Balahadia Wins Filipino Idol 2009

riana-balahadia-thumbnail1Eat 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…

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June 12: Philippine Independence Day Event in Jersey City

flag-raising-june12
In celebration of Philippine’s Independence Day, a Flag-raising ceremony will be held in Downtown, Jersey city tomorrow – June 12, 2009. PAFCOM is inviting Filipinos to join the celebration at the City Hall at 6PM.

Please continue to read PAFCOM’s message

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Philippine-American Friendship Day 19th Grand Parade

Grand Parade last year (2008)

Grand Parade last year (2008)

Save the date for the Philippine-American Friendship Day 19th Grand Parade. Organized by PAFCOM, this big festival will be held on June 28, 2009 from 8AM – 7PM to celebrate the 61 years of friendship between the Philippines and the United States of America.

Philippine-American Friendship Day 19th Grand Parade
Where: From Plaza Rizal to Exchange Place
When: Sunday, June 28, 2009 from 8AM – 7PM
Organizers: PAFCOM

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Filipino Culture in Jersey City: Santacruzan 2009

santacruzan

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 FairMay 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…

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Consular Outreach: Registration for Overseas Absentee Voting (OAV)

Original Photo from Jobarracuda

Original Photo from Jobarracuda

Want to vote for the May 2010 Philippines Presidential Election but do not have the time to go to the Philippine Consulate General in New York?

You’re in luck! You don’t have to go to NY as the Philippine Consulate will be coming to Jersey City to serve the Filipinos here. They will be holding a registration this coming Sunday, February 1st, 2009 at the Marian Hall of St. Mary’s Church (corner of 2nd Street and Erie St.) in Downtown, Jersey City, right after the “Misang Pilipino” at 9am at the Main Church.

Registration will be from 10 AM to 3 PM.

Kita-kita tayo, mga Pinoys!

Read the rest for the full press release … Continue reading Consular Outreach: Registration for Overseas Absentee Voting (OAV)