33rd Santacruzan / Flores de Mayo [...]]]> This Sunday is the 33rd Santacruzan 2011 / Flores de Mayo and Street Fair. The annual celebration – organized by Catholic Action of Mary (CAM) in partnership with Pan American Concerned Citizens Action League (PACCAL) – is an “all-day” festivities with entertainment following the Holy Mass and procession.

33rd Santacruzan / Flores de Mayo & Street Fair 2011
When: May 29, 2011 Sunday
Where: Manila Ave & Second St. Jersey City NJ
Schedule of Activities: Street Fair – 10am – 9pm
Mass – 2:30 pm at St. Mary’s Church (Second & Erie Sts.) the Procession to follow immediately after Mass.
Performances – 12-2:30pm & 5-9pm youth dance at Marian Hall following performances until 11pm
From the Press release….

…The Filipino tradition of Santacruzan is a religious commemoration of the finding of the True Cross by the Emperatriz (thus, Reyna Elena) mother of the Roman Emperor Constantine who, in the Edict of Milan in 313, legalized Christianity. This paved the way for its spread throughout the world. But it is also the celebration of the Spanish springtime tradition of Flores de Mayo dedicated to the Blessed Mother with offerings of flowers and festive processions….

….CAM, in community partnership with the Pan American Concerned Citizens Action League, Inc. (PACCAL) will be celebrating Santacruzan Day with it’s street fair, now in it’s 5 th year. (www.paccal.org)The 33rd Santacruzan & Street Fair 2011 has grown to become one of the largest gatherings of Filipino’s here in the Northeast, USA attracting young and old by the thousands. It will be an all day event complete with over 50 vendors: flea market type, food concessions, booths for non-profit organizations, businesses, sponsors and all day games, prizes and activities for the children….

CAM Announces Sponsors & Ent. Line Up

See you all on Sunday!

Join the forum discussion on this post

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:

[Show as slideshow]

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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).

[UPDATE May 30, 2010] Follow the link to view the photos of the 32nd Santacruzan in Jersey City

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[Original Post: april 24, 2010] The month of May is near, which means Santacruzan in Jersey City is just around the corner.  Santacruzan is one of the most celebrated religious events in the Philippines [...]]]>

[UPDATE May 30, 2010] Follow the link to view the photos of the 32nd Santacruzan in Jersey City

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[Original Post: april 24, 2010] The month of May is near, which means Santacruzan in Jersey City is just around the corner.  Santacruzan is one of the most celebrated religious events in the Philippines which Filipino-Americans have been celebrating in Jersey City for 32 years now. The president of Catholic Action of Mary, Deacon Cesar Sarmiento, would like to invite everyone to join this joyful event.

More details after the jump …

Photo courtesy of CAM

Santacruzan 2010 is divided into two events: A.) The Presentation Ball in Newark; and B.) the actual procession and street fair in Jersey City.

A. The Santacruzan Presentation Ball
When: Saturday May 8, 2010
Where: Sheraton Hotel, Newark NJ
Contact: Armand Porto – (201)792-2532 for tickets | Connie Kasilag – (201)792-5371 for Souvenir Journal

B. 32nd Year Santacruzan 2010 Procession and Street Fair
When: May 30, 2010
Where: St. Mary’s Church (2nd St. Corner Erie St., Jersey City)
Events: Street Fair (10AM – 8PM); Mass (230PM) followed by Procession; On stage performances (12PM – 230PM and 5PM – 8PM)

Contacts:
Sponsors and Vendors: Joey Mayo – 917 656 9443
Sagalas and Escorts: Amy Tiongson – 201 417 8671
Damas, Flower Girls and Angels: Misty Tolentino – 201 792 5371

32nd Santacruzan Lineup

The Reynas:

• Reyna Elena I – Chloe M. Zambrano
• Reyna Elena II – Lorelie Joy C. Alejo
• Reyna Elena III – Kenny Rae Thalla
• Reyna De Las Flores – Franchezca Candelaria
• Reyna Emperatriz – Rose Javier

The Hermanos Mayores:

• Mr. Rudy C. Quiambao, P.E., Mr. Jun Florentino and Ms. Demetria Cornelio. Mr. Ner and Mrs Myrna Lagman

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.

“Looking for William” is Mr. Capili’s 21st play, which was first staged here [...]]]>
This Saturday at Five Corners Library on Newark Avenue, Jersey City, the Pan American Concerned Citizen’s Action League, Inc. (PACCAL) is staging the play “Sunrise, Sunset: Looking for William” — written and directed by Filipino playwright Florentino Aquino Capili.

“Looking for William” is Mr. Capili’s 21st play, which was first staged here in Jersey City in March 2004 under the auspices of the Philippine-American Friendship Committee (PAFCOM); it was staged two more times, one in New York (2004), and the other in Bergen County, NJ (2005).

The play impressed the two-time Palanca* winner Dr. Jorshinelle Taleon-Sonza. She wrote in her review: “…Capili masterfully interweaves the broad social canvas with the everyday life and history with personal, intimate moments…”

During the Press Conference last October 16, 2009 at the PACCAL headquarter, Mr. Capili stated that one of his objectives is to increase the awareness of the Filipinos about their history and everyday experiences. He also mentioned that his focus is the involvement Filipino youths who grew up here in America.

Mr. Florentino Aquino Capili during the Press Conference last month.

I haven’t seen this play yet, but found it very interesting: Who is William? Why is he missing?

Historical figures such as the late President Corazon Aquino and Jaime Cardinal Sin will come to life in this play (see poster above). You don’t want to miss this out, so come and watch this play, as this might be its last staging.

Sunrise, Sunset: Looking for William
Description: Stage Play
Where: Five Corners Branch Library Auditorium
Address: 678 Newark Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07306
When: November 07, 2009 2PM

For more information, please call Linda Mayo: 201 388-1260; Betty Buenviaje: 973 220-2765; Rose Javier: 201 993-8815; Rudy Nicolas – 201 988 1799; and the Jersey City Five Corners Library: 201-547-4543

Organizers and Cast of Sunrise, Sunset: Looking for William

The cast and organizers of the play in no particular order:

Rudy Nicolas, Annie Tan, Vess Medinaceli, Marilou Songco, Ruth Sa-Onoy, Betty Buenviaje, Linda Mayo, Joey Mayo, Rovei Fhel Balanzat, Jose Alberto Diaz, Nicole Caballero, Julian Alexander Nakar, Rom Julian Lipa, Mark Angelo Lladas, Khrystine Capili, Tino Aq. Capili and Virgie Alvarez, Susan Pensoy, Racielle Anne Lipa, Paul Vincent Castillo, Rosalinda Rupel, Cherry Ann Castillo, and Schenley Anne Lipa

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* Palanca Awards – The Palanca Awards or Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature is the Philippines’ most prestigious and most enduring literary awards and is dubbed as the “Pulitzer Prize” of the Philippines. It is one of the Philippines’ most prestigious and long-running award giving bodies. From wikipedia.

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.