The heaviest rainfall in more than 40 years lasted for nine hours, triggered flash flodds, submerged houses, washed away vehicles and turned Metro Manila’s roads into virtual swollen canals & rivers.Initial frantic rescue efforts saw military helicopters and rubber boats fan out across Metro Manila to pluck people off houses and car roofs. At this time of crisis, when help is most needed by our kababayan’s in the Philippines, let us show once again the spirit of bayanihan that has carried us through in our darkest moments. While massive relief operations are under way, so much more needs to be done. Our Kababayan’s need your compassion and support NOW.
GIVE TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATIONS;
Checks may be made payable to:
Typhoon Ondoy Flood Victims
c/o Filipino American Association of Central NJ, Inc.
P.O.Box 230
Pennington, NJ 08534
Tax ID # 22-375-6077
We will consolidate FAACNJ donations and send them to the Ayala Foundation, USA. Ayala Foundation -USA is a 501c3 organization. As such, all donations coursed through AF-USA are tax deductible in the US. The Ayala Foundation USA will disburse contributions to the relief operations of the following: Ateneo de Manila University, ICA-Greenhills, Caritas Manila, Gawad Kalinga, and the Philippine National Red Cross.
MORE WAYS TO HELP VICTIMS OF TYPHOON ONDOY
- To participate in fundraising events: join “Lakad Tulong”, a 3-mile walk-a-thon starting at Jersey City Hall, 280 Grove Street, Jersey City, 07302, on 11 October 2009, Sunday. Registration starts at 8:00 AM, followed by the start of the walk at 9:00 AM. Proceeds will go to the Project Handang Tumulong fund. For more information please contact Nelsie Parrado (212-794-7321) Ledy Almadin (201-755- 3084) or Lita Pena (201-432-2144). *donations will be US tax deductible.
- Donation “In Kind” Drop Off Points
Sinugba Cafe: 561 Westside Ave. Jersey City, NJ 07304 and
Casa Victoria: 691 Newark Ave. Jersey City, NJ 07306-2803.
Golden Bread Bake Shop & Grill
University Plaza
104 Flock Road, Hamilton, NJ 08619
Phone: 609-587-8755
Fax: 609-587-8754
Tet Jordan (Proprietor)
Little Manila Restaurant & Oriental Store
400Route 130 South, East Windsor, NJ 08520
Tel. No. 609-448-5350
Sari-Sari Asian Store
691 Route 130 Strore # 8
Hamilton, New Jersey 08691
Tel. No. 609-585-0409
State Farm Insurance
2204 Brunswick Pike
Lawrenceville, NJ08648-4409
Romy Buerano
Phone: (609) 392-7555
Fax: (609) 695-8889
Here's the list of priority relief goods from the Philippine National Red Cross: Due to shipping restrictions on used shoes/clothing to the Philippines, international donors are encouraged to give money, clothes & food & Non-food items ·
Food items: Rice, noodles, canned goods (there are those that have a lever to open etc) sugar, iodized salt, cooking oil, mongo beans, and bottled water ·
Non-food items: Bath soaps, face towels, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, plastic mats, blankets, mosquito nets, jerry cans, water containers, water purification tablets, plastic sheeting’s, and laundry soap ·
Used goods Will eventually get through, but will be delayed due to inspections (can't risk importation of foreign diseases through used goods, etc) and payment of customs duty. If you must, please donate used goods anyway, but separate them from food and NEW shoes & clothing. This way some of the boxes will go through more quickly. We are also looking for folks to "adopt a box" who will essentially pay for the cost of shipping a box to the Philippines at a reduced rate.
Updated information on relief and rehabilitation efforts in communities devastated by Typhoon Ondoy as well as status reports on recovery operations for the victims are available on the website of the NDCC at www.ndcc.gov.ph.
SPONSORSHIP AND ADVERTISEMENT CONTRACT
The annual summer picnic of the Filipino American Association of Central New Jersey and the first Fil-Am Friendship Day Health Fair will be held on _________________ at Princeton Country Club picnic area from 11am to 5pm.
We are seeking sponsorship of this event and have detailed information on the sponsorship packages below. You may also provide your support by placing an advertisement in our quarterly association newsletter and to the association’s website. All funds raised will assist all of the FAACNJ projects which include but not limited to student scholarships in the Philippines in partnership with the grass roots efforts of the Friends of Alouette, International Charities (providing educational support to underprivileged students in five regions of the Philippines & housing for abused children) and other local charitable organizations in New Jersey (i.e. Martin House Trenton, NJ.
Since the 1980's, the Filipino -American annual summer picnic has served as a catalyst in unifying the Filipino American community and in promoting our unique culture to the general public. The Fil-Am Friendship Day Health Fair is a new component of the Fil-Am annual summer picnic. This presents us with a unique opportunity to partner with vendors/sponsors to provide the members of the Fil-Am community valuable health information and at same time enjoy the company of family, friends and kababayans (Countrymen) in a fiesta like celebration with lots of food, games, contest, and prizes for all ages. It is our goal that by providing this health fair to our community, we will be able to make the Fil-Am annual summer picnic not only fun, but also educational and a means of promoting healthy living throughout our community. Together, we can make this happen.
Package I Benefits: Investment:(Event Sponsor–negotiable)
Inclusion of company name and/or logo in all print & advertising and PR campaigns.
Inclusion of company name and/or logo in all promotional materials, like flyers, posters.
Exhibitor’s space and table will be provided for marketing opportunity.
One company banner display at the picnic site.
Live acknowledgement of sponsorship participation during the festivity.
Advertisement in the FAACNJ Quarterly Newsletters & website for 20__.
Package II Benefits: Investment: $ 200 (Event Exhibitor)
One exhibitor’s space and table will be provided for marketing opportunity
One company banner display at the picnic site
Advertisement in the FAACNJ Quarterly Newsletters & website for 20__
Live acknowledgement of sponsorship participation during the festivity
Package III Benefits: Investment: $ 100 (Advertisement Only)
Advertisement in the FAACNJ Quarterly Newsletters & website for 20__
Tax ID # 22-375-6077
Please return the application, along with your check and camera-ready artwork.
For More Information, Please Contact:
Romy Buerano (609) 468-7999 or E-mail: [email protected]
FAACNJ Inc,
PO BOX 5574,Trenton, NJ 08638
A Non-Profit Community-Based Association
Event Sponsorship and AdvertisementContract
EVENT: Annual Summer Picnic of FAACNJ and the first Fil-Am Friendship Day Health Fair
EVENT DATE: Juxx 28, 20xx, Sunxx
LOCATION:Princeton Country Club Picnic Area
TIME OF THE EVENT: 11am to 5pm.
Application Due Date: Juxx 1, 20xx
I. Sponsorship or Advertisement package choice:
Package I Benefits:Investment:(Event Sponsor–negotiable)
Package II Benefits:Investment:$200 (event Exhibitor)
Package III Benefits:Investment:$100(Advertisement only)
II. Sponsor/Exhibitor Information:
Name of Business/Organization: ___________________________
Name of Contact Person: __________________________________
Address: _____________________ __________________________
City: ________________________State: ________ Zip Code: _______
Phone: ________________________Email: _____________________
If Non-profit, please include you Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) _____________________
If Non –profit, please specify activity: _______________________
Please list Display:
_____________________ _____________________
_____________________ _____________________
_____________________ _____________________
EXHIBITORS AGREEMENT:
1. All exhibitors need to sign the indemnity form. (see attached form)
2. All exhibitors are responsible for cleanup of their area at close of the event
3. Payment must be submitted with the application.
III.Event Exhibitors Only:
IV.Date Received: ________________ This agreement is subject to acceptance by the authorized FAACNJ Officers. Event Exhibitors must sign the attached Indemnification form.).
MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO:
FAACNJ Inc.
PO BOX 5574
Trenton, NJ 08638
Tax ID # 22-375-6077
Amount: _____________________
______________________________
Authorized Signature
INTRODUCING THE FIRST MISS FAACNJ AMBASSADOR PAGEANT
The 2009 Miss FAACNJ Ambassador Pageant
The goal of the Miss FAACNJ Ambassador Pageant is to showcase
young Filipino-American women in culturally rich Fil-Am events that will best represent their Filipino- American culture, personality, intelligence and talent.
“Beauty is not only in the eye of the beholder, because mere physical beauty is not real beauty. I believe that real beauty is long-lasting, impervious to the ravages of time and age. It can only be found deep within each person’s heart, inner character, in our capacity to give and receive love, in our appreciation of life, in our values and personality, in our wit and humor, in the quality of our dreams and imperishable hopes….Anonymous
Aims and Objectives
The main objective of the Miss FAACNJ Ambassador Pageant is to provide young Filipino-American women a platform to showcase their sense of purpose, contribution to the growing Filipino-American community and to challenge conventional notions of beauty, culture, and intelligence by emphasizing not merely on appearance but also beauty that radiates within.
Develop personal growth, leadership, self-esteem, friendships, and teamwork. The candidates will develop self-confidence to a level where they can challenge themselves to achieve those goals with diligence, grace, intellect and style.
The Pageant also displays the rich ethnic diversity of our Filipino American Culture and gives us a glimpse and appreciation of the many different cultures that surround us today.
Provide a scholarship fund to the winner funded by the proceeds of the annual gala and by corporate and Association donations.
Role of the Miss FAACNJ Ambassador:
1. The Miss FAACNJ Ambassador will represent theideals and objectives of the FAACNJ which is to unify the Filipino American community and promote our unique culture to the general public.
2. The Miss FAACNJ Ambassador will represent the FAACNJ community in various cultural functions & community events in New Jersey, United States & abroad.
3. The Miss FAACNJ Ambassador is a positive influence among our young generations in building self-confidence and promotes self-esteem through exposure to our Filipino heritage and cultural values as Filipino Americans.
4. To help bridge the gap between the Filipino American youths and their Filipino born and raised elders, cousins & friends.
Qualifications of Candidates : Beauty with a Purpose
Open to any permanent resident of "Filipino or Filipino-American descent (irrespective of blood ratio).Must be female and of good moral character, between the ages of 14 and 23.
How to Join:
1. Candidates must submit one (1) 5” x 7” recent color photograph for press
release
2. Candidates must fill out the registration form and the acceptance contract must be signed by candidates and their parents or legal guardian (if Minor) to be submitted on or before June 28, 2009
3. All candidates will be presented, interviewed by a panel of judges and should be prepared to show case their talent or skill in a FAACNJ sponsored event (Date to be Determined) to be considered a Finalist for the Miss FAACNJ Ambassador pageant.
4. To be considered as a Finalist for the Miss FAACNJ Ambassador pageant the candidateswill be judged 50% on grace, intellect and style and one-quarter on their talent and one-quarter on an interview by the select Panel of Judges from the Fil-Am sponsors and donors. The Finalist for the Miss FAACNJ Ambassador pageant will be announced after the presentation of candidates, interview and show case of talent event.
5. Submit application to Cultural Affairs & Membership Coordinators Leleth De Lalinde and Rosanna Manlapig. Leleth De Lalinde is the Chairperson of the The 2009 Miss FAACNJ Ambassador Pageant. Mail or e-mail to: http://faacnj.weebly.com
Filipino American Association of Central New Jersey, Inc
PO Box 5574 Trenton, New Jersey 08638
2009 Miss FAACNJ Ambassador Pageant
Rules and Regulations
1. Selected Finalist for the 2009 Miss FAACNJ Ambassador Pageantmust submit one (1) 5” x 7” recent color photograph for press releases
2. Selected Finalist for the 2009 Miss FAACNJ Ambassador Pageant must fill out the registration form and the acceptance contract must be signed by them and their parents or legal guardian (if minor) to be submitted on or before __June 28, 2009_.
3. Upon receipt of the Finalist signed acceptance contract, the Finalist will receive certificates of acceptance of her candidacy along with the advertising contracts which the candidates and their parents or legal guardian (if minor) agree to seek for publication in the FAANJ 2009 Souvenir Program in their honor.
4. All Finalist or parents must sell a minimum of five (5) pages of advertisement. They must also invite a minimum of ten (10) or more guests to the FAANJ Christmas Ball on December 6, 2009 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Princeton, New Jersey.
5. All advertisements and guest tickets for the Christmas ball must be paid on or before November 15, 2009.Christmas Ball tickets are $ 65 for Adults and $30 for Children 13 years old and below. Souvenir Journals rates are $100.00(full page), $60.00(half page), $30.00 (quarter page). Checks should be made payable to FAACNJ.PO Box 230 Pennington, New Jersey 08534 Tax ID # Tax ID # 22-375-6077 (Tax exempt Non Profit Organization)
6. All Finalists, after all the requirements are submitted and signed, will no longer be able to withdraw from their candidacy, except for health or other reason beyond their control. They must submit a medical certificate and a formal letter justifying their withdrawal.
7. There will be one winner of Miss FAACNJ AMBASADOR 2009. The other remaining contestants will be given one of the titles of: First Runner-up- Miss FAACNJ Angel of Charity 2009, Second Runner-up- Miss FAACNJ Star of the Night 2009, Third Runner-up and Fourth runner-up. Aside from these titles, the following are added awards: Best in Talent
8. Miss FAACNJ AMBASADOR 2009 will be given to the successful Finalist who can solicit the highest amount of combined ticket sales, & journal advertisements. The winner of the title of Miss FAACNJ AMBASADOR 2009 is honored with a crown, a trophy, a sash, a bouquet of flowers and __35____ % of the of the amount they individually solicited through advertisements and sponsorship and a gift certificate from FAACNJ Sponsors.
9. First Runner-up- Miss FAACNJ Angel of Charity 2009 will be given to the Finalist who can solicit the second highest amount of combined ticket sales, & journal advertisements. The winner of the title will be honored with a crown, a trophy, a sash, and a bouquet of flowers and __15___ % of the amount they individually solicited through advertisements and sponsorship and a gift certificate from FAACNJ Sponsors.
10. Second Runner-up- Miss FAACNJ Star of the Night 2009 will be given to the Finalist who can solicit the third highest amount of combined ticket sales, & journal advertisements. The winner of the title will be honored with a crown, a trophy, a sash, and a bouquet of flowers and a gift certificate from FAACNJ Sponsors.
11. Third Runner-up- Miss FAACNJ __________________ 2009 will be given to the Finalist who can solicit the fourth highest amount of combined ticket sales, & journal advertisements. The winner of the title will be honored with a crown, a trophy, a sash, and a bouquet of flowers and a gift certificate from FAACNJ Sponsors.
12. Fourth runner-up - Miss FAACNJ ___________________ 2009 will be given to the Finalist who can solicit the fifth highest amount of combined ticket sales, & journal advertisements. The winner of the title will be honored with a crown, a trophy, a sash, and a bouquet of flowers and a gift certificate from FAACNJ Sponsors.
I/ we have read the rules and regulations form for the Miss FAACNJ AMBASADOR Pageant. Therefore, affixing our signatures below confirms our understanding of the pageant and I/We agreed to abide by all the directions, Rules, and Regulations set forth herewith.
Finalist (Printed Name): __________________________
Finalist Signature: _______________________________
If Minor: Parents or Legal Guardian (Printed Name): ________________________________
Parents or Legal Guardian Signature: _____________________________________
2009 Miss FAACNJ Ambassador Pageant
OFFICIAL APPLICATION
(Please fill in the blanks and put Not Applicable or N/A to those items that do not apply to you)
Name: ____________________________________________
(First) (Middle) (Last)
Birth Date: _____________________ Age: _________
Home Phone: _________________
Alternative Phone: Cell ______________________
Email Address: _________________________
Address: ______________________________________________
City: ________________State: ______Zip: ____________
Education
School: __________________________________________
Graduation Year: ________________
College: _______________________________________
Graduation Year:________________
College Major: ____________________ Degree: ___________________________GPA: _______
Academic Achievements and Awards: ______________________________________________
_______________________________________
Career Ambition
Career Ambition: ________________________________________
________________________________________
Employment
Current Employer: _______________________________________
Phone: __________________
Supervisor’s Name : _____________________________________
Phone: __________________
Job Title and Duty: ___________________________________________
Professional Achievements and Awards: ___________________________________________
____________________________________
Community Service
Volunteer Activities: ____________________________________________
____________________________________________
Philanthropic causes you currently endorse: ____________________________________________ Community Service Awards:______________________________________
____________________________________________
More About You
Who is your favorite role model and why? _______________________________________
_______________________________________
What are your talents and hobbies? _____________________________________
_____________________________________
Name the three (3) highest priorities in your life: ________________________________________
________________________________________
Name three (3) things you wish to change in your life: ___________________________________
__________________________________________
Why do you want to enter this pageant? __________________________________________
__________________________________________
What will you do if you win this pageant? _____________________________________________
______________________________________
If you were a judge, what question would you ask the finalist? _____________________________ __________________________________________
__________________________________________
Any other interesting information you would like us to know? ____________________________________
Name your favorite:
Book ________________________________________
Author ___________________________
Athlete ______________________________________
Artist ____________________________
Song________________________________________
Musician _________________________
Movie _______________________________________
Place to visit _______________________
Woman in history
____________________________________________
Information
How did you hear about the 2009 Miss FAACNJ Ambassador Pageant?
_______________________________________
I agree to all the rules, regulations, and decisions set forth by the pageant. I also certify that I have answered all the questions on this form to the best of my knowledge.
Candidates Name in Print: ___________________________________
Candidates Signature: _______________________________________
Date: _________________
If you are under 18 years old, please provide your legal guardian’s Full Name, Address, and Phone Number: ________________________________
________________________________
After you have completed the form, be sure to attach a photo of you clearly showing your face. We will contact you about your application status within a few days.
REGISTRATION AND ACCEPTANCE CONTRACT
2009 Miss FAACNJ Ambassador Pageant
I/We the undersigned completely filled out the application form, and I/ we have read the agreement form for the Miss FAACNJ AMBASADOR Pageant.
Therefore, affixing our signatures below confirms our understanding of the contest and I/We agreed to abide by all the directions, Rules, and Regulations set forth herewith.
Candidate (Printed Name)
______________________________________________
Signature
______________________________________________
Parents (Printed Name)
______________________________________________
Signature
______________________________________________
Received by:____________________________________________
Approved by: __________________________________
Leleth De Lalinde Chairperson
2009 Miss FAACNJ Ambassador Pageant
Date:_____________
Let us All Help this Family...
Fire victim tells the dramatic story of his family's peril and escape from near doom. by Alex Zdan/The Times Thursday January 29, 2009, 9:21 PM TRENTON --
With searing flames just 10 feet away, smoke choking their every breath, and a three-story drop below, Damaso Velasco and his three young children huddled together on the rooftop and prayed.
The desperate father had ushered his children to safety on the roof when the inferno inside their third-floor apartment had cut off their access to the fire escape.
And now it looked like they'd run out of places to run.
"Oh Lord, save my kids," he said. "Do something about the fire. Don't let us die."
As fire consumed their Hamilton Avenue apartment building Wednesday morning, and other residents screamed for help, Velasco and his children, ages 11, 7, and 3 years old, desperately waited for rescue.
The panicked father had two options, stay put and risk death or jump, a move almost certain to inflict devastating injuries to them all.
"The fire was already there, ten feet from us," Velasco said. "We could live disabled, or we could wait a little longer."
Firefighters were able to save the family from their perch backed by flames, and neither the Velascos nor any of the eleven others who fled the building were seriously harmed in the fire.
But the three-alarm blaze that gutted the 10-unit building has left Velasco, his wife Mary, and the three kids homeless with nothing but the clothes they were wearing when they escaped. The building is now uninhabitable, forcing all of its occupants to find other dwellings and begin to replace what they have lost in the fire.
Sitting in a Howard Johnson's hotel room provided by the Red Cross Thursday evening, Damaso Velasco admitted moments of helplessness he does not share with his family.
The couple who moved to the U.S. from the Philippines nearly 13 years ago need to support their children, to find a new home. Mary is a medical technician, Damaso is a handyman who has searched for work since October. Their hotel room and cards for food and clothes are temporary assistance, and only last until Saturday.
"Right now, we don't know where to get the money," he said.
The family is trying to reach out to the Filipino community in the local area and Philadelphia, saying that if each person just gave one dollar, they could rebuild.
Damaso Velasco, his shoulders slumped, sits on the edge of the paisley bedspread and tells his story.
The children were all home thanks to a snow storm that had forced the schools to close. Preparing to move at the end of the month, Velasco was in his third-floor apartment packing boxes with old clothes to send to relatives in the Philippines.
"Then, suddenly, the woman in number 4 was knocking on my door," he said. "And she said, 'Fire, fire, fire!'"
Racing downstairs to the woman's first-floor apartment, he could see flames on the bed, climbing up the wall to the ceiling.
Damaso Velasco said that he hesitated at that moment, making a decision. If he could flip the mattress over, then find some way to battle the rising flames, he could prevent the blaze from spreading. But his children would remain two floors up, unaware of the danger.
"My mind is thinking of my kids, to save them," he said. "I called to my son, Michael, 'Call 911!'"
The kids were ordered by their father to grab shoes and jackets and head out the door at the rear of the building. From there, they could walk onto the roof, then down the rear fire escape to safety.
At the stairwell, heartbreak. The flames were billowing out onto the fire escape. Their route to safety was cut off.
"We are trapped on the top of the roof," Velasco said.
That's when they prayed. Velasco said he asked God for life for his children, ruling himself out from the prayer for salvation.
He coupled the praying with earthly exhalations for help.
"I was waving and shouting, my voice almost gave out," he said.
After what he said felt like 15 minutes but was more apart from time than anything, firefighters propped a ladder against the building and carried the children down.
Damaso's feelings can be summed up in a response to something said to him just after the ordeal had ended. Secluded in the ambulance on the way to the hospital, Velasco said an EMS worker tried to compliment him.
"The other guy said I'm a hero," Velasco said. "I don't feel like a hero because this is my family."
Simbang Gabi 2008
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
Let this beautiful celebration be an occasion for all of us to reach out to one another as one God’s family, thus creating a community of love and peace that the spirit of Christmas season brings. The support of so many people made the Simbang Gabi Novena meaningful, taking us back to our traditional ways of reaching out.
We want to express our most heartfelt gratitude to Fr. Vincent Gartland, Pastor of the Church of St. Ann for his continued support of the Simbang Gabi Novena. Five years ago, Simbang Gabi was merely a dream and a topic of conversation. With the blessing and encouragement of Fr.Vince, we were able to begin the Christmas Novena modestly with three Masses celebrated here at St. Ann’s and five masses the following year. This year, for the third time in a row, we have been able to celebrate the Simbang Gabi Novena in nine different parishes in MercerCounty.
We appreciate the continued support and generosity of all the Pastors of the following parishes as well as the Priest-celebrants, the Deacons, Eucharistic Ministers, Altar Servers, Ushers, Lectors, Music Directors, Musicians, St. Ann’s Simbang Gabi Choir, and the Simbang Gabi Novena Coordinators. We also thank the communities of the participating parishes of this year’s Simbang Gabi: Our Lady of Sorrows- St.Anthony Parish, St. Gregory the GreatChurch, Incarnation- St. James Parish, Blessed Sacrament- Our Lady of Divine Shepherd, St. Paul Church, St. Raphael - Holy Angels Parish, St. Anthony of Padua Church, St. David the King Church, and the Church of St. Ann.
On behalf of the “Simbang Gabi Novena Coordinators”, we gratefully extend our acknowledgement of participation to all the people who so generously donated in cash and in kind to the success of this year’s Simbang Gabi Novena and to all who came out in good weather and in bad to celebrate these Masses with us. Please accept our apology if anyone was missed on the list.
Special thanks to the following groups:
Dr Alice Tesoro.....Finance coordinator
Beth Mil & Mimi Zate.....Publication coordinators
Bruce Bennett....... FDC Building Caretaker
Bebot Zate , Jane de la Cruz and company
*The Coordinators and Assistants of the Simbang
Gabi of the following parishes:
Our Lady of Sorrows - Connie Paraan, D.Navata
St Gregory Church - Suzette & Fred Ryzs
Incarnation/ St James - Tesoro & Amaral Family
Blessed Sacrament - Dulce Hill
St Pauls Church -Muriel Castillo & Bebita Qua
St.Raphael Church - Elsa Anteola
St Anthony's, Hightstown - Angie & Boy Cruz
St David the King - Manolo & Glenda Capili
St Ann's Church -Romy & Mona Buerano
* Special thanks to our young college students:
Mike Diao, Mark DeGuzman & Lisa Bennett whosemusical renditions enhanced the celebrations.
We cannot forget all those men and women, young and old, who have demonstrated remarkable commitment & personal sacrifice to enhance the celebration of the Novena Masses. We thank the choir members, musicians and music directors of the following parishes for sharing their talent of music. The songs were beautiful to observers, inspiring to the novena participants and meaningful to all of us as a reminder of the historical events and religious significance we celebrate: Our Lady of Sorrows Parish choir; St. Raphael-Holy Angels Parish Choir; St. Anthony of Padua Parish Choir and St. David the King choir.
This year the St. Ann choir sang at four other parish churches. We consider this an honor and a privilege. Some of the members of the choir are affiliated with other parishes and joined in to enhance the celebration. The names of the singers, musicians and choir director are as follows:
Marissa de Guzman (Choir Director)
Terry Albano Art Amaral Lisa Bennet SuzetteRyzs
Mona Buerano Romy Buerano Sasha Buerano Tony Ona
Monet Cabral Muriel Castillo Fe Concepcion
Bebita Cua Mark deGuzman Mike Diao
Maria Cora Gaffar Dulce Hill Josie Johnson
Elizabeth Koch Fe Laraya Maressa Mayon
Beth Mil Sam Mil Alexandra Pacia
Ruby Tanglaw Alice Tesoro MariaPham
This wonderful and marvelous cooperation has led to another successful year for the Simbang Gabi Novena. We again thank you and encourage you all to support this faith-filled Filipino tradition in the years to come so that the people of our parishes may benefit from the graces of this blessed season
Message from the President
It is a pleasure to send my warmest greetings and very best wishes to the Board of Directors, officers, and members of the Filipino American Association of Central Jersey on the occasion of our Christmas Ball 2008.
It’s my privilege to serve as president for 2009-2010. I hope together we can continue to share the beauty of our culture and richness of our heritage to the Central Jersey area and its neighbors by continuing to host events like the Summer Picnic and the Holiday Gala. We also have to evolve as an organization to survive in the 21st Century environment. Key to this goal is the way in which we as an association communicate with members, prospective members and the public. Communication goals should be clearly defined to provide a value for membership by instilling greater political presence, confidence, awareness and representation among the growing Filipino-American community in Central New Jersey Area. These are indicators of what our organization can achieve if we remain together and continue with our aspirations of empowerment of the Filipino-American community.
On behalf of the incoming FAACNJ officers, I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the current officer’s willingness to serve the FAACNJ and fulfill its concomitant duties. The fact that they do all that voluntarily, as do all those who serve with no expectation of reward, other than personal satisfaction and the gratitude of many, makes their efforts all the more admirable. I have no doubt that the incoming officers of FAACNJ will also serve with great wisdom, insight and distinction. With their enthusiastic participation and invaluable help, the FAACNJ will surely continue to thrive.
Maraming Salamat at Mabuhay sa ating lahat!
Samuel-June Bernardino Mil