The revelers enjoyed various performances from local artists. Tiffany Viray, 14, of Bayonne entertained the crowd with her song numbers. Last [...]]]>

The 21st Philippine-American Friendship Day Festival was a huge success, as thousands of Filipinos from the east coast gathered at Lincoln Park on West Side, Jersey City to celebrate and socialize.

The revelers enjoyed various performances from local artists. Tiffany Viray, 14, of Bayonne entertained the crowd with her song numbers. Last year’s winners and finalists of Filipino Idol 2010 such as April Vera, Seven Odon, and Alyssa Shoemaker were also in attendance.

The location and the weather were also perfect. The “green” scenery and the shades of the trees provided more comfort to the people who enjoyed lots of food as well!

PAFCOM also held the annual Filipino Idol contest. Gail Banawis of New York emerged as the winner, beating three other finalists with her own version of the musical “Aida”.

• Follow the link for Filipino Idol 2011

Event Pictures:

Below are some of the images of the event, which include performances from local artists, and from popular celebrities from the Philippines: Iza Calzado, Aljur Abrenica, Jennelyn Mercado, and Mark Bautista. (Sorry fans of Mark Bautista, as there are no performance photos of him …. I had to leave before he got on stage).

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I missed the parade, so visit nj.com to check out the pictures.

Asked why she picked the song, Gail said that she wanted to deliver a song that has full of emotions. “The song matches your [...]]]> Gail Banawis, a New York resident, is the new Filipino Idol. Banawis wowed the crowd of thousands at Lincoln Park on West Side Avenue with her own rendition of “Aida”.

Asked why she picked the song, Gail said that she wanted to deliver a song that has full of emotions. “The song matches your voice and style.” Compser Dodgie Simon – one of the three judges – told her. “You were able to show the emotions perfectly.”

Filipino Idol, now on its 11th year, is an annual amateur singing contest patterned after the famous American Idol. It is one of the highlights of the annual Philippine-American Friendship Day Grand Parade and Festival.

The winners:

• Gail Banawis – 1st Place (“Aida”)
• Jennifer Balaquit – 2nd Place (“Ikaw”)
• Mahal Reyna Wilson – 3rd Place (“Someone Like You”)
• Apollo Riego – 4th Place (“Human Nature”)

Photo Gallery:

Please click on the thumbnail below to read the description for more details.

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Congratulations Gail Banawis, and to the rest of the finalists!

[UPDATE] Follow the link for photos of Philippine-American Friendship Day 2011 Festival

—– Tomorrow (June 26, 2011) is the 21st Philippine-American Friendship Day 2011 in Jersey City. The parade will kick off at West Side Avenue and Claremont Avenues, ending at Lincoln Park. Like always, there will be colorful floats and marching bands, [...]]]>

[UPDATE] Follow the link for photos of Philippine-American Friendship Day 2011 Festival

—–
Tomorrow (June 26, 2011) is the 21st Philippine-American Friendship Day 2011 in Jersey City. The parade will kick off at West Side Avenue and Claremont Avenues, ending at Lincoln Park. Like always, there will be colorful floats and marching bands, street fair, and top celebrities from the Philippines.

21st Philippine American Friendship Day and Parade
Description: event, parade, festival
When: June 26, 2011 Sunday at noon
Where: West Side and Claremont Avenues, then parade ends at Lincoln Park

Unlike previous celebrations though, there will be no Filipino Idol in this year’s festivities. However, thousands of Filipinos from the tri-state area will still enjoy the performances of local artists like Kirby Asunto, Nina Waga Mojares, Craig and Samantha Abaya Campos, Alyssa Shoemaker, Maureen Varco and Tiffany Viray.

Several celebrities will be in attendance, including CBS 2 news anchor Kristine Johnson. The festival will not be complete without the presence of Philippines’ popular celebrities such as Iza Calzado, Mark Bautista, Jennylyn Mercado and Aljur Abrenica.

Weather Forecast / Survival Tips

It looks like it is going to be a beautiful day tomorrow! The temperature will be in the high-70′s, with a few clouds, which is very good during the parade.

Parking: there is a small parking space at Lincoln Park, next to the basketball court. But it is not enough for thousands of people gathering for the event. West Side street parking is preferable, or the boulevard (JFK) if you want to go further east, which means long walk.

Outfit and others: Bring extra-shirt, wear shorts, and put the sneakers on if you don’t like wearing slip-ons. You could also use a hat and a pair of sunglasses especially under the scorching sun. A bottle of water is nice to beat the heat. (Last year, bottles of ice cold water were free!) Of course, bring some extra cash, as you might be tempted to buy something there, like the FOOD! Bring a decent camera for posterity!

See you all there!

Out of six finalists, Vera was triumphant also because of the song she chose. The judges commended her [...]]]> April Vera, 25, a working student from northern New Jersey is the new Filipino Idol (Adult Category). Singing “Flat on the Floor” by Carrie Underwood, Vera captivated the crowd and the judges, by her dynamic style.

Out of six finalists, Vera was triumphant also because of the song she chose. The judges commended her especially her strong voice and stage presence. When yours truly asked why she picked the song, she said it matches her strong voice, and “I simply love it!” she said. (ed. Sounds like she really knew her strengths)

In the “Bulilit” (Kids) Category, Regene  “Seven” Odon, bags the first ever Filipino Idol for Bulilit Category title.

Filipino Idol, now on its 10th year, is an annual amateur singing contest patterned after the famous American Idol. It is one of the highlights of the annual Philippine-American Friendship Day Grand Parade and Festival. This year’s edition featured the first ever “Bulilit” division.

The event was held at Hudson Bergen Light Rail Station Parking Lot.

The Adult Category winners: Jim Diego, April Vera, Armi Piamonte

The Kids Category Winners: Giselle Gonzales, Alyssa Shoemaker, Regene "Seven" Odon

The Winners:

Adult Category

• 1st Place – April Vera
• 2nd Place – Jim Diego
• 3rd Place – Armi Piamonte

Bulilit (Kids) Category

• 1st Place – Regene “Seven” Odon
• 2nd Place – Alyssa Shoemaker
• 3rd Place – Giselle Gonzales

Contest Chairman Mr. Hector Magno (left) with Filipino Idol 2010 Finalists

Congratulations to all the winners!

Filipino Idol 2010 Grand Finals Photos

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THE PANEL OF JUDGES (as submitted by PAFCOM)

Dennis Sy – Lead Male Singer/Songwriter for Chapter 2
Dennis  was a member of the NY singing group ALIBATA before embarking on various solo performances. He had 2 solo concerts in NY, front-acted for Banig at her City Center concert, a guest performer at Kuh Ledesma’s Atlantic City show, and has performed with Dawn Dineros and Jennifer Cuneta at a Valentines show. He recorded and released a CD entitled COLOURS in 1998.

His original song “REAL ME” was nominated for SONG OF THE YEAR (Triple A Category) at the 2006 LA MUSIC AWARDS.

In line with the recent May 10, 2010 Philippine elections – he spearheaded a grand scale collaboration of Fil-Am artists in NY and NJ in performing an updated version of the classic song HANDOG NG PILIPINO SA MUNDO written by Mr. Jim Paredes of APO.  This video, dubbed HANDOG NY PILIPINO SA MUNDO 2010 – The Halalan Version, immediately went viral on Youtube upon its release 2 weeks before the elections, and still continues to receive a healthy number of hits and garner rave reviews from those of have viewed it.

Brian Jose
Brian Jose has been an actor in NYC for the past 13 years.

Most notably, Brian has been seen in the last National Tour of Miss Saigon, and most recently Off Broadway in Prospect Theatre’s HONOR and as “Ninoy Aquino” in Pan Asian Rep’s IMELDA: A NEW MUSICAL.

Brian is also a co-founder of Broadway Barkada, a collective of professional performers, the aim of which is to promote and deepen our sense of Filipino pride and community through artistic means. He is a proud member of the Actors Equity Association and Screen Actors Guild.

Rosemarie Flores
Rosemarie Flores is a Jersey City based soprano Rosemarie Flores graduated from New Jersey City University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Business specializing in classical voice.  Rosemarie is best known for her strong, full lyric soprano voice and engaging stage presence.  She currently studies with Arturo Spinetti in New Jersey and is active as a soloist, recitalist and ensemble singer.  Rosemarie has attended many workshops and master classes including the Westchester Summer Vocal Institute with Sherry Overholt and the Opera Acting Workshop with Isabel Milenski.  She is a member of the Saint Dominic Academy Women’s Choir where she is a soloist, section leader and Marketing Officer.  In 2007, as a soloist, she recorded with the Saint Dominic Academy Women’s Choir and helped produce Voices of Winter, their debut album.  Rosemarie also cantors for the Our Lady of Victories Church where she performs for all major functions.  In addition to her vocal endeavors, Rosemarie is an accomplished Philippine folk dancer, graphic artist and makeup artist.  And not to let the Music Business degree go to waste, she is currently the Outbound Sales and Surveys Manager at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center located in Newark, New Jersey.

[UPDATE 11:45PM] All photos are in. Enjoy!

———-

Young Filipino actors/actresses from GMA-7 station starred the 20th Philippine-American Friendship Day Parade organized by Philippine-American Friendship Committee (PAFCOM).

Rejoice For [...]]]>

Actress Rhian Ramos blowing bubbles on their float. With her are co-actors Mark Herras and Kris Bernal (both not in the pic)

[UPDATE 11:45PM] All photos are in. Enjoy!

———-

Young Filipino actors/actresses from GMA-7 station starred the 20th Philippine-American Friendship Day Parade organized by Philippine-American Friendship Committee (PAFCOM).

Rejoice For God The Greatest Artist Acting Group

The event started at Lincoln Park where various Filipino groups and businesses from Jersey City, NJ, and NY assembled. The parade of groups, marching bands, floats ended at Hudson Bergen Light Rail Station Parking Lot at the corner of Claremont Avenue and West Side Avenue, Jersey City.

PAFCOM officials with Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah Healy (middle)

The Filipino Festival is still on-going, and More activities and events are expected to happen, which include on-stage performances and the annual Grand Finals of Filipino Idol.

2010 Phil-Am Friendship Day FESTIVAL

24 Photos

20th Phil-American Friendship Day Parade

34 Photos

Filipino Idol 2010 Grand Finals

33 Photos

Philippine-American Friendship Day 20th Grand Parade Where: From Lincoln Park to Hudson [...]]]>
Filipino Families and friends here in Jersey City and East Coast US, join PAFCOM in the celebration of 62 years of friendship between the Philippines and the United States of America during the annual Philippine-American Friendship Day 20th Grand Parade.

Philippine-American Friendship Day 20th Grand Parade
Where: From Lincoln Park to Hudson Bergen Light Rail Station Parking Lot
When: Sunday, June 27, 2010 from 8:45AM – 6PM
Organizers: PAFCOM

Unlike the previous years, this year’s festivities will take a different parade route and a new festival venue. The event will start with a Thanksgiving mass at St. Aloysius Church. Parade participants will assemble at Lincoln Park (West Side Avenue and Belmont Avenue) and will march to the festival venue via West Side Avenue. In the past, the parade kicked off on Montgomery Street (in McGinley Square area) or in Downtown Jersey City before arriving in Exchange Place.

Not anymore.

William “Bong” Pineda, the 2010 PAFCOM Overall Chairperson, said during an informal interview that this year’s event will take place in a bigger venue: The Hudson Bergen Light Rail Station Parking Lot (West Side Avenue and Claremont Avenue). “The place will be more accessible to Filipinos, and more parking space will be available.” he added.

As always, expect a lot of fun during this day-long event. There will be marching bands and fascinating floats in the parade; cultural shows, games and contests; flea market, booths and exhibits; the Grand Finals of 2010 Filipino Idol; and many more.

PAFCOM will also feature famous celebrities from the Philippines: Rhian Ramos, Mark Herras, Kris Bernal, and Rocco Nacino of GMA Pinoy TV will entertain Filipino crowd and will make them feel at “home” with their performances.

Schedule of Events
8:15 am – Mass at St. Aloysius Church (West Side Ave and Belmont Ave.)
9:00 am – Parade Assembly at Lincoln Park
10:30 am- Opening Ceremony/Parade kicks off (Lincoln Park to Hudson Bergen Light Rail Station via West Side Ave)
11:00 am – 6:00 pm – Cultural/Musical/Variety Show and Street Fair at HBLR Parking Lot.

Contact Information

Mass
Rosita Merciadez (201)913-7975

Parade
Vice Overall Chair for Parade Arnel Binlayo – (201)993-3959
Parade Chair Nelsie Parrado – (201)960-7965
Parade Co-Chair Jenny Vi Niguidula – (917)678-0309

Festival, Cultural/Musical/Variety Show, Street Fair
Overall Vice Chair for Festival Ludy Corrales – (908)693-4277
Festival Co-Chairs Helen Castillo – (908)693-4277 | Hector Magno – (908)229-0155
Booths and Exhibits Co-Chairs Tom Simba and Mila Simba – (201)434-2933

PACCAL’s community partner in the project AsPIRE – Kalusuguan Coalition – will [...]]]> Tomorrow, February 20, 2010 (Saturday), Pan American Concerned Citizens Action League (PACCAL) will hold a post Valentine’s Day dinner dance party at Our Lady of Victory Auditorium to promote “healthy marriage and family strengthening” in the Filipino community during this Valentine’s celebration.

PACCAL’s community partner in the project AsPIRE – Kalusuguan Coalition – will offer FREE health screenings between 5:00 PM and 8:30 PM.

Valentine’s Day and American Heart Month
What: Valentine’s Day Dinner Dance Party and Health Screenings
When: February 20, 2010 (Saturday) 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Where: Our Lady of Victory Auditorium – 240 Ege Avenue, Jersey City (off of West Side Av)
Contact: Linda Mayo (201) 388-1260
Organizers: PACCAL and Kalusugan Coalition

Read the rest for the full press release ….

FOR IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Linda Mayo
(201) 388-1260

PACCAL AND KALUSUGAN COALITION CELEBRATE AMERICAN HEART MONTH

Pan American Concerned Citizens Action League, Inc. (PACCAL) will hold a Valentine’s Party Dinner Dance and American Heart Month at 5 p.m. on Saturday, February 20, 2010. It will be held at Our Lady of Victory Auditorium, 240 Ege Avenue, Jersey City, NJ (near Westside Avenue).

PACCAL is a community partner of Kalusugan Coalition in the Project AsPIRE study addressing hypertension among Filipinos in New Jersey and New York. With Valentine’s Day and February being American Heart Month, this project becomes more significant. Kalusugan Coalition will offer FREE Blood Pressure, Glucose and Cholesterol screenings from 5:00 pm tp 8:30 p.m and invite participants to become involved in a Community Health Worker program to help them learn how to become healthier. (Anyone who wants to be screened should avoid eating 2 hours before the screenings.)

Additionally, in an effort to promote “healthy marriage and family strengthening” in the Filipino community during this Valentine’s celebration, PACCAL will honor 50 couples who are married for 25 years and above. This event promises to be a happy and truly momentous occasion for the month of hearts.

For information on the event, contact: Linda Mayo (201) 388-1260.

How do Filipinos celebrate Thanksgiving here in Jersey City? Do we put stuffed turkey on our table? Do we also serve potatoes, cranberry sauce, and other “Turkey Day” side-dishes the way native Americans do? Or do we feast on Filipino dishes?

During Thanksgiving Day last week, The Tuangco Family [...]]]>

Thanksgiving at Tuangco Residence

How do Filipinos celebrate Thanksgiving here in Jersey City? Do we put stuffed turkey on our table? Do we also serve potatoes, cranberry sauce, and other “Turkey Day” side-dishes the way native Americans do? Or do we feast on Filipino dishes?

During Thanksgiving Day last week, The Tuangco Family (Clendenny Avenue) invited yours truly to their dinner with their family and friends.

They had stuffed turkey, but also served Filipino food such as Kare-Kare, Lumpia, kutsinta, and other Filipino delicacies. The adults were socializing and watching Filipino movie as they enjoyed a few drinks, while the kids were there having fun in the computer.

Below are some pics of the event. Thanks to Tuangco Family for hosting the dinner!

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Filipinos here in Jersey City may not be able to participate Simbang Gabi and/or Misa de Gallo in the Philippines, but the religious groups are in full force to serve the faithfuls. There are three churches here in JC that offer Simbang Gabi (Evening Masses) and Misa de [...]]]>

Simbang Gabi in the Philippines

Filipinos here in Jersey City may not be able to participate Simbang Gabi and/or Misa de Gallo in the Philippines, but the religious groups are in full force to serve the faithfuls. There are three churches here in JC that offer Simbang Gabi (Evening Masses) and Misa de Gallo (Dawn masses).

The following churches are available for us Pinoys where we can practice our culture and religion:

St. Aedan Church – 800 Bergen Avenue, Jersey City 07306
Our Lady of Victory (OLV) – 2217 Kennedy Blvd, Jersey City 07304
Our Lady of Mercy (OLM) – 40 Sullivan Drive, Jersey City 07305

To learn more about the schedules, please contact the coordinating groups/sponsors for each day of each church. (Read inside and below the post)

St. Aedan Church Simbang Gabi Full Schedule

• Dec. 15  Monday
  Couples for Christ, FFL  – Delfin Pensoy – 201 239-1505
• Dec. 16 Tuesday
  K of C & Columbiettes – Susan Liguori – 201 451 0061
• Dec. 17 Wednesday
  Rosary Society & Golden Club – Marge Magaldi – 201 432 6499
• Dec. 18 Thursday
  St. Aedan Prayer Group – Naty Caballero – 201 725 9724
• Dec. 19 Friday
  Santo Niño Prayer Group – Rebecca Ramos – 201 333-5456
• Dec. 20 Saturday
  Lumen Jesu Christi – Lou Panem
• Dec. 21 Sunday
  El Shaddai Prayer Partners – Noemi Rue – 201 451 8050
• Dec. 22  Monday
  Barangay of the Virgin – Myrna Agustin – 201 222 6365
• Dec. 23 Tuesday
  All Groups – Potluck

Our Lady of Victory (OLV) Simbang Gabi Full Schedule

General Schedule:

• December 16 – 24 at 5:00 AM
• Contact the Rectory or Parish for more info at (201) 433 4152, (201) 433 4153.

Details:

• Dec. 16 Tuesday
  San Martin de Porres – Esmer/Edna Payuyo – (201)705-2758
  Ocean of Mercy – Weng Yaptangco – (201)993-2843
• Dec. 17 Wednesday
  Legion of Mary (saturday) – Teodora Reyes – (201)435-6337
  Legion of Mary (Sunday) – Aida Tolentino (201) 993-5279
  Virgin of the Barangay – Maria Sulat (201-386-1132), Myrna Agustin (201-222-6365, Demi Cornelio (201-993-4167)
• Dec. 18 Thursday
  Divine Mercy Prayer Group/OLV Bible Study Group – Zeny Navarro (201-434-5987), Tess Alvarez (201-333-6988)
  San Lorenzo Ruiz Prayer Group – Gene Manlongat – (201)433-2208
  Our Lady of Fatima – Greg/Cita Racelis – (201)433-2654
• Dec. 19 Friday
  PTO/OLV School – pat Byrnes (201-433-9226), Wennie Tan (201-936-0212)
  OLV Parish Youth – Josh Villahermosa – (201)204-8742
  OLV Young Adults – Phoebe del Castillo (201)-332-0755
  Light of Jesus – Willy/Cathy Mariano – (201)889-9247
• Dec. 20 Saturday
  St. John Prayer Community – Nancy Cuevas – (201)988-1622
  Our Lady of Manaoag Prayer Group – Tessie Santos – (201)451-4545
• Dec. 21 Sunday
  Lord’s Flock Prayer Community – Nenette Catbagan – (551)998-5546
  Our Lady of Penafrancia – Lily Lacap – (201)985-2350
• Dec. 22 Monday
  Our Lady of Perpetual Help – Louie/Auring Garcia – (201)432-8863
  Sto. Nino Prayer Group – Precy Lorenzo – (201)332-2237
• Dec. 23 – Tuesday
  El Shaddai Outreach – Linda Fallarme – (201)333-6728
  CFC-FFL Jun and Marilyn de Guzman – (201)936-6125
• Dec. 24 – Wednesday
  Couples for Christ – Cris/Baby Jorda – (201)413-0744
  EMs & lectors Group – Nueva Elma – (201)434-8418

Our Lady of Mercy (OLM) Simbang Gabi (Christmas Novena) Full Schedule

General Schedule:

• Monday, December 15 to Friday, December 19 @ 7:00 p.m.
• Saturday, December 20 @ 5:30 p.m.
• Sunday, December 21 to Tuesday, December 23 @ 7:00 p.m
• Tuesday, December 23, 2008 following the 7:00 p.m. mass. Venue is Maria Room. (Luthgard Sapal will coordinate.)
• For more info, contact the parish at 201-434-7500

Details:

• Dec. 15 Monday 7PM
  Lectors: OLM School
  Choir: Filharmonics
  Filipino Apostolate Coordinators: Ofie, Sev, Ronald
• Dec. 16 Tuesday 7PM
  Lectors: OLM School
  Choir: Youth Band
  Filipino Apostolate Coordinators: Roda, Rainier, Diego
• Dec. 17 Wednesday 7PM
  Lectors: OLM School
  Choir: CFC Choir
  Filipino Apostolate Coordinators: Rose, Alex Duque
• Dec. 18 Thursday 7PM
  Lectors: OLM School
  Choir: TBD
  Filipino Apostolate Coordinators: Susan, Connie, Presy, Vickie
• Dec. 19 Friday 7PM
  Lectors: OLM School
  Choir: FFL Choir
  Filipino Apostolate Coordinators: Lulu, Oscar, Armie
• Dec. 20 Saturday 530PM
  Lectors: Regular Weekend Mass Schedule
  Choir:
  Filipino Apostolate Coordinators:
• Dec. 21 Sunday 7PM
  Lectors: Liturgical Ministers
  Choir:
  Filipino Apostolate Coordinators:
• Dec. 22 Monday 7PM
  Lectors: OLM School
  Choir: Ocean of Mercy
  Filipino Apostolate Coordinators: Arnel/Rose Pring, Mariechelle
• Dec. 23 Tueday 7PM
  Lectors: OLM School
  Choir: TBD
  Filipino Apostolate Coordinators: Gigi, Mely, Celso

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If you know other churches that will celebrate Simbang Gabi/ Misa de Gallo/ Christmas Novena, feel free to email me at info@filipinosinjc.com, or simply post in the comment box below.