this  corner  are  also  enjoying  discussing  their  favorite  topic .. sports  or  anything  else ?

                                           

This  is  the  picture  of  the  past  officers    and   the  current  officers  who  are  working  hand  in  hand  for  MAREVA'S  success ... We all  look  forward  to  have  all  our  Kabaleyans   in  Greater  Vancouver  join  MAREVA  ..GOD  BLESS  US  ALL  ! !



 By  Philip  Fabia
 

 

             

THE SAGA ( OF BEING TOURISTS IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD ) CONTINUES

Being  a  tourist  in  our  own  backyard  has  become  a  much  accepted  alternative  way  of  enjoying  our  holiday .  The  MNHS  Class ' 59ers  has  started  just  that .......

Here  is   the  day  to  day  account  of  the  MNHS '59ers  trip drafted  by  Ross  Mejia ...



                            "  MNHS  59ERS  MIDSUMMER  MINI-  REUNION "

  

When  MNHS 59er, Fred Martinez, and wife, Susan of Honolulu, Hawaii, attendd the Tayuguenians Grand Reunion and Dinner Dance in San Diego, CA, last August 12-14, 2011 , the  59ers'  residing in Southern California (Cecile, Mila , Jun and Juliet) saw   a chance to have another reunion , however short it will be   so  , they  contacted Fred, who graciously agreed  to  the  plan .  They also  want  to  take   the  opportunity  to  show  Fred and Susan around Los Angeles and beyond!!!

  

Aug 15 - Day 1: The 59ers' drove (in two cars) from Chino Hills (Jun's residence) to the Embassy Suites in downtown San Diego, where the couple was checked in to pick them up. From there, they drove east to go to the Valley View Casino & Hotel in Valley Center, Ca (still a part of San Diego county) to try their famous seafood buffet of lobsters, crab legs, oysters, etc.  Arrived there a little over 1:00 p.m. but found out that the seafood buffet starts at 4:00 p.m. Hungry and tired, they decided not to wait and instead tried the lunch buffet!  The food was not only delicious but the selection was very impressive; so impressive that it will put the Las Vegas buffet in shame. Thereafter, they tried their luck at the so-called "one-armed bandits"! Fred and Susan got lucky and won, but the rest - just losers, ha, ha, ha!!! Left the casino at past 4:00 p.m. and drove north to the 15 freeway to go to Temecula's famous wine region for wine tasting!  First stop at Callaways Winery but unfortunately, we arrived at 5:00 p.m. - closing time!  Tried another winery nearby, the Mount Palomar Winery, where we got lucky! For  $10.00, a person can taste six wines of  choice and get the wine glass free -- not bad! Left the winery and headed for West Covina, where we had dinner at Elephant Bar, thereafter to Cecile and Ross place for coffee, desserts and karaoke!

  

Aug. 16 - Day 2: Left West Covina to drive around Los Angeles.  First stop at Dept. of Water & Power in downtown Los Angeles, where Fred and Susan took some pictures in front of DWP and the famous Dorothy Chandler Pavillion, across the Music Center. Second stop: Staples Center, where again, Fred and Susan have some pictures taken in front of the popular building and the statues of Magic Johnson and the late Chick Hearns. From there, drove to Olvera Street, the famous Mexican place, past Los Angeles City Hall, where the group had a helluva of a day doing shopping at some bargain stores! Then it was time to have lunch!  Wherelse, but at the nearby Chinatown!!! After lunch, went to Griffith Park Observatory, atop the mountain overlooking Los Angeles, where the group spent hours to try to figure out some mysteries of the universe! From there, we drove down the length of the famed Hollywood Boulevard, where we saw hundreds of movie starsname imprinted on the sidewalks, Manns Chinese Theater and the Kodak Theatre, venue of the American Idol's final contest!  Truly impossible to get a parking space at the place so we drove to Beverly Hills and planned to visit Rodeo Drive, the shoping place of the rich and famous! Drove around Rodeo Drive and saw those high-end stores; however, the problem again was parking! At the end, it was decided to head to West Covina to have dinner at Cecile and Ross place, with "pinakbet", fried fish, embutido, and some chinese leftovers, after which fruit tart, fresh fruits, coffee and finally red wine to finish the evening.

  

Aug. 17 - Day 3: Left West Covina and drove north. First stop: Mila and Eddie M's place in Terrace Lake View, to enjoy a native breakfast of rice, tinapa, tuyo, sunny side up, carne norte and brewed coffee! Drove further north and our second stop was at the Camarillos Premium Outlet stores, where the group spent hours doing their shopping. Ate lunch, after which continued the drive towards Santa  Barbara enroute to Solvang, a small Danish town, on highway 246. Unbeknownst to us, Wednesday was their market day and the group enjoyed browsing, tasting and buying freshly picked fruits, vegetables, etc., in addition to listening to the beautiful live music being played. by a band at the nearby pavillon. Left Solvang and continued our drive along highway 246  for about 6 miles, to go to Chumash Casino & Resort to again try our luck. First timers were given players card with $50.00 in it as a reward to play.  Unbelievable but true, this time Lady Luck smiled to the 59ers because everybody got lucky and won!!!  Had dinner, then played again and finally went home!  Arrived Los Angeles at around 2:30 a.m.!!! Very sleepy, tired but nonetheless happy for we truly had a great and wonderful day!!!"

 

Driving Around Southern California with MNHS 59'ers

 

 

                                                    
 

                                                    

                                                    

                                                      
                                   

                                                     

                                                   

                                                   

                                                    



                                                    

                                                    

                                                    

                                                    

                                                    

It looks  like  the  group  had  a  great  time .. Maybe  we  should  start  following  this  trend ..There  are  so  many  places  to  see   around  us . The  USA  has  a  lot  to  offer  and  so  does  Canada .. I  would  welcome  any  article  of our  kabaleyans  trip'  in  their  own " backyard  "  to  be  published  in  our  Aliguas Mangaldan  website . You  can  e-mail   the  details  to  me ..... By  Marie  A . Junio    




 

   

 

                                                 

 

2011 MAREVA PICNIC AND PRESENTATION OF NEW OFFICERS

What  was  supposed  to  be  a  picnic  in  the  park  of  the  Mangaldan  Residents  of  ( Greater )  Vancouver  MAREVA  ) turned  out  to  be  an  indoor  get  together  at  the  Saint  Anthony's  Parish  Hall  in  West  Vancouver . As  the  rain  continued  to  pour , Mangaldanians  continued  to  fill  in  the  indoor  venue. The  indoor  activity  served  as  the  MAREVA annual  get together  and  presentation  of  the  new  Mareva  officers  who  were  selected  and  elected  during  an  earlier  board  meeting  . 

                                     

Being  a  potluck  gathering  , food  continued  to  pour  in  as  Mangaldanians  started  arriving  at  the  hall .

                                    

Father  Gary  , the  Parish  Priest  of  Saint  Anthony's , leads  the  prayer  before  the  meal  .

                                   

                                           Mareva  members  pause  for  the  prayers

                                   

                       Father  Gary  is  flanked  by  Rusty  and  Marie  at  the  buffet  table

                                  

      Kuya  Jhun  Jimenez  , Maricar Suque , Janie Coronel Junio  and  Joel  Espinosa  are helping  themselves  at  the  buffet  table . 

                                  

 Mona Tan  leads the  group  in  the  singing  of  the  Philippine National Anthem  and  O Canada  after

                                 

Leny Cancino-Guiang  , the  incoming  Chairman  (  or  President )  of  Mareva  leads  the  birthday  song  for Reyna Cabrera  Pagal , a  longtime resident  of  Vancouver  and  wife  of  former  Mareva  Chairman Carding . Reyna's birthday  falls  on  the  exact  date of the  get  together  .

                                  
  Reynalda C. Pagal  is  presented  with  her  birthday  cake  after  the  birthday  song  was  sung . She  is  flanked by daughters Alma  and Liza  and  some  friends .

                                  
 

At  this  table  are Orly  Cervas  , Rose U. Cervas , Julie Ydia , Belen Cervas , Curtis Parr , little daughter Leah  and  wife  Mary  Grace  Miraflor Parr . Standing  are  Rusty  Cervas Miraflor and Briggy Miraflor

                                 

Lina Jimenez , Jhun Jimenez , Richard Mejia , Joel mejia , Mrs . Ester P. Mejia and  Estrella M. Espinosa  are  seated  at  this  table ..

                                

Reyna C. Pagal  joins  guests  from  Seattle  which  include  Paz and Felipe Catabay , Fely Catabay, Alice Melendez and  Mimi Lautengco  .

                              

Marie A. Junio joins   Californian  Jocelyn  Banaag  , daughter Caitlyn   and  Linda  Tamayo  , a  guest  and  former  resident  of New York . Standing  behind  are Michael Banaag , Precy  M. Alvear .

                              

This  table  is  occupied  by  new  Mareva  Chairman  Leny  C. Guiang , Philip  Fabia  , Marie Soriano Palmani ( seated  and )  Grace Palaganas  ,  daughter   April  Palaganas  , Gina  C. Perez  , Precy  M . Alvear  and  guest Lyndon Mejia  from  Washington .

                             

The  Tans  are  at  this  table . Seated  are  Joshua Tan . Letty tan , Michele Tan , Cecille Tan , Ray mond Tan and guest Linda Tamayo  . Standing  behind  are Deo Tan  , Mona  and  Pepe  Tan  .

                             

Madonna Tan , Rey Tan , guest  Jun Bandung , Angie Encarnacion   are  seated  at  this  table  and  standing  is  Cora  Imbat  Naicha .

                            

Gene Catungal  is  joined  by  her  daughters  and  their  friends ..

                            

 The  most  awaited  part  of  the  program  was  the  presentation  of  the  new  set  of  officers  by  outgoing  Chairman  Marie  Aquino  Junio  . The  new  officers  in  the  picture  are Left to  right : Philip  Fabia , Public Relations Officer  : Deo  Tan , Peace  Officer : Richard  Mejia , Assistant Peace  Officer : Marie Soriano Palmani  , Sub-Secretary : Grace Domagas  Palaganas , Secretary :  Clarissa Gina C. Perez  , Sub-Treasurer : Angie de Vera Encarnacion  , Treasurer : Nathalie  A. Solis , Vice - Chairman  : and  Wilina (  aka Leny )  Chairman ( or President )    

                                    

Marie A. Junio   also   presented  newly -arrived  kabaleyans  from  Mangaldan  Jaynor  Aquino   and  Prescila Moulc  Alvear  who  are  flanked  by  the  new  MAREVA  officers . Welcome  aboard  , Jaynor  and  Precy .

                                  

 Wilina  (  Aka Leny  ) Cancino  Guiang  is  the  new  MAREVA  Chairperson or  President .  She  is  one  of  the  daughters  of   the   former  Carmen  Soriano  and  the  late  William  Cancino  . She  was  born  in  Mangaldan  and  attended   Mangaldan  Central  School  and  the  Mangaldan  National  High  School  and  the  University  of the  Philippines . After  working  with NEDA  , she  and  husband  Jonathan  and  children  Maria  and  Jesko   emigrated  to  Canada  and  settled  in  Vancouver . She  presently  works   with  the  B .C .  government   and  the  family  lives  in  Surrey . Good  luck , Leny  ..

                                    

Meet  the  new  Vice-Chairman  (  or  Vice-President ) of  MAREVA ,  Nathalie  Aquino  Solis .  She  is  one  of  the  eight  children  of   Dino  Solis  and  the  former   Lucre  Aquino  . She  was  schooled   in  the  same  town  , graduated  at  Mangaldan National  High  School . She  worked  her  way  toward   a   business  degree  at  the  Polytechnic  University  of the  Philippines   in  Manila . She  is  now   an  independent  Licensed  Mortgage  Specialist  as  well  as  a  Debt  Consultant . She  lives  with  her  husband  and  daughter  in  Vancouver ..

                                  

Grace  Domagas  Palaganas , the  new  Secretary   of  MAREVA  was  born  in  Mangaldan  to  the  former  Rebecca  Aquino  and   the  late  Judge  Roger  Domagas . She  finished  her  elementary  and  high  school  in  Baguio  and  graduated  with  a  Commerce  degree  in  Luzon  University  in  Dagupan  City  . She  was  the  Manager  at  a  local  bank  in  Mangaldan  before  emigrating  to  Canada  with  husband  Rene  and  their  three  children  . She  now  works  at  a  lawyer's  office . The  family resides in  Vancouver ..

                                  
Marie Soriano Palmani  is  MAREVA's  Sub- Secretary  . She  was  born  in  Mangaldan  , daughter  of  the  late   Remigia de Guzman  and  Lorenzo  Soriano . She  spent her  young  school  years  in  Mangaldan  and  graduated  in  MNHS  . She  continued  her  studies  in  Luzon University  where  she  earned  her  Commerce  diploma . She  lives  in  Vancouver  with  husband  Lyndon  and  now  works  in  one  of  the  companies  in  North  Vancouver .

                                  

Angie de  Vera  Encarnacion  has  retained  her  position  as  the  Treasurer  of  MAREVA . She  was  born  in  Mangaldan  to  Luis  de  Vera  and  the  former  Maria  Encarnacion  Soriano . She  graduated  at  Santo  Tomas  High  School   and  got  her  Nursing  diploma  at  Luzon  University  in Dagupan  City . She  went  on  an  early  retirement   last  year   to  spend  more  time  with   her  first  grandson . She  lives  with  husband  Mike  in  Richmond .

                                

Clarissa  Gina   Carvajal  Perez   is  the  daughter  of  the  late  Norie  Cervas  and  Heliodoro  Carvajal . She  was  born  in  Mangaldan  , spent  her  early  school  years  in  the  town  and   graduated  in  her  Secondary  studies   in  Vancouver  . She  is  a  nurse in  Vancouver  , married  to  Michael  and  has  two  boys  and  they  reside  in  Delta .

                               

Philip  Fabia , the  new  Public  Relations  Officer  ( PRO )  was  born  in  Mangaldan  to  the  late  Councilor  Felipe  Fabia  and  the  former  Aida  Tandoc  . He  spent  his  elementary  and  high  school  at  Edna's  School  in  Dagupan   and  took  up  Engineering  at  Mapua  University  in  Manila .He  furthered  his  studies  with  a  Master's  degree  in  Business  Admistration  at   the  University  of   the  Philippines  in  Diliman . He  was  a  two -time   former  kagawad (  councilor )  of  Mangaldan . He became   the  Municipal Administrator  of  Mangaldan  before  he   emigrated  to  Canada . He  is  a  co-owner  of  Fly  Friendly  Travel  And  Tours  Inc. in  Vancouver .

                              

Djoma  Serafica  de  Guzman  , the  new  Press  Relations   Officer (  PRO )  is  one  of  the  children  of  Atty .  Pedro  de  Guzman  Jr . and  the  former  Leonor  Serafica  , both  from  Mangaldan . Inspite  of the  fact  that  he  was  educated  in  Manila  from  his  early  school  years , his  summers  was  always  spent  in  Mangaldan . He  never  forgot  to  speak  Pangasinense , his native  dialect . Infact he  is  so  proud  to  speak  it . After  graduating  from  Ateneo  University , he  taught  in  the  same  institution  . He  transferred  to  Pangasinan  when  he  accepted  a  teaching  job  in  Dagupan . He   went  back  to  Mangaldan  to  try   his  hands  in  politics  before  he , his  wife  Maridel  and  their  son Johann  emigrated  to  Canada  in  Vancouver . He  is  presently  working  for  a  large  grocery  chain  , does  special  computer  programs  and  is  the   Co-Editor  of  Mangaldan's  website " AliguasMangaldan".

 

"                                    

Peace  Officer Deo  Tan  is  one  of  the  children  of Mr. Eng Liap Tan  and  the  former  Maria  Tibigar of  Mangaldan . He  studied  in  Mangaldan  and  took  his  Engineering  course  at  the Technical Institute  of the  Philippines   in  Manila . He  and  his  wife  worked  at  the  Middle East  before   emigrating  here  in  Canada . He  now  works in  a  computer  company  and  established  Fly  Friendly Travel and  Tours , Inc .with  another  partner .

                              

Assistant   Peace  Officer   Richard   Mejia  is  the  son  of  the  late   Manuel  Mejia  and  the  former  Ester   Penullar   , who  is  our  oldest  Mangaldanian  Vancouver  resident . He  is  a  teacher  by  profession  and  he  had  a  teaching  stint  before  coming  to  Canada  with  his  wife , Dolores . He  now  works  at  the  Vancouver  Airport ...

Congratulations  to  the  new  officers   and  good  luck   to them  for  the  next  two  years  . We believe  and   trust  that  MAREVA  is  in  the  best  of  hands  .. 
   
 
 

  

  
 

                                   
 

                                 

                                 

                                  

                                 
 

                                  

                                  




 
    


 
 
 

TOURISTS IN THEIR OWN BACKYARD

The  21st  of  May  saw  six  members  of  the  MNHS Class '59  joining   a  tour  bus  on  a  week  long   journey  on  their  "backyard " , locally  , that  is  , they  became  tourists   within  the  USA  .   Surprisingly  Art  and  Josie (  de  Vera )  Pasalo    were  in  the  same  bus , as  well  as  a  few   Filipinos  residing  in  California . The  tour  covered  the  Yellowstone National  Park in  Wyoming , Mt . Rushmore  and  Crazy  Horse  Monument  in  South  Dakota , Idaho  Falls  in  Idaho  and  Arches   National  Park , State  Capitol Building , Great  Salt  Lake , Mormon  Temple  and  Copper Mine  in  Utah .  

Here  is  an  account  of  the  group's  trip  sent  in  by  Ross  Mejia , husband  of  Cecile  Ferrer  Mejia .

 On May 21st, MNHS '59ers Jun, Juliet, Cecile and Mila, with their husbands in tow, embarked on a 7-day trip that criss-crossed seven states to see the Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse monuments in So. Dakota, Idaho Falls in Idaho, Arches National Park, Great Salt Lake, Mormon "temple", Copper Mine and State Capitol, all in Utah!  It was truly a memorable trip as they were able to see for themselves these important American landmarks.  Exhausted and tired but nonetheless very happy for they truly enjoyed and loved what they saw!  All agreed it was really worth their while!!! Most importantly, they learned that they don't have to go to Europe or other countries and spend an arm and a leg to see beautiful places and sceneries, when America has a lot to offer and, maybe much better! Their future plan: to see the famous Niagara Falls and other east coast states, including the counrty's capital!

Below is their itinerary. Be the judge and don't take their words!!!

Day 1: Los Angeles - Las Vegas - Beaver Utah - Leave Los Angeles via San Bernardino Forest; Las Vegas, Arizona State, and Virgin River Canyon to get into State of Utah. Spend the night at Beaver, Utah. 

Day 2: Arches National Park - Colorado - Denver - Morning drive to the Arches National Park, with land coverage of 73,000 acres. It's the largest place of naturally shaped mountains in the world. Will see over hundreds of unique rock formations in the park, the results of water and wind erosion. From the park, continue journey along Frwy 1-70 (called the "Billion dollars freeway" to the state of Colorado. Overnight in Denver.

Day 3: Denver - Cheyenne - Crazy Horse  Monument - Mt. Rushmore - Spearfish So. Dakota - Morning travel to So. Dakota, pass by Wyoming State capital, Cheyene, famous cowboy town, then to So. Dakota.  First stop, Crazy Horse Monument on Black Hills mountain.  Then to the Bear Country. Finally, to Mt. Rushmore National Monument, the world renowned sculptured face of four former famous U.S. presidents: G. Washington, T. Jefferson, T. Roosevelt and A. Lincoln. Overnight in Spearfish.

Day 4: Spearfish So. Dakota - Part of Wyoming and Montana - Yellowstone Nat'l Park - Morning pass by part of  Wyoming and State of Montana, to enjoy the spectacular Indian view along the way. Arrive at Yellowstone Nat'l Park in the afternoon at the Mammoth Hot Springs to view the multicolored lava flow from extinct volcanoes.  Overnight in Yellowstone. 

Day 5: - Yellowstone - Grand Teton National Park - Idaho Falls and Pocatello, Idaho - Morning tour of Yellowstone Nat'l Park featuring the Yellowstone Canyon, Yellowstone waterfalls, hot spring geysers and active volcanoes. The park is also a sanctuary for many wild animals and birds. Examine fossilized trees and catch a glimpse of the beautiful lakes in the secluded woods. Visit Old Faithful Hot Springs to see the geysers shoot 150 feet up in the air. Then drive to Grand Teton Nat'l Park to examine the wonder of this park. Then continue to Idaho Falls in Idaho. Idaho Falls, a man-made falls but nonetheless, a tourist attraction. Idaho state famous for its potatoes and cattle farms. Overnight in Pocatello. 

Day 6: Pocatello - Salt Lake city - Las Vegas - Leave Idaho for Utah. Tour of Salt lake City, one of Amercia's most unique cities. Visit the "Mormon" temple and State Capitol building; Great Salt Lake, five times saltier than the ocean water, then to Bingham Copper Mine, the world's biggest copper mining company, supplier of the country's copper needs and beyond. Drive back to Las Vegas, the entertainment capital of the world, to spend the night either to see one of the many spectacular shows or try one's luck. Overnight at Harrah's Hotel & Casino. 

Day 7: Las Vegas - Lenwood - Los Angeles - Morning tour at M & M Chocolate Factory. In the afternoon, a stop at the Lenwood factory merchants' outlet mall in Barstow, where one can purchase famous brands at the lowest price possible. After which, continue drive to Los Angeles".



Here  are  the  pictures  captured  by  the  tourists .



                          

                          

                          

                            

                            

                            

                            

                            

       Josie  and  Art  Pasalo  joined  the  '59ers  , Juliet and  Jun  de  Guzman , Ross  and  Cecile Mejia  and  Mila   Aquino  Madamba  ...

                            

                            

                            

                            

                            

                            

Looks  like  our  tourists  enjoyed  their  bus  tour . Word  of  caution  , though , if  you  want  to  go  on  the  same  tour  and  you  have  allergies  specially  on  salt  ,  be  sure  to  bring  your  allergy  pills   and  ointment  .  The  Great   Salt  Lake  water  is  five  times  saltier  than  sea  water ! !










 

                          

Skagit is for Tulips

Just an hour-and-a-half drive into Washington from Vancouver, one gets into Mt. Vernon and the Skagit Valley. Every April, Skagit holds the Tulip Festival and farms and residences showcase a variety of tulips.

Maridel and I took a day off from work to enjoy the beauty of mother nature. What a great way to reinvigorate one's spirit.