Souvenir Program of Philippine Night

WELCOME TO THE
PHILIPPINE NIGHT
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2010
LOMBARDO’S
RANDOLPH, MASSACHUSETTS
The Pilipino-American Association of New England, Inc (PAMAS) was formed in November, 1978 to
fill a vacuum in the social life of Filipinos living in the greater Boston area. Its initial goal was simply to
establish an association accessible to Filipinos and their families serving in the Armed Forces of the
United States. Other goals and objectives delineated in its constitution and by-laws were then added.
Its manifesto and accessibility became popular and spread throughout New England. Soon they were
joined by Filipinos from the private sector of all walks of life as it held social functions to satisfy the
need for a social calendar, and conducted various programs to benefit the Filipino community.
The growing number of children born to Filipino couples and Filipino-American parentage presented
an initial challenge to PAMAS. The difficult task of educating the children and making them aware of
their roots and heritage, knowing the great influence of peer pressure in school and in the
neighborhood, became almost a full time job for parents and teachers alike.
Through the years, with strong leadership and determination, PAMAS emerged as one of the most
active Filipino organization to advocate the preservation of Philippine culture in New England.
Although its critics only gave PAMAS a year before it will fall flat on its face and break up, its proud
members stood firm and persisted. Its grass root ideals, civic and humanitarian efforts, found their
ways in the hearts of the community.
The establishment of the PAMAS Dance Troupe as an instrument to promote Filipino heritage and to
maintain inter-relationship with other ethnic groups; Caroling to raise funds for an annual Christmas
party with gifts for children and senior citizens; Sports teams as ambassadors to reach other Filipino
organizations in Canada and the United States; a Humanitarian program, Extend-A-Hand, that send
cash and care packages to the sick, poor, and needy in the Philippines; a Scholarship program that
promotes academic excellence through financial awards; and a Newsletter to inform its members and
the public; and as a pictorial history of events...are PAMAS contribution to the Filipino community. An
effort to influence the new generation of Filipino-Americans to learn more about and get involved in
the preservation of their heritage.
Please visit our website at www.pamas.org
President’s Message
Welcome everyone! PAMAS is deeply honored and privileged to have shared this
evening with each and everyone of you and our Pilipino-American community.
We are 32 years old, founded in 1978. Our current Officers are looking forward to
continue the noble task that previous torch bearer had started hoping that we
could contribute even a very small part.
As we gather to celebrate our Philippine Night, may we extend our sincere
gratitude to those people who helped PAMAS and this occasion to be a
successful event thus making it memorable not only for our family but, to those
who are new to our community and our culture.
We recognize and welcome all the participants; our guest speaker, dancers and
performers who contributed to the success of this celebration.
Most of all, we recognize the officers and members who started this organization
who painstakingly guide the formation of one of the most resilient civic and socio
organization in New England.
In closing, I would like to salute the men and women for their commitment and
dedication to serve not only our organization but, our Pilipino-American
community as well.
Maraming salamat po,
Lidy Chan
Following his successful stints with Octoarts and Vicor Recording companies in
Manila, the prolific singer-songwriter decided to migrate to the USA and left his
booming career with the thought of resuming his passion where opportunities
profluently abound and expediency of his talent could be given the best
exposure. A rare talent such Archie 'D is like a gem encrusted with numerous
stones of multiple cuts...never running out of marketability...and true enough,
in just a short time, he's squirring around with a brand new album and a name
that set off an oozing frenzy of media attention and avid followings from his
regular gigs.
In 1998, Archie 'D pursued more of his producer's career by taking courses at
the Berklee College of Music in Boston. He studied music production, audio
engineering and synthesis at the prestigious school. After his courses, he
expanded his recording studio and replaced the old cheap recording gears to
classic solid recording and monster gears.
He then developed a "disease" that can not stand bad sounding recording and
became a reviewer of shows and albums locally. He is the president of his own
record label 888 Records.
With this line of work, he became an advocate of good music and joined the
Grammy's with a hope that someday his works will be nominated at some point.
Few months ago he recorded an album entitled "Built to Sound Good" which
gained rave reviews from 2 notorious music reviewers and gained respect from
people in Facebook all around the world.
His belief is that "in this downloading mp3 era, a musician role is to provide the
gift of music to all...and if one wants to be a legitimately recognized artist, he
must come up with the best he could." Archie 'D openly quipped that sounded
like his own mantra and creed.
Archie 'D named Archimedes Dairocas, is the youngest of four children,
all musically gifted. He was born and raised in Pagadian City, Philippines.
Performers
Director/Choreographer: Marijo Castro-Fadrigalan
DANCE PHILIPPINES PERFORMING ARTS COMPANY (DPPAC)
“RAGRAGSAKAN”
Jessica Chan, Julie Chan, Avigail Deking, Marisa Peña
“PAYPAY”
Rose Candaza, Julie Chan, Beth Peña
Event Committees
Event Chair: Lidy Chan
Co-Chair: Shine Jerman
Marketing:
Frank Celoza, Lidy /Jeff Chan, Teng Chiefe, Shine/Roy Jerman, Aida Kalb, Chris Llaga,
Arthur Llaga, Chris Mateo, Bill/Eden Strileckis, Joaquina Thibeau, Andy Tiongson
Finance/Registration:
Boots Felixberto-Gachunga, Shine Jerman, Mike Manlogon, Joaquina Thibeau, Andy Tiongson
CD Sales:
Jessica Chan, Julie Chan, Avigail Deking, Marisa Peña
Raffles Sales:
Ave Cameron, Pilar Delory, Arthur Llaga, Chris Llaga, Wessin Minyard
Raffle Donors
Lilibeth Aristorenas: Figurines and Abaca baskets
Lidy & Jeff Chan: Movie tickets (2)
Bill & Barbara Eslao: $50 B.E Auto Service gift certificates (2) and T-shirts (4)
Shine & Roy Jerman: Spa basket
Chris Mateo: $25 local restaurant gift certificates (4)
Bill & Eden Strileckis: Wine Set and Pasta basket
Joaquina Thibeau: Cordless Iron
Andy Tiongson: Rice Cooker
Contributors
Mr. Nepo & Mrs. Evie Amo, Mrs. Cora Holbrook, Mr. Bill & Fracel Solar, PAMANA,
Mrs. Nan Bacani, Mr. Bob & Linda Ravenscroft, Dr. Carlos & Mrs. Nila Fernando
PAMAS wishes to thank the performers, event committees, guest speaker, contributors, raffle donors
and to all who participated and made this event a success.
PROGRAMME
I
RECEPTION AND REGISTRATION
II
WELCOME ADDRESS:
III
NATIONAL ANTHEMS
Star Spangled Banner: Carrie and Carrie Harv
Lupang Hinirang:
Led by Rose Marie Candaza
Flag Bearer:
Jessica Chan
Brianna McArdle
IV
INVOCATION:
V
DINNER AND ENTERTAINMENT
Cultural Dance:
“Ragragsakan”
Song:
“Surprise Number”
Cultural Dance:
“PayPay”
VI
PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS:
VII
INTRODUCTION OF GUEST SPEAKER:
Bill Strileckis
Vice President, PAMAS
VII
GUEST SPEAKER:
VIII
CLOSING REMARKS:
RAFFLE ANNOUNCEMENT
ShineJerman
Treasurer, PAMAS
Andy Tiongson
Board Member, PAMAS
Lidy Chan
President, PAMAS
Archie ‘D
Composer, Musician
Chris Llaga
Board Member, PAMAS
DANCE......RAFFLES…..DANCE…RAFFLES…DANCE..
DJ: Ricky Muyuela
Emcee: Shine Jerman
PAMAS HELD INDUCTION CEREMONY FOR 2010 - 2012 NEW SET OF OFFICERS
by: Shine Jerman
With the New York Consul General Cecilia Rebong as inducting officer, the new set of officers
of the Pilipino- American Association of New England, Inc. (PAMAS) were sworn into office on
September 11, 2010 in a semi formal event held at Lombardo's in Randolph, Massachusetts.
Led by the Association's newly elected President, Lidy Chan, the rest of the officers and board
members, namely Vice President William Strileckis, Corresponding Secretary Juliann Kalb,
Treasurer Shinette Jerman, Assistant Treasurer Chris Mateo, and Board Members Chris Llaga,
Andy Tiongson, Arthur Llaga, and Joaquina Thibeau, recited the oath of office while outgoing
officers, members, and guests watched on.
The ceremony started on a high note with the welcome address given by the outgoing
President, Gracita Chiefe, who thanked and acknowledged everyone who came to the occasion,
and she also expressed her gratitude to the outgoing officers who had worked behind her for
their commitment, dedication and service to the organization. She urged everyone to continue to
work together to support the new administration and its projects and commitment to the
community. She proudly announced how PAMAS had continuously promote sportsmanship and
camaraderie among the youth by strongly supporting and endorsing the basketball league that
participates in the Annual PIBNA Basketball Labor Day Weekend Tournament which has been
under the leadership of Chris Llaga, PAMAS Director of Sports and Athletics and concurrently
PIBNA Director.
President Lidy Chan, in her inaugural speech, expressed her hopes and desires for the
organization to continue to be an integral part towards the betterment of our community. She
also acknowledged that the task ahead and the responsibilities are enormous but expressed
confidence that through a collaborative effort and support from past presidents that she'll be able
to lead this organization smoothly and be able to tackle whatever challenges the new
administration have to face under her leadership. She continued by thanking all the other leaders
of other organizations that were present at the event, for the full support they have shown
already and their efforts and equal desires to work together towards one common goal. She
concluded by urging everyone especially all the leaders to take part and take on the challenge of
making our world a better place by starting in our own community. "We as the leaders of the
community have the power to make it happen, we are the voice and together we must do the
best we can for our people", she said.
Frank Celoza, the current Chairman of NaFFA Massachusetts, and one of our very own former
PAMAS President, introduced Honorable Cecilia Rebong as the event's special guest speaker.
Consul General Rebong graced the affair with her message expressing her desire to
continuously give her support to all Filipino organizations under her jurisdiction as long as she is
in her post. She also pointed out the importance of promoting our culture that should start within
each of our homes so our younger generations will be able to appreciate and learn to accept a
part of their heritage. She applauded the organization for its accomplishments over the years,
projects, and the recent efforts with fundraising to support flood victims in the Philippines and
working in collaboration with other organizations to raise funds for Gawad Kalinga whose main
mission is building communities to end poverty. She reminded everyone that our efforts in
support of our organization will never be in vain, but instead it will create positive impact in the
lives of so many beneficiaries of the said projects in the Philippines. She encouraged everyone,
collectively to try to foster greater unity and cooperation among the Filipino American here in
New England.
The dinner was served at 8pm. Guests were entertained by two different Philippine folk
dances that were performed by selected students from Iskwelahang Pilipino (IP). A Rain dance
performed by Bettina Aristorenas, Jessica Chan, Avigail Deking, Sarah Fadrigalan and Victoria
Zuelke. Then it was followed by Binasuan dance performed by Julie Chan and Elizabeth Zuelke.
Both dances were choreographed by Marijo Fadrigalan of Dance Philippines Performing Arts,
assisted by Rose Candaza of KASAMA. Rick Muyuela provided the sound and music for the night
while Mike Manlogon, the outgoing Treasurer, hosted the evening's program.
With the new officers ready and energized to lead the organization, it is also important that
we all remember to take part and contribute whatever we could so together we can achieve our
goals. Mabuhay!
PAMAS BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2010-2012
with Philippine Consulate General Cecilia Rebong
From left to right: Arthur Llaga, Shine Jerman, Bill Strileckis, Consul General Cecilia Rebong,
Lidy Chan, Chris Llaga, Andy Tiongson, Joaquina Thibeau
Not present:
Juliann Kalb, Chris Mateo
PAMAS Induction Kids in Action
NaFFAA – National Federation of Filipino American Associations
Frank Celoza
"NaFFAA has grown into what it is today – an organization that is recognized by
Washington policy-makers, private industry and national advocacy groups as the Voice
of Filipinos and Filipino-Americans throughout the United States. It is a non-partisan,
non-profit national affiliation of more than five hundred Filipino-American institutions
and umbrella organizations. Its twelve regions cover the continental United States,
Hawaii, Guam and the Marianas. Its mission is to promote the welfare and well-being of
all Filipinos and Filipino Americans throughout the United States by fostering unity and
empowerment." According to the NaFFAA website,
NaFFAA currently is divided into 12 regions.
The Asian Journal noted. ”Since the organization’s founding in 1997, leaders from across
the nation and now around the world convene regularly to discuss how Filipinos can
anchor their contributions to society and build on the countless accomplishments that
benefit not only the Filipino communities in the US but also the other communities.”
”NaFFAA continues to monitor legislation and public policy issues affecting Filipino
Americans, and work in coalition with other national groups around common issues and
concerns. It is the glue that unites Filipinos, Filipino Americans and Filipino American
organizations to promote the welfare of all Filipinos across the continent.”
The past couple of years were indeed banner years for NaFFAA. The Filipino Veterans
Equity bill was passed and the President of the United States signed the American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 on February 17, 2009, authorizing the release of
a one-time, lump-sum payment to eligible World War II (WWII) Philippine veterans. The
Census 2010 campaign in cooperation with the Philippine Consulate in New York,
certainly put NaFFAA in the forefront of community activism. In conjunction with
Region I, NaFFAA – Massachusetts, coalesced with various ethnic groups that
campaigned heavily in promoting the importance of the census. Interested and concerned
Fil-Am’s are encouraged to visit NaFFAA.org and naffaa1.org. This is certainly is a
vehicle to bridge our gap.
President’s Visit
By: Bill Strileckis
On Thursday, 23 Sep 2010, newly elected president Benigno S. Aquino III visited New York City
to attend the opening session of the United Nations General Assembly. While in New York, he
spoke to an audience of approximately 1,000 representatives of the Filipino - American
community at Baruch College in Manhattan. I was fortunate to be a part of the audience that
evening at Mason Hall. We had arrived around 5 PM and already there was a line that stretched
around the building! No one seemed to mind though, as most of us were in good spirits, and
waited patiently as the line moved slowly. Even jaded New Yorkers, used to seeing lines at any
time for just about any reason, stopped and asked why we were lined up outside Mason Hall
(wearing suit coats and dresses!).
President Aquino arrived after 7PM to a standing ovation, accompanied by Ambassador Willie
Gaa, Consul General Cecilia Rebong, philanthropist and supporter Loida Nicholas Lewis,
Secretaries Cesar Purisima, Greg Domingo, Rene Almendras, and Bert Romulo. He was met at
the entrance by a welcoming committee of representatives from area Phil-Am community
organizations, among them newly-elected PAMAS President Lidy Chan and Bill Solar, PAMANA
Chairman.
First to speak was Loida Nicholas Lewis, who welcomed the President, and then recited a list of
suggested actions the president might pursue to open his term of office. Her list, unabashedly,
included tapping the energy of Stateside Filipinos, who could give both political and financial
support to the President's goals of bringing economic parity to the country. She also asked him to
speak with President Obama about extending Medicare to Philippine hospitals so that Fil-Am
retirees could return to their homeland without worrying about health costs and medical services.
The San Lorenzo Choir followed Ms. Lewis with a rendition of "Bagong Pilipino". Philippine
Ambassador Willie Gaa gave a short introduction, and then President Aquino took to the podium.
He started by announcing that he was putting aside his prepared speech "nanggagaling po sa
puso talaga itong ating mga sasabihin" ("in order to speak to you from the heart"). Judging from
the thunderous applause he received, the audience appreciated his candor.
The president appeared relaxed, speaking in Tagalog, thanking the members of the audience for
coming to New York from around the region. He first made special mention of the delegation from
Massachusetts, where he had many fond memories growing up. He then mentioned each
delegation in turn, and each acknowledged him loudly. Though we tried our best, we couldn't
make more noise than our New York counterparts, outnumbering us on their home turf!
He then addressed Mrs. Lewis' list of requests honestly, saying that while many of the items were
possible, others might require some further consideration. He couldn't promise immediate results,
but would take her suggestions seriously. He then spoke of his reason for coming to New York, to
attend the opening of the U.N. General Assembly. He used the occasion to explain some key
economic developments in the Philippines and announce several initiatives that he had explored
with business and government leaders here. One item proposed in the US Congress may create
thousands of manufacturing jobs if passed into law, and asked the community for their support in
its passage.
The president spoke for over an hour, and left to a standing ovation and an auditorium of excited,
almost delirious, "mga kababayan". While many may not have been supporters before, he made
a very lasting impression on the members of his audience that night. I believe he convinced most
of them of his sincerity and his willingness to do what is best for the Philippines.
President of the Philippines Visit – NY September 23, 2010
President with Lidy Chan & the welcoming committee
President Benigno “NoyNoy” Aquino III
Loida Nicholas Lewis with Lidy Chan & the welcoming committee
L to R: Jondi & Bebs Sipin, Imelda Lane Smith, Lilibeth & Miki Aristorenas, Eden Fremista, Charlie Castro,
Loida Abraham, Frank Celoza, Lidy & Jeff Chan, Cora Holbrook, Eden & Bill Strileckis
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PAMAS
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CONGRATULATIONS TO
PAMAS
GREETINGS FROM PAMANA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CHAIRMAN:
VICE CHAIRMAN:
CORRESPONDING SECRETARY:
RECORDING SECRETARY:
TREASURER:
ISABELO S. SOLAR
FRANK CELOZA
ROSE MARIE CANDAZA
GRACITA CHIEFE
MANNY PARADELA
JENNIFER AYING
TEODORO CANDAZA
LIDY CHAN
TONY CHIEFE
AMANDA KALB
MIKE MANLOGON
JOHN MANUEL
TERESA MARGATE
GLORIA PLATON
BENNY SISON
LEA SISON
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
JESS GAMMAD
RAMON RAAGAS
BEST WISHES
TO
PAMAS
&
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
FROM
DR. CARLOS
AND MRS. NILA FERNANDO
&
FAMILY
OF
FALL RIVER, MASSACHUSETTS
CORA HOLBROOK
SUSANA TOPACIO
Greetings
To
Auntie Lidy
&
PAMAS
From the
Wittwer Family
of
Switzerland
Love,
Thomas, Annabelle,
Christopher and Danielle
THE STAR SPANGLED BANNER
1814 by Francis Scott Key
Oh, say can you see, by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
"LUPANG HlNIRANG"
Composed by Julian Felipe on June 12, 1898
Bayang magiliw, perlas ng silanganan.
Alab ng puso, sa dibdib mo'y buhay.
Lupang hinirang, duyan ka ng magiting
Sa manlulupig, di ka pasisiil.
Sa dagat at bundok, sa simoy at
sa langit mong bughaw,
may dilag ang tula at awit
sa paglayang minamahal.
Ang kislap ng watawat mo'y
tagumpay na nagniningning.
Ang bituin at araw niya
kailan pa may di magdidilim.
Lupa ng araw, ng lualhati't pagsinta,
buhay ay langit sa piling mo.
Aming ligaya na pag may mang-aapi,
ang mamatay ng dahil sa iyo.