Simbang Gabi at St. Thomas Aquinas Church this Friday, Dec. 11

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

It's all systems go for the Simbang Gabi (Midnight mass) on December 11, Friday at the St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church.

In her Facebook post Lota Mascarenas, one of the members of the St. Thomas Aquinas choir posted the last music  practice session  of the choir done in the presence of St. Thomas choir director Tom Savoy last Monday.

“He is enjoying the playing of tagalog Christmas songs.” Mascarenas posted.  The annual Simbang Gabi would start at 7 PM.  

The Simbang Gabi at St. Thomas Catholic Church had been an annual staple for Fil-American Catholics in the Charlotte, North Carolina area. It is part of the Misa de Aguinaldo and Philippine tradition places the duration of the Mass from Dec. 16 until Dec. 24.

The Mass is held at 4 a.m in the Philippines. There is a well-known belief by Filipinos that a devotee who completed all nine days of the Simbang Gabi will be granted his or her request.

Mascarenas said this is the seventh year that Fil-American Catholics of St. Thomas will attend the midnight Mass which is a venerable Christmas tradition back in the Philippines. 

Tom Savoy will be the musical director and he'll be assisted by Joie Arrojado and Sr. Zeny Mofada. 

In my previous article, Mascarenas  said the choir will be composed of Filipinos singing classic Filipino Christmas songs like Halina Jesus (Come, Jesus), Emmanuel, Tinapay na Buhay (Living Bread), Tanging Alay (Sole Dedication) and Sa Yo Lamang (Only for You) as well as Pasko Na (It's Christmas). 

(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 Pinterest account at http://www.pinterest.com/pin/41025046580074350/) and https://www.facebook.com/pages/Straight-from-the-Carolinas-/494156950678063)

New insurance firm in town to open this Saturday

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

A native of Butuan City whom I had the pleasure of being acquainted with told me that a business she and her husband are working at called Financial System Builders, LLC will open at Cary, North Carolina at 4 p.m. this Saturday. 

Syvel Labajo-Weaver, an associate of the business which is under the World Financial Group, told me that the company's office is located at 1140 Kildire Farm Road in Cary, North Carolina C 27511 and its opening will be attended by leaders of the country's financial services leaders. 

Syvel Weaver, a self-taught entrepreneur who joined the WFG last March, said she joined because “it allows her and her husband Mark who also works there to help others secure their future.”

There are other two franchisees of WFG, one at Charlotte and the other at Fayetteville. Syvel said she is excited about the business which carries slogans like “helping families rise” and “we are makers of tomorrow.” 

She said the company's senior marketing director from New Jersey Edgardo Concha and business partners from Virginia are expected to grace the occasion.

Syvel finished a degreee in commerce majoring in marketing from Urios University, Butuan City in 2002 and had little work experience. 

Five years after graduation, she married Mark Weaver and they have two sons named Samuel, 6 and Jacob, 3. Raising a family didn't deter Syvel from exploring opportunities here in the US. 

Syvel with her husband Mark Weaver

She admitted that this is her first time to sell and engage in insurance but she has been engaged in other business interests in the past. 

Syvel said World Financial Group or WFG is a financial services marketing company whose affiliates offer a broad array of financial products and services like Life Insurance, Long Term Care, Investment/Retirement, Medicare Supplements, College Planning programs, 529 college savings plan, Estate preservation and Home and Auto Insurance. 

Syvel said the group seeks to fill in the need for financial knowledge in a time of unprecedented access to information. 

“As a WFG associate, we help our clients understand fundamental financial concepts that give them the foundation to create a sound strategy. We can help clients create a better tomorrow for themselves and their loved ones,” she said.

Syvel said they also service leading insurance providers like Transamerica,  Pacific Life, Nationwide, Voya Financial, Prudential, Netlaw, Bolt, Everest (the first nationwide funeral planning and concierge service), HIFE or the Heartland Institute of Financial Education and a lot more.”

“WFG has a commitment to help families through insuring their future,” Syvel said. Syvel said insurance is essential for families these days since no one knows when an emergency would occur that would require financial assistance.

“Insurance is not for the person who has the insurance; insurance is a way to take care of those left behind when you die. It can be the greatest gift a mother, father, husband or wife gives to their family but no one thinks they will need it. We are a full service financial company that is there for anyone that needs us,” Syvel said.

Syvel said she and her husband completely understood what life insurance was before they joined the WFG but knew nothing about finance and investments.

“We realized that many of us lack education and knowledge about life insurance and that is one of the greatest barriers in owning a life insurance policy. Now we learned how you can build a strong financial foundation and control your future. Knowledge is wealth. You won't be wealthy unless you understand how money works,” she said.

The North Carolina Financial System Builders, LLC office is at 1401 Kildaire Farm Rd Suite 305 inside the ERA building in Cary. Syvel said their office will be headed headed by their marketing director Vanessa Banares. 

Syvel is confident about the company's success as she recalled attending with her husband Mark the company's convention in Las Vegas where she heard success stories from other attendees. 

For more questions and to those interested to make an appointment, Syvel said they can contact Vanessa Banares at 919.889.6137, Cherry Banares at 919.800.7138, Syvel Weaver at 919.797.3160 or Mark Weaver at 919.697.7669. 

They can also check Syvel's website at http://syvelweaver.wfgopportunity.com.

(Susan Palmes-Dennis is a veteran journalist from Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao in the Philippines  is now employed  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 Pinterest account at http://www.pinterest.com/pin/41025046580074350/) and https://www.facebook.com/pages/Straight-from-the-Carolinas-/494156950678063)

St. Thomas Aquinas Church to hold Simbang Gabi at Charlotte, North Carolina

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

The St.Thomas Aquinas Fil-American community is inviting everyone to attend the Simbang Gabi (Midnight Mass) to be held at the St.Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church here in Charlotte, North Carolina on December 11 at 7 PM.

Lota Mascarenas, a devout Catholic and a member of the St. Thomas Aquinas (STA) Fil-American community said Fr. Patrick Winslow will be the main celebrator with Fathers Matthew Kauth and Jason Christian.   

She said this is the seventh year that Fil-American Catholics of St. Thomas will attend the midnight Mass which is a venerable Christmas tradition back in the Philippines. 

Tom Savoy will be the musical director and he'll be assisted by Joie Arrojado and Sr. Zeny Mofada. As in previous Masses, Mascarenas said a Filipino priest will officiate the activity. 

Last year it was Maryland-based Fr. Leo Patalinghug, Mascarenas said. She said the choir will be composed of Filipinos singing classic Filipino Christmas songs like Halina Jesus (Come, Jesus), Emmanuel, Tinapay na Buhay (Living Bread), Tanging Alay (Sole Dedication) and Sa Yo Lamang (Only for You) as well as Pasko Na (It's Christmas).

The Simbang Gabi at St. Thomas Catholic Church had been an annual staple for Fil-American Catholics in the Charlotte, North Carolina area. It is part of the Misa de Aguinaldo and by tradition begins on Dec. 16 and ends on Dec. 24.

The Mass is held at 4 a.m in the Philippines. There is a well-known belief by Filipinos that a devotee who completed all nine days of the Simbang Gabi will be granted his or her request as part of a novena. 

This centuries-old custom is still popular to this day. Jesett Kelly, a Fil-Am born and raised in Libungan town, North Cotabatao province in the Philippines and a parishioner of St. Thomas said that attending the Simbang Gabi Mass with husband Raymund and son JR make her complete.

“Morag naa ko sa ato (It feels like I'm back home). I miss it,” she said. Jesett said she and her family would finish the nine-day novena even if it was cold waking up in the morning. 

Another Fil-Am who requested anonymity said she attends the annual Simbang Gabi because she missed listening to the songs in Tagalog. “I just want to listen to the songs and shed tears of joy,” she said.

The St. Thomas Fil-Am community church began serving the Catholic community of Charlotte and the surrounding areas of northeast Mecklenburg and southern Cabarrus counties in 1978 and is proud of their diverse parishioners.

The church also hosts the annual multi-cultural festival attended by different international Catholics in the area.

After Mass, the congregation will be invited to partake of classic Filipino Christmas delicacies like bibingka, (rice cake cooked on a clay stove) and puto bumbong (purple-colored rice pastry, seasoned with grated coconut and brown sugar) and chocolate made from local cacao beans and salabat (ginger tea).

Mascarenas said singing  caroling songs will be held afterward. In its flyers posted online, the St. Thomas Aquinas parish church is also asking their parishioners to bring Filipino dishes. 

You can see it here in this link. Hope to see all of you there!

(Susan Palmes-Dennis is a veteran journalist from Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao in the Philippines  is now employed  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.mindanaodailynews.com.ph/author/2582/susan-palmes-dennis.
You can also connect with her through her Pinterest account at http://www.pinterest.com/pin/41025046580074350/) and https://www.facebook.com/pages/Straight-from-the-Carolinas-/494156950678063)

Charlotte dance troupe to perform tinikling on FACC gala night

The Philippines' famed tinikling dance will be featured in the 28th Fil-American Community of the Carolinas (FACC) gala night next week. 

The tinikling, one of the oldest traditional Filipino dances will be performed by the members of the Philippine Cultural Dance Troupe of Charlotte, said Florami Lao Cordero-Lee, past FACC president and chairperson of the dance troupe.

Florami Lao Cordero-Lee and Alma Butler will be joined by the bamboo clickers and background dancers Marichor Ducusin, Sony Krupp, Ghing Voght, Dhi Donato and Amira Issa.

Lee said the group never tires in performing cultural dances of the Philippines especially tinikling.

This year the troupe performed several Filipino cultural dances at the Unity Festival with Asian countries, the “Hello Asia Inspire” event at the UNCC, Wells fargo, Christian Adoption Services and at several nursing and senior homes among others. 

Tinikling, also called the bamboo dance, is said to have originated from Leyte province and takes its name from the movements of the “tikling bird” as it moves through its habitat. 

The 28th annual black tie gala night of the FACC will be held at the Embassy Suites at Concord on Nov. 14.

(Susan Palmes-Dennis is a veteran journalist from Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao in the Philippines  is now employed  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 Pinterest account at http://www.pinterest.com/pin/41025046580074350/) and https://www.facebook.com/pages/Straight-from-the-Carolinas-/494156950678063)

Duterte a big hit among Fil-Ams in Charlotte

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

Even here in the Carolinas there are Fil-Americans who want to see Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte become the president of the Philippines. 

And the birthday party of Maria Antoinette Cammarano became the best time to talk about what is happening back home. Cammarano, daughter of Anthony Cammarano and Ranulfa ”Ranni” Deloso, celebrated her birthday two weeks ago. 

Of course I listened to the conversation that grew intense because Nang Lydia Buten Bordeos, a Bisdak (Bisayang dako or Visayan grown) like me would argue that “Duterte is maisog, dunay baroganan (Duterte is courageous, he has a stand).”

Raised and born in Bohol but left the country five years ago, Lydia still thinks that the only way to have a country where everyone is safe and doesn't  have to go abroad to find work is to vote for Duterte.  

“Sweldo ta-asan arun dili na mag abroad (salaries should be raised so Filipinos won't have to go abroad),” she said. 

Now an American citizen, Lydia was tearful and sentimental as she recalled leaving behind grandchildren and children in Davao to be with her daughter Dorena here in Charlotte. 

On recovering her composure, the 70-year-old widow said smiling that Duterte is “dili paling-paling, ang supak sa balaod iya parusahan (doesn't flip-flop, what's against the law he punishes).”

While the mother of the celebrant Ranni Deloso-Camarrano, who is the niece of Lydia Bordeos, also joined the conversation and said Duterte is the only hope of the Philippines. 

When asked why, she said based on what she read Duterte is “isog” or tough and thus would stand by his decisions. If Duterte is elected, Ranni said she would visit the country every year, not like now when she is scared to set foot on her country of birth.

Ranni visited the Philippines with her daughter last July said she was surprised to experience traffic problems and brownouts in Mindanao. She was in Macabalan, Cagayan de Oro for two weeks visiting her mother and was frustrated about the brownouts there.

She is also aware about the petty crimes in the street as told to her by her cousins and friends. Ranni's parents are from Anda, Bohol province. She said only Duterte can solve the country's problems because she believes that the mayor won't stop looking for answers to problems.

“Na isog giod Duterte ma improve giod Pilipinas like US (Duterte is courageous, the country will improve like the Philippines,” she said. 

Maricel Bodiongan-Bender of Lala, Pagadian City said she supports the movement to have Duterte elected as the Philippines' president. “Unsay iya isulti maoy iya buhaton. Way lipud lipud giod (What he says he will do. No beating around the bush),” she said.

The discussion turned serious with everyone saying that if the elections were held in that restaurant where the birthday party is held, Duterte would win hands down.

It is strange that these Fil-Americans have a good impression on Duterte when they have been in the US for more than a decade. Fil-Ams here are aware of what is happening back home based on the reports from relatives and friends and also by reading online news and watching the online broadcasts.

They join the growing number of Filipinos who feel that Duterte should take heed and eventually decide to run for the country's presidency. 

Last I heard the PDP-Laban is negotiating with Duterte to become their standard bearer.  This is what the Fil-Americans here at the Carolinas are also hoping.

(Susan Palmes-Dennis is a veteran journalist from Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao in the Philippines  is now employed  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 Pinterest account at http://www.pinterest.com/pin/41025046580074350/) and https://www.facebook.com/pages/Straight-from-the-Carolinas-/494156950678063)

FACC to hold gala night on Nov. 14

The 2015 FACC officers with incumbent president Engr. Robert Escobal from Cebu City

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

A BIGGER, better gala night is promised by the Fil-American Community of the Carolinas (FACC) on November 14 as they set up arrangements to ensure maximum participation and enjoyment for participants.

Cecilia Durano-Perry, FACC 2nd Vice-president, said those wishing to attend their 28th black tie gala event to get their tickets now. “After October 15 the gala ticket is sold at $65,” Perry said. 


Perry said they set up pre-registration for the event so people won't have to line up for tickets. 

“There is no need for these people  to register themselves as they were  issued wrist bands already with the initial of the officer to whom it was purchased. Table assignment would also be written in the wrist band as well,” she said.

As in past Gala Nights, Perry said they expect a long line of out-of-town guests since it is considered the FACC's culminating activity since their inception in the 80s. 

The FACC was created to build and strengthen community ties among Fil-Americans in the Carolinas and beyond.

Perry said the tickets were priced an additional $5 due to changes in cocktails and food to be served. She said they also provided baby sitting services to Fil-Am families who bring their children to the event.

The FACC official website announced that baby sitting for children three years old to 11 years old is available. There would be two adult sitters per room which can accommodate eight to 10 children. The kids will be served water and pizza.

Two professional disc jockeys and a fashion show produced by renowned Fil-American designer Edelweiss de Guzman are also scheduled during the event.

Capping the night will be a Philippine native “tinikling” dance and a silent auction. Entertainment will be provided during dinner. 

This year's FACC officers are Robert Escobal, president; Nerissa Beatriz Estes-1st vice president; Cecilia Durano Perry, 2nd VP; Margie S. Clark, Treasurer; Aurea Barbee, secretary; Liezel Bell, auditor; and Ramuel Cabanero, public relations officer. 

Last year's president Dr. Malette Aquino-Oliveros serves as ex-officio board member.  Area representatives are Rosalia Prosser for the north district and Gary Escobal for the south district. 

A meet and greet among the Fil-Americans will be held at the lobby of the Embassy Suites Concord located at 5400 John Q.Hammons Dr, NW Concord, NC at 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 14. 

Those interested to attend can look to the FACC website at FACC.org for further details. 

(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 Pinterest account at http://www.pinterest.com/pin/41025046580074350/) and https://www.facebook.com/pages/Straight-from-the-Carolinas-/494156950678063)

Oro priests hold US-Canada tour this July

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

The singing priests of the Cagayan de Oro Archdiocese will hold a US-Canada tour from July to August this year.

Concert director Joseph Espadilla told me this, saying it is a “tribute concert to our retiring priests.”  “It is every priest’s desire to be remembered as who they are even when they are no longer active in their vocation,” he said.

Proceeds of the concert will help build additional rooms for the retirement house of the priests. The cast of the singing priests include Monsignors Columbus Villamil, Tex Legitimas, Rey Monsanto and Frs. Rolando Gabutera. Jesse Namocot, Harren Salon, Richard Deloso and Ely Dato.

They are assigned in different parishes and are blessed with the talent to sing and perform. This is the second concert held by the singing priests after the 2011 “Only in God” concert.

Espadilla, who directed performances in the Philippines and abroad confided that the priests had several rehearsals for their parts. “They have good voices. It would be a blissful joy to see the men of God in this performance,” he said.

The concert tour officially kicks off July 2 at Reno, Nevada two days after the group arrives in San Francisco, California and it ends during the Tapok in Vancouver, Canada on August 1 and 2. 

The performance would include the classic Visayan song Matud Nila and the Julio Iglesias-Willie Nelson song “To All the Girls I Loved Before.”

Fr. Rolando Gabutera, whose previous assignment at the archdiocese was the  improvement of the Catholic schools run by the parish, also said they hope that Filipino-Americans especially those hailing from Cagayan de Oro and Misamis Oriental would help promote the concert so they can fully realize the dream of building a retirement home for priests.

It was also learned that many of the active priests who held different advocacies  in the archdioceses like Msgr. Monsanto, Legitimas, Abelardo Cabillan and Villamil are retiring from the priesthood soon. 

Most of these priests have been in the vocation for at least 30 years and their service shaped them into being instruments of God’s manifold blessings to His people. 

Espadilla said the concert is divided into three parts; the vocation, reflection and remembering. Here's the breakdown: 

Reflection:
They are called to serve and to listen to God’s voice. They have become the voice and hands of God. So they share the Gospel of love and salvation and reach out to those who are in need. 

Their calling to serve the people is a manifestation of God’s abundant love for mankind. It is manifested through God’s servants, the Priests.

• Vocation Jamboree Theme Song        All Cast

• Natawag ko na Ikaw / Ang Tawag Msgr Villamil

• Liwanagan mo Jesus Fr. Harren/Fr Datoy, 
                                                                           Fr. Richard             

• Lord I Offer Myself All Cast


“Let your light so shine before men that they may see the glory of God in You”. Espadilla said this saying is shown in the lives of the priests who mirror the glory of God by living godly, holy lives. 

Through this, the priests have also realized that as God has mirrored His life to them, they should also follow His examples so that God’s glory will reside in them too.

• Do you Hear the People Sing All Cast

• You’ll never walk alone Msgr. Tex Legitimas

• Lift up your Hands        Fr.Harren, Fr Richard, Fr. Datoy

• You Raise Me Up Msgr. Villamil

• I Don’t Know How to Love Him Msgr. Monsanto

• Together Forever All Cast

Remembering 

“Just as God has remembered you, remember me (us), God’s servants in your prayers.

Espadilla said it is the priests’ desire to be remembered not for what they have done but for what God has done through them and in them. 

“Their life testimony would serve as best avenue where people will always remember them, the unselfish and boundless love they have given even when this love is not being returned as expected,” he said.


• Believe All Cast

• Matud Nila Msgr. Tex

• To All the Girls I love before Msgr. Monsanto

• Matt Monroe  Medley All Cast

• Bring me Home Msgr. Villamil, Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro 

Here's the schedule of the singing priests for those interested to catch their shows:

Reno, Nevada, July 2

Sacramento, July 3

Stockton, July 4

San Francisco, July 5

San Diego, July 10

Anaheim, July 11

Chicago, July 12

Kalayaan Hall, July 16

Boston, July 17

New York, July 18

Boston, July 19

Toronto, Canada July 23-24

Edmonton, Canada July 25

Vancouver, July 26-Aug. 2, Tapok, Thanksgiving Mass 

(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 Pinterest account at http://www.pinterest.com/pin/41025046580074350/) and https://www.facebook.com/pages/Straight-from-the-Carolinas-/494156950678063)

Filipino-American community spirit unites behind Pacquiao

At the house of Kay Antone

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

IF there's anything positive that came out of that so-called “Fight of the Century” between the Filipino people's Champ Manny Pacquiao and American champion Floyd Mayweather, it's that it united the Fil-American community in the Carolinas. 

One winner is the “bayanihan” or community spirit of Filipinos or in this case Fil-Americans who welcomed each other during parties held while they watched the fight on pay-per-view TV. 

The indomitable spirit of the Fil-Americans is very much alive and well as the parties gave them a chance to bond and what better way to do that than through house parties?

Boxing is a national past time in the Philippines ever since Pacquiao rose to prominence. Animosity among Filipinos is set aside whenever he fights and that's not a small achievement in itself.

Due to the prohibitive costs of pay-per-view, each Filipino-American household offered to pitch in some amount and held a potluck party to cut expenses. And there were quite a number of Fil-American households that did just that.

One was the party hosted by Dr. Henry Maglente and his nurse wife Kim at their home in Mooresville. The guests started arriving at 9 p.m. with some food and dessert. Kim said there were 30 people in hteir house including children.

Kim told me that before the fight, the men watched basketball, while the ladies chatted and prepared the sumptuous food at the table. Not to be outdone were the kids who were busy watching movie of their own selection.

“It was the first pary we hosted here,” Kim said. The guests left at one a.m. “Even the kids stayed late. We were disappointed with the results of the fight. Still it was fun to remember,” she said.

What made it memorable for the couple was the presene of friends who celebrated and commiserated with each other over Pacquiao's loss. 

Among those who attended was sport enthusiast Ro Lawsin who posted on his Facebook account “the party at Casa Maglente.” The guests were mostly doctors who are friends in the community.

Another party was hosted by Kay Ronquillo Antone  over at Indian Trail, North Carolina. Her family welcomed their 80 guests at their new home. “People started arriving at 7:30 pm....and stayed until almost 2 am,” Kay told me. 


“I made a lot of food....and also every family brought a dish, desserts and drinks. We had people watch the fight from our living room and our movie room. The guests were as young as four years old to as old as 70 years old,” Kay said.

Kay, the immediate second vice president of the Fil-American Community of the Carolinas (FACC), said she and her guests were “disappointed with the fight because of the scores of the judges.” 

“We all knew in our hearts that Pacquiao won the fight,” she said. A small group attended a party hosted by Tony and Ranni Cammarano at their Beatties Ford home while the Kelly and Lightle families hosted a more intimate party to watch the fight. 

In New York City, Lorelai Jamisolanim was invited by a group of doctors to the “boxing party” and while waiting for the main event, she discussed with them how the Filipino culture got “spilintered by time” unlike those of the Indians and Hispanics. 

Lorelai, who grew in a family of politicians headed by her late uncle, a mayor of Villanueva town in Misamis Oriental, northern Mindanao Philippines, said it was her first time to watch a Pacquiao fight.  “Since Mayweather was undefeated it made it more interesting.”   

I'm sure there were other families that did the same thing which showed that despite being divided and separated by culture and geography, somehow Pacquiao ends up uniting us Filipinos. At the end of the day, that's what matters. 

Dr/ Henry Maglinte (in blue shirt, standing) with his guests

(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 Pinterest account at http://www.pinterest.com/pin/41025046580074350/) and https://www.facebook.com/pages/Straight-from-the-Carolinas-/494156950678063)

St. Mark's Rosary Makers Ministry to distribute rosaries for 2015 Marian Congress

Susan Claire-Wild, St. Mark's Rosary Makers Ministry coordinator, poses with the group

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

Members of the St. Mark Catholic Church Rosary Maker’s Ministry are excited to participate in the 2015 Marian Congress as they committed to making hundreds of blue crystal rosaries to those attending the event to be held at St. Mark here at Huntersville, North Carolina.

During the ministry's recent monthly meeting, the group coordinator Susan Claire–Wild encouraged everyone to reserve seats for the event. 

The ministry's mission is to make rosaries for the sick, hospice and the poor. They make over a thousand rosaries every year for St. Mark’s faith formation, baptism, communicants and RCIA candidates. 

The ministry already made 20,873 rosaries since 2008 and these are distributed all over the world. 

“We have a family here, the Lightles, at St. Mark Rosary Makers. We love to support mothers to be. It is our joy to give baby showers to our members that have been with us for a couple of years. We are all about pro-life,” Claire-Wild said.

Claire-Wild said the Lightles “make beautiful pro-life rosaries” and the ministry enjoys coming together monthly to “see friends and families, finding out where the rosaries are shipped to every month and upcoming projects.”

“We are here to help each other and support each other. We are blessed to have such wonderful caring people in our rosary maker’s ministry,” she said.

Claire-Wild said it’s not about the numbers but rather the love and all the prayers that go into each rosary given to each recipient. “We pray for the recipient's soul as we tie each barrel knot. That's what really matters!,” she said.

Claire-Wild recounted that the Rosary Maker’s ministry started six years ago and they will celebrate their sixth year of rosary making this fall. “We started with only four members at a round table more people join us each month,” she said.

“Children wanted to learn how to make rosaries. We now have over 40 active members making rosaries at home and we have meetings once a month - our church family we call it,” Claire-Wild said.

She said there are Divine Mercy rosaries for visitors, for the Our Lady of Guadalupe and also for the newcomers.

This year's North Carolina Marian Rosary Congress carries the theme “The family that prays together stays together.” The congress will be held at St. Mark Catholic Church Church at 14740 Stumptown Road, Huntersville, North Carolina, 28078 on June 13, a Saturday.

The Most Rev. Bishop P. Jugis, J.C.D  would be the main celebrant. Guest priests, presenters and speakers are Fr. Pedro Nunez, an EWTN speaker from New Orleans and Father Ernesto Maria Caro, a priest from Mexico.

Nunez is a native of Cuba, an author, pastor and director of radio and TV programs in the diocese of New Orleans.  He has spoken on the power of the sacraments to sanctify every evangelizer” at the Atlanta Eucharistic Congress.

Fr. Caro is from Monterrey, Mexico and his ministry helps to deeply understand what it means to pray the Hail Mary. Ticket cost is $10 (or $15 after deadline, if tickets are still available).

Children under 17 and students are free but they must register with their parents.  Everyone is encouraged to register before May 15 for a discount.

The St. Mark's Rosary Makers Ministry in a group photo

(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 Pinterest account at http://www.pinterest.com/pin/41025046580074350/) and https://www.facebook.com/pages/Straight-from-the-Carolinas-/494156950678063)