Filipinos in Jersey City gathered in Downtown, Jersey City for the 32nd Annual Santacruzan to recognize Virgin Mary. The event started at 10AM with street fair, but the highlight was the Santacruzan Procession – a religious parade celebrating the month of May — Virgin Mary’s month.

Non-Filipino Religious [...]]]>

Santacruzan Procession 2010

Filipinos in Jersey City gathered in Downtown, Jersey City for the 32nd Annual Santacruzan to recognize Virgin Mary. The event started at 10AM with street fair, but the highlight was the Santacruzan Procession – a religious parade celebrating the month of May — Virgin Mary’s month.

Non-Filipino Religious Groups were a welcome addition to the festivity

In the afternoon, the procession was preceded by the Holy Eucharist at St. Mary’s Church at 2nd Street and Erie Street. After the mass, the participants of the procession assembled outside to start the parade around the area. Revelers enjoyed the rest of the afternoon watching on stage performances.

Click on the thumbnail to view the pictures:

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The pictures have light watermark on them, but if you’d like a clean copy and a larger version of a specific photo, you can post a comment below indicating the picture(s) you choose, or email me at info@filipinosinjc.com …. Be sure to indicate the page number, column number and row number of the photo(s).

Reminder: PAFCOM is inviting all Filipinos in Jersey City to its annual get-together-PICNIC tomorrow – Sunday, July 19, 2009, at Liberty State Park.

PAFCOM: Annual Get-Together Picnic Description: Events, Activities, Picnic, Potluck When: July 19, 2009 Sunday around noon Where: Liberty State Park, Jersey City

Read their message inside this post for more [...]]]>

Reminder: PAFCOM is inviting all Filipinos in Jersey City to its annual get-together-PICNIC tomorrow – Sunday, July 19, 2009, at Liberty State Park.

PAFCOM: Annual Get-Together Picnic
Description: Events, Activities, Picnic, Potluck
When: July 19, 2009 Sunday around noon
Where: Liberty State Park, Jersey City

Read their message inside this post for more details ….

Dear PAFCOM members and friends,

Our Grand Marshal, Dr. Lorie D. Lizardo, her family, and the officers of PAFCOM cordially invite you to PAFCOM’s annual get-together-PICNIC on July 19 at the Liberty Park in Jersey City. This is also a way of celebrating the success of our Grand Parade and Festival and most importantly, a way of thanking you for the support you have shown and demonstrated towards PAFCOM.

The picnic starts at around noon. If you wish, you may bring your favorite dish, or favorite drinks, or favorite dessert to satisfy your discriminating palate. You may also bring table games, such as scrabbles, cards, chess, etc. I guarantee, everyone will have a ball.

Just like what you did on June 28, please place a dozen eggs outside your house and pray for a nice weather. It worked last time.

See you Sunday of July 19th.

Hector

PS: We have a limited number of tickets to give away for the upcoming Hip-Hop Dance Craze Competition sponsored by GMA / Western Union in August. I will distribute them at the picnic.

I’ll try to come and check this event out.

Santacruzan is one the most popular traditions in the Philippines. It is a parade during the month of May which is also known as Flores de Mayo (Flowers of May), a festival honoring the Virgin Mary.

In the Philippines, the Santacruzan parades last for a month, with different Hermanas/Hermanos and Reynas for each [...]]]>

Santacruzan is one the most popular traditions in the Philippines. It is a parade during the month of May which is also known as Flores de Mayo (Flowers of May), a festival honoring the Virgin Mary.

In the Philippines, the Santacruzan parades last for a month, with different Hermanas/Hermanos and Reynas for each night. Here in Jersey City, though, the festival only lasts for a day, with various activities and festivities before the grand finale (procession).

So if you’re a long time Filipino resident here in Jersey City, you probably know about this event already. First-time Pinoys here, make sure you don’t miss the fun! Mark your calendar for the 31st Annual Santacruzan and Street Fair – May 24, 2009. Details below.

31st Annual Santacruzan 2009 and Street Fair
Date: Sunday, May 24, 2009
Where: Second St. btwn Manila Ave. and Marin Blvd., Jersey City, New Jersey
Sponsors: The Catholic Action of Mary (CAM), Resurrection Parish in association with Pan-American Concerned Citizen Action League (PACCAL)

SCHEDULE:
Street Fair – 10am – 9pm
Performances – 12pm – 9pm
Mass at St. Mary’s Church – 2:30pm (Second St. corner of Erie St.)
Santacruzan Procession – 4:30pm

Full press release inside this post…

FOR IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE

Contact:  Joey Mayo
E-mail: josemmayonyc@aol.com
Phone:  (917) 656-9443 Cell

31st ANNUAL SANTACRUZAN & STREET FAIR 2009 in Jersey City

The Catholic Action of Mary (CAM) will hold the 31st Annual Santacruzan in Jersey City on Sunday, May 24, 2009. CAM, in cooperation with Pan American Concerned Citizens Action League, Inc. ( PACCAL) is celebrating with a street fair, announced Ledy Almadin, Santacruzan 2009 Chairperson.

The 2009 Santacruzan Street Fair will be an all day event complete with flea market type vendors, food concessions, booths for non-profit organizations, businesses and sponsors. The Street Fair will be located on Second St. between Erie St. & Marin Blvd., Jersey City and will start from 10 am to 9 pm.

The highlight of the day is the Religious Procession and the traditional celebration of the Santacruzan with the Hermanos & Hermanas Mayores, the Reyna Elenas and Sagalas. There will be a mass at St. Mary’s Church, Second St. corner of Erie St., Jersey City at 2 pm and the procession follows immediately after the mass.

On stage performances which start from 12 noon till 9 pm will feature local youth talents, live bands, performers, vocalists, cultural and modern dance troops. The event is expected to be amongst the largest assembly of Filipinos of all ages in the Northeast USA.

To participate, contact:

31st Annual Santacruzan 2009 Street Fair
Sponsors and Vendors: Joey Mayo – 917 656 9443
Performers: Maximilian Cristobal – 551 998 8467
Sagalas and Escorts: Carol Dorico – 201 798 7893
Damas, Flower Girls and Angels: Misty Tolentino – 201 792 5371

31st Santacruzan line up

Reynas:

Reynas standing - left to right - Carolyn Nguyen Vu, Feminina Garcia Bloomberg; Sitting - left to right - Leona Vidamaria Vivas Ramos, Hannacrista Diaz Elarmo, Leona Vidamaria Vivas Ramos

RE I – Hannacrista Diaz Elarmo
RE II – Leona Vidamaria Vivas Ramos
RE III – Amanda Nicole Ocampo
Reyna Delas Flores – Carolyn Nguyen Vu
Reyna Emperatriz – Feminina Garcia Bloomberg

Hermanos y Hermanas Mayor: Jean Daniel, Lydia Dapito, Diwata Macuja and Rolando Macuja

Standing - left to right - Diwata Macuja, Lydia Dapito, Jean Daniel; Sitting - Rolando Macuja

SANTACRUZAN PROCESSION ROUTE:

• From St. Mary’s Church on Second St. going east towards Manila Avenue,
• Turn right on Manila Avenue going south towards First St.
• Turn right on First Street going west towards Erie St.,
• Turn right on Erie Street going north all the way towards Ninth St.
• Turn right on Ninth St. going east towards Manila Ave.
• Turn right on Manila Ave. going south all the way towards Second St.
• Turn right on Second St. and back to St. Mary’s Church.

Looking for religious activities for the coming Holy Week? Below you will find the Holy Week Schedule at Saint Aedan Church in McGinley Square area of Jersey City.

St. Aedan’s Church HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE

April 5 – Palm Sunday 10 AM Procession with Palms (Sat. at 5:30 PM) 8, 10, [...]]]>

Looking for religious activities for the coming Holy Week? Below you will find the Holy Week Schedule at Saint Aedan Church in McGinley Square area of Jersey City.

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NOTE: Sacrament of Penance available after all Masses during Holy Week

If you plan to join you better hurry up as seats are limited. See [...]]]> Philippines-American Friendship Committee, Inc. (PAFCOM) invites all Filipinos here in Jersey City to go to Atlantic City this weekend for a fund-raising trip. Meet other Pinoys from various parts of JC and enjoy the weekend at Tropicana Hotel and Casino.

If you plan to join you better hurry up as seats are limited. See below the trip details for more info.

PAFCOM Atlantic City Fund-raising Trip
When: March 29, 2009 Sunday (bus will leave at exactly 830AM)
Where: Tropicana Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City
Donation: $25 per person ($5 cashback and free snack during the busride)
Contact: Lita Pena (201)725-5526 | Hector Magno (908)229-0155 | Helen Castillo (201)920-9441

Proceeds of this fund-raiser will support PAFCOM’s community projects, such as the Grand Parade on June.

This Gala Night is only one of the many activities of PAFCOM. This one is happening two days from now. Some proceeds will go to Filipino-American Friendship Day Grand Parade which will take place on June.

PAFCOM Grand Marshal Gala Night Description: Gala, cocktail, dance When: March 21, 2009 Saturday 7PM – 12PM [...]]]>

This Gala Night is only one of the many activities of PAFCOM. This one is happening two days from now. Some proceeds will go to Filipino-American Friendship Day Grand Parade which will take place on June.

PAFCOM Grand Marshal Gala Night
Description: Gala, cocktail, dance
When: March 21, 2009 Saturday 7PM – 12PM
Where: Grand Ballroom Marriott Hotel Newark Airport
Reservation: $75
Contact: See press release at the bottom

Read the rest for the Press Release …

PAFCOM Grand Marshal Gala Night

The Philippine-American Friendship Committee, Inc.(PAFCOM) will have its Grand Marshal Gala night on March 21, 2009, Saturday, at the Grand Ballroom of Marriott Hotel Newark Airport from 7 PM until 12 MN.

This year Grand Marshal is Dr. Lorie Lizardo who is a Diplomate in Psychiatry and Neurology with private practice in East Orange, NJ and currently the Medical Director of the Mental Health Unit of St. James and St. Michael Medical Centers and has been the past president of the Philippine Medical Society of New Jersey.

This year’s Over-All Chairman of PAFCOM is Hector Magno, who is a dynamic leader and you can contact at 732-563-4554. This year’s Co-Chairs of the Grand Marshal Gala Night is Carmen Flores 201-993-1158 and Seny Lipat 201-344-5071.

For more information please call Rene Ballenas P.R.O. at 646-831-9541.

Carrying posters that say “Mabuhay Mayor Healy” and “Filipinos For Mayor [...]]]> Several Filipinos in Jersey City led by officials of PAFCOM and Order of the Knights of Rizal were in attendance at the Culinary Arts Institute in Journal Square when the incumbent mayor Jerramiah Healy announced his re-election bid for this coming May.

Carrying posters that say “Mabuhay Mayor Healy” and “Filipinos For Mayor Healy” and wearing stickers supporting the mayor, the Filipinos applauded the Jersey City’s mayor for every goal he envisions for the city. He said he will deliver change that we can see, and emphasized that he will get it done.

Filipinos in the Philippines use firecrackers to celebrate the New Year’s Eve. Common beliefs say [...]]]> As a Filipino, how do you celebrate New Year’s Eve here in Jersey City? I know some Pinoys went to Times Square in New York to witness the giant ball drop. But that tradition is too “western” for some.

Filipinos in the Philippines use firecrackers to celebrate the New Year’s Eve. Common beliefs say that the noise keep bad spirits away.

But what if we are far away from our country? How do we celebrate New Year the Filipino way?

Here’s a short youtube clip (2 min 43 secs) of a family in Jersey City counting down the seconds for the coming new year.

Instead of going to New York, they just watched the countdown on TV. As the new year approached, they made noises, greeted each other, and the little kids blew their “torotots” (horn) like Filipinos do in the Philippines!

Happy New Year to all Filipinos in Jersey City!

———-
(Next post will be about the Dr. Jose Rizal Oratorical Contest)

Recipients during the Press Con

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 [...]]]>

Recipients during the Press Con

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.

The main dishes of Thanksgiving are the brown roasted turkey and ham. However, Filipino dishes will definitely occupy the dining [...]]]> Who says Filipino Culture is gone here in the US? It is not lost yet when Filipinos in Jersey City celebrate holidays such as Thanksgiving. Filipinos will gather and will still serve Filipino food.

The main dishes of Thanksgiving are the brown roasted turkey and ham. However, Filipino dishes will definitely occupy the dining table.

For instance, Balmaceda Family of Teaneck, New Jersey hosted a Thanksgiving dinner for Couple For Christ-Foundation For Family and Life (CFC-FFL). They served turkey with gravy but Filipino dishes like Paella and Pancit Bihon are still a big hit. Members of CFC shared a dish (not necessarily Filipino), and suddenly, choosing what to eat was hard to do. The table was filled with other “ulam” such as lumpiang shanghai, Beef steak, Asparagus with carrots, and many more.

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More inside this post ….

Another Pinoy culture is Pinoys invite other Pinoys to their home to revel this special day. No matter how small the place is, Filipinos still find a way to share meals with friends and other groups.

Pensoy Family of Jersey City had a pre-Thanksgiving dinner last Sunday (November 22, 2008). The couple invited various church groups to their humble apartment resulting to a “standing-room only” situation. Despite that, Filipinos didn’t mind as they mingled and socialized with each other, while eating home-made Filipino dishes like Kare-Kare, fried Tilapia, Deep-fried Lumpiang Shanghai, and delicacies like puto, kutsinta, biko, and maja blanca.

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Just goes to show that most Filipinos – wherever they are – are still Filipinos by heart and actions. Happy Thanksgiving to all Filipinos – in Jersey City, around New Jersey, and in various parts of the United States!