This year also marked the first Simbang Gabi at the Phil. Center officiated by Fr. Renato Bautista, who delivered a heartfelt homily on the significance of this Filipino custom.
Phil. Ambassador to the UN Hilario Davide Jr. gamely acceded to delivering closing remarks despite a very sore throat, noting that this first Simbang Gabi celebration and Fr. Bautista's homily transported him to a solemn "night 2000 years ago."
Deputy Consul General Millie Thomeczek reminded the Mass attendees that the parols hanging at the Kalayaan Hall were installed soon after the People Power Revolution of 1986, and thanked the different sponsor groups on behalf of the Philippine Center Management (Mr. Gavino Abaya, Gen. Manager), the Phil. Consulate, and the Phil. Mission to the UN. Ms. Thomeczek also noted the new environmentally-conscious lanterns hanging at the Lobby window facing 5th Avenue, constructed by Asian-American students of the Parson School of Design. Perhaps they will henceforth be known as the "Parson Parols!"
Ilo Wallenstein and Vivian Cruz delivered remarks at Kalayaan Hall, Ilo providing the context of Simbang Gabi Masses celebrated outside of the Philippines, and Vivian speaking on the concept of the journey marked by Advent into Christmas, as each night's hosts turn over to the next evening's sponsors.
The reception was, as usual, packed, with all present clamoring for seconds of the food prepared by Marissa and Ed Lago. This year's first Simbang Gabi evening was co-chaired by Vivian Assumption) and Ilo (Holy Spirit), with Finance headed by Sylvia Harrington and Zelda Tangonan (Assumption), communications by Robert Perez De Tagle (La Salle) and Ria Marquez (St. Scholastica's), photography by Elmer Sampaga (UNPCS), flyer design by Gigi Jacinto Jones (Assumption). Frank Jimenez (La Salle) assisted Fr. Bautista during Mass. Music was handled by Sol Oca (St. Scholastica's) for the Mass and by Del Gow (UN PCS) for the Reception. Candles were care of Cynthia Pineda (St. Theresa's), and Name Tags, Lala Reyes (Maryknoll)
The Coalition of Philippine Alumni AssociationsThe Coalition is composed of the alumni/alumnae chapters of the following schools: Assumption Alumnae Association Abroad (Northeast), Linden Martinez, President; Ateneo Alumni Northeast, Inc., Mike Ruivivar, Representative; College of the Holy Spirit Alumnae, Northeast Chapter, Ilo Wallenstein, Representative; De La Salle Alumni Association- East Coast, Robert Perez De Tagle, President; San Beda Alumni Association of Eastern USA, Tommy Villanueva, President; St. Scholastica's Alumnae Foundation, Sol Oca and Remy Leal, Representatives; St. Theresa's Alumnae Association, Cynthia Pineda, President and Maryknoll College Northeast Association, Lala Fernando Reyes, Maria Luisa Moreno Reyes and Alice Segismundo, representatives.
The Philippine Cultural Society at the UN is headed by Emma Dumalag, President.
Robert P. De Tagle, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
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