Annual Simbang Gabi at St. Thomas Aquinas Church on Dec, 9

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

Charlotte, North Carolina—It's all systems go for the annual Simbang Gabi (midnight Mass) on December 9, Friday at the St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church at 1400 Suther Road, 28213 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Lota Mascarenas, an active member of the Rosary group of the St. Thomas Aquinas Church, said they are spearheading the event, an annual staple for Fil-American Catholics in the Charlotte, North Carolina area.

It is in keeping with the venerable traditional Christmas celebration in the Philippines. The Simbang Gabi is held at 4 am from Dec. 16 until Dec. 24 and the Simbang Gabi to be held at the St. Thomas Aquinas Church will be held for one hour. 

A common belief shared by Filipino Cathlics is that a devotee who completed all nine days of the Simbang Gabi will be granted his or her request.

Mascarenas said this month marks the eight  year that Fil-American Catholics of St. Thomas Aquinas Church will attend the midnight Mass. Tom Savoy will still be the musical director and there will be new songs during the mass, Mascarenes said.   

She also unveiled the program which is as follows:

“Gathering: Bayan Umawit Processional song:

Halina Hesus Liturgy of the Word 1st reading

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 89 Forever I will sing

2nd reading:

Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia

Gospel reading Homily

Liturgy of the Eucharist - Offertory Unang Alay
Santo.

Memorial acclamation: Si Kristo ay Gunitain

Amen

Kordero ng Diyos

Communion: Tinapay ng Buhay Salamat sa iyo
Recessional song: Pasko Na!

Reception will follow after the Mass at Aquinas Hall in which traditional Christmas Filipino food will be served. Everyone are welcome to bring Filipino desserts to share to the community. 

FACC Christmas party on Dec. 3

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

Charlotte, North Carolina-- The Filipino-American community in the Carolinas, all roads lead to the Crown Elementary School at 3335 Sam Newell Road Matthews, North Carolina for the annual Christmas party of the Fil-American Community of the Carolinas (FACC) on December 3, Saturday.

The gathering follows the Gala Night held last month and marks the last event to be celebrated by the incumbent FACC officers. The party will also feature the election of the FACC's Board of Directors. 

FACC secretary Aurea Barbee  posted the announcement on the FACC's Facebook page. She said this year's party is focused on the Nativity and the Board of Directors 2016 farewell.  

The annual Christmas party is the last official act of the incumbent officers of the FACC, the largest Fil-American organization in the Carolinas.

The incumbent FACC officials are led by its president Robert John Escobal, Jessica Esguerra (1st VP), Cecilia Durano Perry (2nd VP), Aurea Barbee (Secretary), Liezel Bell (Treasurer), Luz Blackwell (Auditor) and Ram B. Cabanero (Public Relations Officer).  

The current board of directors served for two terms and credited this year's successful activities to the hard working and “good looking” members and non-members, Escobal quipped. 

Barbee said there are 235 registered members of FACC this year. Non- members are welcome to attend the party if only to see the energy and spirit of Fil-Americans in celebrating a holiday far from their families. 

FACC would also be celebrating its 30th year on 2017. The menu is potluck and  everyone is encouraged to bring their favorite holiday dish in accordance with the last names they carry. For last names A-D- adobo (chicken/pork/beef stew): E-H pansit/palabok (noodles) M-P: fried chicken wings, Q-T: desserts/soda and U-Z: vegetable dishes.

FACC's evening of Filipiniana

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

Charlotte, North Carolina--The best of Philippine culture, values, arts and music were on full display anew at the 29th Gala Night of the Filipino American Community of the Carolinas (FACC) held here last Nov. 12.

The event was attended by 414 guests and visitors on a Saturday evening, when the super moon was forming in the sky and the night cool with the mid-autumn breeze.

Most of the past FACC Presidents and officers were present to join their members in the group considered as the biggest Fil-American organization in North Carolina. 

The invocation was led by Chris Villiapando while the Philippine National Anthem was sung by Ashley Perez and “Duchess” Janne Louise F. Ave. Abbie Armstead performed the American National Anthem.

The dances performed during the event were the Carinosa, Habanera de Jovencita and Pandanggo sa Ilaw.  The Carinosa which means the “loving or affectionate one” is a Philippine dance of Spanish origin from the Maria Clara Suite of Philippine folk dances. 

Three couples composed of Mike and Janet Sta.Ana, Gleen and Chinqui Sta.Ana and Jaypee Ave and Klaire Connolly danced the Carinosa after a month and a half's worth of practice.

The women wore the Maria Clara outfit while their male partners donned the barong tagalog. The Habanera de Jovencita is named after the city of Havana in Cuba where it originated while Jovencita means “young lady.” 

Elisa McNamara, Aurea Barbee, Jennifer Stancil, Liezel Bell, Tonette Asay and Cecilia Perry performed the Habanera, a popular social dance in the old Philippine society. 

Their presentation centered on a wedding theme with bridesmaids dancing for the bride and groom and guests.

The third dance called the Pandanggo Sa Ilaw, a staple of the Mindoro region, involves female dancers balancing three oil lamps—one on her head and two on each hands.

It is intended to mimic the movement of fireflies at night. Those who performed the dance were Justin Reyes, Bo Dean Lankford, Klye Evan Ceniza, Jason Ave, Dazel Cularte, Nicole Jarical, Lindsay Carter, Abigail Costiniano, Ashley Prez and Pamela Maturan.

“The dances were all proud  Pinoy moments,” said Florami Lao Cordero-Lee, the 2013 FACC President. Lee, who chairs the Philippine Cultural Dance Troupe of Charlotte, was impressed with the performances.  

The Pinoy moments during the presentation were felt by the audience with the entrance of the FACC Board of Directors, an idea of FACC public relations officer Ram Cabanero.

“The jeepney was created with foam and built by FACC president Robert Escobal and his sons,” Aurea Barbee said.

Lee said the dancers reminded her of home in Manila when she rode the jeepney plying the route of Intramuros, Cubao, Makati and Muntinglupa.

Barbee said both banners were made and printed in the Philippines when Tonette Asay visited the Philippines in June.

The Bahay Kubo (nipa hut) on display was the favorite of those taking selfies and groupies and was another creative work of the first Vice president  Jessica Esguerra. 

Barbee, FACC secretary, told me that the dances were choreographed and directed by FACC 1st Vice-president Jessica Esguerra including the finale. 

“It was not easy to get everyone in each group at the same time due to work or school schedules,” Barbee said. 

A unique musical performance called Angklung sparked interest among the audience. As explained by FACC past president Dell Fallar, the Ankklung is an ancient musical instrument made of bamboo tubes attached to a bamboo frame. 

The base of the frame is held in one hand while the other hand shakes the instrument. Fallar said this musical instrument is recognized by UNESCO as a “Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible heritage of Humanity.

”The Angklung originated in the West Java and Banten provinces of Indonesia. Its popularity spreads throughout Southeast Asia including the Philippines,” Fallar said.

Those who performed the Angklung were Joan Ascalon, Cynthia Del Mundo, Grace Basilan, Myrna Kleitman, Gloria Grifenhagen, Sally Musni, Dell Fallar, Dr. Lucy Cabugwason, Guia Villapando, Dr. Nini Bautista, Merly Penilla, Roel Mata. Cristy Calicdan acted as conductor. A video of the Angklung performance can be seen here.

A musical finale was the song “Isang dugo, Isang Lahi, Isang Musika (One heart, one race, one music) closed the program, embodying the dream of every Filipino for one race under one music . 

The finale was performed by Jaypee Ave- 1st Vice president FACC 2013,Julienne Magbitang, Eliza Gail Sta.Ana , Ashley Perez, Janne Louise Fave and FACC past president Bert Rodriguez. 

The 29th FACC Gala night was dubbed as the Filipiniana Ball and was held at the The Oasis 604 Doug Mayers place. 

Robert John Escobal, FACC President extolled the contributions and support of the officers and the hard working members of the board of directors of FACC.

“Our 29th Gala  is a wonderful occasion of our community to joyfully come together to celebrate and honor the members of the countless contributions to the realization of our mission as an organization to understand and promote Filipino culture, enhance unity, as well as support meaningful charitable services and participate in worthwhile civic activities.”

Escobal who served for two terms also said he is proud of the FACC's unity as it remained strong, solid and growing organization for 29 years. 

US leaders like Governor Pat McCrory, State of North Carolina, Hon. Jennifer Watson Roberts, Mayor of Charlotte and Klaus E. Becker, Honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany and Hon.Robert Pittenger, member of Congress sent their felicitations to FACC. 

Members of the FACC Board of Directors were Robert Escobal as president, Jessica Esguerra, 1st Vice President, Cecilia Perry, 2nd Vice President Aurea Barbee as Secretary, Liezel Bell as Treasurer, Luz Blackwell as Auditor, Ramuel Cabanero, PRO and Malette Oliveros Ex-Officio.

The attendees stayed late enjoying the fun, laughter and friendship that only Filipinos can give. More photos of the 29th FACC Gala Night can be seen in this link. 

(Susan Palmes-Dennis is a veteran journalist from Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao in the Philippines and is now employed  in one of the school systems in the Carolinas.
Read her blogs on susanpalmesstraightfrom the Carolinas.com and at http://www.blogher.com/myprofile/spdennis54. These and other articles also appear at http://www.sunstar.com.ph/author/2582/susan-palmes-dennis.
You can also connect with her through her email susanap.dennis@yahoo.com as well as her Pinterest account at http://www.pinterest.com/pin/41025046580074350/) and https://www.facebook.com/pages/Straight-from-the-Carolinas-/494156950678063)

Special day for KJ

The parents Keith and Lindy Tonkin with KJ

By Susan Palmes-Dennis 

The christening of baby boy Keith Junior “KJ” Tonkin was a realization of a dream come true to parents Keith and Lindy Tonkin. While I missed attending the baptismal and the reception, I had the photos and some details of the event. 

The solemn christening at the St. Matthew Catholic Church at Pineville, North Carolina two weeks ago was an all-white affair—white was the color of the day--attended by close to 30 family members and friends. 

The parents and KJ with grandma

I was informed that selecting the godparents took sometime. 

Ever the doting dad, Keith needed to find good godparents who would be active in KJ's life and it was a difficult task. 

The couple eventually decided to have Jesett Kelly and Brian Sprinborg as sponsors. The past year I’ve been following the post of KJ's mom Lindy about her condition when she was admitted weeks before her delivery was due. 

Like her other Pinoy friends I was concerned too. Lindy, who hails from Palompon, Leyte province, was admitted at the Presbyterian Hospital in downtown Charlotte, North Carolina.

“We prefer to call him KJ since he was born in the hospital. He is a junior of Keith,” Lindy said. KJ was born on January 2, 2016 at 12:14 am. I learned that KJ was born prematurely at 27 weeks and he weighed 1 lbs. 7 oz.. 

“The doctors decided that I should give birth early due to complications in the baby's breathing,” Lindy said. KJ spent four months at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) before he was on the clear.

The reception was held at the Tonkins home and I've got the photos of the happy occasion. 

The parents and KJ with their godparents Jesett Kelly and Brian Sprinborg

The boys all in white

(Susan Palmes-Dennis is a veteran journalist from Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao in the Philippines who worked as a nanny and is now employed as a sub-teacher and a part-time teacher assistant in one of the school systems in the Carolinas.
Read her blogs on susanpalmesstraightfrom the Carolinas.com and at http://www.blogher.com/myprofile/spdennis54. These and other articles also appear at http://www.sunstar.com.ph/author/2582/susan-palmes-dennis.
You can also connect with her through her email susanap.dennis@yahoo.com as well as her Pinterest account at http://www.pinterest.com/pin/41025046580074350/) and https://www.facebook.com/pages/Straight-from-the-Carolinas-/494156950678063)