PUBLISHED BY THE MORONG BALIKBAYAN ASSOCIATION, INC.

“A COMMUNITY WITH A PURPOSE...SHARING A COMMON THREAD OF UNITY”

June 2013 Volume 14, Issue 2

BALIKBAYAN NEWS

In this issue

An Open Letter to Mayor Armando San Juan

Lagundi/Baras Welcome Arch

Cordero in Morong: Hermano and Hermana—Stephon, Vicky and Julie Victorio

Congrats to Class of 2013

Welcome to our world!

Sights and Sounds at Home

In Focus: Pauline Gerolaga Sy

Editorial Staff

Normita Fenn—Editor

Mario Sto. Domingo & Uro

Tahup— Assoc. Editors

Bob Fenn—Tech Editor

Monico Mateo, Jr.—Adviser

Send comments and articles to

Email: normitaf@att.net

Community Calendar

Aug. 9-10—MHSAA Grand Reunion,

Tampa, Florida

Sept. 14—Morong Balikbayan Assn.

Casino trip

Sept. 28—San Geronimo Fiesta,

Cunningham Park, San Jose, Calif.—Bernardo Family—Hermano

Sept. 30—Feast of San Geronimo,

Morong, Rizal—Hermano and Hermana: Adrian and Joie Bernardo Martinez

In Memory

Mar. 27—Rene Ramos, West Covina, Calif.

Mar.—Titoy Tupas, Morong, Rizal

Apr. 19—Serapia Ramirez, Cardona, Rizal

Apr. 25—Rick Diaz Knapp, Los Angeles, Calif.

May 15—McLarry San Antonio, Morong, Rizal

June 3—Juan San Luis, Morong, Rizal

June 22—Rafael “Ayboy” Deseo, Quezon City

An Open Letter to Mayor Armando San Juan

T he election in Morong is over— the citizens spoke, the winners celebrated. Please join me in congratulating the newly-elected leaders of our town. Now it’s time for them to get to work for the people, like they promised!

We implore the Honorable Armando San Juan and his fellow officials to take action on the following: 1. Morong Ibaba/Hardin Bridge—The Morong Balikbayan Association has al-ready done the preliminary work with the provincial government for the con-struction of this bridge. We strongly urge the newly-elected officials to put their best foot forward and for the Morong people to remain strongly united in push-ing this project;

2. Sagbat/Maybancal—The water leak along the main road in front of Alamares Swimming Pool has been going on for almost three years. This has presented an inconvenience and health hazard to the public;

3. Drainage—In particular, the main road along Tomas Claudio St. in front of Jollibee gets heavily flooded, causing damage to the residents, loss of business and major inconvenience to the people. It is about time to get the drainage sys-tem improved or repaired;

4. Sakayin—There is no doubt that something needs to be done to clear, widen and dredge this area to allow constant, continuous flow and stop years of flood-ing in schools and residential neighborhood;

5. Sidewalk—The sidewalks on both sides along the business district of Tomas Claudio St. are in dire need of repairs. In some areas they have become a park-ing lot. Pedestrians have to fight their way through moving vehicles and are no longer feeling safe to walk;

6. Construction Projects—When there are planned construction projects in town, we request that the government hold open hearings and meetings to in-form the public of what is going on.

We respectfully request that the issues brought up in this letter be taken up by the newly-elected officials. The time to act on these issues is long overdue. The people who cast their votes deserve action. Salamat po at Mabuhay!

Respectfully yours, Monico Mateo, Jr.

Editor’s Note: Thanks to the generous donors for the publication of this newsletter. Donations are welcome and can be mailed to Morong Balikbayan Assn., c/o Mrs. Julie Victorio,

121 Rome St., San Francisco, CA 94112. Salamat po.

We continue to receive donations from kababayans from different parts of the world for the construction of the Lagundi/Baras Welcome Arch. Hopefully, with everyone’s support we can realize the wishes of our kababayans in Lagundi/Baras to

have an arch. Below is an updated list of donors. For further information on this project, please contact Mr. Sherman SJ. Cateria, Barangay Captain of Lagundi, or Mon Mateo, Phone: (415) 334-5594,

email: monwlet49@att.net. Please make your donation payable to Morong Balikbayan Association and mail to Julie Victorio, 121 Rome Street, San Francisco, CA 94112.

Again, our sincere thanks to all. Mabuhay!

- Monico Mateo, Jr., President, Morong Balikbayan Association

IN THE COMMUNITY Page 2

Welcome Arch Project: Lagundi/Baras

Alejandro, Celso and Cora

Alejandro, Liwayway

Alejandro, Shirley Marie

Aquino, Drs. Roland and Emma

Arcia, Roger and Vilma

Balajadia, Myrna and Lety

Bautista, Floro

Bernardo, Bien and Darathy

Bernardo, Peter and Babette

Bonifacio, Joselito and Leona

Bulatao, Emmanuel and Marie

Cabrera, Mars and Mamerta

Calma, Ton and Analita

Canote, Zoraida

Capili, Melchor and Helen

Castro, Dr. El and Amor

Cerrado, Tony and Lynn

Clemente, Eving and Puring

Crisologo, Ponce and Milagros

Cruz, Fely and Bernie

Cruz, Joe and Alice Cruz

Curtis, Dr. Thomas and Cathy

De Jesus, Editha

De Jesus, Ely and Anita

Del Rosario, Nellie

De Rosas, Cris

De Rosas, Nemy and Dee

Dennison, John and Emma

Deseo, Ced and Mena

Dolores, Eranio and Susan

Dorado, Rogel and Miriam

Dy, Philip and Yolly

Esp. Santo, Primo and Rebecca

Estabillo, Lito and Marlene

Feliciano, Drs. Albert and Connie

Feliciano, Aurelio and Ofelia

Feliciano, Cris and Annalyn

Feliciano, Jacinta

Fenn, Bob and Normita

Francisco, Benedicta

Francisco, Dr. Emil and Linda

Francisco, Prima

Galimidi, Al and Liwanag

Garrovillas, Edna

Garrovillas, Simeon and Sergia

Geronimo, Laarni

Gonzales, Julius and Annabelle

Gonzales, Eriberto (Chacac)

Heirs of Monico Mateo, Sr.

Hutchison, Nida

Legaspi, Filipina

Llagas, Romeo and Celia

Lugtu, Hermes and Conchita

Magat, Luisito and Consuelo

Manzana, Dante and Sonia

Matignas, Jonathan and Jocelyn

Mateo, Maria Neri

Mateo, Mon and Lety

Mateo, Remy and Norma

Mendoza, Herman and Paz

Millare, Bert and Marilyn

Millare, Coro and Connie

Natividad, Alan

Natividad, Tito and Trining

Natividad, Ronnie & Gemma

Pangasnan, Claudio and Lina

Pangilinan, JR and Marilyn

Pantaleon, Emilio

Pantaleon, Jessie and Ligaya

Pascual, Dante and Monina

Pascual, Felix and Celia

Pascual, Florencio and Bebot

Pascual, Romy and Divina

Pascual Primaylon, Nenita

Ramos, Apolonia

Raymundo, Emelita

Reyes, Cesar and Juliet

Reyes, Neil and Alona

San Diego, Lythesia and Gavin

San Diego, Roy and Mimi

San Felipe, Chito and Annie

San Felipe, Orlando and Eva

San Felipe, Paulino & Marcela

San Jose, Eloy and Susie

San Juan, Atty. Del

San Juan, Frank

San Juan, Joe and Melody

San Juan, Segundina

San Juan, Virginia

Santiago, Sibert

Santos, Fely De Jesus

Santos, Nick and Virgie

Sherman, Russell and Gerlie

Sicat, Carlos and Emma

Sto. Tomas, Jimmy and Lily

Tiratira, Richard

Torres, Brian and Lillian

Trinidad, Domingo

Trinidad, Don and Claire

Victorio, Julie and Vicky

Villagracia, Pacita and Joven

Wing, David and Julie

Businesses, Organizations, Clubs

Barangay Lagundi—Sherman SJ Ca-

teria, Barangay Capt.

Cowboys Club, Dr. Odilon Olivas, Pres.

Dante’s Photo-Sonia Manzana

Emma’s Restaurant-Mariano Aralar

Flat Top Boys, c/o Rolly Martinez

MHS Class ‘49, Alicia C. Angeles, Pres.

MHS Class ’58

MHS Class ’78, c/o Rainier Pascual

PYMA, Eloy San Jose, Pres.

RCBC Morong Branch-Annie Sison,

Mgr.

SAVEMORE-Morong

THRIFT MART-Ronnie Pascual

Acknowledgment: The Morong Balikbayan Association sends sincere thanks to the editors of this newsletter: Normita Fenn, Mario Sto. Domingo, Uro Tahup, Bob Fenn.

2013 CORDERO IN MORONG PAGE 3

Cordero in Morong – not only a religion but a living cultural tradition…

By Normita Feliciano Fenn – Hermana, Cordero 2004

On Holy Thursday, about 3 p.m., the community gathers at the home of the Hermano and Hermana. The Cordero is placed in a decorated carousel (karosa). Depending on the desires of the Her-mano, the carousel is either made of shaved (kinayas) bamboo or a combina-tion of bamboo and wood. (see photo) The carousel is carried by family and

In our hometown of Morong, people have embraced what was once purely a religious observance on Holy Thursday referred to as Cordero in Morong, into a much-anticipated cultural tradition. This is practiced to the letter in the bible. “On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the followers came to Jesus. The followers said, “We will prepare everything for you to eat the Passover meal. Where do you want us to have the meal?” Jesus answered, “Go into the city. Go to the man I know. Tell him that the teacher says, ‘The chosen time is near. I will have the Passover meal with my fol-lowers at your house.’” The followers obeyed and did the thing Jesus told them to do. They prepared the Passover meal.” – Matthew 26:17-19

In preparation for the Mass of the Lord’s Last Supper on Holy Thursday hosts, referred to as Hermano and Her-mana, prepare a feast to be shared by guests, church organizations and the community. According to existing records this tradition started in 1931 and a legacy that is inherited and continued by the family. The 2013 Cordero was Hermana Julie Victorio and her grandson, Stephon as Hermano and his mom Vicky. As tradition calls, family, friends and neighbors gather days before in their home to prepare the Cordero feast. On Holy Wednesday, the Cordero (a mixture of eggs, bread, potatoes and sugar) is prepared with intensity and precision. The Lamb is sculpted out of the mix by a highly experienced person. Extra portions from the mix are wrapped separately and given to the public. In the evening, the priest and his ministers come to the house of the Hermano, called “Panunuluyan,” to pray and bless the Cordero that is now ready for the next day. Many faithful believe that the Cordero, especially the pieces from the Lamb, help cure their ailments.

friends in a festive procession, joined by past hermanos and hermanas, church organizations, family, friends and parish-ioners, to the center of town then to the church where a Mass of the Lord’s Sup-per is held. Part of the tradition is the presence of a designated “Twelve Apos-tles of Jesus,” dressed and participating in the ceremonial washing of the feet.

2013 Cordero—Vicky, Hermano Stephon and Hermana Julie Victorio

During the mass the Cordero is blessed, and the priest cuts the head of the Lamb to be delivered to the home of the next Hermano and Her-mana. I remember when the community helped the family in

preparing the banquet. Now there are caterers who prepare and serve the meals, yet the beauty of the Cordero tradition has endured. We look forward to partake in the celebration year after year. Let us keep the Cordero tradition alive.■

“The Lamb was to be prepared whole, not a bone of it being broken: so not a bone was to be broken of the Lamb of God, who was to die for us.” - John 19:36

Congratulations to Veronica N. San Felipe, daughter of Oscar and

Virgie San Felipe, on graduating from Capuchino High School's

Class of 2013 and completing five International Baccalaureate clas-ses. She will be attending Domini-can University in San Rafael, Calif.

Sarah Micaela SM. Fradillada, the youngest daughter of Jaime and

Dinah San Miguel Fradillada, grad-uated from Olympic Heights High School in Boca Raton, Florida, on May 23rd. She will be attending

Florida Atlantic University.

Lauren Cecilia Garcia Magat, youngest daugh-ter of Consuelo Garcia Magat (MHS Class ‘72)

and Chito Magat of Vallejo, California, graduated with highest honor from St. Patrick-St. Vincent High School in Vallejo, California. She will be

attending Napa Valley College then transfer to a university of her choice.

With Lauren Magat in the photo: Jaime Dean Garcia, the son of Jimmy and Jenette Garcia of Vallejo, California, graduated from Jesse Bethel High School in Vallejo and plans to join the US Air Force.

———- Janelle Geronimo Francisco, daughter of Janeth Geronimo and Arnel

Francisco of Vallejo, California, graduated from Jesse Bethel High School in Vallejo and plans to attend San Diego State University.

Dean Reuben Nuque Millare, eldest son of Dennis and Nida Nuque Millare, graduated Class Valedictorian at Stratford High School in Goose Creek, South Carolina, on June 1, 2013. He is the grandson of Bienvenido and Eladia Nuque, and Severo and Aurelia Millare. He has two younger brothers, Dennson,14, and Dylan, 8. Awards: Four-time Breakfast of Champions hon-oree—four years in a row. Junior Scholar, 5-time SC All-State Band member (playing Tuba), SC All-State Orchestra member, Knight of the Month, A-Honor roll, SC Youth Wind Symphony, Stratford Hall of Fame, Senior Superlative "Most Likely to Succeed," 2nd Place in 2013 National BETA Club convention for Math. 1400 SAT Wall of Fame and made a perfect score in Math por-tion of the SAT. He will attend Calhoun Honors College at Clemson University, and major in engineering.

Kristina Elizabeth Neish graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Oregon. Kristina is the daughter of Elizabeth Feliciano and the grand-daughter of the late Teotimo and Estela Feliciano. She is married to Tyler Neish who is studying law at the University of Oregon.

Maria Karen Hutchison has just graduated from San Jose State University on May 22,2013. She received her Baccalaureate degree in Child and Adolescent Develop-ment. Karen graduated Cum Laude Latin Honors. She plans to enjoy her summer and start her career working with children and families in the community. She is the daughter of Robert and Nida Hutchison.

Janine Melissa De Jesus graduated from the University of California-Merced on May 19th, 2013 with a Bach-elor of Science in Cognitive Science. She is the youngest child of Amor San Felipe De Jesus and the late Jose "Pepe" De Jesus. Janine has consistently been on the Honor Roll and part of the National Honor Society ever since she graduated from the School of Epiphany. She received a Full Scholarship to both Mercy High School San Francisco and UC Merced. Janine is planning to continue with her education and pursue a career in Physical Therapy.

Tiffany Bess Hermoso Padilla, daughter of Jake and Sollee Ingui-to Hermoso, earned degrees in Master of Science in Nursing and Master of Business Administration/Health Care Management from the University of Phoenix. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Dominican University. She currently works as an Assistant Nurse Manager in the ICU at ValleyCare Medical Center in Pleasanton, California. She is married to Andrew Padilla and they have a one-month old daughter, Riley.

Jeffrey Michael Dennison, son of John and Emma Cruz Dennison, graduated at Californa State University in Fullerton, California, with a degree in Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice.

IN THE COMMUNITY Page 6

Nellie De Rosas Del Rosario’s eyes brighten when talking about her grandkids and now with the arrival of her great

grandchildren her days are filled with even more countless smiles; her body swaying while she holds these precious

little ones: great-grandson Dominic Jerome, born on September 15, 2012, and great-grandson Avery Cole, born on April

11, 2013. Dominic Jerome is the son of Nellie’s grandson David. Avery Cole is the son of Nellie’s grandson Jon. Nellie

has two wonderful daughters Dorothy Frias and Doris Arana. Congratulations, Nellie!!

It’s a girl!!!

These happy faces belong to Andrew and Tiffany Hermoso Padilla while holding their first

baby Riley Drew who was born on May 8, 2013, weighing in at 6 lbs.

3 0z, at 19 inches long.

Riley’s joyful grandparents are Jake and Sollee Inguito Hermoso

and Dexter and Millie Ramiro Padilla. She is now being spoiled by her grandparents and adored

by many aunts and uncles.

Congratulations!!!

Dominic Jerome Avery Cole

Welcome to our world!

IN THE COMMUNITY PAGE 7

Sights and Sounds at Home

The Morong Balikbayan Association congratulates Mr. Armando San Juan for being elected mayor of Morong and all the candidates who got elected with him. As stated in the letter on page 1, there is much work to be done, there is no such thing as “honeymoon” period. The promises made during their months of campaigning must be acted upon. The citizens of Morong deserve that much from their leaders.

We thank Mayor San Juan and Councilors Cesar Javier, Jr., Harold Pascual, Dennis Sta. Catalina, Ana-cleto San Juan and their spouses for visiting us at the Balikbayan Hall after the election. Rest assured that we will stand behind in your work for the betterment of our town during your administration. We look forward to our mutual cooperation and appreciate your giving our kababayans abroad a voice. God bless.

Mon congratulates Mayor-elect Armando San Juan, Councilors-elect Harold Pascual, Dennis Sta. Catalina

Mon and Lety Mateo, Elsa and brother Tito Bautista, Nickie Bala-jadia, Medios Trinidad welcome Mayor-elect Armando San Juan and wife Linda, Councilors Anacleto San Juan and wife Adelita,

Harold Pascual and wife Jamesse, Cesar Javier, Jr. and wife Quennie, Dennis Sta. Catalina and wife Jocelyn.

Salamat po at Mabuhay!

Update on the Lagundi/Baras Welcome Arch First and foremost, thanks to the many generous individuals, organizations and businesses who continue to support our fundraising effort for the La-gundi/Baras Welcome Arch. The updated list is shown on page 2 and information on how to do-nate to this project. Construction of the arch is un-derway and shown here are some of the photos of the foun-dation and support columns. A progress report will be made in the upcoming issues of the Balikbayan News. Salamat po. - Mon Mateo

Mon viewing the column foundation

Support column

The Balikbayan News is the official publication of the Morong Balikbayan Association, Inc. For further information, contact: Monico Mateo, Jr., President, 170 Naglee Avenue San Francisco, CA 94112 (415) 334-5594 Email: monwlet49@att.net

Association Officers

Monico Mateo, Jr.— President Dante Pascual—Vice President Eloy San Jose—Vice President Doris Cruz—Secretary Claire Trinidad—Asst. Secretary Julie Victorio—Treasurer Paz Mendoza—Asst. Treasurer Lina Pangasnan—Auditor Susie San Jose—Asst. Auditor Cris De Rosas—Sgt-at-Arms Bob Fenn—Sgt-at-Arms Lety Mateo—Public Relations Yolly Dy—Asst. Public Relations Normita Fenn—Information Officer Directors Leo Alejandro Ernie Cruz Aurelio Feliciano Benedicta Francisco Claudio Pangasnan Segundina San Juan Sibert Santiago Domingo Trinidad

BALIKBAYAN NEWS

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IN FOCUS

A Dream-Like Moment…for Pauline Gerolaga Sy We all have that dream-like moment in our life – turning 18 is one such mo-ment. Pauline Gerolaga Sy, daughter of Glenda Gerolaga, had a dream-like 18th Birthday Debutante Ball, on Feb-ruary 23, 2013, held at MONWLET Terrace in Morong, Rizal. Pauline, her escort Dean Renan Feliciano Tiratira, brothers Marc Alvin and Matt Anthony and sister Patricia Mei, and her Royal Court entertained the guests with a debutante dance, eighteen candles and flowers. Pauline was chosen re-cently as Best Muse of the Stony Club during the basketball league opening last May and remains the reigning club’s muse. Pauline is currently a third year Med Tech student at Far Eastern University and hopes to enter medical school. Pauline, with your strong faith in God, may all your dreams come true!

Pauline gets ready to greet her relatives and friends who came to wish her a

Happy 18th Birthday!

A lovely photo indeed! Pauline with her mom Glenda, sister Patricia Mei and brothers Marc Alvin and Matt Anthony.