Filipinos In JC (Jersey City, New Jersey) | JC, NJ » A-Pinoy in JC

Balahadia Wins Filipino Idol 2009

jose — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 02:41:59 +0000

Eat your heart out, Rihanna. Filipinos in Jersey City have their very own singing sensation: Riana Balahadia.

Balahadia, a 17-year old student from Jersey City, is crowned today as Filipino Idol 2009. She bested 11 other finalists in an entertaining singing contest at Exchange Place (waterfront) in Downtown Jersey City.

Filipino Idol – for the uninformed – is an amateur singing contest similar to the famous American Idol. It serves as the Finale of PAFCOM’s annual Philippine-American Friendship Day festival, a tradition that has been celebrated for 19 years now.

Read the rest of the updated post after the jump…

Photo Credit: Ernie Pena

A huge fan of Broadway and musical theater, Riana performed Barbara Streisand’s “Don’t Rain On My Parade” from the musical Funny Girl.

When asked why the music inspired her: “I wanted to pick a song where I could communicate more effectively with the audience and make them smile…” Riana added that she wanted a different song not normally sung at a competition. “Don’t Rain On My Parade seemed like the perfect song. It has a lot of energy, and I have so much fun doing it everytime.”

Riana – who also starred in a stage play entitled “It’s All In Your Mind” at Long Island University in Brooklyn, NY when she was 14 – drew cheers and applause from the crowd when she finished her performance. “You have a very bright future.” Dr. Ching Legarda – one of the 3 judges – told Riana referring to her singing talent.

All Filipino Idol finalists received Certificate of Appreciation. The winners received cash prizes.

1st Place – Riana Balahadia (Jersey City)
2nd Place – Jon Michael Eclar (Virginia)
3rd Place – Vanessa Angela Villena (South NJ)

Congratulations, Riana and good luck on your future endeavors!

Judges, Winners, and PAFCOM Chairman Hector Magno (click image to view larger size)

Filipino Idol 2009 Panel of Judges (as sent by PAFCOM):

DENNIS BERNARDO, MD
Dennis is a musical director, accompanist, choir director, and a medical doctor. He became a “certified musical freak” ever since he was “forced” into piano lessons at age 7. From his high school days at Manila Science High, to his college days at the UP and UERM, he got involved into music by joining several glee clubs. Currently, he is the musical director of the Kayumanggi Chorale and the Reflections, an award-winning Christian choir since 1995. He is employed as a staff physician at Bergen Family Practice in Ramsey, NJ.

CHING LEGARDA, MD
Dr. Legarda, who together with husband Dr. Ramon Legarda own Group Ole Production, Inc. since 1990. They bring to the tri-state area quality concerts featuring well-known artists from the Philippines. Ching has been the past president of the UST Medical Association in New York having graduated in UST School of Medicine. During her spare time, she is involved in many cultural and social functions in NY and NJ. She is a proud grand mother to a 4 year old girl named Fiona.

LUIS PEDRON
Luis is an award-winning filmmaker, actor, PR consultant, publisher of entertainment newspaper Planet Philippines NY NJ and Fanclubx.com . He has been a Casting Director for numerous Films, Singing Contests and Dance Contests both in Mainstream and Filipino American Community. He has been involved in several GMA Pinoy TV events in the NY and NJ areas. He is heavily involved in the Entertainment and Socio Civic Organizations in the tristate areas including being a Board Member of Kalusugan Coalition and FAHSI.

Fellow Filipino Rolando Lavarro in Jersey City Elections 2009

jose — Thu, 14 May 2009 01:21:07 +0000

So, kumusta ang ating manok in the Jersey City 2009 poll results?

As of writing, fellow Filipino Rolando Lavarro – running for Council for Ward A here in Jersey City – is in second place with 1,260 votes behind the incumbent Michael Sottolano (2,021 votes, 39%). Breathing down his neck is candidate Andre Richardson, who is just 21 votes off.

Since absentee and provisional ballots are not counted yet, the numbers might change. A runoff is possible, where he and the leading candidate will go head-to-head for another voting match.

If he wins, Lavarro would be the first Filipino-American to serve on the City Council. However, he was quick to add that he is “running to be the councilman for all people” of Ward A, according to the report of Jersey City Independent staff.

Here’s to hoping that Mr. Lavarro makes the runoff and wins… Mabuhay ang mga Pinoy here in Jersey City!
—–
Check out Rolando Lavarro’s Facebook.

Filipino Veteran Jose Genito and Others Receive Dues

jose — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 00:12:45 +0000

Great news to all surviving Filipino veterans who fought for the Americans against the Japanese during Word War II. Pinoy Vets were offered benefits for being US allies, but were disqualified for most of the benefits when the U.S Congress passed the Rescission Act of 1946, which stripped them of the said benefits.

However, a stimulus package was signed by President Barack Obama, which allows Genito and others to receive their dues.

Jose Genito lives on Cottage Street – in Journal Square area of Jersey City – with his wife Justa

OVERDUE PAY
Filipino vets will finally get WWII monies
Monday, March 02, 2009
By TOM SHORTELL
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

For nearly three years, Jersey City resident Jose Genito fought the Japanese as a guerrilla soldier in his native Philippines. In 1944, the Filipino government presented him with a bronze star for risking his life to carry his wounded commander out of the line of fire.

“That was my duty as a Filipino,” said Genito, 87. “We volunteered to fight the enemies of democracy.”

Now with the stimulus package signed into law by President Barack Obama, Genito and other surviving Filipino veterans are in line to receive more than medals for fighting the Japanese during World War II.

According to a provision of the law championed by U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye, D-Hawaii, Filipino soldiers who are now American citizens are each to receive a one-time lump sum payment of $15,000, and non-citizens will receive $9,000. The payout will total roughly $198 million, officials said.

Genito, who lives on Cottage Street with his wife Justa, said his $15,000 will go toward the education of his grandchildren in the Philippines.

The money is intended to make good on a promise by President Franklin Roosevelt, who in 1941 offered benefits to Filipinos who fought with the Allies against the Japanese.

After the war however, Congress passed the Rescission Act of 1946, which declared Filipino veterans ineligible for most of the benefits.

“By stripping them of their benefits, it meant their recognition as a soldier was gone. They were stripped of their honor and dignity,” said Rosalinda Mayo, spokeswoman of the Philippine-American Veterans Organization, Inc. in Jersey City.

While Genito is grateful for the money, he realizes the act leaves some in the cold. The families of dead veterans get nothing. Of the 250,000 Filipinos who fought in World War II, only 15,000 are still alive, according to the American Coalition of Filipino Veterans. Genito and Mayo both estimated there are fewer than five Filipino veterans still living in Jersey City; four other veterans died just last year, Mayo said.”I pity those widows not included,” Genito said, urging them to fight on. “Ask your congressman why you are not included in this act. If you keep quiet, if you don’t voice your opinion, this act will not help you.” News Source: Jersey Journal

Rolando Lavarro: First Filipino-American to Run for City Council

jose — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 03:55:56 +0000

Rolando Lavarro — a Jersey City native and alumnus of St. Paul’s Grammar School and St. Peter’s Preparatory School, announced his candidacy as Councilman of Jersey City, Ward A. His campaign kicked-off last night at Fiesta Grill, located at 819 West Side Avenue.

Mr. Lavarro will join the team of Louis Manzo (JC Mayoral candidate)

Mr. Lavarro is a known community activist, legislative pro, and a funding expert. He is the first Filipino-American to run for city council. So Good luck po!

If you have any photo of Mr. Lavarro, feel free to send it to me at info [at] filipinosinjc [dot] com. I would be glad to post it here.

2009 Community Heroes Award Gala

jose — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 01:30:17 +0000

Recipients during the Press Con

Philippine American Friendship Committee (PAFCOM) will hold the 2009 Community Heroes Award Gala on January 10, 2009 at New Jersey City University (NJCU).

According to JCRegister, Community Heroes Award is designed to recognize exceptional individuals who live and/or work in the United States and have made outstanding contributions to our community in promoting the goals, vision and mission of PAFCOM in community development and social justice.

Three (3) awardees are Filipinos, and they were presented during the Press Conference Last November 20, 2008. They are Patricia Bernabe (Owner, Phil-Am Trading, Inc), Dr. Jorshinelle Taleon-Sonza (Playwright), and Oscar Fernando (Owner, Oscar Printing Services, Inc).

The upcoming Gala is free for public, everyone is invited and admission is free. So in case you want to see A-Pinoys here in Jersey City, just go there and see them in person.

Pinay Businesswoman – Multi-award Recipient!

jose — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 03:57:49 +0000

Filipina businesswoman Patricia Berberabe – the 67-year-old owner of the famous Filipino store on Newark Avenue (Phil-Am Trading, Inc) – is set to receive four awards, including the Presidential Awardees to be handed by the Philippine president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo herself. In a week, she will be flying to Manila to personally receive her Banaag Award.

“Sa tanda kong ito, hindi pa ako nakarating sa Malacañang” she told Asian Journal in her interview last November 20, 2008 during the PAFCOM’s Press Conference for Community Heroes Award where she is also an awardee for being an outstanding leader in our community.

Congratulations and cheers po, Aling Patricia!

Read the full news inside the post …

JERSEY CITY—Patricia Berberabe has a lot to be thankfulfor.

First, her family business is thriving despite the bad economic times.

Second, her family is bringing Max’s, the famous fried chicken restaurant in the Philippines, to New Jersey and New York.

On top of that, she has been reaping awards left and right.

Earlier this year, she was one of four Filipino recipients of this year’s Outstanding 50 Asian Americans in Business Awards, awarded by Asian American Business Development Center (AABDC) to honor achievements of entrepreneurs and corporate professionals.

The 67-year-old Pat is president of Phil-Am Trading, Inc., an importer and distributor of various Philippine food products. Her family also owns different restaurants and groceries that cater to the Fil-Am community.

A couple of weeks ago, she received another wonderful news. She was chosen by the Commission of Filipino Overseas as one of this year’s Presidential Awardees and in two weeks, she will by flying to Manila to receive the award from President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo herself.
“Sa tanda kong ito, hindi pa ako nakarating sa Malacañang,” the soft-spoken Pat told the Asian Journal recently. Needless to say, she is looking forward to receiving her Banaag Award from the president. More than the awards she has been receiving, Pat is visibly excited about bringing the famous Max’s fried chicken to the East Coast.

“Medyo nakakainip na,” she admits, adding that plans of bringing the chain, first to Jersey City, was an idea hatched back in 2006.
“We already have weeks of training, from Hawaii to Manila to Glendale, California. I can’t wait,” Pat adds. Aside from being a hands-on business woman, Pat is also known in the community as a leader.

Among the organizations where she plays an active role are the Philippine American Friendship Committee (PAFCOM) and Pan American Concerned Citizens Action League (PACCAL). PAFCOM is also set to honor Pat with an award in community service at the 2009 Community Heroes Awards scheduled for next year in recognition of her efforts in leading, supporting, volunteering and participating in community undertakings big and small.

Source: Asian Journal

Welcome to JC, Consul Zaldy B. Patron!

jose — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 22:46:15 +0000

Mr. Zaldy B. Patron is the newly-assigned Consul at the Philippine Consulate General of New York. He came here to the United States sometime last October, and will be here for the next 6 years.

The 39-year old U.P. Diliman alumna lives in the Heights area of Jersey City with his wife and four children. When I spoke with him, he said that one of his functions is to attend Filipino events such as last night’s PAFCOM Press Conference for 2009 Community Heroes Award. He also mentioned that the consulate will be having a “mobile-service” to its jurisdication (10 East Coast States) for the convenience of the Filipinos. Filipinos may also approach the consulate for their Immigration issues.

Welcome to Jersey City, Consul Zaldy Patron! We hope you enjoy your stay here!

Filipino Student in the National Spelling Bee Competition

jose — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 04:33:32 +0000

Do you know that there’s an eight grader Filipino student who participated in the National Spelling Bee Competition last week?

Her name is Michelle Ann Tan, a 13-year old student of St. Nicholas School (Heights, Jersey City). Because she won the Jersey Journal-sponsored Hudson-wide Spelling contest, she advanced to the National competition.

Unfortunately, she didn’t qualify for the second round, despite spelling her word in the first round. That’s okay, Michelle, in our eyes, you are still a winner!

Read more on JCRegister.com ….