Aliguas Mangaldan: USA & Canada

MANYJER celebrates Christmas 2008

by Kuya Boy Moulic

Here are photos taken at the just concluded Manyjer Christmas Party Celebration last Dec. 14, 2008 at the residence of the incoming Manyjer Prez. Ms. Mila Biala Valera. We have a very  fruitful and a joyful  meeting. Everyone enjoyed the night. In attendance are: Dr. Ligaya De leon Servito Macfarlane,Daughters Felma,Marie & Hubby Yen,Madam Gloria Surot & son Lano,Badong Aquino & Wife Tina, Josie & Joey Tumaneng,Gerry & Toots Quinto, Sande & Delia Idio,Luz Biala Suhr,Gloria Biala Garcia & hubby Obet,Boy & Tita Moulic, Ago Rivera and the host Mila Biala Valera & hubby Ali.. 

 

Hereunder are some highlights of our meeting:

1. As discussed with Atsi Marie & Ditas Z, I have informed the group that Gold Coast is now the official venue for the Mangaldan International Organization (MIO) for the 1st Mangaldan Grand Reunion  in Las Vegas comes Oct. 23 & 24, 2009,
2. The group is proposing a fee of $85.00 for the 3 day event broken down as follows:
     Welcome Party   -     October 23 (Friday) ..... $15.00
     Gala Night - Formal - October 24 (Saturday)..   50.00
     Picnic                    -  October 25 (Sunday)  ..  10.00 
     Music-Band (Per Person)-Gala Night          ....   5.00
     Allowance-Incidental Expenses  ....................   5.00
                                                                         _____
     Total   .........................................................$85.00
                                                                         --------
     An issue came up re: Kabaleyan friends/guests who just want to attend the Gala Night.. We proposed a $50.00 fee. That We strictly enforce the $85.00 fee to all Kabaleyans in attendance whether they are there for the 3 day event or not.
3. Group T-shirt - We are toying with the idea to have like a uniform for our group. I have discussed this idea to Ditas earlier today and I am 100% agreeable to her (Ditas) that attendees will have same shirt for uniformity. The concern was...small group might complain . "Angapoy uniform mi". They will be left behind. We dont want  this to happen. What do you think??
4. Some of our group are interested about the Arizona Grand Canyon Trip.. We are proposing Thursday-Oct. 22, 2009. I will ask Art or Boying Yap to further inquire about this excursion.
5. Josie & Hubby Joey Tumaneng are finalizing all arrangements with Gold Coast.. ex. Rooms for the Welcome Night Party, Mangaldan Idol, Dancing practice sessions, etc. etc...

I would appreciate your comments/corrections regarding the above-said.

2008 Philippine Independence Day Parade-New York

Kuya "Boy" Moulic, MANYJER President, shares some moments of the recetly concluded 2008 Philippine Independence Day Parade held in New York City last June 1, 2008. Our own Msgr. Oscar Aquino was the event's Grand Marshal.

Here are some photos taken at the just concluded Annual Philippine Independence Day Parade (PIDC) in New York City last June 1, 2008.It's the biggest independence day parade outside the Philippines. It was well attended. I am proud to be a Mangaldanian 'coz our own Msgr. Oscar Aquino was the Grand Marshal.

Leading the parade side by side with New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Consul General Cecile Rebong and other prominent city officials plus the invited well-known movie/singing stars from the Philippines.

Left photo below: Jun Quinto, JP (Gina's daughter), Msgr. Oscar Aquino, Gina Domagas Piano, Rowena Domagas Quinto, Tita and Boy Moulic. Right photo below: PJ, Msgr. Aquino, Gina, Rowena and Boy.

Left photo below: Rowena, Msgr. Aquino and Tita. Right photo below: Msgr. Aquino with Starlight Ballroom Dancers.

Left photo below: the Starlight Ballroom Dancers' Float. Right photo below: Boy and Tita Moulic.

Warmest regards to all and your loved ones. Salamat lamet!

K Boy M

MAONCA Celebrates Hawaiian Fiesta

by Cristeta Cera-Atutubo

The Philippine Fiesta which revolves around a Patron Saint’s feast, is usually celebrated once a year. Through the years, it has evolved from a purely religious affair to a celebration of thanksgiving and a coming-together of communities, clans, family groups and organizations. It has become an occasion for singing and dancing, for laughing and merry-making. Filipinos have brought this tradition to the place where they have chosen to live and the Mangaldan Association of Northern California (MAONCA) is one of these Filipino groups.

In the days of our youth, we learned in School that the Spaniards introduced the fiesta to our people. Since then, fiesta has been a part of our cultural heritage and has become a way of life. I’m sure most of us carry fond memories of the town fiesta back home. Actually, Mangaldan celebrates its town fiesta twice a year, on January 28 which the Catholic Church celebrates because it is the actual Feast Day of St. Thomas de Aquinas and on March 7, the birthday of St. Thomas which the whole municipality celebrates as its town fiesta.

Last March, most of the members of MAONCA went back to the Philippines to join the week-long fiesta celebration. It coincided with the Diamond Jubilee of St. Thomas Catholic School where many of them graduated. For this reason, we were not able to synchronize our MAONCA celebration with that of our hometown.

But we are still in the month of May and in Mangaldan, barangays celebrate their fiestas in May when flowers are in bloom and summer is in its tail end. We cannot allow this tradition to pass up this year and so we had a celebration at Biltmore Hotel in Sta. Clara, California on May 25 to commemorate this age-old tradition, in thanksgiving to God for the many graces and blessings He filled our lives.

 

Mangaldanian awarded Excellent in Make-up Artistry

by Christine Cera

Michael "Michelle" S. Molina formerly from U. de Vera St. (a.k.a. Kapit) was awarded Excellent in Make-Up Artistry and People's Choice Award in the recently concluded 19th Reflection Awards Night in Los Angeles, California.

Michelle is the official make-up artist of Citizen Pinoy, Kabayan L.A., Wowwowie U.S.A., Dr. Vicky Belo everytime she is here in U.S.A., and most Filipino Artists Concerts here in U.S.A. He is a regular hairdresser/make-up artist at Monet Salon in Los Angeles, California.

MANYJER mini-fundraiser a success

by Kuya Boy Moulic

Hello All! Just to let everyone know that our mini-fundraiser was a success again. I am pretty sure that our Kabaleyans who attended enjoyed the food as well as the camaraderie. We were surprised by the presence of our own Msgr. Oscar Aquino. Thanks again for your support.

Our medical mission in Mangaldan will be on the 27th and 28th of this month (February 2008) at the Puericulture Center. For those who would be around our town at the said dates, please come/help/join.

I am also attaching a flyer/invitation signed by Msgr. Aquino. Our own kabaleyan is the Grand Master at the 110th Independence Day parade in New York City on June 1, 2008. I think this is the largest and biggest Independence Day parade outside the Philippines. The Msgr. is also inviting all Mangaldanians to join him on March 29, 2008 honoring him as the Grand Marshal at the Astoria Manor in New York City.

Let's all support him. Thanks. Regards and hope to see some of you in Mangaldan this coming week.

MAONCA Celebrates Feast Of Sto. Tomas De Aquino

By Cristeta Trinidad S. Cera

When Blessed  Juan  Martinez  founded Mangaldan , he said  of the natives , " These people  take their faith into their hearts ".

True enough , wherever Mangaldanians are , all over the world , they celebrate  the feast of their  hometown's  patron  saint  , Sto Tomas de Aquino . MAONCA (Mangaldan Association  of Northern California )  led by  our President , Ditas  Palisoc-Sarzaba , celebrated the feast  last January 26. the actual  date of the  feast  is  January  28th  but  the celebration  was held  two days earlier , which was a Saturday  to  ensure  more  attendance .

Just like  in  Mangaldan , a nine day novena , coordinated by Teresita A. Oca , was held in honor  of  the  patron saint. However , unlike back home  where  the novena  is always held in the  Parish Church , here in California  the novena  was held   and  hosted by  9  different  families in their respective homes  ( turno-turno ). Back in our hometown , the celebration  is capped  ( lompos )  with  a  procession  around the streets in the Poblacion . Here  in Northern California  , the lompos  is  capped  with  a  "Potluck  Lunch  Reunion" , usually  held in the house of the  incumbent  MAONCA President . Thus , this year's  celebration ( lompos ) was held in the posh residence of Ditas and Bebedict  Sarzaba . It was  a double treat because the get together  also served as an early celebration of Ditas' birthday which falls on  Jannuary 29th .

This  annual  religious  event ,  which fosters  camaraderie  among Mangaldanians  is  characterized  by the cacophony of happy laughter  , exciting kumustaan , and  a  profusion  of  mouth watering  food  including  Lechon ( maybe cholesterol laden  but there's always  Lipitor )

The highlight of the occasion  was the solemn mass officiated  by a Filipino priest, Rev . Fr. Frank  Bagadiong  . Everyone  joined  the MAONCA  choir  in singing the mass hymns .

The pictures below reflect the joy of celebrating the feast of Mangaldan's  patron  saint  away  from  home  .

   

   

 

   

A New Year's Eve Birthday "Bash"

Christine  Cera  of California  sent  an  article   and some pictures  taken  during  a  Mangaldanian's  birthday  celebration  . 

Joselito  de la Cruz , also known as Jing , and a former resident  of Poblacion ( Candaba area ) , Mangaldan , turned 45 on December 30, 2007 . His  wife , Erlinda , tendered  a party  for him on December 31st , so  close family members  and friends  would be able to join the celebration , the birthday bash as well as the New Year's countdown . Families  and friends from Sacramento , San Francisco , Fremont  , and  Union  City  were  able to  join  Jing  and his family  at their Hayward , CA  residence  where the party was held .

Food and drinks were in abundance . However , the favorite venue  was the Sushi Bar manned by Jing's younger sister , Monette  de la Cruz -Jaugan .

Bong, Jing's younger brother commented " Iner so party na Pinoy ya anggapoy  Karaoke Singing  Session "?  Very well said .. So , Karaoke  singers lined up  for the " Mangaldanian  American Idol  " session . Almost  every  guest  sang  their  best  but the most applauded ones  were  Nice Juguilon Gutierez ,  Richie , with his rendition of One In A Million and  of course  , Jing , the birthday  boy  , with his interpretation of  "Be My Lady ".

Mangaldanians  truly  enjoyed  the night , wishing  the celebrant  a happy  birthday   as well  as  everybody  welcoming  the  start  of the New Year   with  the  song  "Auld  Lang Syne " ...  That's a great way  to celebrate  one's birthday , indeed  ! !

The "line-up " for   chow time . Click on the picture  to maximize  and see the  guests ' names .

It is karaoke  time . That's the birthday boy , Jing ready  to dish out  "Be my Lady "  and the object  of his song ?  His wife Linda , of course ,  who is holding on to him .

Here is a part of the audience , waiting for their  turn  in the  Karaoke  singing  session .

The  threesome , Ed , Nelson and  Bong  . Are you waiting for your turn to sing too,  guys ??

Here are the young ones , awaiting  their turn at the karaoke bar  or  awaiting  for the New Year countdown ?

Finally , a word  of gratitude  from  the celebrant  to his wife  and all the guests   who  made the event  worth remembering ....

Thanks , Christine  for sharing a  special  event  of our kabaleyans ..

AND TO  YOU  , JING ," THE  BIRTHDAY  GUY " , WE (  DJOMA  and  I , AND  MANGALDANIANS  in VANCOUVER  ) WISH YOU  A  BELATED   BUT  A  VERY  HAPPY  BIRTHDAY . WISHING  YOU  GOOD HEALTH  AND  GOD'S  BLESSINGS  , TOO ...

Atchi Marie  

Mangaldanians bond for a Pinoy Christmas in Hayward, California

by Cristeta S. Cera

A small group of Mangaldanians wanted to recreate an atmosphere of Pinoy Christmas at the Manila Garden Restaurant in Hayward, California and so decided to organize one. This is the time of the year when social calendars are filled with Christmas office parties, class reunions and family get togethers, but still, the group out of homesickness, pushed through with their plans. Each one invited some townmates, who, in turn, were asked to invite others. An announcement was posted in Aliguas Mangaldan and the organizers hoped that many would come. It was a wish-come-true. Undoubtedly, it turned out to be a special and joyous event. Mangaldanians met Kabalens they haven't met for years, some people who didn't know each other back in the hometown came to know one another and were very happy they did. They talked about life in the United States and how they are making the most of it. They eagerly exchanged news from the old hometown. As they would say in the Philippines, the party was "up to sawa" (Anggad ag ira onsawa). Everyone had so much fun that the party was extended in the house of Mina Amansec Basco where more drinks and food were served.

One nostalgic and sentimenatl feature in the party was the singing of Abante Mangaldan and Logor ed Baley, two Mangaldan hymns which are sung in all public affairs in the town.

Enclosing the proof of all the excitements!!!

Ditas Palisoc-Sarzaba, incumbent MAONCA president addresses the gathering of Mangaldanians.

The group pictures:

Merma Ringo . . . and Pinata Times

California Christmas Party

by Christine Cera

The Mangaldanians in California will be holding their Christmas Party on Saturday, Dec 15, 2007 at the Manila Garden Restaurant in Hayward, California. Everyone is invited to attend.

MANYJER 2008 Fiesta Invitation

by Silverio "Boy" Moulic

The Mangaldan Association of New York/New Jersey of the Eastern Region (MANYJER) will hold its town fiesta celebration on February 16, 2008. It will be a fund-raising event for the planned medical mission in Mangaldan, Pangasinan, Philippines scheduled on Feb 27-29, 2008. The medical mission will be led by Dr. Amor Lomibao.

 

The mission needs volunteers and donors and balikbayans who are in town during the event to participate in their respective class reunions, school jubilee celebrations and the town fiesta are invited to join the mission.

Interested parties may get in touch with MANYJER President Silverio "Sil"/"Boy" Moulic: smoulic@aol.com or 732.754.5247

The following pictures were taken during a MANYJER get together last March 17, 2007 at the residence of Viring Rivera.