A night of classical music with SAMMAKAMI

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

Save this date--September 30—on your calendar for you are in for a treat, a night of classical music courtesy of SAMMAKAMI.

The concert entitled SAMMAKAMi Goes Classical will be held at the Stargate Vacation Resort at Upper Macasandig, Cagayan de Oro City.

The invite from Ophelia Moreno-Lacre, a neighbor at Melecia Homes, explained that the concert is set in a garden setting at Stargate Resort, a minute away from Melecia Homes and other subdivisions in Upper Macasandig. 

The garden would provide a beautiful backdrop to a romantic evening for music lovers and guests. Tickets will be available for sale to the public on September 1. 

Ophie is the concert organizer and she told me that the audience will be treated to an evening of definitive classical guitar courtesy of Ernesto “Ernie” Vasquez, who will perform band covers of artists like Sitti Navarro, Lani Misalucha, Karen Carpenter and Diana Krall.

Ernie P. Vasquez, a Filipino concert guitarist, was a three time national champion of classical guitar in 1979, 1980.1981 in the national competition for young artist (NAMCYA) held at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. 

Vasquez is a graduate of Bachelor of Science Major in Management at Xavier University. His repertoire ranges from Bossa Nova, Flamenco, classical kundiman and any contemporary music. 

Ernie Vasquez performed with many singers and musicians including  Max Surban at Mactan Cebu. He accompanied Surban in his song entitled "Matud Nila"  which can be found at  YouTube. 

SAMMAKAMI or Samahang ng Mga Musikero at Mang-Aawit ng Kagayan de Oro sa Mindanao Inc. (SAMMAKAMI Inc.) was founded in 2005 by Manny June Peralta. 

Unknown to Ophie, I am familiar with the group and often invited them to my Sunday TV program at COC TV 39 and promoted their gigs before. 

Even before Ophie asked me to write about them, I knew that this group of local musicians bonded together to help fellow musicians and singers. 

Manny June Peralta and the other founding members must be happy and proud that SAMMAKAMI had grown through the years. 

Ophie Lacre is the first cousin of Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar Moreno and is originally from Balingasag whose husband and children are into music as well.

“There were 500 members then,” Ophie said, but through the years it has dwindled in membership. She explained that there is a renewed increase in  membership these days especially now that it's being clustered, 

Clustering the SAMMAKAMi  is aimed at increasing the affiliates. Francis Bax is the cluster consultant.  Now it has 300 members.  The incumbent chairman is Hipolito Gregorio while the vice chairman is Gilde Pakino. 

A brief history of  SAMMAKAMI Inc; It was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission in January 3, 2014.

Based on their mission/vision, SAMMAKAMI Inc. is an association of professional musicians and singers in Cagayan de Oro organized to give purpose and meaning and value to the morale and esteem of the singers and musicians of the city and Northern Mindanao.

The group wants to develop a sense of camaraderie and professional affinity among members through participation and cooperation in funding and implementation of its programs. 

Their mission is to make the group self-sustaining and empowered through income generation projects, healthcare and insurance for the members in order to improve their quality and standard of life. 

Their goal is to establish a music academy in the city. A portion of the proceeds of the Sept. 30 concert will go to their insurance project. On their behalf, I would like to invite everyone to watch the concert. 

I have enjoyed listening to them on TV before and I assure you you would enjoy listening to them now. A fireworks display will cap off the evening concert. Tickets will be on sale on leading outlets in Cagayan de Oro City on Sept.1. 

For more info, search: Sammakami Inc. Concerts or call @09264877132 and look for Ophie Moreno-Lacre.

(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)

Welcoming Kellen Jr. to the world

Florami (second from left) poses with the family

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

The birth of a grandchild is not only a cause for joy but also a reminder of one's expanding roots, as Florami Lao Cordero-Lee told me last week.

She became the proud grandmother to Kellen Martin, whom she said had connected her to her ancestors and her husband's family tree.

“I am just a proud grandma,” Florami told me after the birth of her first grandbaby four months ago. The good looking grandma who can be mistaken as the boy's mother said it again during Kellen's dedication over the weekend.  

Florami, past president of the Filipino-American community in the Carolinas (FACC), is always available to baby sit Kellen Martin-Lee despite a hectic schedule in between family, work and social commitments.

Kellen Martin is four months old and was dedicated before the Reverend Pastor Chris Justice at Lee Park Church in Monroe. Pastor Chris Justice used to be a TV sport caster on channel 36.

The baby took the name of his dad Kellen Lee making him a junior. The name was decided by proud parents Kellen and Lindsey.  Grandma Florami confided that it feels like their home is flooded with love whenever the baby's around.

“ I look into Kellen’s eyes and see the blue gray eyes of his mom Lindsey,” she said. 

Florami also said she sees her husband Wyatt's hands in Kellen's tiny hands. 
Through Kellen Jr. Florami sees her son in his eyes. 

“ I felt a renewed bond with him and his parents and the family. And we are all connected. I am so happy for them,” Florami said.

A reception followed at the Field Stone Farm Clubhouse at 5005 Houndscroft Td. Indian Trail, 28079 where a mix of Filipino delicacies and American food were served to the guests.

Of course Lola Florami cooked the Filipino food while the American dishes were prepared by the couple's American grandmother.

(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)

Rekindling their vows of love

The couple Janet Pichon and Richard Hixson

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina—It was a beautiful Friday afternoon at St. Gabriel Church last April 18 when two favorite friends renewed their vow of marriage in the presence of family, close friends and love ones.  

It was a solemn Catholic wedding of Janet Pichon to Richard Hixson and it reminded me of how beautiful the word love is.  “I feel in love and I wanted to cry,” said Beverly Jan Engracia, one of the bridesmaids.

Engracia is a practicing dentist in Davao City, Philippines and she flew in days before the big date just to be with her childhood friend on her important day. 

St. Gabriel Church was just the perfect place for the renewal of vows. The church itself was located at the corner of old streets in the residential area. The church is elevated and the structure's beauty doesn't escape the eyes of passerby.

Inside the church was decorated with fresh flowers of different colors. A big wreath with flowers hung on the right side of the altar facing the churchgoers while candles of different shapes and sizes adorned the church and enhanced the ambiance.

The couple with family and friends

Richard and Janet were married in civil rites eight years ago and decided to renew their vows this time in church. 

It took Richard seven years to court the wife to have a church wedding.

“But he proposes a church wedding everyday,” Janet giggled. 

Her white veil was handmade embroidery lace and measured 20 feet long.  About 300 Swarovski  were added to the veil. It was elegant and stunning. 

“We made our commitment to each other eight years ago to honor, love, cherish, and be with one another and we finally have blessed our love together in receiving the Sacrament of Matrimony in our Catholic faith surrounded with our love ones,” Janet said.

As a Catholic, she knows the importance of marriage as husband and wife bound by God together. The ceremony was made classic with the opening of the Ave Maria Song by Schubert performed by soloist Leigh Ann Duda.

The processional “Canon in D” Pachelbel and the Trumpet Voluntary Clarke only added to the ambiance of love in the church . It was a great piece of music on its own but also evokes fond sentiments. 

Dr. Larry Stremeyer was the organist. My husband Ronnie Dennis was teary-eyed and admitted he almost cried.  Truly, Ave Maria is the kind of music that restores one’s faith. 

Janet was radiant in her white wedding dress  with no straps and straight cut on the bust and it perfectly shaped her bodice. 

It was made of silk but 1,000 pieces of Sharovski was added to complement the radiant white. 

It was personally designed by Oleg Cassini. Janet won the title of Mrs. USA-Asia in 2010. 

She walked along the aisle with her father Edgar Pichon. 

But the bride’s mother Elma Edgar Pichon had her moment as she was the first to walk in the altar in her purple long dress. 

Chona “Inday” Burnstrum was the matron of honor who came all the way from Indianapolis, Indiana with her husband Brad Bursturm who also stood as Groomsman. 

The couple’s son Skylar served as the ring bearer. The Burnstrums are close friends of Janet.  Ann Miller, Carrie Silvers, Junne Lee Pichon (the bride's sister) and Beverly Jan Engracia were the bridesmaids. 

Other groomsmen were the groom's nephew Mike Hixson, the bride's brother Jojith Pichon and Janet's brother-in-law Mario Hernandez. The coin bearer was Adriane Hernandez. 

Spreading the petals of flowers were Nevaeh Miller, Izzabella Pichon and Cassandra Hernandez while Armela and Mary Pichon held the viel.  Deacon Dr. Mark Diener officiate the ceremony. 

Lastly, Richard's brother Larry Hixson served as best man. What struck my attention was the part of the lighting of the unity candle while the couples favorite song “Love of My Life” played.  

Janet said the song is her personal choice because it describes “how she feels and how she loves Richard.” She said Richard was a gift from heaven as he is a good provider to her and her kids.  

“He honored me and cherishes me. Every day he reminds me how he loves me. God gave him to me.” Janet said her search for the perfect man ended when she met Richard. “Because i know he is the one i want.”

Chona Burnstrum, who has been Janet's friend for the last 17 years, said she wishes “with all her heart” the best for Janet and Richard. “Love and happiness for them together,” she said.

Florami Lao Cordero-Lee, past president of the Fil-American Community of the Carolinas (FACC) who came with her husband Wyatt, quoted 1 Corinthians 13:7 in wishing Janet and Richard the best.

“My message to them is from the Bible verse: Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures every circumstance. 1st Corinthians 13:7 is my favorite too,” she said.

Other guests include Angela Cook, Rita Miles and her husband, Terri Gallagher and the neighbors of Janet and Richard here in Charlotte. The reception and dancing was held at the Ritz Carlton Hotel also in downtown Charlotte.

As I watched the couple's excitement, I thought back to the many weddings I attended in the past including that of my daughters and friends. Marriages make one believe that love abounds everywhere.

Me with the bride

(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)

Voting on the FACC's leaders

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

The election issue may not have been fully resolved yet but the board of directors of the Filipino-American Community of the Carolinas (FACC) for this year 2016 took their oaths of office two days after receiving a mandate from those who attended the Special Meeting and Referendum last February 6. 

The board of directors consisted of Robert Escobal, Jessica Esguerra, Aurea Barbee, Liezel Bell, Maria Luz Blackwell, Ram Cabanero, Cecilia Perry and Tonette Asay.

The majority of the Board of Directors were officers last year and were later asked to stay on as interim officers. They were given a fresh mandate by 38 members who voted last Saturday. 

The two new members of the 2016 BOD are Luz Blackwell and Tonette Asay.  
The FACC meeting held at the Asian Library at downtown Charlotte, North Carolina was called by Escobal in order to address the election issues facing the group. 

It involved the use of the so-called “jack n' poy” (the Filipino equivalent of rock, papers, scissors game of the Americans) method in choosing the next batch of leaders. This method didn't sit well with members and non-members and eventually open others issues.

The meeting took more than three hours as FACC waited on members to show up until the last call at 6 pm. Members were given three options to vote on in order to decide on the leadership issue.

The first option was to validate support for the  interim board of directors to serve until December 2016 while the second called for another election in accordance with the FACC's by-laws.

Option three would allow the FACC advisory council to become the caretaker of the group until the next regular election. Of the 48 votes cast, 38 voted for option 1 while eight voted for option 2 and two voted for option 3.

The meeting also allowed members to pay the annual fees in order to vote for the referendum on the three options. A member was asked what she voted for and she answered option 1.

“It is easier and we don’t have to go back here and vote again.”  Another member who voted for option 1 said it's time that the FACC is united in supporting their leadership. 

Past President Lynn Lorenzo-Polk was vocal on her choice though she was unable to vote since she was attending an important State Democratic Executive meeting in Raleigh last Feb. 6 due to her membership in the State executive Committee.

“True, members voted for option 1 because that, to them, is the easiest option. There is a problem when people are too complacent to what's going on. We have to change,” she said. Polk said she would have voted for option 2. 

Under the present by-laws only 10 percent of the registered voting members are required to constitute a quorum which in the case of the special meeting last Saturday would be 10 registered members.  

While waiting for the results of the 6 pm meeting, FACC members like Dr. Tony Amor, Marcelo Bueno, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Amigo, Melo Acton and Luz Taboada started discussing pressing issues of the community. 

Paul Amigo, a past FACC president, said the FACC leaders should be servant leaders willing to uphold the interest of the members.

He referenced a recent blog written by this author which mentioned that some FACC leaders were described as being elitist and pathetic.He said he is a servant leader and not "pathetic".However Amigo said he agrees that there should be accountability, transparency and participation of the general membership in FACC activities like the elections.    

Contrary to tradition, Amigo even broke the sanctity of his vote by revealing to those present that he voted for Option Number 2 because he wants changes in the by-laws.

Amigo's disclosure encouraged others to level up, so to speak and discuss the pros and cons of each option. It eventually led them hypothetically discuss why  vote for Option 2. 

“I think we are all in agreement to get these things moving and vote for Option 2. If I voted for option 1 without doing anything else we are on the same hole as before,” Bueno said.

Bueno, a World Bank consultant,said voting on Option 2 admittedly will delay some annual events of the FACC. “But that is fine we may extend the term of the new board to cover more action. But at least let's do it right,” he said. 

Amigo said Bueno's sentiments were similar to what he emailed to Tony Amor and Ram Cabanero, the FACC's press relations officer, in which he reiterated greater accountability, transparency and participation of everyone in the FACC.

Amigo also said he places his name on his vote because he respected the sanctity of the ballot. But Bueno said the member's right to confidentiality on who he or she voted for should also be respected as it is inherent in preserving the sanctity of the ballot.  

The group called on Ram Cabanero who explained about the pilferage of votes in some elections that's why the voting paper was with names of the voters.The explanation  met a lukewarm reception from the group. 

When Tony Amor asked Cabanero what the interim board would do if the members voted for Option 1, he said they would work to reform the by-laws. When called on by the group, Escobal said the same thing explaining that they should change the by-laws to meet standards set by other established groups. 

Escobal disclosed he already assigned Steve Mirman to head the committee on reforms of the by–laws. “If you want to volunteer since the process is simple, volunteer yourself,” he told the group.

An argument ensued between Bueno and Escobal but cooler heads prevailed before it escalated. Polk said there's a need to change the mindset of the FACC group whose members she thinks had become complacent on what's going on within the ranks.

“We have to change our way of running the FACC with open meetings, revising our bylaws, making people interested and more active in our organization. Our leaders have to be diplomatic and be willing to discuss problems when these are presented to them. We should change our ways,” she said.

Neglecting to do this may result in the FACC's demise in the near future, Polk said. 

(Susan Palmes-Dennis is a veteran journalist from Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao in the Philippines  and is now employed as a 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)

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)